We’re no strangers to heat and humidity in Hong Kong, but it doesn’t make chilling at home with the air-con on any less attractive! While you’re staying home, enjoy these things to do when it’s hot outside to practise self-care and escape from the rising temperatures.
We know, we know: many of you are tired of staying home after getting through the long periods of lockdown over the pandemic. Plus, there are so many things to do in Hong Kong, whether it’s with your kids, with a date, or even when it’s raining cats and dogs. But, with the increasingly hot summers, spending a day indoors with the AC on once in a while doesn’t sound too bad either. Enjoy your much-needed downtime with these things to do when it’s hot outside.
10 Fun things to do at home when it’s hot outside
1. Take a nice, long bath
A great thing about staying home when it’s too hot outside is that you have extra time on hand to focus on yourself. Draw a luxurious bubble bath or a simple cool soak and spend hours lounging in the water. Relaxation is the ultimate self-care – and nothing is more peaceful than alone time in the tub. Put on some music, watch a movie, or read a book to mellow out and enjoy yourself. Psst – we’re loving the eco-friendly Lush x SpongeBob limited-edition collection this summer!
2. Indulge in some icy treats
One of the best (and most delicious) ways to combat the heat is to cool down with an icy treat. Some ice cream spots in town offer delivery services, so that you can enjoy a scoop at home. The budding dessert chefs amongst you can even get creative and make your own flavoured ice pops. Pro-tip: If you want to kick things up a notch, add some alcohol for a boozy treat!
Check out our favourite ice cream shops in Hong Kong.
3. Give yourself a mani-pedi
One of the best things to do when it’s hot outside is to try out some nail art at home. After all, the slow and steady process is quite therapeutic, and all you need is some nail polish! With your fingers and toes as the canvas, you can create cool designs or simply give yourself a glossy coat.
Rather leave your nails to the pros? You can rely on the best nail salons in Hong Kong.
4. Catch up on your reading
Everyone has that one book they’ve been meaning to read. And when you’re staying home where it’s nice and cool, there’s no better time to get some reading done. Immerse yourself in another world with the turn of a page and without leaving your seat. This is definitely one of our favourite things to do at home when hot outside.
Find a book to read from our LGBTQ+ reading list.
5. Binge your favourite series
Pay no mind to the humidity outside your window when you’ve got your favourite shows all queued up on your go-to streaming sites. From comedy to drama to thriller, you can scroll through endless titles and genres on Netflix and Disney+. Grab the popcorn and pass the time without breaking a sweat.
These comedy shows on Netflix will get you laughing out loud!
6. Give yourself a facial
Show yourself some love while staying away from the blazing sun by giving yourself a facial. The summer-month sweats can take a toll on your skin, so a little rejuvenation is always welcome. Put on your robe, a mud mask, and enjoy some me-time at home.
Got a skin emergency? Head over to these reliable facial salons in Hong Kong.
7. Embrace that gamer life
When you can’t think of things to do when it’s hot outside, you can always rely on fun games to play on and offline. Classic board games are great to revisit, and there are a variety of games you can explore with a deck of cards. If you’re staying in with friends or family, you can also whip out the good ol’ Monopoly and try to emerge victorious.
Kicking it solo? There are a range of online games that’ll keep you entertained for hours on end.
8. Solve a jigsaw puzzle
When’s the last time you completed a jigsaw puzzle? We love puzzles, as they engage our minds and we can always come back to them from time to time. Moreover, solving jigsaw puzzles can be interactive, or finished solo in peace and quiet. And not to mention the immense sense of satisfaction when the puzzle’s completed!
9. Test out some recipes
Let the only heat you feel be from your oven when you’re seeking a break from a hot summer’s day! Head to the kitchen to experiment with a new recipe or tinker with an old favourite. Not only is the process of cooking fun and therapeutic, it also always comes with something delicious at the end – yum!
Up your skills at these cooking classes and baking studios in Hong Kong.
10. Try out a creative project
If you like staying in, creating something to spruce up your living space would be a great thing to do when it’s hot outside. A day indoors is the perfect time to get to that DIY project you’ve been meaning to try. There are thousands of creative projects online that you can take on. Although you may need to plan ahead to gather your supplies, this is a fantastic activity to pass your time productively and enjoyably. Plus, you’ll be adding a touch of beauty to your home by the end of the day!
Need more inspiration? Sign up to these creative courses in Hong Kong.