It happens every year: The kids wait impatiently through fall, winter, and spring, looking forward to just one thing all year: Summer vacation! When summer finally rolls around, the first two days are rosy, joyful, endless days of bliss. On day three, you seem to hear nothing but: "It's hot" and "I'm bored." What's the best way to combat both of those complaints at the same time? Find creative ways to beat the heat.

Make Juice Pops

Let's be honest here. Juice is full of sugar. It's also full of water, though, which is a fantastic thing on a hot day. Take it a step further and freeze the juice in a popsicle mold, and you have a double win: Cool off and rehydrate at the same time. Plus, they're fun to make. Just watch out for bees when you're eating juice pops outside.

Create a Cooling Mist

You can get a small, battery-powered misting fan for a few dollars at a discount store. Many of them even have soft foam blades to make them less of a hazard to little fingers. Fill the reservoir with cool water, and the gentle mist combined with the breeze from the fan will have everyone feeling refreshed in no time.

Soak in the (Kiddie) Pool

Young children should always be supervised around water. That said, people of all ages usually enjoy a splash in water during the heat of the day. The beauty of a kiddie pool is that it doesn't take long to fill, does not require professional installation, and it doesn't take up much room. Sure, you can't really swim in one, but splashing is a ton of fun anyway.

Fall Back on a Classic and Run Through the Sprinklers

Depending on how old your kids are, they may not go for this. If they're little, though, they may think it's the most fun they've ever had, especially if you use a fun sprinkler with an unpredictable spray pattern. If you don't have sprinklers installed, you can buy one that attaches to the end of the hose. Bonus: cool off the kids and water the plants at the same time.

Stock up on Sun Protection

Getting overheated isn't the only concern in the dog days of summer. Sunburn can be extremely damaging to human skin, and the younger the human, the potentially more extensive the damage. Protect your family's skin and eyes by applying sunscreen as often as necessary, providing hats and sunglasses, and seeking shade during the hours when the sun's rays are the strongest. An easy way to block harmful rays is to invest in UPF-rated clothing. You could also use a large patio umbrella to create shade if your property is short on trees.
No matter what this summer brings, with the above tips, you'll be prepared for even the hottest days. Before you know it, it will be time for back-to-school shopping. These long, hot days will be nearly forgotten in a flurry of sweaters and scarves.