ADVERTISEMENT

It's hot! 35+ fun and refreshing things to do this hot season

The hot season or summer doesn't necessarily mean perfect weather. When the beach and swimming pool excitement dies down, it can be easy to get caught between the hot indoors and scorching outdoors. We have curated a list for you to stay refreshed when it feels like the heat is closing in.

35+ fun and refreshing things to do this hot season/Pexels/Peter De Vink

One of the frustrating things about the hot season is the heat that limits recreational activities not to mention restricting movement. There are plenty of fun things you can do wherever you are to keep your body and mind off the heat. Some are indoors and some cater for the outside.

ADVERTISEMENT

When the heat is more inviting, you can let yourself enjoy the sun and breathe fresh air while having a good time. In the meantime, here are 35+ fun and refreshing things to do on a hot day.

This list includes ideas for solo and social activities. Most of them you can do in the comfort of your home, while others may require you to expand your horizons.

ADVERTISEMENT

This works as a solo or group activity. Put on your shorts or bathing suit, fill up a bucket with soapy water, and turn on the hose. You can cool yourself off with the hose while you work.

ADVERTISEMENT

A lawn sprinkler and kiddie pool offer the cheapest way to build your own personal water park. A chase with a water hose or guns followed by sitting on a lawn chair with your feet in the pool or basin of water will make you love a hot day.

Look for a kayak or canoe rental in your local area and get out on the water. Be sure to wear a sun hat while paddling. You can stop and go wading any time you like during your excursion.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nothing cools you off like a dip in a lake or the ocean. Play in the water and lounge on the sand until the cares of the world depart from your mind.

Floating down a river with friends in an innertube is a simple activity that is surprisingly pleasurable. It’s like combining sitting in a recliner with swimming.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you’re fortunate enough to live near a mountainous area, take advantage of this blessing and head up. Head for the cooler air at a higher elevation. The drive will most likely be scenic, and you can take a stroll in the vegetation.

ADVERTISEMENT

Get a tourist experience in your local area. Give those tourist traps, strange local museums, or mini-recreational centres that you normally drive by a second look. Take the time on a hot day to have a new experience at one of them

ADVERTISEMENT

When your rising core temperature makes you restless, indulge in an AC-chilled car ride. Listen to music or podcasts on minimal volume until you feel refreshed.

You make a makeshift air conditioner by cutting one or more holes in a bucket or Styrofoam cooler. Then fill it with ice, and direct a fan into it. Cold air will come out of the holes. You can check YouTube for a guide to make your own air conditioner.

ADVERTISEMENT

People watching at a busy venue is like watching a thousand stories all at once. Wander the stores and malls in your area and see how many unique and interesting individuals you can encounter.

ADVERTISEMENT

They don't have to be alcoholic margaritas. Margaritas can be made with tequila, wine, or no alcohol. The citrus juice, ice, and salt are just what your body needs on a hot day.

If you have a blender, a nice cold drink is just a few steps away. Pick out your favourite flavour of ice cream and blend up an ice-cold treat.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hot weather is hard on the elderly population and your neighbours are probably trying to deal with it too. Older people stay indoors a lot in front of a fan or not and might be bored and lonely. They’ll appreciate a friendly visit and a cold treat.

Get a bag of lemons and sugar and get started mixing up a fantastic drink. You can control how sweet or sour you make the lemonade.

ADVERTISEMENT

When it’s too hot to do anything, take a nap. Many cultures in hot climates have embraced the tradition of the afternoon nap period for centuries. Lay down somewhere cool, whether in front of a fan or open all windows and grab a cat nap. The rest will refresh you.

Less is more when you’re looking for things to do when it’s hot. Trying to do most things can increase your body temperature and make your situation worse. You can find inexpensive hammocks at a store and set up one in a shady spot and relax in the breeze with a good book.

Look for a shady area at a local park and spread out a blanket. You can make the food yourself or buy take-out. Make sure to pack a cooler with cold drinks.

ADVERTISEMENT

If you stayed in your air-conditioned house all day, come out to observe the stars at night. The air will be cooler, and the night sky will be inspiring.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wi-Fi usually reaches outside of your house. Set up a makeshift living room by moving a smart TV outside or getting an affordable Wi-Fi projector and setting up a mini outdoor theatre.

Summer blockbusters are a thing because, for generations, people went to air-conditioned theatres on hot days to escape the heat. It’s still a good plan on a hot day.

ADVERTISEMENT

Yes, this trend is going out of style but that is precisely why you should indulge in it. Take a break from streaming or hard-disk movies and go out to check out books or DVDs.

When you just want to avoid the heat outside, you can put your time to good use by going through your digital pictures. As you enjoy the memories, upload your pictures to a cloud account and order some prints.

ADVERTISEMENT

Make the most of that heat by enjoying your favourite craft hobby or learning a new one. Think about crafting some holiday gifts so that you’ll be ready for the end of the year.

Tie-dye can transform a stained shirt into something that looks good again. This project also involves buckets of water and getting your hands wet, making it an excellent thing to do on a hot day.

ADVERTISEMENT

Grab a pair of scissors and transform your old jeans and shirts into a casual warm-weather wardrobe. Cut off the legs to make shorts and snip away sleeves to make tank tops.

ADVERTISEMENT

Box stores, supermarkets, and malls maintain cooler temperatures. A leisurely stroll through the stores gets you out of a sweltering house and gives you time to find the best deals on items that you need.

An exfoliating scrub followed by a moisturizing application will brighten your face and keep your skin hydrated. Relax with sliced cucumbers over your eyes and shed the stress.

ADVERTISEMENT

Frisbee is fun and doesn’t cost too much. If you can find another leisurely game to play at the park, even better.

For some people, sunshine and hot weather mean it’s time to grow plants outside. Visit a garden centre and select some flowers and vegetables to start your little garden. Their beauty and growth will give you something to be happy about throughout the whole season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Get your heavy-duty jeans on and give your patio or balcony a makeover. Take advantage of price deals on patio furniture and create your outdoor haven. A comfy outdoor space will encourage you to unwind outside after work or on the weekends.

You can do this alone or organise a painting party. Watercolours are affordable and easy to use regardless of your artistic skills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nothing provides an atmosphere to bond like a hot day and ice cream treats. Invite your friends and colleagues over for ice cream. Prepare an ice cream bar with two to more flavours plus lots of toppings.

ADVERTISEMENT

Pick out an offer from a variety of outdoor events throughout the season and get out of the house.

Most concerts may start being outdoors more often during this time. Avoid enclosed spaces when looking to have a refreshing and fun time.

ADVERTISEMENT

The game is not very dignified, but then again so is sweating and complaining about the heat. Few people can resist the joys of bashing each other with water balloons. The best part is it doesn't hurt and will keep you cool for hours.

Spicy foods cause people to sweat, which has a cooling effect. Enlist one or more of your bold friends, buy a few different super-hot sauces, and some chips or chicken wings. Everyone will have a good time laughing at each other’s reactions to the hot sauces.

ADVERTISEMENT

Your barbecue saves you from heating up the kitchen alone when it’s hot outside. There are plenty of BBQ options from burgers and hot dogs, to big meat projects. You can enjoy these mouth-watering foods under the shade or on a cool evening.

Hot weather can wear you down after a while. That is if you don't accept the season for what it has to offer. The heavy showers are gone but it won't be long until they are back. Enjoy these sunny days as best as you can.

ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulse.ug

Recommended articles

Understanding delay rings, how they work & safety measures when using them

Understanding delay rings, how they work & safety measures when using them

Speaker, MPs protest as Government slashes Parliament’s budget by half

Speaker, MPs protest as Government slashes Parliament’s budget by half

International Women's Day 2024: Unilever Uganda celebrates women empowerment in partnership with KCCA

International Women's Day 2024: Unilever Uganda celebrates women empowerment in partnership with KCCA

Are you an African living in the diaspora? Create work-life balance you deserve

Are you an African living in the diaspora? Create work-life balance you deserve

4 relationship mistakes young men often make

4 relationship mistakes young men often make

How to make money online in Uganda

How to make money online in Uganda

Wizkid accused of chasing clout after dissociating himself from Afrobeats

Wizkid accused of chasing clout after dissociating himself from Afrobeats

5 things you need to do immediately after sex

5 things you need to do immediately after sex

Low blood sugar: Symptoms, causes and first aid tips

Low blood sugar: Symptoms, causes and first aid tips

ADVERTISEMENT