Easy Ways to Stay Cool at Home This Summer

As the summer goes on, Philly’s just getting hotter. But what do you do if you don’t have air conditioning or a pool to help you beat the heat? Try these simple ideas to help you stay cool at home this summer.

Summer is heating up in Philadelphia. But how do you cope if you don’t have traditional ways to chill out, like air conditioning or a swimming pool? Luckily, there are plenty of easy, inexpensive ways to beat the heat. These ideas can help you stay cool on even the hottest summer days!

Make Homemade Ice Pops

It isn’t summer without ice pops! This favorite summertime snack or dessert can help you cool down on a hot day. Instead of buying ice pops at your local grocery store, why not make your own? Making ice pops is easy. Purchase a set of plastic pop molds (or use paper cups and wooden pop sticks) and fill them with your favorite fruits and juices. Try this easy recipe for blueberry and strawberry pops, or these icy fruit pops filled with pineapple, orange juice, and more. Need an even simpler idea? Just pour your favorite juice blend or coconut water in the pop molds or paper cups and freeze them!

Get Wet in the Backyard

During summer, sprinklers aren’t just for keeping your lawn lush and green. They’re for cooling down in the backyard! All you need to do is set up and turn on the sprinkler, get into your swimsuit, and run through it!

Enjoy Chilled Watermelon

Watermelon is a summer staple, and it’s best served cold. Watermelon is made up of about 92 percent water, so it’s a perfect treat to help you stay cool and hydrated during the summer. Whether you cut it into slices or easy-to-eat chunks, be sure to serve it straight from the fridge so it’s deliciously cold!

Make the Most of Shade

If you have any shady areas outside, take advantage of them! Check your backyard and patio for shaded areas. You may find shady spots under awnings or large trees. Bring out a blanket or some lawn chairs and relax in these cooler areas! If you’re relaxing alone, try making a reading nook where you can enjoy a good book or magazine. If you have friends or family joining you, bring a deck of cards to play a game like Go Fish.

Brew a Refreshing Beverage

Chill out with an icy cold drink. You could make your own lemonade and serve it over ice in a pitcher — try this simple lemonade recipe. You could brew your own iced tea, garnishing it with frozen raspberries or fresh mint sprigs from your garden. Iced coffee is always a delicious, sweet treat, and it’s easy to make your own at home. Or you could always go with the most hydrating option — ice water. For a festive and flavorful touch, try freezing fruits in ice cube trays — they make pretty, and tasty, ice cubes for your water!

Take a Cool-Down Trip

If the city or your home is too hot for your liking, visit a cooler location! Stay cool while shopping and walking through the air-conditioned corridors of the King of Prussia Mall. Drive to your local movie theater — catching one movie there guarantees you about an hour and a half to two hours of air-conditioned bliss. If you want to do something fun and active but don’t want to be out in the heat, visit the indoor Monster Mini Golf in nearby Feasterville.

What other ways do you enjoy staying cool during summertime? Leave your ideas in the comments section below!

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Nikki Hess

Nikki Hess, a Philadelphia native, graduated cum laude from Dickinson College in 2003, where she majored in English and minored in creative writing. Since then, she has worked in the radio, beauty, and newspaper industries, racking up a diverse set of skills, experience, and titles. In addition to writing her first thriller series and various freelance projects, Nikki is currently a Senior Marketing Communications Specialist for a leading health advocacy company in suburban Philadelphia.