Summer + Sport = FUN… but also HOT!
When the sun is shining bright and the air feels like a warm oven, staying active can be tricky. But don’t worry—hot days don’t mean lazy days. With the right moves and smart habits, you can still run, jump, play, and have a blast while staying cool and safe!
At the School Sport Foundation (SSF), we believe that every season has its own way to move—and summer is full of splashy, shady, and super-fun ways to stay active.
1. Find the Shade, Make the Game
Not all games need full sunshine! Big trees, walls, or tents offer the perfect shaded space for fun movement challenges.
Try this:
- Shadow Tag: Only your shadow can be tagged!
- Cool Balance Race: Use soft grass or blankets in the shade to test your balance with silly poses.
- Freeze Dance (Literally!): When the music stops, freeze and breathe deeply in the cool shade.
Why it works: Shaded play keeps your body cooler while you move—plus, it feels like a secret hideout!
2. Water = Your Secret Weapon
Nothing beats water games on a hot day. You don’t need a pool—just a hose, a sponge, or even a bucket of water can turn your yard into the ultimate splash zone.
Try this:
- Sponge Relay: Dip a sponge in water, run to a bucket, and squeeze it out. First team to fill the bucket wins!
- Water Balloon Toss: Soft tosses, then wider throws, then surprise splashes!
- Drip Drip Splash: Like duck-duck-goose, but wetter and way funnier!
Safety tip: Wear light clothes, use sunscreen, and always play with an adult nearby.
3. Slow It Down
Not every movement has to be super fast. On very hot days, it’s smart to take it easy with gentle stretching, yoga, or slow-motion challenges.
Try this:
- Sloth Race: Who can move the slowest across the yard without falling over?
- Nature Yoga: Stretch like a cat, bend like a tree, or reach like the sun.
- Cool-Down Moves: Roll your neck, swing your arms, stretch your toes—slow and smooth.
Why it works: These moves build strength and flexibility without overheating.
4. Smart Habits = Stronger Play
When it’s hot outside, your body needs a little extra care.
Stay cool with these habits:
- Drink water before, during, and after playing.
- Wear light-colored clothes and a hat.
- Take breaks in the shade every 15–20 minutes.
- Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, too hot, or tired—pause and cool down.
You vs. the Heat: Challenge Accepted!
Summer is for adventure, movement, and laughter—and you can have it all if you stay cool and clever. So grab a friend, some water, a big imagination, and take on the Cool Down Challenge.
Because being active isn’t just about going hard—it’s about playing smart.
🏁 At SSF, we believe kids should move all year long—and that includes the hot summer months.
Let’s make this the coolest, splashiest, happiest summer ever!
