The weekend’s forecast says it’s shaping up to be another hot one! Other than “inside with the A/C running” (haha), where does your family like to go when the summer heats up?
Here are 8 fun ideas for cooling down when temps get high. (I bet the last few will surprise you!)
1. Splash in a fountain
The splash pad is probably my family’s favorite place to cool down when it’s hot out. For one, most of the local splash pads are free, which is my favorite price. 😉 Also, they’re simple and safe for all ages—no worrying about toddlers who can’t swim yet—and it’s easy to keep an eye on all the kids at once. The best local splash pads are in Otsego’s Prairie Park, the recently-opened Delano Splash Pad, and Maple Grove Central Park, but you’ll also find some nice little ones in downtown Buffalo and Elk River. Mom tip: Bring a few buckets or cups to play with and double the fun!
Tiny treasures are popping up all over St. Michael–Albertville, but you have to look down—they could be hiding right under your feet!
It’s being called STMA Rocks, and they are just that—rocks, hand-painted by kids and parents and hidden all around the STMA area. My kids found their first rocks earlier this week hidden on the grounds of the St. Michael library.
The other day some friends and I were talking about warm-weather activities for our kids, when one of them asked, “Am I the only one who’s feeling totally overwhelmed by how many things there are to do this summer?”
She wasn’t. I’ve definitely felt overwhelmed with all the options for entertaining and enriching our kids during the summer, especially as I worked on putting together the summer events calendars. There are a lot of options for activities, and it’s easy to feel like you’re supposed to do it all!
You’ve probably heard of families creating a “Summer Bucket List,” a list of things to do before summer kicks the proverbial bucket and the kids return to school. Maybe your family has even made its own summer bucket list before…
Here’s a list of events for kids and families taking place this week at Eastman Nature Center, which is located within Elm Creek Park of Maple Grove:
Preschool Book Worms Story Hour: “Nature Goes Boom”
Tuesday, July 4Â 10-11 am
Discover nature on your bookshelf with your preschooler. (Ages 2-6) Explore nature-learning stations, a picture book story, hands-on activities and more. End with a short hike, craft, or other activity. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Reservations required. Cost: $4/child
Register here
I just checked the forecast for next week’s Independence Day festivities, and it looks to be beautiful sunny weather. Hooray! How does your family like to celebrate? We typically enjoy a barbecue with my extended family and sometimes shoot off fireworks from the driveway or over the pond once the sun goes down.
If you don’t have plans yet, here are three fun local ideas to consider for your family’s Fourth: