How to Stay Cool in Summer
17 Smart Ways to Beat the Florida Heat
Florida summers are made for beach days, kayaking, outdoor festivals, and backyard barbecues—but the heat and humidity can quickly wear you down if you’re not prepared.
Fortunately, staying cool doesn’t have to mean staying indoors. From refreshing backyard pools and cooling towels to wearable fans and natural Florida springs, these simple ideas can help you enjoy everything summer has to offer without melting in the sun.
Here are 17 of my favorite ways to beat the Florida heat (coming up):
- 🌊 Float Down a Crystal-Clear Florida Spring
- 🏖️ Relax in an Inflatable Backyard Pool Lounger
- 🦩 Lounge on a Giant Pool Float
- 💦 Install an Outdoor Misting System
- 🧊 Wear an Instant Cooling Neck Towel
- 🌬️ Stay Comfortable with a Portable Neck Fan
- 👒 Try a Sun Hat with a Built-In Fan or Mister
- 🔋 Clip on a Portable Waist Fan
- 👶 Keep Babies Cool with a Misting Stroller Fan
- 🐶 Help Your Dog Beat the Heat
- 🧊 Freeze Water Bottles Before You Leave
- 🛏️ Sleep Better with Cooling Bedding
- 🧼 Pack Cooling Wipes for On-the-Go Relief
- 🚴 Wear a Cooling Skull Cap Outdoors
- 🌳 Escape to Shady Florida Parks & Gardens
- ❄️ Explore Indoor Florida Attractions
- 🎒 Don’t Leave Home Without Your Florida Heat Survival Kit
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Float Down a Crystal-Clear Florida Spring
Nothing beats floating down a Florida spring or river in refreshing 72°F water. Florida’s springs stay about 10–20 degrees cooler than most pools during the hottest part of summer, making them one of the most refreshing ways to beat the heat.
Many state parks and nearby attractions rent tubes for an awesome day out on the water. Here are three favorites to check out:
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park (North Florida) – One of Florida’s most famous tubing destinations, with crystal-clear 72°F spring water and a relaxing float beneath towering cypress trees. Watch turtles basking in sunshine as you drift by for one of the best summertime memories you’ll make.
- Rainbow Springs State Park (Central Florida) – Known for its vibrant blue water, kayaking, tubing, swimming, and beautiful walking trails.
- Kelly Park / Rock Springs Run (Central Florida) – A family favorite near Orlando where visitors can float down a gentle spring-fed run in refreshing year-round water.
Relax in an Budget-Friendly Inflatable Backyard Pool Lounger
You don’t need an expensive in-ground pool to cool off. Large inflatable lounger pools are surprisingly comfortable for adults and perfect for relaxing with a cold drink in the backyard. Check out these top rated budget-friendly large inflatable lounge pools on Amazon now.
Cool Off in a Pool
Floating in a pool is one of the easiest ways to escape the afternoon heat. If you don’t have your own backyard pool… above-ground pools can offer just what you need! Here are some budget-friendly top-rated above ground pools that come with most everything you need on Amazon now!
Set Up an Outdoor Misting System
Patio misting systems can lower the temperature around your seating area, making outdoor dinners and afternoons much more enjoyable. From portable misters that hook up to a nearby outdoor faucet under $35, to a full system that attaches to the edge of your patio… there are lots of fantastic solutions to beat the heat!
Wear a Cooling Neck Towel
Simply wet it, wring it out, and drape it around your neck before heading outside. Tip: here’s a 4-pack with different color cooling towels in individual pouches for the family, everyone gets a different color (on Amazon under $10 now)!
🌴 Florida Balm Tip:
If you want to save money, but the cooling towels without the individual pouches. Simply place each one in it’s own zip-top bag with a little ice water and keep it in your cooler. They will stay cold much longer than simply wetting it from a faucet, and when one looses its cool, simply grab another from the cooler!
Keep a Rechargeable Neck Fan Handy
These portable fans, currently under $17 on Amazon, are surprisingly powerful and perfect for:
- Fishing and Festivals
- Gardening and Beach Days
- Outdoor markets and Theme Parks
Try a Hat with a Built-In Solar-Powered Fan
One of the funniest-looking inventions…that actually works! Check out this wide brim solar fan hat on Amazon here and look at those amazing reviews! Great for Florida summers, fishing and kayaking, a day at the beach, and more.
Carry a Portable Waist Fan
Popular with landscapers, HVAC techs, golfers, and anyone spending long hours outside. This portable waist fan with 10-speed turbo and 130 degree wide airflow is very popular on Amazon and under $15!
🌴 Florida Balm Tip: Portable waist fans work best when worn with a lightweight, loose-fitting shirt. The airflow circulates under your clothing to help keep your entire upper body cooler while walking, gardening, or enjoying outdoor festivals.
Keep Baby Cool
Portable misting stroller fans make walks much more comfortable. Check out this top-rated Misting Stroller Fan with 4 speeds on Amazon here, under $20! They also attach easily to golf carts and bikes!
Let Your Dog Cool Off Too
A foldable dog pool or dog splash pad gives your pup a safe place to beat the heat. If they like water, they’ll LOVE their own dog pool or splash pad!
Freeze Your Water Bottle Overnight
One of the simplest—and cheapest—ways to enjoy ice-cold water throughout the day. If you’re heading to the beach, here’s my favorite beach bag with a cooler built into the bottom. It’s mesh so sand falls through, super lightweight, has pockets, comes in different colors, holds most everything you’ll want to bring AND it’s currently under $25 on Amazon!
Sleep Under a Cooling Blanket
Hot sleepers know how miserable Florida nights can feel. And if you’re going camping these are a MUST! Cooling blankets are lightweight and breathable while still feeling cozy and this top-rated pick is under $20 on Amazon now!
Keep Cooling Wipes in Your Beach Bag
Individually wrapped cooling wipes are perfect after a beach walk, sporting event, or afternoon of gardening. Throw a few of these cooling wipes into your purse or beach bag, you’ll thank me later! : )
Wear a Cooling Skull Cap
Cooling skull caps instantly wicks away sweat, and helps keep your head cool. Great for cycling, fishing, mowing the lawn, or wearing under a helmet.
Escape to the Shade
Sometimes the coolest places aren’t air-conditioned—they’re shaded nature trails, botanical gardens, or waterfront parks with a breeze. And if you can’t find shade, bring it with you! Here is a top-rated beach tent sun shelter that’s portable, lightweight, and a really smart design – under $35 on Amazon now!
Visit Indoor Florida Attractions During Peak Heat
Sometimes the coolest places aren’t air-conditioned—they’re shaded nature trails, botanical gardens, or waterfront parks with a breeze. But if you want to cool down, consider a local museum, antique mall, roller skating rink or arcade.
Don't Leave Home Without Your Florida Heat Survival Kit
If you’re spending time outdoors this summer, I always recommend keeping a few essentials close by. These simple items can make the difference between enjoying your day and heading home early because of the heat.
My Florida Heat Survival Kit
- ✔ Cooling neck towel
- ✔ Rechargeable neck fan
- ✔ Portable hat mister
- ✔ Insulated water bottle
- ✔ SPF lip balm
- ✔ Sunscreen
- ✔ Polarized sunglasses
- ✔ Wide-brim hat
- ✔ Cooling wipes
- ✔ Waterproof phone pouch
- ✔ Electrolyte packets
👉 See my complete Florida Heat Survival Kit on Amazon!
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