I don’t know about you, but I don’t do outside during the summer (I mean, you guys know I rarely photograph sessions outside so this shouldn’t come as a surprise!)

When the thermometer is pushing 100+, no way do I want to be caught sweating outside. That’s why I’ve pulled together some of our favorite things to do during the summer to stay cool when the last thing you want to do is hang out in the heat.

Summer activities to do at home

Make homemade popsicles

If you’ve followed me on Instagram for a while, you know that I try to follow a Whole30 approach to our diet. So while my kids do get treats, I try my best to make sure they are filled with good-for-them ingredients.  My kids LOVE to make homemade popsicles. We try out lots of different recipes, but I’m linking our favorite one we’ve tried this summer – find it here. You can get the popsicle molds we use here.

Break the ice

We have been doing this since the kids were little – take a large Tupperware container, and have them fill it with their favorite, small waterproof toys (no electronics!) Stick it in the freezer over night. The next day, pull the container out of the freezer and pop out the now frozen block of ice. Give your kiddos tools (safety first! Spray bottles, spatulas, paint brushes with water are good options. You can use more serious tools with supervision!) And let them go to town trying to save their toys from the ice age! This activity keeps them super occupied for long periods of time – score!

Schedule family photos

Okay, I’m biased with this one, but photos outside in the Texas heat aren’t really my jam. Because of how busy our family schedule is during the fall, we have transitioned from getting family fall minis done to getting full family sessions done in the summer. And in the Texas summer, what better place to get your family photographed than in the comfort of your own home. The other benefit is that your photos are done early, so no waiting to get pictures back in time for the Black Friday sales to order holiday cards. Everything is done early, and you have one less thing to worry about!

Water balloons

My kids looooove the water balloons that you attach to the hose which fills up several at once. Hot tip – use the leftover adaptors that fill up the balloons and dip them in bubble solution for some bubble fun!

Summer activities around Fort Worth

Playstreet Museum

My kids always enjoy themselves when we go to PlayStreet Museum, even my 6 year old. My tip is to meet up with friends – your kiddos can play together and you can get some mom friend time together while the kids play safely in the enclosed play area of Play Street!

Movie Theater

When we try to watch a movie at home, my kids tend to get distracted. So to get out of the house, we go to the movie theater for the full experience! They each get to pick out one treat, and I get the popcorn (one of my favorite treats ever is movie theater popcorn! Why is it so good?!)

Bowling

This is a new activity for us and my kids are huge fans! We recently went bowling at Pinstripes in Clearfork and had a blast. You can assign lane bumpers to individual bowlers which is perfect for parents playing against kiddos. They also have a full menu that includes more than just bowling alley food.

Splashpad at the zoo

Okay, this is technically outside, but you could spending the morning exploring some of the shaded exhibits in the morning (we like the Texas area in the back of the zoo for this! Its always empty!) and then heading to the splashpad once it warms up. We pack a lunch and let the kids eat and then let them cool down in the splashpad area. It makes for a busy day and some tired kiddos ready for a nap in the afternoon.

What are some of your favorite summer activities to stay cool in this Fort Worth heat? Share your favorites that I may have missed in the comments below!