7 Indoor Activities for Summer: Stay Cool and Comfortable
August is one of the hottest months of the year in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking to escape the heat this summer, you might consider planning some indoor activities.
From game nights to at-home gardening projects, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of the top indoor activities to keep you and your family cool and comfortable all summer.
Beat the August Heat: Fun Indoor Activities to Stay Cool and Comfortable
Looking for summer indoor fun that helps you stay cool without AC? Explore these fun ways to stay cool and comfortable indoors while making the most of your time with family and friends. These are all fun ways to beat the summer heat without breaking the bank!
Indoor Game Night
There is no better a hot summer day, than an indoor game night! The way in which you game is totally up to you. Some families like to go the traditional route with popular board games and card games. Some of our favorites are Uno, Scrabble, and Monopoly.
However, if you have a family full of gamers, you might consider organizing a video game tournament. You can choose a popular, family-friendly multi-player game, such as Mario Party or Super Smash Bros.
Those of you who are really up for an experience like no other can try creating your own DIY escape room!
Home Theater Experience
Who doesn’t like a good movie marathon? Whether day or night, one of the best ways to spice up your average movie binge is with a theme. Try a Disney animation movie night with your family’s favorite Disney characters. Or you can go the superhero route with the best Marvel and DC movies.
Make sure to set up the space with the essentials, including blankets, pillows, and delicious snacks.
PRO TIP: Make a game out of your home theater experience with one of Netflix’s many interactive movies and series!
Cooking and Baking Fun
As temperatures climb, it’s worth taking the opportunity to cook or bake something new!
For example, you might try pulling out that old ice cream maker someone gifted you during Secret Santa or trying out a fresh popsicle idea to keep snacking healthy. Grab your favorite cookbook and find some warm-weather or no-cook recipes that the entire family can help with!
If you really want to amp up dinnertime, try a themed cooking experience, such as Taco Tuesdays or Pizza Night!
Arts and Crafts Day
The same old indoor activities can get boring, especially for kids who like to get creative! That’s why indoor arts and crafts are the best. Keep it simple with some DIY origami, or do something more practical, such as tackle a DIY project you’ve been putting off!
There are plenty of YouTube tutorials and online courses from platforms like Skillshare and Lynda, where you can discover fun projects for all skill levels.
PRO TIP: Once you’re done with your crafts, designate an area where your kids can display them.
Indoor Fitness and Relaxation
No gym? No problem! There are plenty of ways to stay active at home.
Load up one of your favorite high-energy playlists and host an at-home dance party or set up a home workout routine for the whole family using minimal equipment.
If chilling out feels like more of your pace, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be a couch potato. Practice yoga or meditation for mindfulness, strength, and relaxation. Explore some of the many free Yoga-centric YouTube channels for easy-to-follow routines or download an app like Headspace to practice meditation and mindfulness.
Reading and Learning Activities
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you or the kids need to stop learning!
Start a family book club at home or join a virtual one to meet people with similar reading tastes around the world.
If reading isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ways to keep the mind stimulated and active. Play some educational games or work on a large puzzle with the family. There are also several options to take virtual tours of museums, whether nearby or in other states. Check out some of our favorite museum virtual tours here.
Indoor Gardening Projects
Many families think of gardening as an outdoor activity. But, there are actually plenty of fun ways to get your hands in the dirt inside as well. Try planting a small herb garden alongside some indoor tomato plants and microgreens. Or learn how to propagate the plants that you already have.
Taking care of plants is a great learning experience that doubles as a healthy, meditative activity.
If you’re really feeling creative, you can make a terrarium. These small, sealed ecosystems can survive on their own moisture cycle. They are also very easy to make! Check out Bob Vila’s DIY terrarium.
Quick Tips for Home Cooling Solutions
When the temperatures rise, it's important to find simple ways to beat the heat and keep your home comfortable. Here are five quick tips to enhance your home cooling solutions and during indoor activities in Vancouver, WA
1. Utilize Ceiling Fans: Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter clockwise in the summer. This will improve air circulation and create a cooling breeze throughout your home.
2. Strategic Use of Ice Cubes: Place a bowl of ice cubes in front of a box fan to create a DIY air conditioner. This will help you beat the heat and create a cool mist in any room.
3. Close Blinds and Curtains: Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day. This will block out the sun and reduce indoor temperatures naturally. It is also an easy way to be energy efficient!
4. Ventilate at Night: Open windows at night to allow cool air to flow in. This will improve air circulation and lower indoor temperatures for a more comfortable sleep.
Importance of an Efficient HVAC System
Of course, if you’re not comfortable indoors, how can you expect to be comfortable during these indoor activities? That’s where having an efficient HVAC system comes into play! An efficient HVAC system can provide the necessary filtration and ventilation for maintaining comfort indoors.
Better yet, with regular HVAC maintenance, you can keep your system operating at its best, saving you on electricity bills while minimizing energy waste. Plan ahead for the hot season by scheduling a professional AC unit inspection with Millers Heating and Air.
