The dog days of Summer are known for their heat, but you don’t have to sweat it. There are plenty of family-friendly activities you can enjoy with the kids to beat the heat this summer. Keep reading to see some simple, low-budget ideas to have a good time in spite of the heat.

Turn a garden hose into a sprinkler.

There’s no better way to cool down and have fun than to spend the afternoon running through the sprinklers. If you don’t have a sprinkler, make your own! Simply take a 2-liter bottle and use a pushpin to poke 8 holes along one side then widen them a little with a nail. Next, buy a ¾-inch female by ¾-inch female swivel hose adapter to connect the bottle to the hose. Then turn the water on and enjoy!

Frozen t-shirt race.

Cool off with a little friendly competition in this fun game! Soak a t-shirt for each family member in water then wring it out and fold it up. Stack the t-shirts, separating them with waxed paper, then freeze them until stiff. Then, take the t-shirts out and have a race to see who can get theirs on first!

Homemade frozen yogurt treats.

If you’re looking for a cool activity that will help you beat the heat and satisfy your sweet tooth, make some Homemade Frozen Yogurt treats! Spoon your favorite yogurt into a sandwich bag and snip off the corner. Pipe a little mound onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet then add a chunk of fresh fruit. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes, then enjoy!

Pay a visit to the local splash pad.

The local park is a great place to spend the summer, but playgrounds can get very hot in the sun. A quick Google search is all you need to find a local park that has a splash pad – a water fountain that runs constantly during park hours. Have your kids suit up then head to the park for a cool afternoon.

Check out the local library.

In the heat of summer, air conditioning can be your best friend, but you still don’t want your kids sitting in front of the TV all day. To cool off, make a trip to the local library and encourage your kids to spend the afternoon reading or taking part in a free activity.

Water balloon fights.

No childhood would be complete without a water balloon fight. Divide the family into two groups and fill up a bucket full of water balloons. Square off against each other or add an extra element of challenge by turning it into a game of capture the flag.

When it comes to beating the heat in the dog days of summer, all it takes is a little creativity! Taking something as simple as a garden hose and creating a game with it can keep your kids cool and occupied all afternoon long. See what you can come up with!