Keeping Kids Cool in Hot Weather
With record breaking temperatures in the UK this May, it looks like we’re in for a scorcher. It’s great for little ones to be able to get outside and enjoy the sun but keeping kids cool can be a big job… so why not make it easier and make it a game (with some hidden learning in there too!)
Read on to find out our franchisee’s favourite tips to help keep kids cool in hot weather!
Water Play!
Is there anything more refreshing than a nice cool dip in the pool? Well, many of us in the UK don’t have the luxury to take a plunge in our back gardens but our franchisees have a couple of ideas that work just as well…
Anita from Little Learners South Colchester says ‘Fill a washing up bowl with some cool water, chuck in a few bubbles and there you have it… a mini pool perfect for babies and toddlers!’
‘We also LOVE to have a water fight outside in the summer, but it’s very easy to add in some gross motor skills development in there. Grab a tuff tray, or even just an old piece of cardboard, and add some targets to it. Then ask you little ones to take turns using a water pistol – it’s a great way to encourage hand eye coordination and squeezing the trigger works those all important hand and finger muscles!’
Don’t have a water gun? You could use a small watering can to pour water on to targets, or even a plastic beaker.
Quick tips for keeping kids cool!
Not everything needs to be an activity and there is plenty of ways to help keep kids cool as they go about their day…
- Sun Hats are a must – or a cap can help keep the sun ofd of little faces.
- Freezable cups are great way to give a little relief.
- Ensure there is always shade available when playing outside, under a tree is great! Did you know that trees are also great at lowering ambient temperatures, especially in urban areas.
- Get outside earlier in the day when temperatures are a little lower.
Don’t forget the sun tan lotion too!
Need even MORE ideas to keep the kids cool…
Aisha from Little Learners North West Kent – ‘Giant ice balls (usually sold to go alongside whiskey!) are great for chilling water activities and kids love to see them bobbing around.’
Lene from Little Learners Basingstoke – ‘We do water paintings! Simple use a cup of water and a paintbrush to make marks on the patio, the path or even on paper. The water soon evaporates so it’s a no messy activity and little ones think its magic!’
Simple Activities for Hot Weather
Water Play is always fun but if you’re running out of ideas during a hot spell, try some of these ideas to keep it fresh!
Kim of Little Learners Winchester loves to include mark making in her hot weather play. ‘If you’ve got some spare ice cube trays, or even cupcake cases, simply freeze water in them and use them as a cool alternative to crayons. You can paint directly on to the ice cubes to make a super slippery paintbrush, then doodle over paper, bubble wrap… anything!’
‘I also love using an old piece of guttering to create a slide for ice cubes, with a little bucket of water at the bottom. You can also use ball pit balls for smaller children too.’
‘My absolute fave activity to keep kids cool is to put frozen fruit in a big bowl of water, add a few scoops and play a summer time version of bobbing for apples. The water is cool and refreshing, the scoops are great for honing fine and gross motor skills and the fruit is a great snack and helps hydrate little bodies. What’s not to love?!
So there you have it! A few fool proof activities and tips to help you make the most of the sunny weather and help keep kids cool. Have any ideas of your own then leave a comment below?
Water play must always be supervised, as well as the use of ice and paint in messy play activities.
If you’d like to run Little Learners classes in your community, why not check our our Franchise Opportunity? Or find your nearest class HERE!
Team Little Learners x
