What the heck is everyone doing with their toddlers in this heat?

[wellwhatdoyou]

Interested to hear what others are doing. DD had a swimming lesson this morning and then a play date yesterday. We’re struggling though and wondering what to do this weekend.

I don't have a toddler now but it wasn't that long ago so things I remember doing:

Lots of bath play time
Putting blocks of ice in a washing up bowl to play with
Dancing in front of a fan
Getting out in the woods or a shaded play area in the morning before it got too hot

Also check out local places with air conditioning. A local Facebook page published places with a/c and it included a few soft plays and cafes so there may be places like that you could go.

But yeah, it's tough. DD was 18 months old during the covid lockdown summer so we were pretty limited in our options (hence my very home-based suggestions up there).

just same as usual? Nursery today and tomorrow. Playground on the way home. Going to a local fete Saturday and friends for bbq Sunday. Will have paddling pool out.

same as with the older ones. Outside until 10:30 or 11am latest.
Lunch, long nap, and afternoon activities if there's anything like swimming pool, or air con library etc.

Outdoors again from 7ish up to 9pm. I wouldn't put a child to bed before 9pm in a heatwave, and even that feels early!

Because they go to bed later, they nap longer, which helps.

This weekend we are going to the beach, planning to arrive between 5 and 6pm and spend a good couple of hours there.

How old? I'm keeping mine awake until 1/2pm, letting him nap through the worst of the heat, then into the paddling pool for the afternoon.

It's the evenings/nights that are killing me off

You’d get roasted alive on the playgrounds here! The equipment is mostly metal. Thanks @SquigglePigs

She’s nearly 3 @Blueradiators ; she doesn’t generally nap (she probably would in the car but I avoid that as it really disrupts the day.)

same here! I wouldn't let any chid on a playground until late afternoon, they are a horrible sun trap, and when the temperature start to exceed 30 degrees, it's roasting.

Paddling pool in the garden over the weekend to avoid busy crowds.

Next week if the weather conditions remain I would suggest splash pads and soft play centres with air con

Just put the paddling pool in the garden with an umbrella, job done! My son used to love playing with his cars and building blocks in the water.

There’s no shade in the garden so am reluctant to do that. I’m also not at all convinced it would occupy for long!

Going to IKEA worked well, if they’re walking!

We’re heading to playgroup in a church tomorrow - so nice big cool building.
The afternoons are pretty sticky though, I may take toddler + older one to Tesco cafe for as long as possible to hide in air con.

Paddling pool or sandpit in the shade (get a parasol and stand)

Baths and showers

shopping - most big shops have a/c

swimming

iceskating

anything in the house - keep windows and curtains closed

museums are usually old and cool.

just small tweaks that what you usually do really, but dressed in thin, light clothes, and plenty of drinks, fruit etc.

Our 3 year old DGD has had the paddling pool and sandpit in the garden, shaded by a variety of sheets pegged to the washing line, played with play dough in the coolest room, 'helped' cook (chopping and grating), watched tv a bit. She's a playground fiend but didn't ask today!