Are you a summer sports parent, likely to spend a good amount of time this sweltering season cheering on your favorite young athlete as they compete in a warm weather sport? As I prepare for a four-game tournament weekend in hundred-degree heat, I was thinking about the things I’ve discovered that help make the heat more bearable. (Mind you, I also fully recognize the athletes are not only out in the heat but having to perform at their best in said heat, and I definitely think a lot of the same tricks and tools may be of great help to them, when possible.)
As a mom of a baseball player wrapping up our 12th season, here are the things I highly recommend for those that want to cheer on their favorite athletes but struggle a bit in the hot summer sun. I’m going to start with the basics, but then move on to the more specific finds that have really gone the extra mile to help make hot games more pleasant.
The Basics:
1. An inexpensive beach umbrella – The cheapest ones I’ve seen are perfectly useful and available at Walmart in-store for about $18-20. We’ve had ours for several years, and though we don’t always need it, we’ve kept it in the trunk during the season, and it’s helped out so much when there are no trees. When you’re traveling to different schools/game locations, you won’t always know whether there will be trees to offer shade – so it’s always best to be ready. Also, don’t spend a lot on your umbrella; odds are you’ll accidentally leave it behind at some point when you bring it in, don’t end up needing it, and lay it down near you. (Whoops – been there.)
2. An insulated drink cooler – Personally, I prefer the medium/smaller sized type to an ice chest, as there are often restrictions about bringing in ice chests, but soft coolers are typically allowed. Pack them with ice, ice packs (just in case), drinks, and lunch.
3. Sunscreen – At least SPF 30, preferably 45 or higher. Look for sports sunscreens that say they feel non-greasy on the skin for lower odds of stinging in the eyes in sweaty conditions. (Don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours.)
4. A chair that does NOT have a bar that digs into your thighs while you’re seated – With the warm weather, blood can pool more in the calves, and if you have a chair that makes it hard for blood flow to come back up with veins and arteries more dilated in warm weather, you’ll end up with tight, swollen legs. No fun!
5. Plenty of ice water + Liquid IV packets – The last thing anyone wants is dehydration, whether they be athletes or fans. Keep up on your water consumption, and bring a large, well-insulated container (skip the 16-18 oz, move up to at least 24-32 oz for spectators, and 48-64 oz for players). Simple Modern and Owala bottles have both kept ice in my water for over 24 hours previously, and aren’t too pricey.
Next Level Cooling Items:
(Note: Amazon links provided for convenience only – these are not sponsored or affiliate links)
6. A wearable double neck fan – This rechargeable fan “necklace” allows you to point two fans directly where you want the air to flow, to help keep you comfortable for up to 10 hours on a single charge, and it’s less than $20.
7. Cooling gel patches – We discovered this product when my son was young and facing frequent fevers – these are a lightly adhering blue gel patch that you place on the body that instantly cool when you apply them and continue to cool for hours. Keeping one on the back of the neck can go a long way in helping your whole body to perceive the temperature as more tolerable. You can grab a box of 12 patches for just $10 [here](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cooling+gel+patches).
8. Flexi-freeze cooling collars – This is a next, next level solution for those who truly run the hottest. I learned about these while working at a place that required people to dress in (very warm, heavy) character suits for children’s events frequently. These fabric collars with multiple, insertable freezing packs help keep the staff members comfortable for stretches of time. If you go this route, definitely get the one with multiple ice packs so you can swap them out when they melt. The gel packs are cool, but this option is ice cold.
9. Misting fans – For those who want the closest thing you can get to a portable air conditioner, you may want to consider a rechargeable misting fan. These fans allow you to fill the attached tank with ice water and emit a steady stream of cool mist and air for up to 100 minutes on a charge. (Grab a cell phone charger to buy yourself even more time on tournament days.)
10. Peppermint essential oil roller – Finally, in combination with the other items mentioned above, you may also be able to help trick your brain into believing you are cooler by taking in a deep whiff of peppermint essential oil, which feels cool and crisp as you inhale it. Roll a bit on the skin for an Icy Hot sensation, minus the hot part.
Remember, staying cool and hydrated is key to enjoying your time at your loved one’s sporting events. By preparing with these essentials and next-level cooling items, you can make those long, hot days more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your favorite athlete. Stay cool, and have fun cheering on your favorite player this summer!
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