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.
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.
35+ fun and refreshing things to do this hot season
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.
Any excuse to get wet!
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1. Wash your car
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.
2. Play water games in the compound
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.
3. Go kayaking or canoeing
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.
4. Go to the beach
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.
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5. Go tubing on a river
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.
Adventures to go on during the hot season
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6. Travel to the mountains
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.
7. Visit a roadside attraction
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
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Air conditioning options on a hot day
8. Drive with the AC blasting
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.
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9. Build a makeshift air conditioner
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.
10. Go people-watching at a busy air-conditioned location
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.
Refreshments to try on a hot day
11. Make margaritas
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.
12. Make milkshakes
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.
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13. Take popsicles to an elderly relative or neighbour
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.
14. Make lemonade from scratch
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.
Outdoor activities to do on a hot day
15. Take a siesta
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.
16. Chill in a hammock
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.
17. Have a picnic at a park
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.
Evening entertainment activities to do on a hot day
18. Gaze at the stars
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.
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19. Watch movies outside after dark
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.
20. Go to a movie 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.
21. Check out library books and DVDs
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.
Projects to do on a hot day
22. Organize pictures and order prints
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.
23. Work on a craft project
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.
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24. Make tie-dye T-shirts
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.
25. Repurpose old clothes for hot weather
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.
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Self-care/personal fun and refreshing activities to do on a hot day
26. Go shopping
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.
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27. Give yourself a home spa treatment
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.
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28. Play frisbee
Frisbee is fun and doesn’t cost too much. If you can find another leisurely game to play at the park, even better.
29. Plant a container garden
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.
30. Furnish your patio or balcony
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.
31. Paint with watercolours
You can do this alone or organise a painting party. Watercolours are affordable and easy to use regardless of your artistic skills.
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Social fun and refreshing recreational activities
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32. Host an ice cream social
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.
33. Attend a summer festival
Pick out an offer from a variety of outdoor events throughout the season and get out of the house.
34. Attend an outdoor concert
Most concerts may start being outdoors more often during this time. Avoid enclosed spaces when looking to have a refreshing and fun time.
35. Have a water balloon fight
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.
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36. Throw a hot sauce party
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.
37. Invite friends over for BBQ
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.
Takeaway on 35+ fun and refreshing things to do this hot season
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.