Extreme heat and poor air quality have forced many indoors this summer, but there are engaging screen-free alternatives to binge-watching. Over the past year, experts have tested 80 jigsaw puzzles, 35 board games, and various creative pursuits. Here are seven recommended activities to enjoy summer from the comfort of air conditioning.
Hot Streak Party Game
For families needing to release energy, Hot Streak is a top recommendation from board game experts. Nicole Lee, a Filter contributor and board game enthusiast, said: “If you want to have a raucous family game night, Hot Streak is where it’s at.” Players bet on a mascot race that descends into enjoyable mayhem. Available at Amazon for $39.99.
Piecework Court Classics 1,000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles offer a meditative indoor activity. The Piecework Court Classics 1,000-piece puzzle features eclectic aesthetics and sturdy quality. The brand also offers kids' puzzles like Dino Discotheque. Prices start at $40 from Piecework and Anthropologie.
Oxo Grilling Skewer Set
Grilling isn't limited to outdoors. Oxo's stainless steel skewers allow cooking kebabs under a broiler or on a stovetop. Culinary journalist Sal Vaglica recommended them, noting their sturdy material keeps “food locked in like players on a foosball table.” Available for $17.99 at Oxo, or on sale at Amazon for $14.39.
No Particular Order Guided Journal
This guided journal offers 200 unique prompts for introspection, such as “What makes a house a home?” It goes beyond basic gratitude journals. Priced at $34 from No Particular Order.
Gritin Skin-Friendly Resistance Bands
For indoor workouts, resistance bands provide a full-body exercise solution. Caroline Idiens, founder of Caroline’s Circuits and author of Fit at 50, recommended this set: “They come in five different strengths and are cheap, easy to transport. Perfect if you are short on space and time.” Available at Amazon for $15.99.
Ravensburger 1,000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Ravensburger puzzles are praised for consistent piece quality. Tim Stevens, after testing 80 puzzles, wrote: “The fit, feel and overall quality of their pieces is consistently among the best. It’s 70% recycled cardboard.” Prices start at $24.99 from Ravensburger and $32.99 at Amazon.
Winsor & Newton Watercolor Paint Set
This compact watercolor set allows easy mixing and cleanup, ideal for indoor creativity. Priced at $23.81 at Amazon.
Kobo Libra Colour E-Reader
For reading without phone distractions, the Kobo Libra Colour e-reader offers adjustable fonts and brightness. Writer Jenny McGrath deemed it her favorite after testing six models: “It has more fonts and font sizes to choose from than the Kindles I tested.” Available from $259.99 at Kobo and Amazon.
