We all know that summer is the hottest time of the year, and this summer is proving to be no exception. While cranking the AC and staying indoors through most of the day are certainly options to beat the heat, there are more fun options as well. Here are a few ideas to stay cool while making lasting memories .

Make Ice Cream!

Did you know that you can make ice cream at home with as much or as little effort as you want? One of my fondest memories from growing up was when my mom would bring out the old, hand-crank ice cream churn in the summer, and my siblings and I would each get to make our own flavor to enjoy as much as we wanted. Although there are electric ice cream machines that can be used now, there’s something to be said about working for a sweet reward.

Alternatively, there are plenty of “no-churn” recipes, perfect for your apartment freezer when you might have limited space. Most can be made in any container you already have (loaf pans and mixing bowls work great!). I like to think of no churn recipes as the set it and forget it of the ice cream world, you can make the batch the night before or even the morning before you head out for the day and come home to a delicious treat!

Photo Courtesy of Lalada from Pexels

Try Bobbing for Ice!

This is a game straight from my childhood boredom. Growing up in central California, summers easily reached 115 degrees, and it was often not much cooler in the house, so we had to get creative. Much like bobbing for apples in the fall, this game takes virtually no equipment and very little setup, but will have you feeling instantly cooler. This is also a great game to play on patios and balconies since it takes up very little space!

To Play:

1. On a small table, fill a large, clean container (we used an extra-large mixing bowl) most of the way with water and dump in a bunch of ice (we used about half a 7lb bag at a time).

2. Take turns dipping your face in the water and trying to grab the ice cubes in your teeth! This is much harder than you would think since you are battling not only holding your face under the cold water, but also the ice cubes getting smaller as they melt.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Gaines Ranch

Take a swim!

Nothing is better than lounging beside or in a Camden pool on a hot day! Not only is this a great way to get out of the house, but it provides an opportunity to mingle with your neighbors and cool off. With plenty of lounge chairs for tanning around the pool deck, you have the chance to get that perfect summer glow while also taking a dip every once in a while. Did you know that some Camden properties also have heated pools? This means you can swim year-round, not just in the summer!

Photo Courtesy of Camden Flatirons

Ready to make summer memories like these? Come tour one of your local Camden communities or explore photos and floor plans online today. You just might find your perfect summer hangout spot, whether it’s one of our gorgeous pools or your private patio space!