Beat the heat

CEBU, Philippines - The skies are becoming lighter blue, the ambient temperatures are rising, everyone is craving for a refreshing cold drink. It's almost summer!

Many among us are already dreaming of summer vacation, for sure. The sleepy rural districts are soon to bustle with the students coming home. The sea beckons to frolickers to get ready to start grabbing those snorkels and beach balls, or that favorite swimwear that exposes the tan lines they've always wanted to show off!

The family is finally free to embark on that long awaited trip somewhere. The kids have no more school and parents may skip a few days at work for a necessary bonding time.  Everybody is just ready to have some fun.

But let's be realistic. Not all of us will really get to go. Some do not have the funds needed for a vacation. Others find it impossible to set aside their work commitments.

Well, those who must stay put need not worry. There are ways for the family to still enjoy summer at home. Here are simple ideas for summer activities that the family can engage in without having to buy a trip ticket and without straining the family budget:

"Bring out the Colors"

Spread out old newspapers in the verandah. Let the kids bring out their watercolors and paint a picture of what summer means to them. Parents may join in too. Participants may use paintbrushes - or their own fingers! This activity is sure to make everyone enjoy. Not only that, some may even end up bragging their works to their friends. Don't complain, though, for there's sure going to be mess!

"Picture! Picture!"

A bright day is a good time for taking a picture of the whole family together. Then it can be framed and displayed in the living room. A family friend may be asked to take as many pictures of parents and kids just kidding around, enjoying and sharing a pitcher of lemonade, cleaning up the garden etc. Such photographs will be priceless for family members in later times.

"Attack the Cupboards"

Parents get into their kitchen attire, call the kids in and, together, they explore the fridge and cupboards for food ingredients. Then each family member thinks up an exciting afternoon snack that can be made with what they have. They vote on a particular snack to do on a particular day. Preparing a simple sandwich or penne pasta dish or waffles can be a great bonding activity. And just imagine for how many days this activity can go.

"Balloon Flight"

Everybody must get ready to get wet, really wet! Water balloon fights among the kids will be fun to hold on a hot summer afternoon. As long as it's not done in the living room. The backyard is a perfect venue!

"Backyard Dive-In"

The family can go swimming without having to go far - right in their own backyard with an inflatable swimming pool! It's hassle- free, safe, convenient and - best of all - doesn't have to cost anything.

"Pot it Away"

This is one "green" activity that's okay even for kids. In fact, it's good for them, for developing their environmental consciousness early on. We're talking gardening here. Gardening can be a lot of fun for the kids. It also encourages self-responsibility in the little ones to let them grow their favorite plant in a pot. It's for them to water their plant daily, until it grows.

There you go. There should be one of those, at least, that you may want to try. Or why not try two - or all?