When it is hot outside and you can’t escape the heat inside your house, your best bet is to go out. You may want to check out the programs and events at the local library. Many libraries have movies, craft classes, and other events for children and parents alike. Even if you library does not offer things like this, you can still spend some time there and cool off while reading some books or listening to some tapes. The best part about it is that this outing is free!

If you have always wanted to take your children to the museums in your town, now may be the time. Even if they have refused to go before, you actually might get them there using the air conditioning angle. In addition to keeping cool, they actually might learn something. If you are on a tight budget, you can check to see if any museums in your area offer free admission fees on certain days. For example, the art museum may offer free admission every Wednesday. If that is the case, you know where your family will be on Wednesday!

If you have the patience and the budget, you might actually try getting some school shopping done early. Not only will you be in the air conditioning and making some progress on your “to do” list, but the kids will get to do some shopping. Chances are that they will need no encouragement to participate in this outing. In addition, your oldest two might actually stop fighting for a little while!

There are times when you just may not be able to escape the heat. Perhaps you live in a rural area and the closest mall, musuem, or library is quite a distance away. If this is the case, you can still beat the heat. Just set up a sprinkler and some lawn chairs in the shade and eat popsicles while you enjoy getting wet as the sprinkler turns.

You can let the kids make their own popsicles if you don’t have any. Just fill up ice cube trays with juice. Cover the trays with plastic wrap and then put toothpicks in each of the cubes. Stick the tray in the freezer for a few hours and you will have popsicles! If you are motivated and have the ingredients, you also might try to make your own ice cream. Not only will it keep the kids busy, but you can guarantee that your kids will love the ice cream. Eating ice cream should keep everyone calm and cool for at least a few minutes. Other alternatives to this include making root beer floats or fruit smoothies.

Above all else, it is important to rememer that this too shall pass. Very, very soon, the kids will be back in school and the cooler weather will tell you that fall is on its way. The heat will be a distant memory and everyone will be wishing it was summer again.