The heat is (really) on!

With the temperature in Perth set for the mid-thirties this week, like me, you’ll be racking your brain for ideas to keep your little one cool and entertained.

Finding cool and engaging activities for toddlers on hot summer days can be tricky, so I’ve searched the web, asked friends and family and come up with 10 pretty fab cooling off activities to share with you.

 

1. DIY Sprinkler

Have fun constructing this sprinkler together, then connect it to the hose and turn it on!

2. Icy Poles

Put some yoghurt, fruit and milk in the blender. Pour them into icy pole moulds and enjoy on a hot afternoon. Try one of these recipes.

3. Hose Limbo

Using the hose for  game of limbo is loads of fun, even when you lose! Kids of all ages with love hose limbo and its great because the youngest kids have the biggest advantage.

4. Beach Time

My little one can spend hours playing in the sand and splashing in the water. Her very own playground where her imagination and creativity can run wild! Search here to find your local child-friendly beach.

 

5. Water Park

There are now lots of parks in Perth that include water play which is great for hot summer days. Find a local water play park by searching here.

 

6. Water Wall

For those of you with a little more time and energy, this water wall is a great activity to promote creativity, innovation, experimentation and problem solving. 

 

7. Water Balloons

Fill them up, throw them, catch them. You can even play water balloon cricket, or fill a large balloon , grab a blindfold and play water pinata. 

8. Water Painting

A mess free and fun way to keep cool. Fill up a bucket with water, grab a paintbrush and some spray bottles and start painting. The paving or the fence can make a great canvas!

 

9. Water Run

Convert your marble run into an outdoor water playground (just remember to hide the marbles from the little ones!)

 

10. Paddling Pool

Cooling off in a shady spot in the yard in a shallow paddling pool is perfect for toddlers. If you don’t have a paddling pool, a big bucket or water can be just as much fun. Remember to always watch you little one closely when they are near water.

To help your little one get the most out of these activities check out Talkable’s Water Play tip sheet with suggested words, phrases and concepts to use when playing with water.