Swing Set Play: Tips to Beat the Heat

The sun is out, the popsicles are icy, and the floaties are inflated: yes, it’s summertime again! All that golden sunshine is a welcome friend, but how do you incorporate outside play on a swing set or playhouse during the hottest summer days? Just because it is toasty out doesn’t mean all outside play should stop!

As a dad of three kids who just experienced one of the hottest weeks of the summer, I will share some of the best tips for outdoor play during the summer months! Some of these tips will be gentle reminders of things all parents know but can forget; some will be fun ideas to try out, and others may not work for your swing set or family. Take what is helpful, and forget what is not.

Let’s get started!

Get in a Rythm of Morning/Evening Play

Let’s be realistic; when it’s 100 degrees outside, and the sun is beating down, I wouldn’t even want to go out and play on a swing set. So, rather than fighting that battle, get in a rhythm of getting out and playing on your vinyl swing set or playhouse during the cooler mornings and evenings. The Burris family found such a rhythm helpful for managing energy; you can check out what she had to say here: Burris Family Review.

Stay Well-Hydrated!

If your kids are anything like mine, they forget to drink until right after I tuck them in bed. Jokes aside, keeping cold drinks readily available during these hot months can help with outdoor play, as their little bodies get the liquid they need to feel good.

It’s even more fun to incorporate the playhouse or swing set with drinks: fresh lemonade served on the lemonade stand? Please and thank you! Maybe even toss in some fresh watermelon for extra fun! (Don’t worry, sticky prints from sticky hands are simple to clean off your vinyl swing set!)

Use Sunscreen

On those brilliantly sunny but not hot days, it can be easy to forget to protect them from UV. Yes, if your kids are like mine, they don’t like sunscreen’s application process, smell, or texture, but tough love is essential.

Are you not sure if they need sunscreen? It could be cloudy and not hot, which can be deceptive. Do you have to go through the drama of applying sunscreen? Nowadays, many apps track the intensity of the sun’s UV rays, even on cloudy days. A quick check can tell you if sunscreen is a must or if you are good to go.

Transform your Swing Set into a Water Park

Generally, adult supervision is recommended whenever you add water play to your swing set or modern playhouse.

Adding a pool at the bottom of a slide on your vinyl swing set and a hose at the top always brings laughter and smiles! We go in-depth on this subject in other blog posts and videos, but be sure to use a large, rectangular pool, as putting water on a slide speeds it up!

One thing we haven’t discussed in depth is how much fun sprinklers can be on the swing set or swing beam! Imagine how much fun swinging back and forth under a sprinkler would be on a hot day! Whether spraying from the top or raining down from the sky, a sprinkler brings a lot of fun to your swing set!

Similarly, having a water blaster fight around and on the swing set or playhouse is a lot of fun! My cousins, brother, and I spent hours battling over the playhouse in our backyard as a young boy. Water would fly, daring deeds performed, and an Uncle tossed over the railing onto a trampoline; good times! You can create those same memories with your kids by supplying them with a few water guns, maybe a hose (if you dare), and a brace of water balloons.

Rest after Play

Whether they just returned from an epic water gun fight on the playset or an extended play just as the day’s heat rolled in, planning a rest time right afterward can help get everyone back on their feet and in proper moods. It doesn’t have to be long, but reading or playing quietly in a room can help them recover from the heat and exertion of water play.

Conclusion

King Swings crafts made-to-order vinyl swing sets and modern playhouses that help your family get the most out of that cherished time of no school, sunny days, and time together.

And because all of our swing sets and playhouses are made to order, you can customize any of our standard designs. Add slides and climbers, and shrink or expand the tower size; all possible. And it is easy when you work with our sales team.

Start by browsing our website, measuring your space, and watching our YouTube videos. When you are ready, call us, and we will help you bring the playground home!