We have been lucky enough to have a splendidly hot summer in New England this year but summer’s heat has taken it’s toll on me and I have a feeling I am not alone. All the high school and college students are back at school so the pools are all closed and I am ready to retire my bathing suit until next summer. Here are some activities that don’t require a bathing suit. You could stay cool at the movies or library, but they are quite sedentary. Here are a few slightly more active options for keeping cool this summer.
We think of the ice rink in the winter, but it’s from the heat and humidity of the summer that it offers a real respite! I used to love bringing Isabelle to her summer skating lessons just to cool off for a little bit and watch the skaters glide across the ice. Open rink times happen year round, so find a local rink and cool off on the ice. Here are just a few spots nearby: Warrior Ice Arena, Boston Skating Club, Veterans Memorial Skating Rink, and many others.
I had no idea how much fun I could have with a laser kit strapped onto my back. Extremecraze in Woburn is a blast and your heart rate can really go wild as you hunt down the other team while trying to keep your cool. Extremecraze offers one of the most sophisticated laser tag experiences as one part of their complex. There is an inflatable slide and obstacles course area for children who are too young to do the laser tag, a large clean dining area with pizza and such for a lunch break, and then there is also the games area. Extremecraze is the perfect size too. The smaller spaces keep everyone in sight so if you are parenting both younger and older kids you don’t have to clone yourself to be able to manage everyone’s activities.
Lucky Strike Social in Assembly Row, Somerville is a great spot for groups of all ages and sizes. The place is spacious, clean, hip and stylish and has so everything from skeeball and shuffleboard to the largest space invaders game ever! You can also catch the Red Sox game on some larger than life screens in the bar lounge area. Come hungry because they have lots of delicious nachos, salads, burgers and just about anything you are craving.
Guard Up in Burlington does everything from classes to birthday parties. We love taking the kids for Nerf night. It’s an energetic Friday night and a great way to let off some steam at the end of the week.
Brooklyn Boulders in Somerville is another hot spot to cool off. There are adult/teen parkour classes. If you are not ready to commit to a class, stop by for a day to try it out.
Launch Trampoline Park is our favourite local trampoline parks because it is close, there is space for parents to get some work done and still keep an eye on what is going on around the room.
Boda Borg is an indoor adventure that is great for groups of three or more. Go as a family or take the kids. I took advantage of the time my tween and friends were questing to set up my calendar and figure out everyone’s schedules now that school and activities have begun.
Throw it back at a roller rink for a roll down memory lane. Head to Roller World or Chez Vous Roller Rink and let the good times roll.
Beanstalk Adventure Ropes Course in Reading has two courses. The Bean Sprouts course is for kids less than 48″ talland a two level zipline and ropes course for older kids and adults.
Many local gyms have parents’ night out or special kids’ leagues or activities for members and non-members alike. Check out some of our favourite spots to be active as a family such as Boston Sports Club and Lifetime Athletic Club.
