12 Childhood Memories Only Kids Who Survived 100+ Degree Summers Will Understand
It was hard to get through a 100+ degree summer as a kid, and the memories it left behind are ones that only those who lived through them can fully understand. We will always remember these summers, from the never-ending heat to the creative ways kids found to stay cool.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Growing up in places where summer temperatures regularly went above 100°F (37°C) meant learning new ways to deal with the heat. People who lived through those hot summers often had unforgettable experiences that they now fondly remember. These memories take us back to a time when kids came up with creative ways to stay cool, like making their own water games and needing shade all the time. This article looks at 12 memories from childhood that will only make sense to kids who lived through hot summers. They are a nostalgic look into the past.
1. Running Through the Sprinkler Until You Were Soaked
Andy Kuzma on Pexels
During those very hot summer days, running through a splash pad was one of the coolest things to do. It was a happy moment, and after being in the heat for hours, the cold water felt like heaven. You’d run back and forth and forth, not caring about how hot it was because you were enjoying the cool spray of water.
2. Ice Cream Trucks Were a Lifeline
Kamaji Ogino on Pexels
Hearing the ice cream truck’s familiar tune meant a cool break from the constant heat. As kids rushed outside, they would count their pennies in hopes of getting a cool treat like a push-up pop or a popsicle. The ice cream truck was a sign of summer because it gave people a cool treat and a quick break from the heat.
3. Napping in Front of the Fan
cottonbro studio on pexels
When it was too hot to sleep, the fan would be your best friend. Kids used to lie in front of the fan and pray that the cool air would dry their skin. Even though it wasn’t the best sleep, it was the only way to get through the hot nights without air conditioning.
4. Homemade Popsicles That Took Forever to Freeze
Sofía Nuñez on pexels
Making your own popsicles seemed like a good way to cool off in the summer, but it took what seemed like a long time for them to freeze. The molds would be filled with juice, and you’d have to wait hours for them to be ready. Even though it was hot while you were waiting, the anticipation made them taste even better when they were finally ready.
5. Crawling Into the Pool With a Puddle of Sweat on Your Skin
Viktoria Danielová on Pexels
You’d often feel like you were melting in the sun before you jumped into the pool. If you stepped on the hot concrete, your feet would get burned. However, the cold water felt great right away. There was always a race to see who could enter the pool before the sun got too hot.
6. Drinking Water Like It Was a Lifesaver
Nguyen Ngoc Tien on Pexels
When it seemed like the air was made of heat, it was important to drink water. It would seem like hours since you last had a sip as you gulped it down. Not only did they need to quench their thirst, they also needed to stay alive in the unbearable heat.
7. Sitting in the Shade of the Tree, Waiting for the Heat to Pass
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
While waiting for the heat to pass, trees were the best way to cool off because they blocked the sun’s harsh rays. It would be cool in the shade, and you could enjoy the breeze while you waited for the sun to go down. That short break felt like it saved your life.
8. The Ice Cube Challenge
Karina Rymarchuk on Pexels
A makeshift game with melting ice cubes became a regular way to pass the time. The winner was the person who could hold on to an ice cube the longest without it melting. It was a silly thing to do, but it kept your mind off how hot it was.
9. Using a Wet Towel to Cool Down
Alex P on Pexels
Kids would often put a wet towel over their heads or necks to cool off by taking it from the fridge or icebox. At least for a short time, the cold towel proved to be helpful. When that towel got wet with cold water, it felt like a short vacation from the heat.
10. The Dread of the Ice Cream Sandwich Melting Too Fast
Rov Camato on Pexels
In summer, it was always a race against time to eat an ice cream sandwich. When you took it out of the package, it seemed to melt before you could take a bite. Icy, melty ice cream ran down your hand as you ate it quickly, or you might lose your treat to the heat.
11. Running Barefoot on Hot Concrete
iddea photo on Pexels
Running barefoot on the hot concrete was an important part of growing up. Even though the sidewalk felt like it was on fire, kids would still run across it to get to the cool grass or shade. Even though it hurt, it was a summer tradition to go through it so that you could play outside.
12. Hiding from the Sun Under a Cardboard Box
Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels
When it was too hot to be outside, people would sometimes build their own shade. To hide from the sun, they used cardboard boxes or makeshift forts. Even though it was weird, it was a nice way to deal with the heat without air conditioning.