9 Things To Do On A Hot Summer Day

Summer, whether it is being spent in the one and only “Sunshine State” or not, is notorious for its heat.  Sometimes this is a great thing (especially if you live near the beach or any other body of water).  At other times, it may push you to want to stay in your cool, air-conditioned home and just watch Netflix all day.  Here are 9 things to do on a hot, summer day that will pull you outside and still keep you cool:

• Run in the rain. 
  

  Image via Fit Day

  Take advantage of summer showers and go running in the rain.  It is a great way to keep active and still stay cool.  You will find that the only thing that is more refreshing than a morning jog is a morning jog through the rain.  Just be sure that you are safe and cautiously decide whether or not the weather is appropriate enough to run in.

• Go for a swim. 

  Take a dip in the pool or go swimming!  Better yet, check out bodies of water aside from just the beach.  Lakes, rivers, and springs are all options for a great time outdoors.  If you do not have access to a body of water, consider other ways to access a pool.  There are many neighborhoods, gyms, and parks that have pools that you can use over the summer!

• Visit a water park. 

  Summer is the time where amusement parks flourish most, but can you imagine spending a hot, sweltering day at a water park?  They are typically inexpensive compared to other amusement parks, but are just as fun and can cool you down without you even noticing.  Float across lazy river rapids or slide away from the sun and find a water park near you!

• Go paddle-boarding!
  
  

  Image via Tula Sports

  Explore some water sports – paddle-boarding is a great option!  Anything from kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and so on are great ways to spend your day outside while still fighting the heat.  Take yourself somewhere you have never been before but do not be fooled – you will still need your dose of sunblock.

• Create Your Own Mini-Triathlon 

  With summer comes not only heat, but boredom too.  If you have extra time on your hands, create your own min-triathlon!  It is a great way to stay active.  You could even make it a consistent project by setting smaller goals and expanding on them with time.  Who says you can’t get in shape and have fun simultaneously?

• Water Aerobics Classes 
  

  Image via The Hills Fitness

  According to Health Fitness Resolution, there are actually a multitude of benefits in doing water aerobics classes.   Study conducted in 2007 found that twelve weeks of regular water aerobic workouts led to significant gains in strength, flexibility, and agility.  This is a low-impact exercise, so it is a great outlet in terms of avoiding damage to joints and other crucial parts of your body.  Not only does it reduce blood pressure, but as the temperatures get warmer, this exercise becomes more refreshing than ever.

• Water Volleyball 

  Water volleyball net: $40
  (Inflatable) volleyball: $1
  Beating your friends in a game: Priceless
  
  Relieve your competitive nature in a cost-efficient, friendly match of water volleyball.  If you have a pool, access to a neighborhood pool, or better yet a friend with a pool – this is a great way to cool off mid-summer.  Most water volleyball sets are both portable and affordable, making it easier for you to share the fun.  Take this workout one step further and play a game on the beach – sand works miracles on your calf muscles.

• Sprinklers and Slip ’n’ Slides 

  Cool off like children:  run through sprinklers, set up a slip ‘n’ slide, or start a water-balloon fight. As you grow older, summers will only get hotter, but who says you can’t cool off like you did in the good old days?  Recreate your childhood, share it on social media, and surely most of your Facebook friends be jealous of you.

• Lemonade Stand
  

  Image via Serious Seats

  What better way to cool off on a hot summer day than by helping others do the same?  Make a lemonade stand.  It is a great way to spend some time with your friends or family, all the while making some bucks on the side.  Here is a rather generic recipe, but feel free to create your own unique recipe:

• In a gallon container, mix sugar and hot water until fully dissolved.
• Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and cold water to other half and mix.
• Pour over cups of ice.
• Squeeze slice of lemon on top.
• Garnish with a sprig of mint or a drop of two of honey for a fresh or sweet taste.
• Enjoy.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your summer, be safe and make sure to share these tips with your closest family and friends!