Hot Days, Cool Ideas

Easy wins, happy kids, and zero glitter clean-up required.

🍿 1. Snacktivity of the Week: Build-Your-Own Trail Mix

Dump a variety pantry snacks in bowls and let your kids mix their own snack combos. Think pretzels, dried fruit, cereal, popcorn, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows - whatever’s on hand. This is a great way to clear out those half eaten bags of snacks hanging around in your pantry!

Tip: Pre-pack the trail mix into their Trailhead snack containers for an easy grab and go snack. Perfect for day camp, backyard hangouts or pool day!

 

☀️ 2. Do-Nothing Challenge

That’s right. Pick 15 minutes, leave the devices out of reach, and just… do nothing. Lay on a picnic blanket. Look at clouds. Share a snack. Daydream. Kids love a challenge and we think this one might just turn into a family favorite.

🎵 3. Summer Soundtrack Starter

Build a family playlist that sets the tone for sunny days and road trip singalongs. Everyone adds a few feel-good tracks—whether it’s something upbeat from the Sing 2 soundtrack, that viral dance hit your kid won’t stop playing, or a nostalgic throwback you loved at their age.

Update it throughout the summer as new favorites emerge. Bonus: it becomes a musical time capsule you’ll love revisiting in years to come.

Turn on your soundtrack to get your fam going during clean-up time or while packing lunches snacks for tomorrow.

💡 Bonus: Parent Hack

Create a Boredom Buster Cabinet

Keep the “I’m bored” complaints at bay with a dedicated summer activity cabinet. Think of it as a mini treasure chest that rotates with fresh, creative activities and low-mess fun.

How it works:

Clear out a cabinet, drawer, or cubby in your home and turn it into a summer-exclusive activity hub. Stock it with a mix of supplies, simple instructions, and surprise elements. Refill or rotate items every week or two to keep it feeling fresh and exciting.

Ideas to get you started:

Playdough & Tools

Include cookie cutters, rollers, and textured objects. Add a card that says: Make a creature you've never seen before.

Water Toy Basket

Fill with squirt toys, funnels, plastic cups, and a note: Take these outside and invent a game!

Sketchbooks + Drawing Materials

Pair with a challenge card: Find and draw 5 things in the backyard. Trade in your completed drawings for a prize.

DIY Craft Kits

Use small envelopes or boxes to portion out simple projects: beads and string, washi tape and cardstock, paper scraps for collaging.

Tiny Toy Rotation

Occasionally add a small, inexpensive toy or trinket as a surprise treat or reward for completing an activity.

Tip: Use sticky notes or small cards to add prompts, challenges, or rewards. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. A little structure can spark big engagement.

Need a refresh?

Check out a few of our summer faves—perfect for pool bags, park trips, or snack-lunch-repeat days.