How much I love summer, I can’t say I love the record heatwaves in Texas this year. If you’re not near a lake, beach, or pool (even a kid’s pool suffices!), figuring out what to do on a hot day can be a huge struggle. Since I don’t perform well in these heat and humidity levels, I even find myself typing “brain slows because of heat” into Google. Hopeless. I was a little relieved to know it was a real thing.
If you’re like me, you may feel stuck between wanting to make the most of these fleeting summer days and not being able to step outside without getting drenched in sweat. So until I get out of the heat with my move to California at the end of the month, I’m doing my best to spruce up my triple-digit heat and plenty of time indoors.
But just because it’s too hot to go outside doesn’t mean I’ll waste my summer. I’ve put together a list of creative, delicious, relaxing, and productive things to do on a hot day that I can do every time I feel bored start doing my best. From making your own popsicles to giving yourself a facial massage, use this list as your pick for memory-reducing, boredom-reducing ideas that will keep you busy during Labor Day — and more .
Featured image of Hannah Haston.
Creative things to do on a hot day
first. Build the ultimate summer playlist. Combine all the songs that make you happy, old and new, into one perfect playlist. That way, you’ll have something ready for swimming days, beach walks, al fresco dinners, and one-on-one dance parties. Or, get inspired by ours.
2. Discover your enneagram type. Find out how your personality can teach you more about yourself, others, and how you interact. But remember, you’re not just your type!
3. Design your own flower arrangements. Since it’s too hot to go outside, bring nature indoors with an affordable bouquet from Trader Joe’s. Listen to some music (see tip #1) and design an arrangement for each room in the house.
4. Give your home a new look for free. If the heat continues to keep you indoors, you can also make sure you feel at home. Check out these seven styling tips to create a whole new look without spending a dime.
5. Write a letter. One of the things I miss most about summer camp is putting pen to paper and updating friends and family on my many adventures. Take out your stationery and say hello to your friends, loved ones, children/nieces/nephews at camp, or just leave a message on your SO pillow.
6. Break the board game. Take part in some friendly competition with a good classic game night. Check out our list of approved board games to kill boredom here.
Fun things to do on a hot day
7. Make your own ice cream. If you’ve never made homemade ice cream before, you’re missing out. I scream, you scream, we all scream for the healthier homemade ice cream recipes you yes to try this summer.
8. Use up your summer fruit in one cup. While chocolate is welcome every other month of the year, I assume all summer desserts require fruit. Try one (or all) of these cobbler, crunchy, or crumble recipes and let us know which one you love. If you’re feeling ambitious, start your culinary creation with a scoop of homemade ice cream.
9. Make a delicious snack for dinner. For when it’s too hot to even go to the grocery store, turn to Camille’s tried and true “dinner snack” recipe. It’s festive, delicious, fully customizable and requires little or no cooking. AKA, perfect for lazy summer evenings.
ten. Host a homemade pizza party. Who else’s family is struggling to come up with a dinner idea that will please everyone’s taste buds? Growing up, we all liked different things, so homemade pizza night was truly a crowd pleaser. Plus, it’s just FUN. Get creative with your topping combos or try Camille’s current favorites.
11. Build a dinner menu using only summer ingredients. One of the best parts of summer is definitely the produce. Check out what’s in season and try our favorite summer recipes here.
twelfth. Make your own popsicles. There’s nothing like ice cream to beat the heat. Get creative by making your own popsicles in these popsicle molds, or try our Mango Lassi Popsicle recipe if you need inspiration. Toss an adults-only party? Try one of these popsicle ice cream recipes instead.
13. Have an indoor picnic. Pull out your favorite picnic blanket, light a few candles, and create a dreamlike indoor picnic right in your living room. This is the perfect setting to enjoy one of these picnic-perfect recipes. Skip the heat and bugs, keep the fun and the food.
Things to do on a hot day
14. There was a 90s movie marathon. Because we all need to see Parent Trap at least once every summer. Build your movie bucket list with our ’90s must-see list.
15. Treat yourself to a well-deserved spa facial at home. Protect your skin from sunburn and sweat with a 5-step facial from Camille’s esthetician. Both your skin and your mind will thank you.
16. Create a meditation space at home and start your meditation. One of my summer goals was to finally master mediation, starting with creating a meditation spot in my home. This meditation helped take me from the hot, humid summer days of Texas to cool and comforting California vibes. Well, at least in my head.
17. Take a nap. Sometimes, the best way to beat the heat is to sleep through the night. We tend to forget that while summer is all about fun, it’s also about rest! Make the most of your beauty sleep with these products.
18. Learn the art of facial massage. Did you know that regular facial massage can have anti-aging benefits, reduce stress and make your skin glow from within? Find out exactly how to do it here and try it for yourself.
19. Pick up the book you’re looking to read. Curl up on the couch in your favorite cool relaxing book series and indulge in a good book. Need a rec book? Check out our editors’ favorite fantasy novels for the perfect summer getaway.
Effective things to do on a hot day
20. Clean up your wardrobe. Make the most of your time inside and get organized. Summer is the perfect season to get rid of clothes you don’t want or need and move your winter wardrobe into storage. Because we could all use more space for our nightgowns and swimwear.
21. Let’s start with a cardio dance workout video. In Texas, it’s so hot that it’s dangerous to work outdoors, so I turn to my favorite workout videos to stay active. My personal favorite? A fun and chaotic cardio dance class. Learn more about cardio jumping and get started here.
22. Start an indoor herb garden. Nothing goes better with a summer dinner than fresh herbs, and why buy them when you can grow them? If you don’t have outdoor space or if it’s too hot to garden, check out the best indoor herb garden systems here.
23. Make a vision board. Tony Robbins famously said that “energy flows as attention passes”. I, for one thing, love the opportunity to get serious about visualizing my goals. Harness your creative side and learn how to create a vision board here.
24. Connect with your mind and body through yoga. Current research shows that consistent yoga practice supports long-term positive changes in brain health. Gain both the physical and mental benefits of yoga by trying these 10 stress-relieving yoga poses in your home. If you want more, check out these five face yoga poses to bring out glowing skin from within.
25. Start over and dive into a new podcast. Whether you’re looking for podcasts that will uplift you, motivate you, help you in your career, or guide you through the parenting process, we can help. Use the time inside to learn something new about yourself, your life, and the world around you.
What to do on a hot sunny day? Let us know in the comments below.
