5 Things to Do to Keep Your Cool This Summer

by Lyndsey Mueller | July 14, 2017

As we have finally and officially hit our summer stretch, (although in Phoenix it feels like summer begins as early as March) it brings with it a whole new level of ‘hot.’ Synonyms such as burning, scorching, blistering all can substitute the word hot in that last sentence. I’m talking about weather ranging to 100+ degrees that you wouldn’t inflict on your worst enemies. Never been to the Valley of the sun? Just look up the various YouTube videos of people cooking food in their cars and you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Gathered here a list of activities one can participate in in the Phoenix area without totally breaking the bank.

1. Did someone say Pool Party??

One simply cannot live in Arizona without a single pool within a 1 mile radius. Either you or someone you know has to have a pool, but if that’s not the case then there are various pools around the valley of the sun to keep you cool (and refreshed) while maintaining your summer glow! Hang out under a cabana, sip on a fruity concoction, and listen to some electric beats that will bring out the best of summer. Most of these pools don’t have an entry fee, unless there is a specific event or day(s) reserved, so treat yourself to that cute bikini you’ve been eyeing to show off or try a new drink during happy hour. Make sure to look at their calendars to see is there will be an event you can’t miss out on, pool parties usually last throughout September. Pools I plan to check out: BLK Live, Talking Stick Resort, Maya Day + Nightclub, OH Pool at Hotel Valley Ho, WET at W Scottsdale Hotel, and Lustre Rooftop Bar/Pool at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

2.Winter in July at the Phoenix Zoo 

Yes, you read that right. The Phoenix Zoo will be hosting a snow day! Call your friends and gather your family, this is the coolest way to have some fun in the heat (in more ways than one!). They will be bringing in over 40 tons of snow to chill in, provide wet and wild play areas to make a splash that your kiddos will absolutely adore, and they will be treating icy snacks to their loveable animals. You’ll want to be a part of this winter wonderland happening from 7-11AM on July 15. There is no extra cost to join these chilly activities, just the normal cost of admission to the Zoo.

 3. Real Wild and Woody Beer Festival

Try the likings of the Southwest’s best suds to refresh yourself from the summer heat. All the best local Arizona and Southwest’s brewery’s will be aligned under one roof to sample some of their finely crafted brewski’s. The Real Wild and Woody Beer Festival will be at the Phoenix Convention Center on July 29 from 2PM-6PM. Although general admission is a little pricier, you’ll be able to sip up to 20 beer tastings as well as flavor food samples from some of the region’s top restaurants to pair together. If staying indoors and drinking some rare, unique and unconventional brews while also learning about the processes it takes to make such magnificent drinks is more your cup of tea (or should I say beer?), then you’ll love the atmosphere of everyone getting together to enjoy the same fermented drinks. Don’t drink? Be your groups elected DD and admission cuts in half. Talk about a glass half full.

4. Have a National Park you’d like to check off your bucket list?

Ok, ok I know this is technically the opposite of staying indoors/finding shade but on August 25 The National Park Service will be celebrating their birthday by wavering any admission fees to enter the parks. Always wanted to go to the Grand Canyon and see what all the fuss is about? – It’ll be free! Want to check out the cliff dwellings of Tonto? – It too is free! Or perhaps the Petrified Forest is more to your liking. – Free! Free! Free! (Alright I think you get the idea, but free things in life are always better, right?) This is one of their 10 days in a year that they allow entrance into the parks for free, so take advantage of the 15 national parks here in Arizona that would normally cost you to access otherwise.

5. Silly children, tricks aren’t just for kids!

Think you’re too old for a magic show? Think again, as audiences all over rave about the grand-scale magic and illusions performed by magic star Bill Blagg. Any actual rabbits will be left at home for this show as Blagg ups the ante with advanced one-of-a-kind props that will sure to make you squeal with excitement. Comfortably enjoy plenty of air conditioning while witnessing over 90 minutes of interactive, action-packed magic and illusions. This is a perfect way to say sayonara to summer with an enthralling evening at Mesa Arts Center. The show will begin at 7:30PM on September 22 and tickets cost $33. Click here to see more about the performing live show and to buy tickets.

Stay cool, my friends.

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