Although summer is just now beginning, you might be wondering how you’re going to get through it. Temperatures seem to be high already and with the dog days of summer coming up, more specifically July 22 to August 23, it might seem grueling to think about how hot these days are going to get. Luckily, there’s a few ways to get through the dog days so you can live to tell the tale as autumn approaches. If you’re on a tight budget, then have no worries as there are plenty of things on this list that will allow you to indulge without going overboard. So, get ready to brace yourself without giving up a good time, when you check out these fun ideas for the hottest days of the year.
1. Visit Planetarium
Whether you have kids or you don’t, taking a trip to the planetarium can be one of the most relaxing ways to beat the heat during the dog days of summer. Usually, planetariums aren’t packed full of people, so you will get to enjoy a mostly quiet experience that is certain to make you forget all about the sweltering heat outside. Planetariums usually crank up the air conditioning too, even in the winter, to ensure their equipment is working properly. Generally, these facilities don’t cost a lot of money to get into either and some even offer memberships. Of course, if there isn’t a planetarium in your area then you might consider making one in your own home. Since temperatures probably won’t be cool during the evenings of the dog days, staying in and checking out constellations projected on the ceiling can be a fun way to celebrate summer without actually having to deal with it.
2. Build a Hammock
Nothing says summer and relaxation quite like a hammock. If there is one way to relax during the hot months, then this is certainly the way to do it. Luckily, building a hammock is very inexpensive. You don’t even have to go out of your way to purchase anything to make this dream come true. In fact, all you need are blankets and a few other household supplies to get started. Of course, if you want to make things easy then investing in a hammock can help save you time. These hammocks can even be permanently left outdoors because they are weatherproofed. Hammocks don’t have to spend their lives outdoors though as you can build them indoors to help stay out of the heat. These fun beds are great for napping but might also encourage kids to enjoy a good book. Best of all, the first day of the dogs of summer is actually National Hammock Day, which should add to the fun.
3. Make Frozen Treats
One of the best ways to cool off on a hot day is to consume something cold. So, making your favorite frozen treats is one of the easiest and cheapest things you can do. If you have items to make your own popsicles then you can easily accomplish this with juice or pudding that you already have in the home. Of course, if you don’t have a popsicle mold then consider using your ice tray and toothpicks to make some special treats for the kids. You can also turn the popsicle ice into a fun way to cool down other drinks, which will add some more flavor to life. Making your own ice cream is a fun project that most children will love. You can even make some wacky flavors to suit Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day on July 1. Other treats might include snow cones and slushes which are easy to make with ingredients commonly found at home.
4. Enjoy a Paddle Pool
Going to the pool or water park can be pricey and if you don’t have a pool of your own then you might be looking for any option available. A paddle pool cost next to nothing to use, which makes it a great option for the whole family. Paddle pools are a great option for young children to splash in, which will help to keep them cool. However, adults might also consider using the pool to cool down their feet, which will ultimately work on the whole body. If you have a dog, then setting a paddle pool outside can help keep the animal cool while you are away from the home. Of course, the paddle pool can be recycled for other things later on. For instance, you can use it for a pond in the garden, a sandbox for the kids or even a playpen for infants that haven’t yet mastered crawling or climbing.
5. Movie Deals
It isn’t just the amazing summer blockbusters that make summer the perfect time to go to the movies. There are actually a ton of deals to enjoy at most movie theaters. For instance, many of the chain cinemas will actually offer a free kids movie each week. Children can enjoy a movie that isn’t brand new, but still exciting to see on the big screen. Some theaters also offer deals like $5 Tuesdays, which is a real bargain when it comes to ticket prices these days. Apart from that, you’ll find a wide assortment of food deals and so on to help you enjoy the experience more. Best of all, the cinema is always ice cold, so you can pretend it’s the dead of winter instead of the hottest period of the year.
6. Take On a Diet
Usually people like to try to get on a diet during the summer in order to look their best in their bathing suits. Although this reason is enough to inspire some people, sometimes the heat is the best way to inspire others. With the temperature so high, your appetite might not be at its peak. The food you do eat might be much lighter than the options you would normally choose too. So, if you want to be successful in a diet then this might be the best time to do it. Of course, make sure your diet offers proper nutrition as you will want to get the most out of your food especially if you’re eating less. By doing this, you will be setting your body up to eat smaller portions even as the weather cools, which can help you keep the weight off. You might want to research diets before you start though. One of the more popular options now is the keto diet, but there are also many more that will suit your needs.
7. Cool Your Home
It’s never too late to start taking actions to keep your home cool. Even though the heat has already set in, you might be encouraged to take more precautions to keep the home cool when the dog days of summer arrive. This is usually the worst period of time for electric bills as we spend so much on cooling. However, if you take a few actions to cut down on cooling then you might see a decrease in these bills. One of the first things you should consider is black out blinds. This will keep the sun out of the home. Although it might force you to turn on the lights more often it won’t force you to keep the air running constantly. Another great option is to add awnings to windows. This also removes the sun from the window and creates shade for the home. If you’re on an especially tight budget, then you might consider adding tin foil to the windows to help keep out the heat. There’s lots of great remedies for your home though, so do some research to figure out the best ways to cut the heat.
8. Seasonal Activity Pass
If you don’t like being closed up in the house during the summer, then you might consider grabbing a seasonal pass to one of your favorite activities in your communities. These are usually designed for museums, zoos, aquariums and theme parks, so you have a lot of options to choose from based on what is available in your region. A seasonal pass will allow you to enjoy the activity as much as you want during the summer months. This can help keep you busy and take your mind off of the terrible heat. On top of that, it will allow you to cool down too. Many of these activities are indoors and those that are not usually have rides that involve cool water.
9. Embrace Night Life
If you don’t have to worry about a schedule or children, then you might want to make night life your thing during the hottest days of summer. Usually, the temperature slightly drops as the sun goes down, so use this time to check out a restaurant and eat without feeling uncomfortable. You might check out a cruise on the river if you have one in your area. This should keep you even cooler. On top of that you might consider visiting a club, an art gallery and so much more. Even if you do have restrictions then you might consider finding a sitter once every couple of weeks to get out of the house and enjoy the night life. Not only will it keep you cool while you’re having fun, but it will also allow you to sleep in longer during the day, so you don’t have to deal with the heat as much.
10. Spoil Your Dog
Dogs are often associated with the dog days of summer due to the constellation Sirius, based on a dog, is at its peak during this time. Although the dog days of summer don’t always coincide with this constellation based on our predictions. All the same, people love to take this time to spoil their dog. One of the best ways to do this is purchase a few items to make their life easier. For instance, a set of dog booties can help protect their feet. This can actually save you a small fortune in vet bills too and a lot of pain for your fur baby. Another great option to buy is a cooling shirt for walks and time spent at the dog park. A paddle pool is another great way to keep your dog cool while allowing it to get some exercise too. These items won’t cost you a lot either and will make you feel as happy as your pet.
The dog days of summer don’t have to be a period of misery for you and your loved ones. Instead, you can make it one of the best times to enjoy your life and explore new forms of entertainment. With these tips, your dog days of summer should pass quickly so you can enjoy everything that summer brings.
