5 Creative (and Cheap!) Ways to Keep Cool
1. Irvine Park Cave
There’s much more to Chippewa Falls’ Irvine Park than tigers, bears, and the awesome Christmas lights. This time of year it would feel pretty good to visit the park’s cave, which includes a natural spring. Oh, and kids love the park’s splash pad, too.
2. See a Film
Got a few quarters? You and the brood can check out special kid-oriented movie screenings at Micon Cinemas (Mondays and Tuesdays in Eau Claire, Wednesdays and Thursdays in Chippewa Falls). Admission is 25 cents each, but the air-conditioning is free! (Check out www.miconcinemas.com for details.)
3. The Pool
Fine, going to the pool on a hot summer day seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes we need to be reminded of the resources that are right under our noses. Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie all boast fine municipal pools (complete with slides and other fun features) where you can chill out on a modest budget. Don’t forget sunscreen!
4. Chaos Water Park
With its water slides, lazy river, activity pool, and shallow lagoon, the Valley’s only indoor water park is a nice treat anytime, but it’s a steal on Thursdays when admission is just $5 per person ($3 for kids under 36 inches tall). Plus, if you’re not planning on getting in the water yourself, admission is free.
5. Your Basement
Whether it’s a fancy, finished family room or a simple dirt-floored root cellar, this often-ignored part of your house can be a life-saver when the mercury rises. So grab a cool drink and head down into the dark to make friends with the centipedes.
