By Kelly Maue
Summer in the Midwest means shades, sunscreen, and sipping plenty of water. But when the heat can’t be beat, it may be best to simply avoid it. Whether it’s finding places to cool off or just staying home, here are some ideas of things to do while dealing with high temps.
If getting out is the goal, a water park, splash pad, or swimming pool can help you keep your cool. There are options across the board, from Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags to Citygarden, the free sculpture park with water features in downtown St. Louis.
Or if an outing ends up indoors (with air conditioning!), a museum is always a great choice. Plus, many have free general admission. An online search will help find special offerings and exhibits that interest you. Ideas include the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Museum at the Gateway Arch.
Young and old alike will appreciate unique places like Magic House, Science Center, City Museum, and the St. Louis Aquarium. All are educational and fun with interactive elements to keep visitors engaged.
Other quick jaunts will help keep your mind or body busy. Enjoy photography or art at a local gallery. Work together with friends or family to solve the mystery of an escape room. Chill out with a good movie at the theater. Find live music at a venue like Jazz St. Louis. Burn energy indoors while bowling, skating, or climbing a rock wall. Or peruse the shelves at your leisure at the local library. And try to swing by for a concrete at Ted Drewes or a root beer float at Fitz’s for a classic, cool treat.
If venturing out is out of the question, here are ways to stay cool at home.
Playing with water balloons and sprinklers may be old school, but they still get the job done. Or get a chore done at the same time. Using the hose and bucket to wash the car can be downright refreshing.
If the heat is stifling and you have a basement, move the party downstairs where it’s cooler. Bust out the board games, playing cards, or jigsaw puzzles. Binge-watch a favorite show or start a movie marathon. Get crafty with coloring, rock painting, or scrapbooking. Kids can make an indoor fort, put on a puppet show, play balloon volleyball, or design their own scavenger hunt.
Or be productive when the heat is on. Try a new recipe. Clean out a drawer, declutter a closet, or tackle a small home project. Maybe it’s the right time to learn something new? Watch videos to acquire a new skill, like how to knit, tackle new software, or start learning the basics of a new language. If you’re feeling cooped up, think about the future and make plans for something to look forward to.
Have some fun and take time for self-care. Listen to a podcast or make a new playlist. Try manifesting what you want by creating a vision board collage. Just cut out words and images and apply to a poster board – or make a digital version.
Feed yourself and your soul. Make homemade lemonade, popsicles, or no-bake cookies. Reconnect with family or friends. Create art, journal, take photos, play music, or meditate. Try a homemade facial, body scrub, or foot soak. Learn deep-breathing techniques or a relaxing mind-body practice, like yoga. Or just take a nap.
Another good practice, no matter the weather, is to remember to show gratitude. Find things you appreciate and write them down. Perhaps right now it’s giving thanks for cooler temps on the horizon.
