Beat the heat: Indoor activities to keep children cool this summer

Summer is the perfect time for children to stay active outdoors, but what happens when the temperatures are soaring, smoke is in the air or rain washes away outdoor plans? Having a variety of engaging indoor activities in your back pocket can be a lifesaver on those days.

Diane Gallagher, projects coordinator with the Be Fit for Life Centre at Lethbridge Polytechnic, says staying active is important for all ages, but especially for children who are out of school for the summer.

“Physical activity helps with mood regulation, sleeping and their appetite,” says Gallagher. “It’s going to help with their focus and their ability to listen and cooperate with others. We’re all better if we’ve got a physical outlet. Plus, it’s fun. We all know that kids who are having fun as opposed to kids who are bored is a way better scenario.”

And while playing inside might not seem as exciting as an outdoor adventure, Gallagher says having the adult lead by example by participating in the game or activity goes a long way in motivating children to try something new. If you notice you or your child is becoming lethargic outside, perspiring excessively or is very thirsty, it might be time to move indoors to cool down.

Here are five fun indoor activities to try:

1. Build a fort: “When I was a kid, fort building was one of my favourite things to do,” says Gallagher. “My kids are way better at it than I am now, so I get the things out, get them excited and then they’re off.” Round up a stash of blankets, pillows and clothespins and let their imaginations run wild in your living room with this classic activity.
    
2. Movement dice: These movement posters from Ever Active Schools, an Alberta-based charity, incorporate the three components of fitness – cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility – through a list of physical exercises that correspond to the numbers on a die. You can use the exercises provided (try the Superman Banana or a Dino Stomp) or add in your own using one of the blank activities. “Kids will love creating their own activities, especially if there’s an adult involved because they’ll have fun picking things the adults have to do,” suggests Gallagher.
    
3. No-bake cookies: Turning your oven on is the last thing you want to do in the heat, but Gallagher recommends looking for easy no-bake recipes that you can make with your children. This chocolate peanut butter cookie recipe created by the polytechnic’s Culinary team only requires eight ingredients and is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan so the whole family can enjoy a healthy snack without heating up the house. This recipe was recently tested by several campers at Lethbridge Polytechnic, and Gallagher says they’re kid friendly both in ease of making them and the fun of mixing the ingredients by hand.
    
4. Active charades: “This can be a nice little family activity to do that gets you up and off the couch, moving your body and having some laughs,” says Gallagher. These downloadable charades cards make a fun, quick relay that will have children thinking and moving fast as they race to guess the sports listed on each card. “We’re always trying to find ways to develop physical literacy for kids, basically the ABCs of moving,” explains Gallagher. “So even just a little charade game can provide opportunities for them to get good at things like jumping, hopping, skipping, balancing and running.”
    
5. Dance: “Who doesn’t like dancing?” says Gallagher, who adds that for many summer campers, taking a break with the Just Dance video game is a popular request. But you don’t need the video game to practise your moves on the dance floor. Have children build a dance routine to their favourite song or find a video online to follow.

Staying active indoors doesn’t have to be a chore, and arming yourself with a variety of activities that can be adjusted for different ages or interests is the best way to keep children busy, moving and having fun this summer. Download free posters, activity sheets and the no-bake cookie recipe here.

Be Fit for Life offers programs, classes and workshops throughout the year along with educational fitness sessions for classrooms of all ages and professional development for teachers.