Five creative ways to cool down with kids this summer
This summer, if you are trying to beat the heat, it’s time to think outside the box.
Summer is not just about grabbing your swimsuit and heading to the nearest pool or lake, although there should be plenty of that, too. Try one of these creative ways to cool down.
1. Head to the shore.
Although it is too cold to swim in the Bay of Fundy, as Marni Goodman of Kentville says, it’s always at least five degrees cooler there. For her family, rock hounding at Scott’s Bay is the perfect place to stay cool.
Rocks not your thing? Lynn Pulsifer, of Kentville, suggests a few family eating outings along the shore.
“Margaretsville has a lovely cafe called Dock of the Bay, located almost on the beach. Great food prepared by Chef Michael,” she says.
Or, she suggests visiting Halls Harbour, and just before you get there, grabbing an ice cream or trying the lobster rolls from the Sea Cone. Maybe take a picnic lunch to Huntington Point and check out the colourful fairy cottages that are right by the beach, she adds.
Sharon Churchill Roe, of Hants Border, also loves to head to the shore, especially to Huntington Point near Hall’s Harbour, for a bonfire and roast.
“When we have a family cookout,” she says, “we all bring something to roast on the fire and something to share. It makes it easy for everyone.”
There are also great hikes along the shore, like to see the Carolina ship wreck monument near Baxter’s Harbour. The story and directions can be found on the Valley Family Fun website.
2. Hang out at the library.
Lexie Burgess Misner says she loves to head to library to spend some time during the summer heat. Every week, Bugess Misner and her four-year-old daughter Quinn have a mother-daughter date at the library, where they check out the books, play in the play area, enjoy the cool air, and just hang out together.
“Summer is so busy and flies by so fast. I find spending time at the library is a nice slow down. It’s a great way to restart after busy days in the hot sun,” she says.
3. Find a waterfall or take a hike in the shady woods.
Julia Sommer-Ives, of Port Williams, recommends several shady hiking places in Kentville, including the bird sanctuary behind the Evergreen Home for Special Care, the Research Station forest or the gorge at the end of Gladys Porter Drive. The Wolfville Reservoir is another great place to walk or mountain bike in the heat, says Sommer- Ives. It also included the bonus of a swimming hole at the end.
Another favourite summer hike is Crystal Falls near Greenwood. The walk ends at a beautiful waterfall where hikers can swim.
Directions to all these hikes can be found on the Valley Family Fun website.
4. Go where there is air conditioning.
There are a lot of family-friendly places to visit, besides the library, that have air conditioning. Check out the Clayground Studios in Wolfville and spend the afternoon working on a painting project. No experience is necessary.
Burgess Misner also suggests supporting local businesses and popping in to one of the local pubs or cafes for a refreshing iced coffee.
Jennifer Williams Saklofske suggests heading to the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville to see Edalene Theatre’s productions of Little Shop of Horrors and Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog. Playing until July 22 in the air-conditioned theatre, these promise to be great productions.
CentreStage Theatre in Kentville is playing Suburban Standoff in July and 39 Steps in August. Board member Lana Churchill says that in particular, 39 Steps will be great for kids, as it is very similar to a Monty Python sketch.
5. Become a things at night. vampire: Do
There are a lot of great activities that happen in the evening across the Valley.
Now in its 11th season, Valley Ghost Walks offer a two-hour dramatic production in Wolfville, Kentville, Windsor, Hantsport, Hall’s Harbour, and the Grand Pré Winery. These productions are suit- able for those 10 years and older. They are not scary, more of a dramatic history lesson, says creator Jeremy Novak.
Go for an evening paddle in Middleton where you can rent kayaks and canoes for free from the recreation department by calling 902-825-6611.
Take an evening walk along the boardwalk in Annapolis Royal, or go for that evening bonfire on the shore — just don’t forget your bug spray.
This summer, have fun cooling off in a different sort of way.