In summer, Westchester and the Hudson Valley become a steam bath, and we understand where the "humid" in our humid continental climate designation comes from. As a parent who is decidedly more of a cold-weather person, the heat can feel like a personal affront when my kids get rambunctious.

While it's always tempting to grumble away the summer in a dark room like a grouchy vampire, here are some more constructive ideas for staying cool as the temperature climbs. Swim, splash, get ice cream, or just go where the AC is with these 25 heat wave activities for kids.

Below you'll find our list of beaches, lakes, splash pads, frozen treats, museums, and more. Scroll to the bottom for some essential tips to stay healthy during the most extreme heat, and check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Guide for more outdoor fun, indoor entertainment, and tips for beating the heat.

Looking for ways to beat the heat with kids on Long Island this summer? Our list of 27 awesome things to do during a heat wave will keep kids happy, active, and cool! 

Summer means high temps and plenty of humidity on Long Island, leaving families scrambling to find ways to cool off. Whether you want to bask in the sunshine or chill in air conditioning, Nassau and Suffolk counties offer plenty of options to help you beat the heat with the kids.

From splash pads to epic ice cream treats to magnificent air-conditioned museums and family fun centers, there is interactive entertainment for kids of all ages. Read ahead to start planning out your heat wave bucket list before summer is over! 

For even more seasonal adventures, check out our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, and be sure to bookmark our fun-filled Long Island Family Activity Calendar. 

If you're suffering from hot-weather burnout, don't sweat it: New Jersey has tons of things to do to help the whole family chill out when the temperatures soar. From beaches on the Jersey Shore and splash pads in parks throughout the state to blissfully air-conditioned bowling alleys and cool arcades, we've got the best ways to beat the heat during the hottest days of the year.

Check out even more refreshing activities in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide–and stay cool, NJ!

As summer weather sizzles, we're searching for the best things to do to beat the heat in New York City. There's no denying the heat and humidity can get under the skin of even the most tropical-weather-loving New Yorker. To beat the heat, my kids (and my inner child) insist any outing includes water, industrial-strength air conditioning, or a visit to a local ice cream parlor.

While we enjoy hitting NYC's FREE public pools and running around the sprinklers (oh yes, I get in there, too), lately, we've been longing for more diverse destinations to keep kids cool during a heat wave. That inspired us to round up 51 cool places to beat the heat in New York City this summer.

PEPPA PIG x CAMP: An Immersive Adventure is officially open at CAMP Washington, DC at Tysons Corner Center in Virginia! This picture-perfect, 5,000-square-foot experience invites families to step through the Magic Door of the toy store to explore, laugh, and play their way through multiple interactive rooms filled with party prep, dino discoveries, and plenty of giggle-worthy fun.

Read all about what to expect at PEPPA PIG x CAMP. Then find more indoor places to play in our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More Indoor Fun for Kids in DC.

It's hot! As Philly gets clobbered with yet another a heat wave, this weather is enough to turn even the sweetest kids into total grumps. And while staying in and enjoying your A/C has its perks, sometimes you just need to get out of the house. Fortunately, no matter the weather, there are amazing places to romp and play in the city and the suburbs that can help you keep cool and beat the heat.

Check out our events calendar, and our lists of family-friendly museums and the best indoor play spaces in the Philadelphia area for even more fun, inside and out!

As summer heats up, these cool things to do in Los Angeles will help provide respite from those lasting sun rays. It can be hard to soak up that sun for more than a few minutes when temperatures climb to triple digits. When it's too toasty to play at the park, ride bikes outside, or go for a walk, we've got answers and lots of ideas for cool things to do in Los Angeles. 

From pools and splash pads to bowling alleys and cool museums, we've gathered the best indoor and outdoor activities to beat those summer—or even rare fall or winter—heat waves, as well as those unfortunate smoky haze days. Plus, you can always head to the beach! There are even more cool things to do in Los Angeles this summer in our Ultimate Los Angeles Kids Summer Vacation Guide.