Not sure how to stay cool in hot weather this summer? Check out these fun and refreshing ideas to enjoy the season.

The greatest thing about it being so darn hot outside is there’s so many fun ways to cool off! Depending on where you live, summertime offers either the best weather ever, or the worst of the worst (super sweltering Arizona and seriously sticky Florida – I’m looking at you!).

Either way, most of us are looking for how to stay cool in hot weather so we can enjoy our summer. I’ve got all sorts of ideas for you! Come with me and we’ll look at some ways to enjoy the warm (or extremely toasty) heat. There’s something for everyone!

Enjoy the Water

There are so many ways to stay cool in hot weather and enjoying the water is at the top of my list of fun. Make sure to touch up on water safety tips with any of the below suggestions to keep everyone safe and having a good time!

Head to the Pool

Check your area for pools open to the public. Recreation or Aquatic Centers are found in many cities and a great option for the whole family.

Gyms with pools are another option that offer in or outdoor pools for their members. Swimming laps and aqua aerobics are great ways to get in shape and easy on the body.

If you’re lucky enough to own a pool, look for a new pool float with cup holders for an ice-cold beverage or pool games for the kiddos.

Do you have resorts in your area? Look for resort day passes for access to their pools for guests not staying on property.

Head to the Lake

Another option for cooling off in the water is heading to the lake and some have great beaches for swimming to cool off on a hot day. Another thing to consider is renting a boat and trying your hand at tubing, water skiing or wakeboarding, depending on the age group of your party.

If you haven’t tried stand up paddleboarding, this is another great option! You can choose to sit and relax or stand and work on your balancing skills, which is usually a great way to cool off, haha.

Head to the River

Another fun option is floating the river in an innertube. Single or tandem innertubes are available, depending on your needs and desires. Some rivers even have shuttle buses in popular areas that’ll take you back to your car at the end of your float for a small fee.

Also, a fun river sport for cooling off in the summer heat is white water rafting. There are different classes of rapids to suit various skill and comfort levels, including tours for beginners, so check with local tour companies.

Head to the Ocean

Some coastlines inherently have cooler ocean breezes allowing you to relax in the sand while enjoying the water views and soothing sounds of the ocean from your comfy beach chair.

Others offer warm air with inviting water for activities like bodyboarding. Snorkeling is a blast, especially in areas that boast interesting underwater wildlife. If you’re feeling adventurous and want a good workout, book a surf lesson and ride the waves.

Head to the Water Park

Water parks are great for the whole family. Cabana rentals are often available for relaxing in a comfortable shaded area. Wave pools and lazy rivers offer a good time for all.  Some also have splash pads and other amusement for small children. I haven’t forgotten about waterslides, which are often the highlight of many water parks. Waterslide intensity varies from chaotic and crazy to short and sweet. There’s something for everyone, making this option a perfect way to beat the summer heat.

Enjoy Water Toys or Games

There’s a lot of ways to keep children cool and entertained at home in the heat of summer. Water balloon fights are a lot of fun and they now make hose attachments that allow you to fill up multiple balloons at once.

Don’t forget about the infamous slip and slide. You can find models that have body boards to soften the blow (and lesson the injuries) when taking off down the slide.

Finally, let’s not forget about the sprinkler! Running through the sprinkler is a classic summer activity that keeps kids amused and having a great time in the summer heat.

Enjoy Refreshing Food/Beverages

Consume lightweight food and drinks to stay cool this summer. There’s a lot of options out there, so take a peek below for some “cool” ideas.

Enjoy Chilled or Frozen Treats

Take an outing to get your favorite ice cream or gelato. Frozen yogurt shops are another fun option and usually have lots of exciting and interesting options for toppings from fruit and nuts to candy, marshmallows, chocolate, caramel and more.

Fresh chilled watermelon is always a great summer treat or try freezing grapes or blueberries to munch on in the heat. They’re delightful!

Popsicles are a refreshing treat and are much healthier when made at home. Check out these super tasty and Healthy Homemade Popsicles with Blueberry and Mango.

Enjoy a Chilled Beverage

Treat yourself to an ice-cold beverage to cool off at the core. Try fruit infused water by simply adding citrus or pineapple and mint. Sparkling water with lemon is another great choice. Adding fruit to your water offers natural electrolytes that help keep you hydrated and feeling good in the heat.  

Lemonade’s another refreshing choice. Add some muddled strawberries or raspberries to your lemonade for a little extra flavor.

A tropical cocktail or ice-cold beer is always a fun choice while sitting on a sandy beach or by the pool, just make sure to stay hydrated!

Enjoy Indoor Air-Conditioned Activities

Don’t fret if it’s just too hot to be outside and you’re still not sure how to stay cool in hot weather! There’s a lot of fun to be had indoors in the A/C! Let’s look at a few ideas.

Head to an Escape Room

Use your puzzle solving skills in an escape room. You’ll be placed in a locked room and work together with others in your party to solve a series of puzzles to make your escape in a predetermined amount of time.

Head out for Some Indoor Mini Golf

Cool off inside while enjoying a little friendly competition playing some indoor mini golf. Some locations even have glow in the dark courses for added fun.

Head to the Bowling Alley

Venture over to your local bowling alley for some family-friendly fun in the cool air. Grab a cold soda and work on turning those spares into strikes.

Head to the Mall

Find an indoor mall and do a little shopping in the A/C. If your shopping list is empty, grab a friend and do some window shopping. You’ll enjoy quality time with a buddy and get your steps in for a little exercise.

Enjoy Higher Elevation

When it’s just plain hot at home and you feel like getting out of dodge, finding higher elevation usually means lower temperatures.

Head to the Mountains

Heading to higher elevation often allows you to be outside at more comfortable temperatures when it’s scorching down the big hill. Pitch a tent or rent a cabin and make it a weekend evet. Go for a hike or nature walk and get some exercise.

Perseids is a meteor shower visible in the Northern Hemisphere that peaks around Aug 11th-13th and is incredible to watch, especially in higher elevations away from city lights. Head outside and look up once it’s completely dark for a spectacular show of meteors streaking across the sky.

Thank you for coming along as we looked at how to stay cool in the hot weather. Which is your favorite and what other ways do you like to stay cool? Let me know in the comments below!

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