Whether your family is tired of the community pool or you are trying to save up some extra cash, it can hard finding ways to stay extra cool this summer. Hopefully with the AC running, it takes care of the main issue, but if you are trying to turn it down a degree or two to save some money and the kids start complaining, pull them aside and do these fun activities to keep them cool all summer long!
Fruit bars or Popsicles
Everybody loves a tasty, cold treat to stay cool! If you feel like half your budget is spend on frozen sweet treats though, it can feel hard buying more. Instead, make your own frozen treats, and save on the sugar and cost of traditional bars! You can use your regular ice cube trays at home, although there are more specific popsicle molds available at grocery stores. Buy some frozen mixed fruit, whichever variety of fruits your family enjoys, and some fruit juice. You can also use whichever fruit juice blend your family likes the most, or you can even use cranberry juice or orange juice for a little variety.
All you have to do from here is blend the frozen fruit with some juice until it is the consistency of a watered-down smoothie, i.e., not too thick as you will want to be able to pour it. If you are using specific popsicle molds, you can add the popsicle stick and then pour the fruit liquid in, pop them in the freezer, and voila! If you are using the ice cube trays, kids can still enjoy sucking on the ice cubes, or even adding it to their water for an extra fruity kick! The kids will have a blast making these with you and then eating the fruits of their labor in a few more hours!
Homemade Fans
For the times where you just need a quick cool down, having a fan at the palm of your hands can do wonders! Gather the kids and have them pick out their favorite color of paper, whether it is construction paper or something thinner. If all you have is lined or white paper, give them markers to decorate and make it their own. Next, you will want to fold the piece of paper lengthwise, about half an inch at a time. Once it is completely folder, grab a stapler or a paper clip to attach on the bottom end of the fan. Then have your child slowly unfold the layers to give them a spiffy homemade fan! They can use it whenever they need a quick cool down throughout the house!
Katie Kyzivat