Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat: Family-Friendly Activities

Whether you spend it inside or in the great outdoors, summer is a tricky season for keeping cool. Excessive heat can be very dangerous, especially for infants and young children. Check out these tips, tricks and activities for staying cool while still having fun in the summer heat. 

It's hard to believe that in just three short weeks kids will be heading back to school and summer vacation as we know it will be coming to a close. Where has time gone?!

Despite the heat and humidity that has now decided to grace us with its presence at the tail end of summer, its important that we make the most of what time we have left before our normal routine kicks in again.

Today, I'm teaming up with an amazing group of Ontario mommy bloggers to share our favourite ways to beat the summer heat with our little families, and make the most out of what's left of everyone's favourite season.

Check out my little family's four favourite ways to keep it cool this summer. (Then make sure you hop on over to check out Amber, Erica and Kate's tips and favourite activities too!)

Create outdoor water play

For this water-loving toddler of ours, most of the ways to keep cool involve just that, water! From the kiddie pool at the cottage, to the sprinkler in grandpa's backyard and even the lake at grandma and poppa's, Morley is not picky when it comes to where, when or how she plays in the water. Even the bath will do.

A refillable kiddie pool is one of our favourite ways to stay cool during the summer heat. Fill it up, toss in a random assortment of toys, throw up an umbrella and watch your water baby come to life. Bathing suits optional, of course.

>> Related article: Tips for Keeping Baby Cool in the Summer Heat

If you don't have the space for a kiddie pool, check out a local city pool or community centre near you for open swim times.

*Remember, never leave young children unattended near the water.

Visit a local splash pad

No backyard? No problem. The perfect alternative quick place for your children to enjoy the cool water on a hot and sunny day is at a local splash pad. Splash pads are unsupervised water play areas and are conveniently located in many parks and playgrounds. They often include engaging water features such as shower heads and spray jets that keep children laughing for hours. 

Splash pads, and even lawn sprinklers, are a beneficial form of outdoor play for your tot, helping develop their coordination as they run through, dodge and grab at the water and their problem solving skills as they need to learn how to turn the water on and what spray or water head it will come from next.

I don't know about your neck of the woods, but there are so many new and exciting splash and spray pads popping up in Toronto, including one just around the corner from our house! Ever since Morley figured out how to turn the water on, there's no stopping her (or getting her to leave at the end of our visit).

Eat a cool treat

Enjoy a tasty, cool treat in the shade. What's your go-to? Is it ice cream, homemade popsicles or watermelon? Morley's really not too picky, and is known to dabble in all three.

And, if all else fails...

Stay indoors

I know, I know, staying indoors seems against what summer is all about. But sometimes when the mercury is rising, staying indoors is a much needed relief. And, who said you can't have fun indoors anyways?! Staying in doesn't mean staying home. Instead, visit your local library, science centre or aquarium for lots of fun and learning, in the air conditioning. One of our favourite indoor spaces in Toronto to visit is Ripley's Aquarium of Canada.

>> Related article: Family-Friendly Indoors Destinations in Toronto

Don't forget to check out these other fabulous mamas and their tips, tricks and activities here: Emmett's ABCs, Anna Georgianna and Bird of Balance.

How do you keep cool in the summer heat? I'd love to hear!

Cabin Fever Cures for Tiny Tots

While I would much prefer to be outside with the little one, sometimes the indoors calls. Like during the cold, dark months of winter.  Or, as it has been lately, the rainy days of winter.

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that during the winter months, I often feel trapped. And when we're trapped inside, both Morley and I tend to both go a bit loopy. Cabin fever is real my friends, even at just 10 months old. 

Luckily, we can escape it and create a totally enjoyable time indoors for the both of us.

From baby to toddler, little ones are entertained by the simplest things and don't need some fancy, expensive toy or gadget to keep them occupied.

Today, I am collaborating with my friend Kate from Emmett's ABCs to bring you our favourite indoor activities to help cure cabin fever. 

Check out my three favourite boredom busters to keep the little one occupied and myself sane during the winter months:

Cabin Fever Boredom Busters for Your Little One

Make a Mess with Baby-Safe Paint

Painting is such a fun activity for young children. Not only does it allow them to express their creativity (yes, even at 7 months old), but it’s also fun! Sure, it can make a mess, which can equal stress for us adults. But for baby, messy is good. Messy play stimulates the senses, allowing baby to explore different colours and textures. It also helps develop hand and eye coordination and fine motor skills. What may look like a mess to you, is actually a learning experience for your child. So, roll up your sleeves and have some fun!

Check out this recipe for baby-safe paint, made with ingredients found in your kitchen.

Important notes: Any finger paint that you use for young children must be non-toxic by mouth and non-irritating to the skin.  If your child is allergic or intolerant to any food substances in this recipe, please do not use this paint. These paints are not to be eaten, but if tasted, are safe for baby. And I promise you, there will be tasting. Please do not leave your child unattended while doing this activity.

Get Active with a Dance Party

There really is nothing cuter than a little one shaking their booty. So why not let out that extra energy with a dance party? There are so many different play lists that are great for a baby/toddler dance party, just make sure to pick something with a good beat. Language appropriate lyrics are also important for the babe that is soaking in everything and anything going on around them. Our favourite playlist on Google Play Music is Disney Sing-a-Long, Morley loves the upbeat music, the songs are family-friendly and it brings back some good memories from mom's childhood. (Side note, isn't it crazy how you can remember every single lyric from a song you used to sing almost twenty years ago?!). Occasionally we'll also throw on some Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake or Rihanna to switch things ups.

On the flip side, listening to certain music can also help baby calm down. We love listening to Johnny Cash and similar more mellow play lists when it's nap time.

Build a Felt Sensory Wall

This past Christmas, I made Morley her own felt Christmas tree with ornaments that she could rip off and put back on, in hopes that she would stay from the real decorations. Safe to day, it was a hit! You can create a felt sensory wall regardless of the time of year, and they don't need to be fancy! A sensory wall not only helps to develop their fine motor skills by adding and removing pieces, it can also help baby learn numbers, shapes, colours and patterns!

This tutorial is super easy, and require minimum materials.

For more ways to beat cabin fever with your little one, check out these ideas from my friend Kate and her son Emmett over at Emmett's ABCs.

What are you tips for beating cabin fever? I'd love to hear!

Keeping in Touch

Our family and friends are scattered across the continent, from Alaska to BC, Ontario, Texas and beyond. While keeping in touch with family and friends is priceless, having people you love in more than one place often makes it difficult to keep in touch. And I must admit, I'm not always the best at keeping in touch. (I'm sure I'm not the only one in this boat.)

While I love sending and receiving old-fashioned greeting cards, sometimes a trip to the store or post office isn't always feasible. So how do I keep in touch? Enter the power of technology. Here are some thoughtful ways to show family and friends you're thinking of them, using trusty technology:

1. Simple texts to say hello

Something as simple as a quick text message from a loved one saying hi or asking how you are can really make your day. 

2. Phone calls

The most basic way to keep in touch, but also one of the most personal. I love receiving random phone calls from my sister or calling my grandma just because. Hearing a loved ones voice gives you a better connection. 

3. Start a blog

Moving abroad, or just to the other side of the country? Why not start a blog to keep your family and friends updated on your adventures? Oh hey, that's what I did! 

4. Video chat

Talking on the phone and hearing someone's voice is one thing, but being able to see someone's face makes missing them much easier. By having a video chat with friends and family, I don't feel like I'm missing out as much on the important moments, like missed Christmas dinners and baby's first steps.

5. Personalized digital greeting cards

Why not send a digital greeting card from the comfort of your computer, iPhone or iPad? Treat, brought to you by the same people that created Shutterfly, tinyprints and Wedding Paper Divas, makes sending personalized digital greeting cards through their website and mobile app an absolute breeze. Digital cards start at only 99 cents, and you can even set up reminders and preschedule cards so you never miss a special occasion! It's so simple to send a digital card from Treat: pick a design they'll love, personalize it the same way you would a paper card and instantly send it via email!

Voila, thoughtfulness is at your fingertips.

How do you keep in touch?