4 Ways to Beat the Heat Without the Beach or Pool This Summer

Many Angelinos rely on the beach or local pool to cool off with the family on hot summer days. Unfortunately, this summer, many beaches, pools, and other public gathering places will be closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are still plenty of other summer activities that will allow you to cool off and have fun. Here are our 4 ways to beat the heat without venturing from your own property.

Inflatable Pools and Sprinklers

No pool? No problem! You don't need to visit the beach or a pool to enjoy the refreshing effects of water. -Get an inflatable pool. These are fun, lightweight, and economical items you can buy at any large store or order online. They come in many sizes and styles and are easy to store. -Set up a sprinkler. If you have a sprinkler system for your lawn or garden, it can also serve as a cooling mechanism for your whole family. You can do this even if you don't have a full yard by setting up the sprinkler outside your front door. Just be careful not to spray your neighbors, though some will probably be grateful for the free mist!

Make Frozen Treats

You can always buy ice cream, popsicles, and other cold desserts at the store. However, why not make your own as a family activity? This is more fun and creative and can even be educational for kids. Here are a few ideas: -Make your own popsicles. There are many good popsicle recipes that use simple ingredients such as juice, yogurt, and your preferred sweetener. -Icebox sandwiches. You can make delicious and refreshing icebox sandwiches with graham crackers and a pudding or cream filling. -Enjoy homemade ice cream. Making your own ice cream takes some time but it's a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Plus, it can be easily made with or without your own ice cream machine. -Smoothies and slushies. Smoothies and slushies are refreshing and, with the right ingredients, are a healthy treat.

Have Fun With Water Balloons

Water balloons are a simple way to have all kinds of fun. Kids love playing with these balloons and inventing their own games. -Stock up on water balloons. Regular balloons just don't produce the satisfying "pop" that you get from water balloons. You can find large supplies at Walmart, Amazon, party stores, etc. There are also self-tying water balloons that can be filled with water quickly. -Introduce your kids to some creative water balloon games. Local Fun for Kids has a creative list of 20 water balloon games, including a relay race, an Angry Birds version, and painting with water balloons. -Add water guns or squirt guns to the mix.

Enjoy Social and Virtual Activities While Cooling Off at Home

While you may be limited in terms of visiting public places this summer, there are many alternatives that let you learn, socialize, and have fun virtually. Here are some options: -Virtually visit a museum. Many museums, art galleries, zoos, and aquariums are offering free virtual tours. The advantage of this is that you're not limited to your own region. Some museums and other institutions offering free online tours include the Louvre, Getty Museum, National Aquarium, and many others. -Play social video and strategy games. There are lots of online games for both children and adults where you can meet people and engage in friendly competition. -Organize a virtual party. There are endless possibilities for online social events using technology such as Skype, Zoom, and the Houseparty app. Hopefully, it won't be too long before beaches and other public places are open to the public. In the meantime, try some of these ideas to stay cool at home, in your yard, or at an outdoor spot where you are able to social distance. Plan your days so that you and your whole family can cool off while staying safe and healthy!