6 Cool Ways to Stay Cool This Summer

Kansas summers can certainly bring the heat, but never fear: here are six ideas for cooling down while still making the most of the season. 

1. Stop at a Splash Pad or Play at the Pool

Of course, the first thing people think of when it comes to activities that keep you cool in the summer is spending a day at the pool. The Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center is a great time and features water slides, diving boards, lap swimming, and a wading pool for the little ones. However, if you're not fully committed to having a pool day, I highly recommend making a stop at one of the city's free splash pads! Located in Lyons Park in North Lawrence and the Burroughs Creek Trail & Linear Park in East Lawrence, the splash pads are open from 10 AM - 8 PM daily, and are an excellent place for kids to play and for adults to channel their inner child for a quick refresh. 

2. Movie Nights at Liberty Hall

One of my favorite ways to get out of the house on a night when it's a bit too hot to be out of the house is to head to the iconic Liberty Hall for a movie! In addition to their newly released film schedule, they also put on a ton of fun special screenings each month, from classic romcoms to old-school horror flicks. Check out what's coming to the big screen in July: 

3. Grab a Sweet Treat

There's no sweeter way to cool down in the summer than with an ice cream or snow cone! Try seasonal flavors at Sylas and Maddy's or grab a root beer float with the good stuff next door at Mass Street Soda. If you're on the west side of town, hit up Eileen's Colossal Cookies for an ice cream cookie sandwich. Not big on dairy? You can't go wrong with a late-night stop at Tad's. 

4. Plan a Lake Day

Make for the lake if you're looking for another great place to go for a refreshing swim during the Kansas summer heat! Clinton Lake and Lone Star Lake are the ideal lakes for swimming in Douglas County. Bloomington Beach on the west side of Clinton Lake has a large, sandy beach for swimming, and you'll find a lot of the locals there on an average summer day. The Clinton Marina on the north side of Clinton is the place to rent boats, from pontoons to individual kayaks. Lone Star's swimming area is smaller but still fun, and a great place to take out your canoe or paddleboard. 

5. Free Fun at the Museum

Spending time at a local museum is the perfect way to stay cool on a hot day! Lawrence is lucky to have several enjoyable museums that are open all summer long. Plus, some of those museums host regular events or have built-in activities for kids and adults alike to participate in. Browse the permanent collection or current exhibitions at the Spencer Museum of Art. Walk through three floors of Kansas history at the Watkins Museum of History, and don't forget to stop at the Victorian Playhouse on the third floor if you've got young ones. The KU Natural History Museum is always a blast to explore, and you can also participate in the Natural History Mystery (pictured above!).

6. Air Conditioned Activities

Lawrence has many interesting indoor activities that are perfect for the warmer months! One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon on a hot day is painting pottery at Sunfire Ceramics. It's always a relaxing time, and you'll be rewarded when you pick up your fired and glazed masterpiece a few days later. 

If you're in a group setting, why not try an escape room at Breakout Lawrence or a gaming session at VR Lawrence? Looking to be a little more active? Try a round of mini-golf and axe throwing at Sinkers Lounge / Blade & Timber, or a day of bouldering at Climb Lawrence.

Blossoming chefs will love the unique cooking classes available at COOKshop on 8th. Here are the classes on the schedule for July: 

Stay cool and have fun this summer!