No, your phone’s weather app isn’t broken. That forecast for a solid week over 105 degrees is so for real — just in time for school to be out and kids to be bursting with energy. Unless you’re planning to take them to a water park or a plunge in your own pool, this is prime time for creative, active fun in the tender embrace of climate control.
Jumping rope: Yes, indoors. Just be sure your child has enough clearance so as not to break anything.
Hula hooping: Again, clearance is key.
Stair climbing: Walk or trot up and down a series of stairs multiple times. Skip a step for more intensity.
Ladder climbing: Spot your kids as they climb up and down a small step-stool or ladder armed with sticky notes, so they can battle it out for the highest post on the wall.
Yoga: The practice can help young people develop coordination and balance. Plus, little people love plunging head-first into a downward dog and folding up into a butterfly, especially in front of old people who’ve lost that pretzel feeling.
Dancing: Throw on that Steve Miller Band CD you somehow have three of, and encourage your kids to boogie. Up the stakes with a game of freeze-dance.
Balloon floating: Blow up multiple balloons, toss them into the air and challenge your children to not let them touch the ground.
Shadow boxing: A great way to get children’s hearts pumping. Join in and duke it out with your imaginary nemesis of choice.
Clever calisthenics: Challenge children to do as many sit-ups, push-ups or jumping jacks as possible. If your child scoffs and would rather watch television, challenge him or her to do the exercises only while commercials are on. Half-hour TV shows typically have at least three or four commercial breaks.
Indoor skating: Fashion “skates” from empty tissue boxes (simply place a child’s feet in the openings) and commence skating around the house. Then, commence laughing.
“Snowball” throwing: Crumple pieces of paper into balls, and let your kids go crazy throwing them. When it’s time to clean up, have them shoot the balls like the recycling bin’s a basket. It’s good practice for the inevitable workplace Olympics involving a mini Nerf hoop.
Pillow fighting: A classic. Just be careful older children don’t get too rough.
Family wrestling: Get down on the floor and become your kids' jungle gym.
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