Ways to beat the heat during a staycation

• Visit your public library. Take in story time with your kids, or just curl up and read a book all by yourself! 
• Go to the movies. Most theaters have free movies for kids during the summer, usually on Tuesday or Saturday mornings. Even if it's not a free flick, with all the big blockbusters out in the summer, there's likely to be something the whole family will want to watch. 
• Visit a museum. You can easily spend hours walking through a museum. Eat at the cafe. Browse the gift shop.
• Visit a nature center. Like a museum, a nature center can captivate children for a long time! There are often special programs during the summer where you can drop kids off for a while.
• Go on a night tour. See what your city has to offer after hours! There may be special nightly tours, either walking or by Segway. 
• Play “hotel” with your kids. Pull out the sofa bed, pull up an On Demand movie on TV, and serve them breakfast in bed the next morning. Then switch roles! 
• Visit a pottery studio. A studio where you can choose pre-made pottery and paint it for a small fee. There are places like this everywhere! 
• Visit a rec center. Your local rec center may offer special programs and classes throughout the summer. There's often an indoor play area, maybe even an indoor pool. 
• Go on a road trip around town. Even driving around in your comfortable, air-conditioned car could be an adventure! Drive along a river or ocean for a scenic view, or just check out a new part of the city that you've never visited. 
• Go skating. Ice skating would be the perfect antidote for a hot, summer day. Most indoor rinks are open year-round. Roller skating is also fun! 
• Visit a spa. A day at the spa may be just what you need to recharge.

Are you staying home this summer? What are you doing to keep your kids busy?

Mariana Perez blogs about life as a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful little girls over at Riding With No Hands. Follow her daily adventures on Twitter @ohMariana.

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Image of Home is Where the Heart Is courtesy of Darwin Bell.