Things to Do When It's Hot Outside: 40 Cool Ways to Beat the Heat as an Adult
When the sun's blazing and the heat is unbearable, these fun, creative things to do when it's hot outside will help you stay cool, sane, and entertained.
Summer might be the favorite time of year for many, but to be honest? I dread it. The scorching sun, the relentless sweat, sticky skin, clothes that cling to every inch of your body—ugh. The heat drains me. I feel exhausted just walking to the kitchen. Humidity wraps around me like a wet blanket and I melt into the couch, clinging to the AC for dear life. I don’t thrive in summer; I barely function.
But the show must go on. I can’t spend the entire summer sprawled across my couch—or can I? As tempting as it sounds, I try to make the most of this fiery season. Instead of spiraling into a heat-induced slump, I keep myself busy with small joys and new distractions. I'm always looking for what to do when bored on a hot day; something that lifts the mood without overheating me.
20 Fun Stuff to Do Inside on a Hot Day
If you’re like me—someone who loves doing things but not when the weather feels like an oven—then welcome. You’re in the right place. I’ve learned to curate activities that help me survive the summer, and most of them involve staying indoors with the blinds drawn and a cold drink in hand.
Whether you're looking to stay mentally active, keep cool, or just escape the heat for a while, here’s a list of fun stuff to do on a hot day that doesn’t involve getting sunburnt or melting on the sidewalk. Bonus: most of them are blissfully air-conditioned. So if you're wondering what to do inside on a hot day, this is the list for you.
1. Have a DIY spa day
Make a face mask, soak your feet, exfoliate your skin, and give yourself a mini massage. Add cooling eye patches, use a chilled jade roller, and light a candle with eucalyptus or lavender. It’s a full-body reset without ever leaving your bathroom.
2. Binge-watch a documentary series
Learn something new while the AC hums in the background. You’ll stay entertained and educated without ever breaking a sweat.
3. Try a new mocktail recipe
Shake, stir, and sip your way through homemade drinks. Use fruit, herbs, and lots of ice. Try fun combinations like watermelon-basil, cucumber-mint, or ginger-peach. Serve in your favorite glass and garnish it—because you deserve fancy, even at home.
4. Build a puzzle
A cool brain challenge you can do right on your kitchen table. Choose themes like ocean cliffs or cozy cottages.
5. Do indoor yoga or stretching
Low-impact movement helps with circulation and doesn't make you sweat buckets. Find a flow online and move gently. Choose restorative yoga, floor-based stretches, or even seated mobility work to stay active while keeping your core temperature down.
6. Rearrange a room
Rearranging furniture or refreshing your decor can shift the energy of a space. Just don’t lift anything too heavy in this heat—keep it light and playful, not sweaty and stressful.
7. Host a solo dance party
Blast some throwback tunes and dance like no one’s watching (because they aren’t). Whether it's 90s pop, disco classics, or your secret guilty-pleasure playlist, let loose and move freely. It’s liberating, energizing, and totally sweat-friendly indoors.
8. Bake something—but do it early
Try baking at sunrise when it’s still cool(ish). Cookies taste better when they’re made in silence and slippers. Choose easy recipes like banana bread or muffins, and let the scent fill your space before the heat kicks in. Bonus: leftovers for later!
9. Watch a childhood favorite movie
Feel-good nostalgia is the ultimate way to cool down emotionally and mentally. Rewatching old favorites brings back comfort, familiarity, and a sense of calm.
10. Have an indoor picnic
Lay a blanket on the floor, prep some cheese, crackers, fruit, and enjoy lunch in the living room. Add a few candles or fairy lights, pour a sparkling drink, and queue up a mellow playlist to create a soft, indoor escape from the blazing heat.
11. Write a short story
Turn that hot-day slump into creativity. Start with a prompt or a memory and just write. Let the words flow without judgment—it can be cathartic, surprising, and deeply satisfying. Even a single paragraph can shift your mood and spark inspiration.
12. Try watercolor painting
No need for skill—just play with the water and pigment. It's soothing and cooling at once. Let the brush move freely, blending colors and shapes without rules.
13. Play online card games
Solitaire with a storyline is my favorite. It keeps me entertained, focused, and cool. The game evolves with each level, giving me a small sense of progress without pressure. It’s like a storybook and a strategy puzzle rolled into one.
14. Listen to a podcast in the dark
Shut the blinds, lie back, and let someone tell you a story. Bonus if it’s about cold climates. True crime, soothing interviews, or dreamy soundscapes can also work wonders. Let your imagination roam while your body stays still and cool.
15. Make popsicles
Blend your favorite fruit, pour into molds, freeze. Easy, refreshing, and adult-approved. It’s a fun and delicious way to stay cool and hydrated.
16. Create a vision board
Dreaming of cooler days? Use this time to manifest them with a vision board full of snow, dreams, and new goals. Pull out old magazines, print out photos, or even use a digital tool to craft a collage of what you want to invite into your life. It's visual journaling with a twist—and a creative escape from the heat.
17. Take an online class
From photography to journaling, there’s something out there to engage your mind without stepping outside. Explore platforms like Skillshare or Coursera to dive into topics you’ve always been curious about. Learning indoors never felt so rewarding.
18. Declutter a drawer
Start small with a junk drawer or your nightstand. You’ll feel more in control of your space, and that clarity has a way of cooling your mood too.
19. Practice calligraphy or hand lettering
A quiet, meditative skill that keeps your hands busy and your mind relaxed. Practicing calligraphy or hand lettering can be incredibly soothing—letting your strokes flow across the page is almost like a visual form of journaling. It’s creative therapy with a rhythm.
20. Build a blanket fort and read inside
Childlike joy meets cozy coolness. Bring a flashlight, a book, and a chilled drink. Add pillows, string lights, and a playlist of ambient sounds to create a dreamy, insulated hideaway. It’s pure escapism and the perfect nook to cool off and unwind.
20 Stuff to Do Outside on a Hot Day
Not everyone wants to stay cooped up indoors, even when the temperature feels impossible. If you're someone who thrives on fresh air, sunlight, and movement—this one's for you. Just because it's hot doesn't mean the day has to be a wash. You just need the right kind of activity and a lot of water.
Whether you're an early riser hoping to beat the heat or someone who loves the golden hour glow, there are plenty of fun and refreshing things to do outdoors. From nature walks to evening picnics and pool dips, here’s how to embrace the sunshine without melting.
1. Go for an early morning walk
Get out before the sun gets too strong. Enjoy the quiet and cooler air while moving your body gently. 20 minutes can lift your mood and energy for the rest of the day.
2. Take a dip in a local pool
Public or private nothing beats the feeling of being submerged in water when it’s sweltering outside. Let the coolness envelope you, soothe your muscles, and reset your body temperature. Even a quick plunge can do wonders for your mood.
3. Read in the shade at the park
Bring a book, an iced drink, and set up under a leafy tree. It’s the perfect balance of nature and comfort.
4. Have a water balloon fight
Invite a friend or just go solo and toss them at a wall. Either way, you’re cooling off. It’s a fast, splashy burst of fun that instantly lowers your body temp and raises your mood. Plus, it's one of those childhood joys that never gets old.
5. Visit a botanical garden
Nature therapy with a splash of elegance. The lush greenery helps lower the surrounding temperature, and the calming atmosphere is a peaceful break from city heat.
6. Try outdoor yoga at sunrise
Check for local classes or bring your mat to a park. Moving slowly in the morning heat is manageable and peaceful. The soft glow of sunrise, paired with mindful breathing and gentle movement, sets a calm, energizing tone for the day ahead.
7. Go kayaking or paddle boarding
Water sports are perfect for hot days—you're active and staying cool at the same time. Glide across a calm lake, splash through rivers, or paddle along the coastline. It’s refreshing, low-impact, and doubles as both exercise and escape.
8. Explore a shaded trail or nature preserve
Forested areas are usually cooler. The natural canopy protects you from direct sunlight, and the earthy scents and sounds of birds or rustling leaves create a calming sensory retreat.
9. Set up a sprinkler in your yard
Who says it’s just for kids? Run through it or just let it mist you while you lounge outside. It's instant refreshment with zero effort and a nostalgic rush that turns your yard into a playground for pure, silly joy.
10. Eat dinner outdoors after sunset
Wait for golden hour and enjoy a slow, quiet meal on your balcony, porch, or backyard.
11. Try stargazing at night
Warm nights are ideal for lying under the stars. Download a stargazing app and spot constellations. Bring a blanket or reclining chair, turn off nearby lights, and let your mind wander as the sky slowly comes alive with patterns and stories.
12. Visit a splash pad
More and more cities have splash zones for all ages. Bring flip-flops and let loose. It’s a fun, no-pressure way to cool down, and the playful environment turns even the hottest afternoon into something lighthearted and refreshing.
13. Ride a bike through shaded streets
Stick to tree-lined roads or waterfront paths where there’s some airflow. Early mornings or late evenings are best for lower temps and quieter routes.
14. Do an outdoor photo walk
Capture textures, plants, architecture. Go slow and take breaks in the shade. Let your camera guide you to the small wonders you’d normally overlook. It's a creative way to be present outdoors without overexerting yourself.
15. Try fishing at a quiet lake
Early mornings or evenings are best. Bring a folding chair, some cold drinks, and enjoy the gentle ripples of the water while you wait.
16. Host a backyard brunch
Make it light, cool, and simple. Think smoothies, fruit platters, and iced coffee. Use fresh herbs or edible flowers for a touch of flair, and serve everything on chilled plates. Add a parasol or fan nearby and you've got a perfect, breezy brunch escape.
17. Float in a lazy river or pool
If you have access, spend the day floating with a sunhat and waterproof speaker. Let yourself drift without a care, soaking in the calm rhythm of the water. It’s one of the most effortless ways to beat the heat and feel like you’re on vacation—no travel required.
18. Take a cold water foot soak break outside
Place a bucket under a shaded spot, add cold water and ice. Soak your feet while sipping a drink.
19. Try roller skating or skating in the evening
Once the pavement cools, it’s fun and breezy with the right playlist. Glide through smooth paths under string lights or soft street lamps. It’s nostalgic, energizing, and a perfect way to move without overheating.
20. Visit a shaded outdoor café
Some patios have fans or misting systems—bring your journal, enjoy a slow sip, and people-watch. It’s a stylish way to stay social while staying cool.
What to Do on a Really Hot Day
When it’s dangerously hot outside, the first priority is your health. Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day—not just when you feel thirsty. Avoid heavy meals and caffeine, which can dehydrate you. Opt for light, cooling foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and citrus fruits.
Take cold or lukewarm showers to regulate your body temperature. Keep your air conditioning set to a recommended 75-78°F to stay safe while conserving energy. Use fans to circulate the air, and draw curtains to block out direct sunlight. A study published in Communications Earth & Environment highlights that staying indoors during peak heat hours (11 AM to 4 PM) dramatically reduces heat-related risks, especially in vulnerable adults. These are just a few essentials if you're wondering what to do on a really hot day while staying safe and sane.
It might sound simple, but these health-first tips are crucial. Heat exhaustion is real and sneaky, so listen to your body. If you start to feel lightheaded or nauseous, it’s time to stop, cool down, and rest.
My Favorite Thing to Do on a Hot Day
As an adult, I’ve learned the importance of doing things that keep me grounded and centered. Life can be overwhelming, and my job isn’t always a walk in the park. So I focus on what keeps me calm, sharp, and fulfilled—not just on hot days, but every day.
Routine helps me stay balanced. And when summer turns up the heat, I turn inward. My favorite pastime? Staying in, closing the blinds, and playing online card games. They’re easy, mentally engaging, and filled with little storylines that keep me entertained. It’s one of my top picks for what to do inside on a hot day.
I’m not embarrassed to say I take myself on solo dates, and one of my most cherished ones is sitting down with a chilled drink and a game of solitaire with a story. It’s cozy, it’s peaceful, and it’s mine. No sweat, no sunburn, just me and my digital deck of cards.