Indoor Ideas for Summer Heatwaves

Summer heat getting to you? Starting to hear “I’m bored” as kids struggle to find their mid-summer footing? Time to move things inside. Here are a few of my favorite indoor ideas for summer days when we need to head indoors- and keep the play happily flowing.

5 Indoor Activities for Summer

Playing outside in the summer sounds great…until the temperatures rise a little too much.

In the dog days of summer, we often need a reset – it’s time to move play back inside. Here are a few easy indoor activities that save me when temps soar – light on prep for me, fun and engaging for them. 

Having a few quick and easy activities in my “back pocket” for days when summer play needs to move inside keeps me sane and my kids happy. I hope these activities can help your family survive the summer heat as much as they’ve helped mine. 

Oil & Water Experiment

This is a shockingly simple experiment that is absolutely mesmerizing. From toddlers to tweens to adults (trust me), this is one of the best indoor activities. It’s calming, it’s easy to set up, and you probably have the three supplies on hand. Trust me, everyone loves watching oil and water not mix.

RELATED: Loving at-home science experiments? Don’t miss this round-up of my family’s favorites.

Popsicle Bath

The absolute GOAT in our house. We use popsicle baths year-round, but they’re perfect for hot summer days when someone needs a reset. Yes, I use slightly cooler water in the summer, and yes, they still spend SO LONG playing and relaxing in the tub. 

Ice Cream In a Bag

The sweetest summer activity for kids. I promise – it works and you don’t need any fancy ingredients. I’ve been making ice cream in a bag since my classroom days and started at home when my oldest was a toddler. This one will become a core memory for your family!

Box Road

I made our first box road years ago to help solve the day’s problem: No one was playing well together. A homemade road from Mom turned out to be the common ground they needed. Simple & successful.

RELATED: Looking for more DIY fun? Check out my full list of easy cardboard activities.

Lego Bath

Two bath suggestions in one blog post?! YES – because summer “bath-tivities” are simply that good. The combination of the calming water, quiet space and alone time just really works for my kids in this season. Tossing in some LEGO duplos? Pure gold.

My Indoor Play MVPs

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Once the long days of summer hit and play moves inside, “I’m bored” starts happening around here. I know I need a few key items to keep fun flowing and spirits high. These are the items that save me this season.

1. 300 Piece Puzzle: We’ve started leaving a puzzle out in our living room and it is perfection. Now my kids know they have a dedicated quiet spot to go to when they’re hot, tired or just need a minute. I have a full list of multi-age puzzles and puzzle-like games – all perfect for indoor play.
   
2. A Game Everyone Can Play: When mid-day doldrums hit, a quick game that everyone can play together is a great pick-me-up. I need a game that both readers and non-readers can play successfully, doesn’t have a complicated set-up, and that I want to play, too. This hilarious card game has hit the nail on the head for us this summer.
   
3. Art Supplies: Summer (especially when it’s too warm to be outside) is craft season at my house. Having a few new-to-us supplies keeps attention fresh and little hands (and tween hands!) busy on hot days. Puff paint, anyone?!
   
4. Air Fort: More of a splurge but so fun (and helpful!) to have. Setting up an indoor place to explore, relax, and play feels like a special treat on a warm day. I keep our air fort stored away until we need it, and at 8, 10 & 12, they are still absolutely delighted when they see it come out.

This season, plan a few indoor activities for your family and make a new kind of summer memory together – no outside time needed. 

Here’s to surviving the warm summer season together!