5 Creative Ways to Engage Children During Hot Days!

Fun and safe activities for age groups 9 months–2 years, 3–4 years, and 5–6 years

Hot summer days can be challenging in childcare settings, especially when outdoor time is limited due to high temperatures. However, with a bit of creativity and planning, both indoor areas and shaded outdoor spaces can be transformed into exciting, engaging environments for children of all ages. Below are five age appropriate, fun, and developmentally beneficial activities for the warmest days of the year.

1. Controlled Water Play (All age groups)

9 months – 2 years: Provide shallow trays or bowls filled with cool water and soft plastic toys. Let the children splash with their hands or scoop water with small cups this stimulates both sensory and motor development.

3–4 years & 5–6 years: Set up water stations outside in the shade with different-sized containers, spoons, and toys. For the older group, you can even introduce simple experiments like “Which toys float or sink?”

Tip: Use the Kidsday “Planner – Events” feature to inform parents ahead of time that water play will be taking place and remind them to send extra clothes.

2. Ice and Fruit Sensory Play

9 months – 2 years: Offer children ice cubes made with natural fruit juice or frozen fruits to hold, smell, and taste under supervision. This provides refreshing sensory exploration.

3–4 years & 5–6 years: Try “ice painting” by freezing colored water (with food-safe dyes) and letting children paint on paper using the melting ice blocks. It’s creative, refreshing, and mess-friendly.

3. Indoor Summer Camp Setup

All age groups: Create a cozy “mini summer camp” indoors with play tents, fairy lights, cushions, and storytime corners. For older children, include “night stories” with torches or even audio books to boost listening and imagination skills.

Use kidsday to send photos and videos of the camp-like setup, helping parents stay involved in their child's daily experiences.

4. Nature Exploration in the Shade

9 months – 2 years: Fill sensory bins with natural materials like soft grass, safe flowers, and smooth stones. Let children explore with their hands at their own pace.

3–4 years & 5–6 years: Set up a “nature treasure hunt” where children collect pinecones, leaves, petals, or rocks. This activity supports observation skills, vocabulary development, and teamwork.

5. Creative Summer Kitchen

3–4 years & 5–6 years: Get kids involved in preparing simple, no-heat summer snacks like fruit skewers, frozen banana pops, or natural juice mixes. It's fun and promotes healthy eating.

9 months – 2 years: For younger ones, educators can prepare the snacks in advance and let the children participate by mixing or tasting under supervision.

You can also use kidsday to share these fun recipes with families encouraging continuity of learning between childcare and home.

Child development doesn’t pause for the summer—in fact, warm days offer a chance to explore new textures, stories, flavors, and sensory experiences. With thoughtful planning and support from tools like kidsday, educators can ensure children stay engaged, safe, and happy throughout the season.