
Dreamstime
Dreamstime
Dreamstime
Summertime, and the weather is sweaty. That’s great if you like that sort of thing, but what if you can’t stand the heat? Beaches and ballparks aren’t for everyone. But just because you prefer cooler climes, you can still stay comfortable and have some fun. Here are 40 things to do this summer if you hate the heat.
Tribune News Service
It’s OK if you don’t know Ronaldo from Portugal the Man. Now’s the time to jump on the bandwagon. The 2018 World Cup champion will be crowned on July 15. The game is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. Eastern.
Tribune News Service
Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, is the only MLB stadium with a permanently closed roof. So it’s always a pleasant 72 degrees and you’re always out of the sun. The Rays host the New York Yankees July 23-25. You can visit ALL MLB stadiusm in under $1,000.
Tribune News Service
“Castle Rock” comes to Hulu on July 25. It’s set in the fictional town where many of Stephen King’s best-known stories take place and it’s billed as “a psychological-horror series set in the Stephen King multiverse.” How bad could that be?
Tribune News Service
OMG, “OITNB” is back. Season 6 of “Orange Is the New Black” drops on July 27. The second season of “Ozark,” starring Jason Bateman, debuts on Aug. 31.
Tribune News Service
If you’re feeling gritty, binge watch seasons 1-12 of “NYPD Blue.” If you’re feeling goofy, watch comedy classic “Blazing Saddles.”
Tribune News Service
In the new documentary “Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind,” friends and colleagues share their memories of the comic genius who took his own life in 2014. It’s available July 16. You can also check out William’s Oscar-winning performance in “Good Will Hunting” on HBO.
Tribune News Service
Search for trolls in the shady woods of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Ill., about 30 miles west of Chicago. Six colossal creatures have been crafted from reclaimed wood by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. The sculptures have been created to serve as protectors of the environment.
Dreamstime
Mark Twain may or may not have once said: “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” Either way, temps usually hover in the very manageable high 60s in the City by the Bay. But if it does heat up, head to the water and take a tour of Alcatraz. The infamous former prison is now a tourist attraction run by the National Park Service.
Dreamstime
Splash around at the self-proclaimed “Water Park Capital of the World.” And you don’t have to go outside. The Wisconsin resorts have indoor (and outdoor) waterslides, pools, lazy rivers and more.
Dreamstime
Take a long walk without worrying about getting a sunburn. The Minneapolis Skyway is the largest in the world. It covers more than 9 miles and connects 80 city blocks. And if you get hungry, there are more than 100 restaurants.
Dreamstime
Looking for a good summer read? Novelist Anne Tyler — best known for “The Accidental Tourist” — is back with “Clock Dance,” an episodic story of a woman whose life seems straightforward enough until, in her 60s, she agrees to take care of a stranger’s daughter and dog and gets caught up in their world.
Dreamstime
Since it’s in the Southern Hemisphere, July is the coldest month of the year in Buenos Aires. It’s a terrific time of year to visit South America.
Dreamstime
Don’t have tickets to the big game? Then watch inside! The game will be played at Nationals Park in Washington on July 17.
Dreamstime
In honor of the nation’s capital hosting the All-Star Game, the Library of Congress is offering an exhibit: “Baseball Americana” explores the game’s roots and changing traditions.
Dreamstime
Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum in downtown Louisville, Ky. You can see how bats and changed over the years and even tour the factory floor.
Dreamstime
This device can keep your home a more consistent temperature and save you a few bucks on your electric bill.
Tribune News Service
The WNBA regular season runs through August. The defending champion Minnesota Lynx close out their regular season against the Washington Mystics at Target Center in Minneapolis on Aug. 19.
Tribune News Service
Taylor Swift is on tour this summer. See her – inside – at Detroit’s Ford Field on Aug. 28.
Dreamstime
Amtrak’s Empire Builder route runs across the Northwest United States, from Chicago to Seattle. See the country from air-conditioned comfort.
Dreamstime
Yes, you’ll have to step out into the heat to cook that burger. But you won’t be warming up your whole house by turning on the stove or oven. (You’ll thank us later.)
Dreamstime
Mario Tennis Aces is new on the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Reviewers say it’s one of the best Mario sports games to come along in a while.
Dreamstime
Put off running the dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer until evening. It will help your utility bills and can keep your whole house cooler.
Dreamstime
This is a great time of year to visit Alaska’s largest city. The sun barely sets in the summer, but the outdoor temps are pleasant. You could spot moose, whales or bears while you’re in the area.
Dreamstime
This summer tradition will keep your kids cool and is guaranteed to make you the “fun” parent on the block. (And once it’s over, everyone’s ready to head back inside.)
Dreamstime
The breathable fabric will make for a cooler, more pleasant night’s sleep.
Dreamstime
Sure, an ice-cold beer sounds like a good idea. But alcohol will dehydrate you, which just makes you feel the effects of the heat even more.
Dreamstime
The Moonlight Ride in New York’s Central Park has been a fun tradition since 1994. Riders meet at 10 p.m. on the first Friday of the month. The ride covers about 10 miles in the park and wraps up around midnight.
Dreamstime
The temps are steamy above ground at Mammoth Cave National Park, in central Kentucky. But things cool off once you get below the surface and explore the natural wonders.
Dreamstime
Another underground treasure that’s millions of years in the making, Carlsbad Caverns is in southern New Mexico.
Dreamstime
The Centers for Disease Control says you should drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. You can try adding peppermint or cucumber to your water. And make sure your kids are getting enough to drink too.
Dreamstime
Another CDC tip: Leave out plenty of fresh water for your pets. And leave it in a shady area.
Dreamstime
More good CDC advice: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Dreamstime
The CDC also points out that while electric fans may provide comfort, when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
Dreamstime
Turn off as many things as you can. Your lights, TVs, computers and video game systems are putting out heating and warming up your home. Use sparingly or unplug, if possible.
Dreamstime
In warm months, your ceiling fans should be turning counterclockwise. That will help blow cool air around the room.
Dreamstime
Keeping out the light keeps out the heat. A lot of unwanted heat gets into your home through your windows.
Dreamstime
See ancient artifacts and world-class art, all without breaking a sweat. And many of the nation’s finest museums offer free days or reduced-admission deals. Example: The Art Institute of Chicago is free for all Illinois residents from 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays.
Dreamstime
Fruits that are high in water content should be your go-to summer treat. So dig into that watermelon and those grapes and berries.
Dreamstime
You still want to get that jog in, so get up and go. Early-morning exercise is especially important when temperatures are spiking. It’s not just more pleasant, it’s safer for you.
Dreamstime
Mom always said breakfast was the most important meal of the day. That’s especially important when you don’t want to cook or eat much in the heat.