AT HOME: GEAR, TOYS, TIPS TO HELP BEAT THE HEAT OUTDOORS

The thermostat has officially hit swelter. Whether you’re trying to play in the backyard or just chill outdoors, there’s a bunch of new ideas and gear designed to help everyone — pets included — stay cool.

First, architects recommend some simple ways to make an outdoor space more heat-wave friendly.

Start with surfacing: Not too dark and not too light. Ron Radziner, one of the principals of the Los Angeles design firm Marmol Radziner, says most stone, tile and concrete will be fine