The World’s Finest Frozen Custard in New Baltimore is a popular summer destination but when it’s extremely hot, as it has been for the past week, families often wait until the late afternoon or evening to stop by
“When it’s really hot ice cream melts really fast,” said Anthony Marchin of Shelby Township, while getting ready for the afternoon rush earlier this week.
“When it’s in the 70s or in the evening, that’s when we’re the busiest,” added Marchin, who is a co-owner of the ice cream shop that features a playground and putt-putt golf course.
So, where does one go during the hottest part of the day?
How about Lake St. Clair?
“It was perfect out there,” said Jim Eley of Chesterfield Township, who retired from his job as a program manager for an automotive supplier two weeks ago.
Now that he has the time and two personal watercrafts, he and his wife enjoy spinning around the shores of Lake St. Clair. That’s the nice part about boating and watersports. The activity creates a breeze to keep one cool while enjoying the great outdoors. However, when there’s an extreme heat warning such as the one that has been in place this week, health care professionals recommend people find something fun to do indoors rather than outdoors.
As for what that might entail?
Have a look at our list of top five cool things to do indoors when it’s extremely hot outdoors:
1. Take in a movie
Emagine Entertainment has partnered with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in order to host a special Juneteenth Film Celebration at Emagine Royal Oak and The Rivieria Powered by Emagine. Both theaters will be showing the film “School Daze” for one week, June 19-26. Tickets to all showings of the film are $5 with net ticket proceeds going toward the 36th Annual UNCF Detroit Walk for Education. Tickets may be purchased at Emagine-Entertainment.com.
AMC theaters also have a Summer Movie Camp featuring some of the best animated movies of the past few years including “Migration” and the ever-popular “Sing” musicals. The camp runs June through August and tickets are geared for the family at $3 each, plus tax.
Summer movies showing at MJR Theaters include “Inside Out 2” and “If.” Throwback movies currently showing include “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”
2. Visit the Detroit Zoo
Chances are you will not see any lions and tigers sunning themselves on the rocks but you can bet the polar bears and penguins will be putting on a show in the Arctic Ring of Life. The habitat is cool not only because of the water but visitors can watch the action via a glass tunnel, exploration station and ice cave. When it’s too hot to walk visitors can hop on the Tauber Family Railroad that provides drop offs throughout the zoo.
For more information visit detroitzoo.org/
3. Read on
Summertime at a public library is always fun and most communities have them. The Harrison Township Public Library is an example. On Sunday there’s a popsicle hunt for kids and on Monday adults will gather for Tai Chi class at 10 a.m. There’s also opportunities for teenagers and adults to volunteer their time to upcoming activities, which is another cool way to spend your time indoors.
4. Visit Van Gogh or Picasso
The Detroit Institute of Arts not only has a marvelous collection of artwork, one can peruse in a pleasingly cool atmosphere, but there is always a host of activities for visitors of all ages such as drop-in workshops and chess games for kids and musical performances for adults. The Detroit Film Theatre at the DIA is also a great place to see a movie, you might not otherwise see.
The DIA is at 5200 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.For more information visit dia.org.
5. Make a splash
Indoor or outdoor, water parks are a great way to cool off. For those with younger children who want to stay indoors there’s the Macomb Township Recreation Center pool and waterpark. The facility features two pools, water slide, lazy river and even swim lessons if need be. Cost is $8 for residents and $16 for visitors.
Also a splash for summer is Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township, which has an Olympic size pool and waterslide. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks are also a go-to for swimming lessons and nature talks. For more information visit metroparks.com/.
