I know that parents know this and try really are to get their kids to drink lots of water, but sometimes water just isn’t enough. Here are a few additional hydration options we suggest to parents and kids all the time in our Integrative Medicine Health Consultations.

Homemade Lemonade: Fresh squeezed lemon, water and stevia to taste.

Herbal Ice Tea: Peppermint, Hibiscus, Lemon Zest and Blueberry tend to be kids favorites. Tea can be lightly sweetened with honey (kids under the age of 2 should not have honey).

Watermelon Water: Unrind and put the red watermelon slices in the blender. Turn the blender on high for a few seconds and watch it become a deliciously sweet watery beverage. (No sweetener needed but I highly recommend adding some fresh mint to it or/and some lime juice.)

Smoothies: Start with a ½ cup of Rice or Almond milk, add in some frozen berries, a ½ of a banana and maybe some yogurt. Blend… if your adventurous and want this snack to have a few more nutrients in it, you can also try adding a scoop of a protein powder or a liquid tofu, a half an avocado, a tablespoon of a nut butter or maybe even a handful of kale or spinach.

Coconut water: You can find canned coconut water in any grocery store. Kids tend to prefer the variety that is mixed with juice.  Coconut water is naturally sweet and has additional electrolytes in it that help replenish your body with needed mineral that you might sweat out in a super-hot day.  (Think of it as a healthier Gatorade!)