There’s a point in every summer where it all starts to melt—literally. By mid-July, my kids are sweaty, cranky, and over it. I’m not far behind them. We’ve done the sprinklers, the popsicles, the sidewalk chalk. But some afternoons, the only thing that makes sense is heading inside and finding ways to stay cool without losing our minds.

Summer indoor activities can actually be fun. I’m talking family movie afternoons, lazy library visits, scavenger hunts through museum halls, and a snack situation that keeps everyone fed and happy.

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We do this about once a week, and it’s always a hit. Pick a movie—something the whole family’s into—then treat it like an event. Curtains closed. Lights off. Couch cushions on the floor or even a big blanket fort if I’m feeling ambitious. The kids take turns being the “ticket taker” or snack vendor. One time, my youngest even made movie posters and taped them to the fridge.

Snacks are essential. I use our Movable Meal containers for everything — popcorn in the biggest one, rainbow fruit chunks or trail mix in the smaller sizes. They’re perfect for little hands and easy cleanup. Stainless steel means no weird plastic aftertaste, and I don’t have to worry about chemicals leaching into warm food. It’s just food, the way it’s supposed to taste.

If you want to switch it up, try our  Flaming Hot Popcorn Recipe. It’s simple to make and always gets a giggle from the kids. Some of our favorite Montessori-ish movie picks? The Red Balloon, March of the Penguins, and anything Studio Ghibli.

It’s also a great time of year to check out the best movies for kids at your local movie theater. Text some friends to join you, and make it a summer adventure. Invite friends over for lunch ahead of time, and then head out to the new kids’ movie of the summer. 

Museums are one of my favorite go-tos when the heat gets unbearable. They’re cool, calm, and packed with things that somehow manage to keep my kids' attention way longer than I expect. We've had days where a single dinosaur bone steals the whole show. Other times it’s a dusty spoon in a glass case—doesn’t matter. Montessori thinking really shines here. Let them lead. Follow their curiosity, even if it’s not what you planned.

A few tricks help keep the day on track. Go early, before anyone’s tired or hungry. Keep it short—an hour or two is plenty. Don’t try to see everything. Focus on one or two exhibits and take your time. I always pack snacks in stainless steel containers so we don’t have to deal with sticky fingers or crushed granola bars. It makes a huge difference.

Some of the best hits in our house have been children’s museums, hands-on science centers, and any place with fossils or animals. Many museums offer free or discounted days during the summer, and some have family memberships that pay for themselves in two visits. Worth checking before you go.

Let’s be honest: snacks can make or break the day. Either heading to a museum or setting up a movie at home, I always have something packed and ready to go. I stick to snacks that travel well and don’t melt or squish too easily. Trail mix, cut-up fruit, popcorn, or little sandwiches all do the job. Anything they can grab quickly without needing help.

One of my favorite things is letting the kids pack their own snack containers. They choose what goes in, they close the lid, and they carry it themselves. It’s a small thing, but it builds independence. That’s Montessori in action—freedom within limits. They get to make choices, but I’m still guiding the process. It also cuts down on the complaints later because they packed it.

I’ve found that having three different container sizes helps. Some days you need a whole lunch. Some days, just a few apple slices and a handful of pretzels. The right setup makes it easier for everyone.

Sometimes the best summer indoor activities don’t even require much planning. We’ve stumbled into some of our favorite memories just by checking the local library calendar. Story times, reading challenges, even DIY craft tables—it’s all free and air-conditioned. Win-win.

Other days, we head to an indoor trampoline park or climbing gym to let the kids burn off that wild summer energy. Some places offer day passes or sibling discounts, which helps. Art studios are another fun one—look for drop-in classes where kids can paint, sculpt, or glue things together until they’re covered in glitter and grinning ear to ear.

Honestly, it doesn’t have to be fancy. One of my favorite afternoons last summer was sitting on the floor of a quiet library corner, watching my daughter flip through a stack of books as tall as her. No ticket required. Just time, snacks, and a cool place to be together.

Not all stainless steel plates are created the same. We use food-grade steel that’s carefully sourced and rigorously tested. No BPA, phthalates, PVC, lead, or anything else you wouldn’t want near your child’s food. Our colors come from a titanium-based PVD process — the same tech used in medical implants — so there’s no coating to chip, no paint to peel, and no toxins left behind.

A lot of dishes out there are electro-polished or covered in who-knows-what. Ours aren’t. I started Ahimsa because I couldn’t find safe, long-lasting options for my own kids. That hasn’t changed. We still use the same materials in our home that we send to yours.

That’s also why we became the first children’s dinnerware brand to earn the MADE SAFE® certification. Every component is screened for safety, not just the surface. Your kids deserve nothing less.

Summer doesn’t have to be all sweat, sunscreen, and meltdowns. Some of the best moments happen indoors—quiet, simple, snack-filled, and totally low-stress. Put on a movie, visit a museum, grab a library book, or watch your kid climb like a squirrel at the gym.

Our Ahimsa x Smurfs Circle Container adds a little fun to it all. It’s colorful, practical, and just the right size for whatever snacks they’re craving. Pop the corn, pass it around, and soak up those cooler moments together.