After being cooped up in classrooms for nine months, it's no surprise that kids want to spend as much time as they can outdoors [1] during the Summer months [2]. Whether it's hitting the beach, taking a dip in the pool [3], going on a hike, or getting the family together for an after-dinner bike ride, there's no better time to be a kid than the Summer. But as much as we love the warm weather that comes with this time of year, some days it's just too damn hot to be outside. And since sitting at home can get boring pretty quickly, we came up with a list of indoor (i.e. air-conditioned) activities [4] that you can do with your kids when the temperatures are scorching. There's something for every age and budget, so read on!
Ages 2-4
It doesn't take much to keep a toddler happy, so take advantage of some simple, budget-friendly activities [6] this Summer. These ideas will get you out of the house but also out of the heat [7].
- Head to your local library for free story time and playtime.
- Spend the day at a local children's museum (check your library for discounts or even free passes).
- Find an indoor, inflatable play place.
- Treat them to a happy meal for lunch, and let them spend time at the indoor playground.
- Have an Ikea nearby? Shop, have a quick (and cheap) lunch, and let your children play in their free, supervised kid's club.
- Sign up for a free trial class at a local children's gym.
Ages 5-8
At this age, it may take a little more effort to keep children entertained. Try out some of these fun options.
- Head to the nearest aquarium.
- Take a day (or two) and visit an indoor water park.
- Visit a local art studio for some guided arts and crafts projects.
- Go to an ice cream shop.
- See what Summer programs your local library is offering for school-age children.
Ages 9-12
Treat your tweens to these exciting activities.
- Take them bowling.
- Roller-skating rinks are making a comeback! Check to see if there's one in your area.
- Challenge them to a game of laser tag.
- Make a mall scavenger hunt.
- Try out a nearby science centre or history museum (check your library for discounts or even free passes).
Ages 13+
It's only a matter of time before your teens are off to college, so spend some quality time with them by trying these activities.
- Go see a movie. [8]
- Have a lunch date.
- Treat them to a mani/pedi.
- Try out a new class at your local gym together.
- People-watch at Starbucks while enjoying their new magenta drink. [9]
- Let them practice their driving schools at an indoor go-karting facility.
All Ages
Having more than one child at home during the Summer can make it harder to find activities that will please everyone, especially if there's a significant age gap. Try out some of these crowd-pleasers.
- Burn some energy at an indoor trampoline park.
- Let them climb the walls at an indoor rock climbing facility.
- Visit your local YMCA. They likely offers classes and activities for all ages.
- Head to your local craft store, and let each child choose materials they can take home and use to create something special.
- Head to the mall. Younger children can have fun in places like the Disney Store or Build-a-Bear, while the older kids can get a jump start on their back-to-school shopping.