The weather forecast for Wednesday is for record breaking heat. We want to share a few places to keep cool. These are especially important if you don’t have A/C at home, want to keep cooling costs down by setting it higher, or there are rolling brownouts due to the energy demand.
1 – Get Wet
When the temperatures go up, it is time to head to the water. Note: Be sure to check the local pools/water parks for any updates if there are power outages across town.
Places to Get Wet Near Ann Arbor
One of my daughter’s favorite parts of summer is the water – whether it’s swimming, water slides, splash parks, or just getting wet. Check out these Ann Arbor area Pools, Water Parks, and Splash Pads. Fortunately, there are a number of Ann Arbor Swimming Pools and more for kids to get wet and cool off […]
Note: In case of power outages or rolling blackouts, pools and water parks cannot open without power as the filtration systems do not work. Lakes, Parks for Splashing, and tubing are all great options that don’t need power.
2 – Head to the Library
Libraries are a great place to cool off. They have A/C, power outlets to charge your devices, fun events, books to read, WiFi, and computers to use. If you choose to visit an AADL location, be sure to hunt for summer game codes.
Confused about the AADL Summer Game? Here’s How to Play It
Have you heard of the Ann Arbor District Library Summer Game and wondered what it is and how to play? Fear not, we have answers for you from several years of playing the game ourselves. Keep reading and you’ll be ready to play the Summer Game! The AADL has taken the classic Summer Reading Challenge […]
Here’s a tip in case you lose power, charge your laptop while you work at the library. Once you get home you’ll be able to use it to charge your phones and tablets – usually multiple times.
3 – See a Movie
Movie theaters are traditionally well air conditioned – many times I feel the need to dress warmer in summer months or at least bring a sweater. Be sure to check the summer movie programs below for discounted movie options. Note Michigan & State Theaters have reinstated their mask requirement while not eating concessions and require COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test.
Cinema Under the Stars: Outdoor Movies Near Ann Arbor
I’ve loved seeing outdoor movies since my first trip to the drive-in. There are lots of options for outdoor movies near Ann Arbor. Michigan summer nights are often cool making for great movie watching weather. However, being on the western edge of the time zone, darkness starts late. Check out our list of outdoor movies […]
4 – Visit a Museum
There are several great museums in and around Ann Arbor. All of them are air conditioned! Our Top 5 Museums guide offers some great museum suggestions. If you want to visit a museum, hope it is not Monday. Most of them are closed on Mondays.
5 – Indoor Activity
If you’re trying to stay cool, it may be best to skip some more active indoor activities like the trampoline park or indoor playgrounds.
Here are some less physically active indoor activity ideas.
- Video Games – Visit Pinball Pete’s or the UM Video Game Archive
- Go Bowling
- Check out an Escape Room – Decode, Breakout, Clueless
- Have a movie afternoon (check the library for movies or check Netflix or Amazon Prime)
- Spend an hour or two reading to make progress on summer reading
- Work on your entry for the AADL LEGO contest
- Break out the board games, and have a game afternoon
Finally, don’t forget to stop at one of the ice cream shops recommended by Ann Arbor with Kids readers.
What other suggestions do you have for keeping cool?
