I am not a hot weather person, and as the temperature rises the challenge to stay cool and keep your sanity is paramount, particularly with kids.

Heat can make us crazy, stressed, hot, exhausted, sticky and just generally uncomfortable. It’s a recipe for car accidents, tantrums, fainting and short tempers and if the temperature doesn’t drop at night our bodies don’t get a chance to relax.

The general advice is to try and stay cool; if you don’t have air conditioning go somewhere that does even for a few hours. Stay hydrated; if out and about carry a refillable bottle of water for each person; be kind to those who are vulnerable around us; check on elderly neighbours, make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.

These are important tips but if you are anything like me consecutive days of hot weather can challenge your sanity. We need hydration, we need to be cool and we need relief; and Canberra has an excellent range of indoor air-conditioned or water options to beat the heat. Here are our picks:

Go to the Movies

It’s cool, it’s dark and it’s entertaining. Our movie reviewer, Ros Hull, can steer you in the right direction with her movie reviews here.

Get some culture

We are totally spoilt when it comes for major institutions on our doorstep, all are cool alternatives. The National Museum of Australia, Questacon, Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Portrait Gallery, National Film and Sound Archive and the National Library of Australia all have kids programs. And most of the time they’re either free, or really cheap.

Get in the water

Water water water is definitely one way to cool off and a great place to start is at Big Splash Water Park  in Aranda with slides and pools to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained for hours. Why not check out your local pool or maybe a new pool to mix it up in the Canberra region.

Dance (!!)

If you’re an avid exerciser, and this hot weather is frustrating your ability to move, then try Aqua Zumba – a low impact workout that blends the Zumba you’d be familiar with, and  traditional aquatic fitness disciplines. Kings Swim in Deakin have classes every Tuesday night at 7:45pm. It’s fun, and you’ll get a great workout without raising a sweat!

Ice it up

Or combine two in one – a bit of swimming and a bit of ice skating at the Phillip swimming and ice skating centre.

Down by the river

If you are after something without an entry fee, there are a number of rivers in the surrounding National Parks and reserves that are great for a refreshing dip like the Murrumbidgee Corridor. (There is even a nude bathing area if you are that way inclined.)

Go to the library

This is a great free option with air conditioning and plenty of fun, quiet reading, toys and sometimes there are kids activities like story time or movies check out your local at www.library.act.gov.au

Gelato, baby!

Hot and Cold go together so well and nothing gives your senses a refreshing chill out than an ice cream, ice block or gelato. One of my great recent discoveries is the range of gelato at Dolce and Salato Pasticceria on Bunda st in Civic, and we love Stripey Sundae in Gold Creek, too!

DIY water park

At home, sometimes making a little camp in the bathroom and letting the kids have a midday cool bath can just bring everyone’s sanity levels down to relatively normal…or do as we kids from the bush used to do, and run under the sprinkler (it’s good for the lawn, too!)

Cool off with a drink

Head inside for a long, tall mocktail – or at least make sure you drink loads of water if you’re enjoying an alcoholic beverage or two. There are few things better on a hot summer’s day, than a glass of mineral water with lime – so refreshing!

The official advice

ACT Medicare Local chair Rashmi Sharma says Canberrans can keep safe from this week’s heat wave by following a few simple tips.

“Look after your health during this week’s heat wave by staying indoors in a cool spot, drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider visiting an air-conditioned facility such as a shopping centre or library,” said Dr Sharma.

“Try to stay out of the direct sun – this is particularly important for the elderly and the very young. However, if that is impossible then be sure to cover up, “slip, slop, slap and wrap” and remain adequately hydrated by drinking water,” said Dr Sharma.

How do you stay cool around Canberra when the heat is on?