The thermostat has officially hit swelter. Whether you’re trying to play in the backyard or just chill outdoors, there’s a bunch of new ideas and gear designed to help everyone — pets included — stay cool.
First, architects recommend some simple ways to make an outdoor space more heat-wave friendly.
Start with surfacing: Not too dark and not too light. Ron Radziner, one of the principals of the Los Angeles design firm Marmol Radziner, says most stone, tile and concrete will be fine no matter where you live, “but you don’t want to use a dark material in a hot climate. It shouldn’t be too light either — it’ll be blinding in the sun.”
Overhead protection from sun and rain, and some wet element are also important in outdoor spaces, says Jeffrey Dungan, an architect in Mountain Brook, Ala.
“I advise our clients that if it isn’t covered, you’re much less likely to use it,” he says. “We all love open terraces and lawns, but for long-term functionality we really need some respite from the sun — an awning or a porch.”
If you’ve got a pool, lucky you. But even just a hose or tap can turn on some watery relief.
Of course, retailers are happy to take that up a notch. Some suggestions:
For the kids
Keep little ones busy on a steamy day with Step2’s water and sand table, or waterfall discovery wall. Pour a bucketful of water on the table’s treetop canopy and watch the rainforest in action. There are spinners, mazes and funnels on the double-sided water wall. Both toys are toddler-oriented.
Target’s got WOW’s 10- or 12-foot-diameter heavy-duty splash pad, for any age group. A bumper runs around the perimeter, and there’s an adjustable sprinkler built in.
Got a big backyard? Sunny & Fun’s inflatable water slide has dual climbing walls, a bouncy pool floor, and whooshing air nozzles for a fresh blast of fun.
For the dogs
Help keep the pets cool when out walking with RuffWear’s Swamp Cooler gaiter or vest. A water-absorbing felt liner is covered with a nylon exterior which, chilled or dampened, will help your dog stay more comfortable.
If you’re relaxing on a patio or beach, consider Midlee’s cheery, green, raised pet bed with a canopy, available through Wayfair. It keeps your furry companions off the hot ground and protects them from the sun.
Instagram’s full of hose-loving dogs and people; crank up the fun for everybody with a toy that attaches and waves around. There are crazy daisy versions on Amazon, and Big Mouth has big and small inflatables like a fire hydrant, giraffe, dino, unicorn or rainbow.
For the pool
From the Hotel Minnidip collection, designed by Minnidip’s Emily Vaca, there’s the jaunty, green-and-white Checker Cabana Stripe umbrella, in UV-blocking polyester. It can be toted beachside or poolside, and popped into the ground or a base stand.
New in this year’s collection, Minnidip’s 3-by-5-foot Arched Checker chaise lounger; blow it up and bob away the day on your favorite waterway. Target has a curvy, palm-printed version, with a drink holder.
It may be too hot for actual hockey or basketball, but bring them to the pool with Target’s inflatable Hydro Hockey and Hydro Hoops games. And you can take the classic lawn corn hole game into the water, with an inflatable version.
