Summer heatwave activities for kids in Quebec

Quebec summers can bring stretches of intense heat and humidity, and with them, cranky, overheated kids and worried parents. Heatwaves are more than uncomfortable: babies, young children and pregnant parents are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to stay cool and still have fun. This guide covers how to protect your kids during a heatwave, plus the best water, indoor and evening activities to make it through the hottest days.

☀️Heat safety first

Before planning any outing, make sure you know how to keep your kids safe in the heat.

• Check the forecast and alerts: pay attention to heat warnings and the humidex, not just the temperature.
• Avoid the hottest hours: plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon, and stay in the shade or indoors in the middle of the day.
• Hydrate constantly: offer water often, even if kids don't ask. Bring a reusable bottle for everyone.
• Dress lightly: loose, light-coloured clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
• Sunscreen: high SPF, reapplied regularly and after swimming.
• Never leave a child in a parked car, even for a minute. Temperatures inside rise extremely quickly.
• Know the warning signs: unusual fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, very red or hot skin, or reduced urination. Move the child somewhere cool, offer water and seek medical help if symptoms are severe or don't improve.

💦Water activities to cool off

• Splash pads: free, close to home and perfect for younger kids. Most municipalities have several.
• Municipal outdoor pools: a classic summer outing. Check your town's schedule and whether there are dedicated family swim times.
• Beaches: lakes and rivers with supervised beaches are a great escape. Check water quality reports before you go and always supervise closely.
• Water parks: slides and wave pools for a full day of fun. Go early to grab a shaded spot.
• Backyard water play: a sprinkler, a small wading pool, water balloons or a water table. Always empty wading pools after use.
• Paddling: early-morning kayak or paddleboard outings on calm water are refreshing and peaceful.

🌈Cool indoor escapes

On the hottest afternoons, air-conditioned places are your best friends.

• Libraries: free, cool and full of books, games and summer reading programs.
• Museums and science centres: perfect for a long, cool afternoon of exploring.
• Aquariums: calm, cool and fascinating for kids of all ages.
• Indoor skating rinks: some arenas offer summer public skating — a fun surprise for kids in July.
• Indoor climbing gyms and play centres: great for burning energy without overheating.
• Movie theatres: a family matinee is a classic heatwave plan.
• Cooling centres: during heat emergencies, municipalities may open designated air-conditioned spaces.

🪁Make the most of mornings and evenings

• Plan a sunrise walk or bike ride before it gets too hot.
• Visit a shaded forest trail in the morning — it's often several degrees cooler under the trees.
• Have a picnic dinner at the park once the sun goes down.
• Try an evening swim at an outdoor pool if your town offers late hours.
• Stargaze in the backyard on warm summer nights.

🧸Keeping the house cool

• Close blinds and curtains during the day on sunny sides of the house.
• Open windows at night when it's cooler, if it's safe.
• Use fans and air conditioning in the rooms where kids sleep.
• Serve light, refreshing meals: fruit, cold salads, homemade popsicles.
• Plan quiet indoor activities in the afternoon: puzzles, crafts, reading.

Cool treats and easy home activities

Some of the best heatwave fun happens right at home, especially in the late afternoon when it's still too hot to go far.

• Homemade popsicles: blend fruit with yogurt or juice and freeze in moulds. Kids love choosing the flavours.
• Ice play: freeze small toys in blocks of ice and let kids "excavate" them with warm water and spoons.
• Water painting: give kids brushes and buckets of water to "paint" the fence or sidewalk — it dries quickly, so they can start again.
• Shade fort: drape sheets over chairs in a shady spot for a cool reading nook.
• Indoor picnic: spread a blanket on the floor of the coolest room and enjoy a light lunch.

Look out for others

Heatwaves are a good time to teach kids to care for others. Check in on elderly neighbours or relatives who may be vulnerable to the heat, bring them a cold drink or help with errands. Remind kids that pets also suffer in the heat: provide shade and fresh water, and avoid walking dogs on hot pavement at midday. Small gestures like these show children that staying safe in extreme weather is a community effort.

💡Age-specific tips

Babies (0–12 months)

Babies are the most vulnerable. Keep them out of direct sun, dress them lightly and offer frequent feeds. Avoid outings during the hottest part of the day.

Toddlers and preschoolers (1–5)

Splash pads, wading pools and shady parks are perfect. Watch closely for signs of fatigue and make sure they drink often.

School-age kids (6–12)

They can enjoy pools, beaches and water parks. Remind them to drink and rest in the shade, and teach them to recognize when they feel too hot.

Teens

They may push their limits during sports or outings with friends. Talk about hydration and heat safety, especially for outdoor sports.

Most importantly, trust your instincts. If it feels too hot to go out, it probably is. Stay in, rest and save the outing for the cooler evening or the next day.

💡 FamiSwipe tip: During a heatwave, tick Water, Beach and Indoor in the app to see the coolest options near you. Add Free to find splash pads and libraries, and Museum or Aquarium for air-conditioned afternoons.

🎠Stay cool, have fun

Heatwaves don't have to mean a lost summer week. Protect your kids with shade, water and smart timing, then mix water play, air-conditioned outings and cool evenings. With a little planning, the hottest days of the year can still be some of the most fun.