You’ve probably heard the phrase, the dog days of summer, at some point in your life, but may not completely know what it means. The dog days of summer take place from July 3 to August 11, and originated from Roman and Greek astrology. This time period is typically connected with extreme heat, drought, and interestingly enough, bad luck.
Though, just because the dog days of summer may not get the best reputation, doesn’t mean that you and your family can’t turn it into a positive experience! There are many fun activities that you all can enjoy even while you’re in the sweltering summer sun.
With that said, here are some activities that will help you cool down during the dog days of summer:
Read Your Favorite Book in the Comfort of the Shade
We all get so caught up in our busy schedules at times that we forget to enjoy the little things in life. For example, when’s the last time you picked up a book and just read for fun?
Take some time to find a book that you’ve been meaning to read and maybe even help your kids find a book that they’ll enjoy, too. Then, find a shady spot under a tree, under a canopy, or in a covered hammock. Once you all have found a great book and spot to sit, you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the simplicity of reading.
You can purchase the perfect hammock for reading here.
Check out this list of 2020’s best summer reads here.
Take a Trip to a Nearby Water Park
One activity that is a surefire way to beat the heat during the dog days of summer is to visit a water park (you can find a waterpark near you by using this waterpark locator). Make sure to pack some sunscreen, a picnic lunch, some beverages, and of course, your swimsuits!
No matter if you’re looking for a water park that has thrilling water rides or a waterpark with a relaxing lazy river, you and your whole family will enjoy the chilly water between your toes while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Find a waterpark near you by using this search tool.
Make Your Favorite Summer Drink
The fact of the matter is, most events that occur during the summer are going to take place outside, and if they’re taking place during the dog days of summer (AKA the hottest time of the year), you’re going to want something to cool your body down without having to exert too much energy.
One of the best ways to do this is to enjoy a refreshing beverage. Find a recipe for a drink that you can make non alcoholic for the little ones and a recipe that you can add alcohol to for the adults. You can do this with a pitcher of fresh squeezed lemonade, a delicious pina colada, or even with a homemade cucumber and watermelon cooler. No matter what flavor drink you choose to make, a refreshing beverage is sure to lift your mood while keeping you cool and hydrated.
Check out some great summer cocktail recipes here.
Check out some great summer non-alcoholic drink recipes here.
Have an Indoor Movie Night
Sometimes, the dog days of summer get a little too muggy to handle. Luckily, there are some really fun activities that allow you and your family to get out of the heat, like having an indoor movie night. There are many summer themed movies that your whole family will enjoy such as the Parent Trap, Lilo and Stitch, and more!
If you want to bring a little bit of the outdoors to you during your movie night, gather some pillows and blankets and make a tent/fort. Another special thing that you could do is to take your kids to the store and let them pick out some candy, popcorn, and other delicious movie treats.
Find a great movie for you and your whole family here.
Partake in a Water Balloon Fight
One of our favorite summer activities as kids was a good old-fashioned water balloon fight. Not only is it fun for your whole family, but it will also help in distracting you all from the hot sun. The best part? You can partake in a water balloon fight at any age!
Turn this activity into a competition by splitting up into two equal teams. Then, fill up 30 water balloons for each team, and start throwing those water balloons! Whichever team can successfully hit the other team with the most water balloons, wins. The losing team has to make the winning team a delicious dinner or take them out for ice cream. Not a bad way to spend a summer day!
You can purchase a pack of 350 water balloons here.
