It’s July in Colorado, which means you’re probably looking for a respite from the glaring hot temperatures outside. And while it’s easy to hide inside your beautiful Stepping Stone home with the air conditioner blasting, you also live in one of the most gorgeous and outdoor-friendly states. So how do you and your family plan to beat the heat this summer, while enjoying the Colorado lifestyle? We have a few suggestions.

Head for the hills

Colorado natives know that temperatures in the mountains are always cooler than the front range, so whether you’re into camping, biking, or hiking, know that the higher up you go in elevation, the cooler the air around you. While you’ll find plenty of day hikes that are driving distance from Parker, we advise taking a few vacation days to explore the mountain towns around Colorado. You’ll escape the heat for a few days and enjoy amazing views along the way!

 

Keep your cool in the pool

If it’s a beautiful day outside and you can’t wander too far from home, head over to the pool at the Lantern House. If you have your kids in tow, here are fun game suggestions (other than “CANNONBALL!”) to keep them entertained and in the water where it’s cool. Make sure you slather on plenty of sunscreen – nothing makes a hot day worse than nursing a sunburn!

Ice ice baby

Just as hot chocolate warms you up in the wintertime, a frozen popsicle cools you down on a hot day. And who doesn’t like popsicles? These irresistible popsicle recipes will appeal to kids and adults alike. We even found this adult-only frozen treat idea that is perfect for pool parties and neighborhood barbeques.

We all scream for ice cream!

July is National Ice Cream Month, which, in our book, means you can eat all the ice cream you want! While it would be easy to run to the grocery store and buy a pint, why not try your hand at making your own? If you’re inspired (and dying from the heat), consider throwing an ice cream social. Ask guests to bring their own homemade concoctions or go the easy route and rent an ice cream truck to cater your event.

We hope these suggestions help you keep your cool this July, as outside temperatures soar. Remember, Colorado has a very dry climate, so stay hydrated  and drink lots of water every day. And make sure you have your HVAC serviced yearly to help prevent an air conditioning breakdown in the middle of summer.

 

Stay chill and we’ll see you at the pool!