Prince William Living July 2021

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family fun

Ways to Beat the Summer Heat By Jennifer Halter

W

e’re in the midst of the dog days of summer, and many of us are looking for creative ways to keep the kids cool and entertained. Here are our best tips for beating the summer heat while sharing in some family fun!

adventure any time! Set up a tent, grab the sleeping bags and snacks, and settle in for a night of outdoor fun. No tent? No problem! You can still do nighttime camping activities outside and head indoors when it’s time to hit the hay.

Water Play

Ice Rescue

Not everyone has easy access to a pool, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t create some water fun in your own backyard. You can set up kiddie pools (or even the larger inflatable pools with enough room for grown-ups, too!). Try a sprinkler for the kids to run through (and give your grass a drink). Grab buckets or plastic storage totes, fill with water and allow kids to splash and play with plastic toys, funnels and measuring cups. Don’t forget the water balloons; they are always a hit!

Go Early or Late

Temperatures are cooler in the morning and evening, so plan your outdoor adventures during those times. Save the air conditioning for that strong midday heat. Start your day with a visit to the playground or free play in the backyard. In the evening, try a dinner picnic at the park or take a stroll around your neighborhood.

This is a fun activity for all ages, because it puts those creative thinking skills to work. First you will need a plastic container(s) with a lid. The size is up to you, but the larger the better. Fill with water leaving about ½ inch at the top of the container to allow for expansion when freezing. Place various items in the water. Include small, plastic figures such as army men or mini animals, plastic blocks, bouncy balls — anything that won’t get damaged by water that will be fun for the kiddos to “rescue.” Put the lid on your container and place in the freezer. Make sure the container is on a level surface so everything freezes evenly. For best results, let freeze overnight. Remove the frozen ice block from the container and allow the kids to use various tools (utensils, small hand tools, such as a mini hammer or screwdriver, water) to release the frozen items.

Shopping Scavenger Hunt Backyard Camping

Going away on a camping trip is awesome, but there’s no need to wait when you can go on your own backyard

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July 2021 prince william living

When the days are really scorching hot, you may be looking for a way to have fun indoors, but somewhere other than your home. Head to a local mall or grocery


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