Beat the Heat

If you live on the east coast like me, you know that the weather outside is too hot for outside activities for extended periods of time.  With children inside, you're probably looking for fun, easy indoor activities that will education and entertain.  Here are some ideas:

1. Make ice cream and discuss how salt makes the cream freeze.  For an easy explanation and inexpensive recipe, go here: http://teachnet.com/lessonplans/science/plastic-bag-ice-cream-recipe/
2. Make healthy fruit smoothies or freeze them for cool snacks:  http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/healthy-snacks-for-kids-smoothies/detail.aspx
3. Dress the kids in bathing suits, give them some washable paints, and let them paint the bathtub.  When they're done, take a picture of them and their creactions, then give them a sponge and soapy water to clean off their artwork.  Caution: if you have tile with grout, don't try this.  The "washable" paint doesn't come off of the grout easily.  However, if you have a one-piece shower/tub combo, this is great.
4. Make homemade play dough.  This is a tried and true activity, but this website adds a few more ideas to homemade fun: http://www.mamacheaps.com/2010/08/rainy-day-indoor-homemade-summer-fun-for-kids.html

Enjoy your indoor days with the little ones.  They won't stay that way for long!

Happy Parenting!