KIM COOK
Associated Press<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The thermostat has officially hit swelter. Whether you\u2019re trying to play in the backyard or just chill outdoors, there\u2019s a bunch of new ideas and gear designed to help everyone \u2014 pets included \u2014 stay cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, architects recommend some simple ways to make an outdoor space more heat-wave friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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, \u201cbut you don\u2019t want to use a dark material in a hot climate. It shouldn\u2019t be too light either \u2013 it\u2019ll be blinding in the sun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overhead protection from sun and rain, and some wet element are also important in outdoor spaces, says Jeffrey Dungan, an architect in Mountain Brook, Alabama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI advise our clients that if it isn\u2019t covered, you\u2019re much less likely to use it,\u201d he says. \u201cWe all love open terraces and lawns, but for long-term functionality we really need some respite from the sun \u2014 an awning or a porch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While a swimming pool is lovely, he says, \u201cI\u2019ve found that the sound of water all by itself is refreshing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo we\u2019ll frequently add a font, spillway, fountain or a rill -\u2013 just something as simple as an old urn with a small pump to move the water up and around can add life and a sense of calm coolness to the warmest summer day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve got a pool, lucky you. But even just a hose or tap can turn on some watery relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, designers and retailers are happy to take that up a notch. Some suggestions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FOR THE KIDDOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep little ones busy on a steamy day with Step2\u2019s water and sand table, or waterfall discovery wall. Pour a bucketful of water on the table\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Target\u2019s got WOW\u2019s 10- or 12-foot-diameter heavy-duty splash pad, for any age group. A bumper runs around the perimeter, and there\u2019s an adjustable sprinkler built in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another any-age goodie: Target\u2019s Sun Squad hopscotch sprinkler, which lets out a cool jet of water with every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Got a big backyard? Sunny & Fun\u2019s inflatable water slide has dual climbing walls, a bouncy pool floor, and whooshing air nozzles for a fresh blast of fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FOR THE DOGGOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Help keep the pets cool when out walking with RuffWear\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re relaxing on a patio or beach, consider Midlee\u2019s 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. Minnidip\u2019s pup-size cabana tent comes in a swanky, tropical palm print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instagram\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FOR THE POOL<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the Hotel Minnidip collection, designed by Minnidip\u2019s Emily Vaca, there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also new in this year\u2019s collection, Minnidip\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a collaboration between fashion brand alice + olivia and Minnidip, there\u2019s a round floatie lounger with an attached drinks holder. Stuff it with ice cubes and a beverage container, or a fresh snack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It may be too hot for actual hockey or basketball, but bring them to the pool with Target\u2019s inflatable Hydro Hockey and Hydro Hoops games. And you can take the classic lawn corn hole game into the water, with an inflatable version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FOR THE OUTDOORSY FOLKS<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wade into the waterway with Oru\u2019s newest portable kayak, the Lake. Weighing only 17 pounds and foldable into the size of a small suitcase, it can be stored in a closet. Then take it in the car or onto a train and go to the nearest paddling place when the mercury starts climbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your fishing or sporting boat has no canopy, consider Tuuci\u2019s Shade Blade, which can be mounted in a chair stanchion or aft gunwale, and stores away in a carry bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
L.L. Bean\u2019s Sunbuster heavy-duty nylon folding shelter is handy for a day on the trail or beach. There\u2019s a floor to keep you off the hot sand or to use as a privacy screen, and interior pockets for stowing small items out of the sun. Stuff it into a shoulder-strapped sack for transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coolibar\u2019s swimwear, hats and face coverings for men, women and kids are made of a breathable recycled nylon and Lycra blend, that blocks 98% of UVA rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014-<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kim Cook writes frequently for The AP about design, d\u00e9cor and lifestyles topics. She can be found on Instagram at @kimcookhome and reached at kim@kimcookhome.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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