10 Things To Do With The Kids When It’s Hot, Hot, Hot

This post was originally intended to be part of the “Weekend Recap” series. But with the temps in the 90’s the past few days, we didn’t do anything all that noteworthy other than stay cool. That said, we did keep ourselves super busy as a family- a trip to see The Lion King, a few dance parties, a lot of playing dress up and a couple home-cooked meals.

So, instead, I decided to do a little roundup of our favorite ways to spend a summer afternoon when its HOT, HOT, HOT.

Share yours below!

throw a dance party

If you follow along on Instagram, you might have seen Maddie’s two hour dance performance to the soundtrack of Aladdin yesterday. In full costume. Dance parties are a daily event here, but they last a little longer when it feels like 106 outside. We always tune into the Disney playlist on Spotify, and Maddie is a real fan of everything Jo Jo Siwa these days, too.

Take them to a movie

We’ve been seeking refuge in our nearby movie theater the last few weeks, and it’s been the best way to spend a hot afternoon indoors. If you’re local, check out the SONO Regent in Norwalk- you can buy your tickets and reserve your seats online, they have a full lunch menu with bar, and will bring your food to your seat. And the seats recline, which is a total game changer in my book.

Have a craft day

We always have quite the extensive selection of materials for arts and crafts at the house. But now that I have found myself so pregnant in this hot summer, I’ve increased the tools tenfold. We always have an array of materials on hand for the impromptu craft day, including: clay, gel crayons, paints, assorted papers, beads, pom poms, string, canvases and more coloring books than I would like to admit.

For kids crafting ideas, visit my Pinterest board here.

Take a trip to the bookstore or library

Ever since Maddie was itty bitty, we’ve been known to spend afternoons at our local bookstores and library- particularly our Barnes and Nobel, which also sells a great array of toys for kiddos. Too hot days are the perfect chance to grab a few new books and spend some time reading together as a family at home.

drop in at green moon

I’m always a fan of any excuse to swing by Green Moon- our favorite local art class. If you’re looking for a great DROP OFF class for the kids, I highly recommend their summer workshops in Rowayton on Thursday and Friday afternoons.

Head to Chelsea Piers

Another great local option for some drop-in fun, including the Little Athletes Zone, ball pit fun, and splash zone.

Check Out The Aquarium

When its too hot, too cold, or too rainy, our local aquarium is always a crowdpleaser. A trip to the Norwalk Aquarium is a great way to spend a summer afternoon, especially now that MM is old enough to enjoy the IMAX movies they offer.

Cook Together

MM always loves being involved in the kitchen- helping to whisk eggs, putting the bread in the toaster, husking corn and setting the table. A hot afternoon is the perfect time to try out a new, kid-friendly recipe. I’ve compiled some favorites on my Pinterest board here.

Have a Movie Night at Home

Movie nights are always a great idea, but they typically start a little earlier when the temps are skyrocketing. We choose a movie or two, pop some homemade popcorn, blast the AC and cozy up together under the covers as a family.

Get that INFLATABLE pool

I resisted the pool for some time- hello, burnt ring of grass! But at some point, you just have to bite the bullet and get the inflatable pool. We grabbed this one a few weeks ago- it comes with a filtration system which is a total must- and Maddie has been loving it. Especially on these hot, hot days.