21 Fun Things To Do On A Hot Day (Inside & Outside)
This is the ultimate list of fun things to do on a hot day (inside and outside).
Looking for fun things to do in the summer at home, outdoors, with friends, with kids, or even alone? Whether you’re trying to beat boredom with the kids, spend quality time with friends, or enjoy some solo fun, this list has you covered!
Summer is the perfect time to make fun memories. I love that we get more sunlight and the days feel longer. It truly is the ideal time to do all the fun things.
Short on time? Here’s what to do on a hot day
If you’re in a hurry, start with these top picks, then keep scrolling for even more ideas.
Best Things To Do on a Hot Day With Kids
- Make homemade popsicles
- Have a water fight
- Play board games
Best Things To Do on a Hot Day With Friends
- Visit a farmer’s market
- Have a BBQ
- Go out for ice cream
Best Things To Do on a Hot Day Alone
- Practice self-care
- Have a movie day
- Take a nature walk
Now, let’s get into the full list of fun things to do on a hot day to inspire you to make the most out of summer and make fun memories with the people you love most.
This post is all about fun things to do on a hot day.
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Things To Do On A Hot Day Inside:
Here are some fun things to do in the summer at home. You can do these things with your kids, family, friends, or by yourself to make a hot day at home more enjoyable.
1. Make popsicles
I bought these popsicle molds last summer, and they are super affordable and easy to use. We bought our favorite raspberry lemonade (we like the Simply Lemonade brand) and poured it into these molds to make a delicious summer treat.
I poured the lemonade into a measuring cup and let my kids take turns pouring the lemonade into the molds. It made a fun and simple activity to do with my kids over the summer. My kids loved the popsicles, and they are excited to make them again this summer.
2. Have a picnic in your living room
If it’s too hot to eat outside, set up a picnic in your living room. This is a fun way to change up your scenery and have an indoor lunch date.
All you need is a blanket or throw to sit on and your favorite food. You could make sandwiches or put together a cute charcuterie board with your favorite meat, cheese, crackers, and fruit.
3. Play board games
Who doesn’t love board games? Board games are a great way to keep yourself entertained on a hot day indoors. They also force you to unplug and take a break from screens.
These are some of my favorite board games to play:
Monopoly
Clue
Jenga
Here are some fun board games to play with younger kids:
Candy Land
Guess Who
Monopoly Jr.
4. Make homemade lemonade
We always made lemonade at home when I was a kid, and it was so much fun. Lemonade makes a refreshing drink that is perfect to drink on a hot day at home.
This would be a fun summer activity to do with your kids over summer break.
5. Have a movie day
I pretty much plan a movie day at least once a week over the summer. Movie days are a fun and simple way to spend quality time with your favorite people.
I usually have a movie day with my kids, but you could do this with friends or your partner, too. All you need is some comfy throws and yummy snacks.
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6. Practice self-care
I love that self-care is becoming so popular. We all need and deserve self-care time.
Click here to see my favorite self-care products
When I get time alone, I like to put on a moisturizing face/hair mask and watch one of my favorite shows.
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7. Make your own milkshakes
Have you ever made a milkshake at home? If not, you have to try it this summer! It is literally so simple to do. All you need is your favorite ice cream, milk, and a blender.
I usually blend 3 big scoops of vanilla bean ice cream and a half cup of milk, and it makes a delicious vanilla milkshake. You could definitely try different ice cream flavors, and add more or less milk to make the milkshake to your liking.
8. Have a Summer craft day
Stay cool indoors and do some fun Summer crafts! Paint seashells, make bracelets, or color a summer-themed page. Crafts are fun for every age.
9. Start a Summer scrapbook
Keep track of all your best Summer memories by documenting them in a scrapbook. Print out your favorite photos from swim days, outdoor fun, and ice cream dates, and add them to a scrapbook along with little notes.
10. Create a Summer salad
One of the best parts about Summer is that there are so many yummy fruits and vegetables in season. Pick up your favorite produce from a local farmer’s market or grocery store, and create a new salad recipe.
This is perfect for a hot day at home because you won’t have to turn on the oven, and you’ll have a tasty meal. Pair it with iced tea or lemonade for the perfect Summer lunch.
Now let’s get into some fun things to do outside on a Summer day…
Things To Do On A Hot Day Outside:
Here is a list of super fun outdoor activities to do during the summer with your kids, family, and friends. These activities will make your summer unforgettable.
1. Backyard games
You can have tons of fun in your own backyard with these games and activities.
Set up a splash pad in your backyard
Twister plus water
Sandbox for the kids
(My kids have this, and they play in it for hours)
2. Have a water fight
What is summer without a water fight?! This is a super fun and easy way to stay cool on a hot day.
How cool are these reusable water balloons? You could use these all summer!
3. Go on a nature walk
Go on a walk and notice all the beautiful nature around you. I started going on a nature walk with my sister and kids once a week, and it is a fun and simple way to unplug from your phone and enjoy being in nature.
The best part about nature walks is that they are totally free, and you can do them anywhere. You can walk to a local park or around your neighborhood since nature is everywhere.
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4. Ride your bike/scooter
My kids both got scooters this year, and they have so much fun riding them around. Taking your scooter or bike for a ride is just a classic way to enjoy being outside in the summer.
5. Get ice cream
Ice cream dates are a favorite in my home. A hot sunny day is a perfect time to visit your favorite ice cream shop.
6. Go to a farmer’s market
Head to a farmer’s market near you, and pick up your favorite food items. This makes the perfect day date to do with friends.
7. BBQ
BBQ always tastes better on a sunny day, and it’s the perfect excuse to invite friends over!
8. Visit the beach
I couldn’t leave the beach out of this list because it’s a classic, fun thing to do during the summer. We visited a beach for the first time with my kids last year, and they had so much fun. Now, it’s a must on our summer bucket list.
9. Have a pool day
Nothing says summer like a pool day! Swimming is the perfect way to spend a hot day outdoors with friends and stay cool.
Pack some snacks, bring out the floaties, and enjoy a relaxing day in the water.
10. Visit a flower garden
Find a local flower garden and take a stroll. Summer is the perfect time to appreciate all the flowers and spend time in nature.
11. Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt
Make going on a walk more fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt. Make a list of things to find, like a butterfly, a bluebird, a yellow flower, or a ladybug, and see what you can spot.
This is a simple and fun Summer activity to do with kids that requires very little prep.
Not every summer day looks the same. Sometimes you’re entertaining kids, spending time with friends, or enjoying a little solo time. Here are some of the best activities from this list based on who you’re spending the day with.
The Best Things To Do on a Hot Day Based on Who You’re Spending It With
Whether you’re planning a fun day with your kids, catching up with friends, or enjoying some much-needed alone time, the best summer activities look a little different for everyone. Here are my favorite picks from the list above based on who you’re spending the day with.
Things To Do on a Hot Day With Kids
Summer days with kids don’t have to be complicated to be memorable. The activities kids love most are usually the simple ones.
- Make homemade popsicles
- Do a summer craft
- Have a water fight
- Ride bikes or scooters
- Visit the beach
Things To Do on a Hot Day With Friends
If you’re looking for a fun way to enjoy the sunshine with your favorite people, these activities are perfect for making summer memories together.
- Go to a farmer’s market
- Have a BBQ
- Get ice cream
- Go swimming
- Play backyard games
Things To Do on a Hot Day Alone
Sometimes the best summer days are the ones where you slow down and enjoy your own company. These activities are relaxing, refreshing, and easy to do solo.
- Practice self-care
- Have a movie day
- Make homemade lemonade
- Take a nature walk
- Enjoy an indoor picnic with your favorite book
The best summer memories often come from the simplest activities, whether you’re staying cool indoors or enjoying the sunshine outside.
I hope this list of things to do during the summer inspires you to make the most out of your summer break! This post was all about fun things to do on a hot day.
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