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Things to Keep You Cool & Have Fun Outside on Hot Days

Send kids outdoors in the summer heat with something cool to play in or to play on under your supervision. Summer months call for hot, humid temperatures; however, instead of keeping your kids inside, opt for outdoor playtime with water. Prior to sending them out the door, take a moment to apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn or other potentially dangerous situations from too much sun exposure.

Pool
- Relax in the pool with a float.
  
  Pools are hot commodity during the warmer months. For an inexpensive alternative to an above ground or in-ground pool, purchase a kiddie pool from a local toy store. Kiddie pools come in a variety of different sizes -- small enough for one child or large enough for a family of five -- so base your decision on where you will put the pool outside and your budget. Smaller, blow-up pools can provide shade, a built-in sprinkler system and slides for kids; whereas, larger kiddie pools will come standard with no bells and whistle. Purchase pool toys such as a basket ball hoop, volleyball net and soaker balls for the kids to play with while swimming.
Slip 'n Slide
- The water hose makes the slide slick.
  
  Skip the pool and purchase a Slip 'n Slide for your kids. A Slip 'n Slide is a long piece of plastic rolled out, with water consistently running on it for kids to slide down. Make your own using materials around your house and a water hose, or purchase one from a kid's retailer. Slip 'n Slides come in different themes such as sharks and princesses, and they come with additional features such as inflatable ramps and water pools at the end of the slide. The slide comes with stakes to insert into the top of the slide so it does not move during play, and an internal hose that connects to your home water hose so water is sprayed onto the slide at all times.
Sprinklers
- A sprinkler has uses besides watering the grass.
  
  Sprinklers cannot only water your grass, but provide hours of entertainment for children as well. The watering system has evolved since becoming a hit with the little ones, and you can now purchase one with kids in mind. Purchase a sprinkler with movable arms to point the water in the direction you want it to go, or purchase one that spins around and tries to soak children if they stop in its path. Other sprinkler options include large inflatable balls that hook up to your water hose and long, caterpillar-like sprinklers that stretch across a large piece of grass.
Water Guns
- Soak friends with water guns.
  
  Water guns are an instant hit with children of all ages. The toys are filled with water, capped off and ready for action simply by pulling the trigger or using a pumping action to eject water from the tip of the gun. Water guns are available at toy stores and range from simple to use for younger children to over-the-top large guns that older children will delight in using. The guns can be used alone or in the pool for a fun time for all.

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