When we think of summer, we think of lots of outdoor fun. There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors during the summer break: pool parties, nature walks, hikes, and alfresco dining are all awesome summer activities for the family to enjoy. However outdoor fun is not always feasible in Beijing.

When the sun is high, sometimes it’s just way too hot to venture out with the kids. I have found that waiting until the weather cools during the late afternoon to head out for some air or go for a walk is best. There’s also the matter of smog. Families are sometimes either contending with poor air quality or stifling temperatures in Beijing, so what to do with the kids when staying indoors is the only option?

There are plenty of exciting indoor activities that involve more than just positioning yourself comfortably in front of the TV. Prepare for some indoor fun with the following activities and yield some incredible keepsakes and memories of time with your little ones.

Fun Indoors

Set up a tent and snuggle with night lights

You may not have room for an open tent indoors, however crafting your own tent out of blankets, sheets, and comforters is way more fun anyway! I used to love rummaging through the airing cupboard when I was small, tugging away at sheets that were old enough to be given the seal of approval by mom to be used as a play item. Make a fort and play with dolls, cars, or whatever your kid’s favorite toys are. Alternatively turn the lights off, get the night light out or a torch, and snuggle up with some good short stories.

Make frozen ice-pops together

This is perfect for those stifling hot days most of us will never become accustomed to here in Beijing! Who doesn’t like a cool, refreshing frozen ice-pop? You can make a sweet but healthy ice-pop using your favorite fruit and yogurt, it’s as simple as that – for a frozen strawberry pop, mash strawberries, add Greek or another plain yogurt, and scoop into ice-pop molds or cups with sticks. Freeze until sold, and enjoy. Watermelon or coconut water on its own works well, too!

Write and illustrate a book together

You don’t just have to read books to your little ones. Get creative and get the kids’ imagination flowing! Why not try writing a short story with your kids? You can start by crafting the first sentence and then have your child continue with the next. Keep going until you have a full story. Once complete get the colored pencils out and start illustrating your book. Gather the family and have an author’s reading session in your living room!

Have a treasure hunt

I can’t wait to do this with Lux. Gather up some toys or treats, such as lollipops, mini bags of popcorn, or your child’s favorite fruit, and hide them from your kid to find. Play music in the background and when the time is up, turn the music off to indicate that the treasure hunt is over and give hints to help your kid find any undiscovered items. Place new treats in new places, and repeat!

Have a movie party

If you do like the idea of getting comfortably settled on the sofa, make it more exciting by having a movie theater day. Pop popcorn, close the curtains, get the pillows out, and be creative by preparing a pick and mix the kids can select from and purchase using chocolate coins! To make it even more exciting, prepare a movie trivia session as a post-viewing activity to liven things up again.

Photos: Pixabay