Heatwave: 39 cool tips for 39-degree weather with children

As temperatures soar above 30 degrees Celsius, families often find themselves struggling to keep children entertained and their nerves intact. The ZEIT editorial team has compiled a list of activities designed to be fun, low-exertion, and ideally, provide some relief from the heat.

One suggested activity is a "food scavenger hunt" within an air-conditioned supermarket. Each child receives a list of five items to find. The first to gather all their items and reach the checkout gets to choose the flavor of ice cream for everyone. This turns a mundane shopping trip into an engaging game while offering a cool respite.

Another creative idea involves utilizing empty office spaces during the weekend. The suggestion is to organize a desk chair race in these air-conditioned environments. This activity promises excitement and a chance to cool down, making the most of the climate-controlled setting.

These suggestions aim to provide practical and enjoyable solutions for parents dealing with extreme heat, ensuring that family time remains pleasant and manageable even when the weather is challenging.