Keeping Cool in the Summer Sun | Family Economics

By Lynnae

It's mid-summer, and temperatures are heating up. Though the sunshine is nice, the cost of running the air conditioning can be prohibitive. It's nice to have an arsenal of activities available to keep the children cool when the temperatures heat up.

• Water Play: Many children love water, so using water to keep cool is always a popular option. Kiddie pools aren't that expensive and even older children are willing to splash around in them. Alternatively, you can turn on the sprinkler and let the children run wild.

Also many parks have water activities, so get the children dressed up in their swimsuits and drive them to the nearest water park. Let them splash in the water structures until they're tired. The children may even make some new friends at the park!

• Indoor Play Places:  If it's too hot to play at the park, head to a fast food restaurant with an indoor play area. For the cost of a drink, you can sit at the table and watch your children climb to their heart's content. Better yet make it a play date with a friend with children. The children can play, while you catch up on some adult conversation! It's a great break from the weekly routine.

• Library: Libraries are great places to hang out with children during the summer! Most libraries offer summer programs for children, including story time, summer movies and reading programs. Libraries also usually have quiet toys and comfortable chairs in the children's section.

Even if there are no special events happening on the day you go to the library, find a good book, gather the children around you and escape to storybook land. If you do this often enough, not only will you stay cool, but your children will learn to love books and the library!

No matter where you live, there are frugal ways to beat the heat and enjoy time with your children this summer!