Summer is all about fun. The kids are out of school and their days are filled with hours upon hours of outdoor entertainment. Neighborhood kids come by on their bikes to see if your children can play while you sit back and watch the memories being made. There is an endless amount of ideas when it comes to playing outside but what if it’s too hot? And by too hot, I mean, heat wave. No matter where you live there is bound to be one sultry, summer day where you have to keep the kids inside for their own safety. Below is a list of 25 things to do to keep them happy and busy until it’s nice enough for them to go back outside.

 

25 Things To Do With Your Kids When It’s Too Hot To Play Outside

1. Write a story. Have older kids pen a tale, then ask them to illustrate it. Younger kids can draw a picture of their favorite thing to do.

2. Let them go swimming. In the bathtub that is. Put on bathing suits, fill up the tub, toss in some toys and let them splash around. This is mostly for fun—but for younger kids, this kind of gross motor activity is a Core Skill that supports their development!

3. Play freeze dance. Put on some dance music, encourage your kids to get groovin’ as hard as they can—then stop the music at a random point and your kids have to freeze in place. This is good for both their bodies and listening skills!

4. Have a hula hoop contest. See who can go the longest—and bonus points for extra tricks like jumping while hooping!

5. Bust a move. Put on some tunes from the ’80s or ’90s and host an old-school dance party! It’s the perfect way for kids to get some exercise, work on motor skills and burn off energy.

6. Write in a journal. Take 10 minutes out of your day to have a journal session. If the thought of writing in a journal isn’t appealing to your kids, then encourage them to simply write down three things they’re grateful for that day.

7. Go bowling. Set up a makeshift bowling alley in your basement by lining up empty plastic bottles and using a tennis ball to knock them down.

8. Have an indoor picnic. Let your kids choose the menu, pack a basket and set up a blanket on your living room floor.

9. Make friendship bracelets. Whether you use beads, embroidery floss or soda can tabs, friendship bracelets are super fun (and time-consuming) to make.

10. Sing karaoke. Don’t have a karaoke machine? Just pull up the lyrics on your computer and go to town!

11. Make shadow puppets on the wall. A flashlight, fingers, dolls, and stuffed animals are all you need to make characters come to life!

12. Break out the coloring books. There’s nothing like getting the whole family to sit at the kitchen table with some crayons and blank coloring sheets.

13. Pretend you’re at a beauty salon. Take turns giving your kids a makeover (hairdo, makeup, outfit and all!), then let your kids give you one. Have a fashion show to show off your new looks!

14. Make puppets from socks. Take an old sock and create your very own puppet using materials you have at home. Glue on its face with construction paper or draw it on with paint! Make a few then have your very own puppet show.

15. Have an art show. Tape large paper to the wall and get out the art supplies. Hang the masterpieces up for a mini-art show.

16. Create a scavenger hunt. Give the kids the first clue, which will lead them to the next clue and so on. Have some sort of “treasure” for them to find at the end, or a treat such as a coupon for an ice cream sundae, which they can cash in that evening.

17. Play a board game. It’s a ton of fun to introduce your kids to a classic from your own childhood, like Sorry, Cherry O or the Game of Life.

18. Complete a puzzle. This is also a great way to encourage teamwork. Have the whole family work together to complete a puzzle—the feeling of accomplishment afterward is priceless!

19. Build a fort. Use blankets, chairs, pillows and even sofa cushions to create your own fort. Assembling a fort requires lots of problem-solving and teamwork—great skills for your kids to work on!

20. Hide and seek is a classic for a reason! Keep in mind that your kids will stretch their brains (and bodies) more if they’re the ones looking for you. Happy crouching, parents!

21. Build together. Engage your kids with challenges. Who can build a tower of blocks, Legos, or Duplos taller than they are? Who can build a house that looks like theirs? Who can build their favorite character from a TV show or movie?

22. Play cards. You likely already have a deck on hand and there are endless games for kids of all ages. Start out with Crazy Eights or Concentration for younger kids and let the older ones play Rummy or poker. Learning to follow the rules in a game and strategize to win is a great way to build Critical Thinking skills!

23. Make slime. If you’re not too worried about a little mess, whip up a fluffy version with this recipe.

24. Set up a spa day. Cut up some cucumber slices for your eyes, give everyone a robe (or comfy pajamas), and spend a few hours lounging around the house. Make a DIY face mask, paint fingernails and toenails, and sip hot chocolate or tea.

25. Make your own ice cream. It’s actually super easy, and it will help your kids learn how a few simple ingredients come together to make one of their favorite treats!