When the summer sun turns up the heat, it can be a challenge to keep kids cool, entertained, and out of trouble. While the temptation to crank the A/C and turn on a movie is real, summer is also the perfect time to create simple memories through play, creativity, and—yes—snacks!
Here are 6 fun, low-prep ways to beat the heat with your kids this summer, including a few kitchen-inspired ideas that double as delicious learning moments.
1. Make Your Own Ice Cream—No Machine Needed!
Nothing says summer like a scoop of ice cream, and making your own is easier than you might think. You don’t even need an ice cream maker—just a few ingredients and a zip-top bag.
Here's a simple method:
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In a small zip-top bag, mix 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 tbsp of sugar, and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract.
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Seal it tightly and place it inside a larger zip-top bag filled with ice and 1/3 cup of salt.
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Wrap the whole thing in a towel and shake it for about 5–10 minutes.
Let your kids shake the bag while dancing to their favorite summer tunes! In just a few minutes, they’ll be amazed to see their sweet, creamy treat come to life. Add toppings like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or sprinkles to make it extra fun.
2. Frozen Fruit Kabob Creations
Get the kids involved in the kitchen with this easy (and healthy) frozen treat. Let them help wash and cut fruit (with kid-safe knives) and slide them onto skewers. Grapes, melon, kiwi, pineapple, and strawberries all freeze well.
Lay the kabobs on a tray and pop them into the freezer for a couple of hours. Once frozen, they’re cool, refreshing, and perfect for a midday snack or a backyard picnic.
Bonus: Talk about colors, patterns, or counting while assembling. You can turn snack time into a mini math or sorting lesson without even trying.
3. Water Play with a Kitchen Twist
If you’ve got a water table or kiddie pool, you’ve already got a heat-beating activity. But take it a step further by adding some kitchen tools for water-based sensory play.
Try:
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Funnels
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Whisks and ladles
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Colanders or strainers
Kids can “cook” with water, mix potions, or create pretend soup with flower petals and leaves. It’s great for fine motor development and imagination—and the cool water will keep everyone refreshed.
4. Popsicle Taste Test Challenge
Instead of buying a box of popsicles, host a DIY popsicle lab. Grab some ice pop molds (or use paper cups and craft sticks), then invite your kids to invent their own flavor combos.
Here are a few ideas to get them started:
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Watermelon + mint
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Orange juice + yogurt swirl
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Berries + lemonade
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Coconut milk + pineapple
Label each mold with the “recipe” and once they’re frozen, do a blind taste test. Let each child vote for their favorite. You’ll have a freezer full of cool treats and a fun family tradition in the making.
5. Cook Up Some Shade: Build an Outdoor Fort with Snacks
Sometimes, all you need to escape the sun is a good bit of shade. Build a backyard fort using a clothesline, bed sheets, and patio chairs, then bring a snack tray and make an afternoon of it.
Have the kids help prep the snack tray inside the kitchen. Include:
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Cheese cubes
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Pretzels or crackers
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Apple slices with peanut butter
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Cucumber coins
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Fruit-infused water
Don’t forget books, puzzles, or a small fan if it’s really warm. This is a great way to wind down after more active play and helps kids appreciate the joy of slow summer days.
6. Make Fruit Slushies in the Blender
Skip the sugary convenience store slushies and whip up your own refreshing drink with real fruit.
Try this simple recipe:
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2 cups frozen fruit (mango, berries, or peaches work great)
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1 cup of juice (apple, orange, or lemonade)
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A squeeze of lime or lemon
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Optional: a touch of honey or agave if extra sweetness is needed
Blend until smooth and serve in a chilled glass with a straw. Let your kids pick the flavor combo and even help press the blender button. It’s a great way to cool down and sneak in a serving of fruit.
Tip: Turn extra slushie mix into ice pops using silicone molds or ice cube trays.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Cool, Keep It Simple
Summer doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. With a little creativity and a few ingredients from the kitchen, you can create cool-down activities that delight the senses, spark imagination, and encourage independence.
Whether it’s mixing up ice cream in a bag, turning a water table into a pretend kitchen, or hosting a backyard popsicle tasting event, the most important thing is spending time together—and staying cool while you’re at it.
So grab your towels, crank up the fans, and let the good (chilly) times roll!
