I would suggest somewhere airconditioned, but somewhere you are unlikely to end up with a frustrated toddler. Therefore, I would rule out shopping centers etc as I imagine 2.5year olds can become pretty frustrated with shopping pretty quickly plus you would have to be on your feet!

If you really have to get out of the house, what about the aquarium or museum? Although I would avoid anywhere that parking is difficult or where you might have to walk from the car to the venue in the outside heat for both your benefit and your toddler! Also, sometimes the car can take ages to cool down with Air con in this heat so I would stay home if it is an option.

For staying in, would do the bath/bathroom thing as suggested. Water play is the order of the day today I think!! How about fill the bath 1/4 full to play with, jumping in and out all day. Other water ideas:
  • old paint brushes pastry brushes can be used to paint the tiles of the bathroom with water
  • fill up empty containers, jars etc with different amounts of water to make musical instruments which have different tones when donged with a spoon
  • make cubby houses using damp sheets or towels, imagine how cool it would be under a damp cubby with a fan on!
  • Have a tea party in the bath with some waterproof toys, pouring "tea" from the teapot can be extended to showering from the teapot


I'm now off to make myself a cool cubby