Let’s chat about the really hot days ahead; like the 118 degree days. When you’re stuck inside, here’s a few of our go-to indoor play activities for hot summer days.
XO,
East Valley Moms
Whether or not you are new to Arizona, you know that there are inevitably going to be HOT days. It’s not something new, it’s part of what we deal with to have amazing weather 9 months out of the year.
While most of us desert rats personally prefer the hot hot summers over an icy cold winter, we find ourselves dreading those days that are forecasted above 110 degrees. Not only because well, it’s above 110 but because that means the kids will be indoors, bored, and looking for something to do.
On days it’s too hot to even go outside and go swimming, we find ourselves stuck inside looking for fun things to keep younger kids busy.
One contributor mentioned: Most of our days super hot days consist of coloring with Crayola Color Wonder Markers {I love them because they don’t make a mess!} water painting, and building Legos! Lots and lots of legos!
Another contributor gave her summer routine: early morning park play, followed by some sort of water play in the backyard, all done by 9 a.m., then they usually do a table activity (play dough, coloring, etc.) before stories and snack time, then they head to the gym before coming home for lunch. (hello kids club childcare!).
More great ideas for inside play at home are:
- Try out Disney day activities! Pick a Disney movie for the week and pair it with our themed activities and snacks (don’t worry, they’re not Pintest-worthy ideas that are overwhelming). Here’s Moana, Coco and 101 Dalmatians. We have more than 12 total!
- Colored water mixing (literally just add food coloring to water and let kids mix it up; just put out a shower curtain liner)
- Magic Playbook monthly activity printables (ideal for ages 3-6)
- Play with Playdough/kinetic sand (we love this construction site set)
- Build a Dominos train, see how far you can get it to keep going
- Scavenger hunt at home (we love this set of toddler scavenger hunt cards)
- Dance party, because who doesn’t like to have a dance party!
Affordable outings with kids for summer
- Got to the movies! The Harkins summer movie fun series and Superstition Springs Picture Show movie series are both super affordable indoor activities to veg out.
- Visit your local splash pad, some of them open as early as 7am such as the one located at Eastmark. Here’s our best hacks for splash pad outings.
- Try out the LEGO club at Mesa Library locations
- Sign up for one of our Beat the Heat Summer Playgroup outings! Each week East Valley Moms is offering an indoor meetup for moms and kids to burn some energy, get out of the house and socialize this summer.
- Be sure to check out our Summer Bucket List too, with 50+ summer ideas -mostly free!
Summer days have just arrived but hopefully won’t stay late this year! Drink water, stay cool and keep those kiddos busy with indoor play activities for hot summer days!