Summertime in the Lower Mainland is truly magical! It’s the ideal time for families to enjoy the great outdoors, beautiful beaches and stunning scenery our area offers. However, the rising temperatures can pose a risk of overheating, sunburn and grumpy sweaty kids—and adults! Here are eight strategies to help your family keep cool during the summer months.
1. Stay Hydrated & Dress Appropriately
Staying hydrated is crucial during the hot summer months. Everyone should carry water bottles to drink from regularly. You may want to consider bringing electrolyte powder or beverages to replenish from activities such as hiking.
Wearing light, breathable clothing, hats and sunglasses can help to protect against heat and keep everyone safe from the sun’s harmful rays. Additionally, taking umbrellas to create portable shade can offer protection from direct sunlight when shade isn’t available.
2. Be Sun Safe
In addition to these precautions, being sun safe involves wearing sunscreen. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapplying it every two hours, and after swimming or sweating, is essential. Wearing sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays helps protect the eyes and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10am to 4pm) can reduce the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
3. Seek Out Water Activities
Vancouver and the surrounding area is an ideal location for a variety of water-based activities. Families can visit local beaches (both oceans and lakes), water parks, splash pads and the area’s many outdoor pools. Setting up a backyard pool, slip and slide, sprinkler or water balloon fight is fun and entertaining—and you can invite others in the neighbourhood to cool down with you.
4. Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely
Temperatures are typically cooler in the early morning, before 10am, and in the evening, after 6pm. Planning outdoor activities like walks, bike rides or park play during these times can help you avoid the peak heat of the day.
5. Look for Shady Areas
The nearby mountains provide cooler temperatures and a break from the city heat so you can exercise without worrying. Many of the parks across the Lower Mainland offer forest areas and other shady spots for you to explore or take breaks in.
6. Embrace Community Events
Many communities in the Lower Mainland host summer events that include cooling options like misting stations or are located near lakes or in shaded areas. Events like outdoor movie nights, festivals and community picnics often take place in the cooler evening hours. Check your local community calendars to find fun activities for your family.
7. Visit Indoor Spaces
On extremely hot days or days you just don’t feel like being outside, it’s great to seek out air-conditioned spaces to be entertained and stay comfortable. Libraries, recreation centres and community centres are free and are great places for the whole family to visit. Consider getting season passes to educational, air-conditioned places like Vancouver Art Gallery, Science World or another fun spot in your area.
8. Create a Cool Home
Although it’s fun to get outside and explore, sometimes you just need a break and want to stay at home. Fans and AC units create cool spaces in your home, and keeping the blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day is key to keeping your space cool. Open the windows in the evening and early morning to get some fresh air flow.
Movie marathons, crafts, drawing or making no-cook treats are just a few ideas for great activities to do inside on hot days.
