It’s heading over 30°C again in the UK this week. I love the natural world but don’t appreciate this bit of it, particularly when there’s kids to manage. Here’s what I’ve learnt over the years. Hope it’s helpful.

Shade and wind are very helpful…

I’m not knocking a fabulous air conditioning system but I don’t have one. I’ve learnt not to underestimate how helpful a bit of a breeze and shade are. It’s not worth walking miles in the sun to get to them but if you can find both together you should find some comfort.

Check out these activities to do when you’ve found it:

• Make a daisy chain
• Get a magnifying glass and see what you can find
• Pick a bit of grass and see if you can grass whistle
• Pick a reed and make something from it
• Find a leaf and write a leaf message (then use a reed or grass to tie it up in a parcel)
• Make a shadow
• See how many different insects you can spot
• Tell a cloud story (if there are any)

Change the routine…

Straight after school is our usual first choice for an outing. Not this week. We’re pushing bedtime back and going out when it’s cooler. B’s energy levels tend to peak about 8pm. There should be some long shadows by then to enjoy too.

It’s not like she’ll get to sleep easily anyway with the heat. Better to be tired when you try?

Getting out is not always the answer…

We don’t live far from the sea but, to be honest, I think the pain of getting there and back in the heat is not worth the time you’re there for. We’re not good with strong sun. We tend to stay home and focus on keeping as cool as possible.

But water is always brilliant…

It’s the only thing that really consistently works for me. We’ve gone through everything from splashing each other with the kitchen tap to paddling pools. Here’s our list of favourites:

• Inflatables and paddling pools. I know, I know, it’s not nature play but frankly, when it’s 30°C I don’t care.
• Water pistols: If there was ever a justification it’s now
• Water balloons: Nightmare to fill up and over quickly but hey, still wet.
• Spray bottles: Possibly the best option of all. Efficient, fun and doesn’t take hours to set it up.
• Playing with the garden hose: you could water the garden at the same time. It will thank you.
• Making a garden spa: A lot of effort this but the tween girls will appreciate the creative options of it.

Embrace ice

I have a real bug bear about making your own lollies. They’re so sticky and they fill up the freezer. Making ice is different though. No stickiness and it will help everyone stay cool.

How will you make it is the question? Those ice cube trays in different shapes are great but kitchens provide lots of other resources. You can freeze water in a tub, in play kitchen cups and saucers, or extend your hunt to the rest of the toys. See who can find the best thing to use, then work out what to do with it when it’s done?

Play counters for outside snakes and ladders? Or have a go at skimming them over hard ground. Can you hit each others ones? Before they melt?

Hope this helps you find the cool. Check out our NEWSLETTER below for weekly seasonal nature play ideas…