For many people, especially those who live in colder climates, summer is the best time of year. You can open up your windows and let the breeze blow through the house, you can cook outside, and there's no snow to be shoveled or ice to be scraped off your car windshield. You can also leave the coats and long pants at home and put on clothes you haven't worn in months. Think flip-flops, sandals, shorts and stylish summer-wear such as Aloha shirts.
As much as we love summer, sometimes you need a break from the heat. Here are a few places to visit for a cool break.
The Beach
You might not live near an ocean, but beaches are also found along lake shores. Wear your bathing suit, take a dip in the water and enjoy the feeling of the air on your wet skin when you emerge. If you're not comfortable flaunting a swimsuit but want to blend with summer style, dress in an Aloha sundress or Aloha shirt and wade into the cool water up to your knees.
On a Lake or River
Another option for those who want to enjoy the water and breeze without jumping into the ocean is a boating or rafting trip. Businesses operate tours at many resort areas. If not, rent a boat or raft, or just float down the river on an innertube.
Frozen Treat Shop
Visit your favorite local desert shop and bond with someone special over a frozen treat such as ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or anything else that strikes your fancy. In the past, teenagers hung out at the local malt shop. Experience it for yourself and cool off at the same time.
The Backyard
If you have space in your backyard, try setting up some water activities. It can be as simple as a sprinkler or waterhole or as ambitious as an inflatable water slide. Kids will especially love getting wet and staying cool.
Indoor Mini-Golf or Family Entertainment Center
Some people consider golf a stodgy game because even though it's summer, you'll catch flak for wearing an outfit such as shorts and a short-sleeved Hawaiian shirt. So how about a game of indoor mini-golf? Dress for comfort and enjoy air-conditioning and some of the fun of golf without the stress. Go with the family in matching Aloha shirts for fun picture opportunities too.
Why stop at mini-golf? Family entertainment centers, which are basically indoor amusement parks, are a growing trend and offer a ton of things to do. Fun is the name of the game, so dress for the occasion and try your hand at bowling, batting, arcade games, bumper boats, laser tag, kart racing, dancing, roller skating or whatever else your local establishment offers.
Museums or Indoor Aquarium
Enjoyment can be educational. Make yourself smarter and cooler and get the kids away from those phones by checking out a local museum or aquarium. One is probably close to you that you don't even know about.
The Hills
Most places aren't too far away from mountains or at least hills of some kind. The sun is more intense, but as you go higher in elevation, the air gets cooler. Enjoy a hike through a pine forest, listen to a mountain stream or look for wildlife.
The Mall
With everybody shopping online, when was the last time you visited your local mall? Find deals on clothing, eat at a restaurant and check out the specialty shops. You might even be able see a movie, work out, shop for groceries or attend church. Changes in shopping habits are make malls diversify to bring in more people, so see what's different at your local mall.
