10 Great Places to Cool Off for Free in Georgia

Submitted by admin on Tue, 07/30/2013 - 10:23 - 0 Comments

Summer is here, along with sweltering temperatures and rising tempers. You can stay cool this summer despite the heat that Mother Nature throws at you, and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. All over Georgia, there are plenty of fun and exciting places to go without spending money. If you're looking for a way to keep cool while saving big bucks, these are ten of the best ways to do so when the Georgia summer heat threatens to keep everyone inside the house.

Take a Hike! – One thing many people don’t realize is that temperatures can be as much as ten degrees cooler in the woods. Going for a hike can be cooling as well as relaxing and entertaining. This isn’t strenuous power-walking. It’s a leisurely stroll through the woods, enjoying the peace and all that nature has to offer. Not only will you feel cooler, you may find yourself less stressed.
Play in the Sprinklers - You and the kids can have a wonderful time in your own yard just playing in the sprinkler. Fido will love it too! There’s hardly a better way to cool off than simple water fun. For folks living in the Johns Creek area of Georgia, you may want to take your pooch to the Newtown Dream Dog Park. You can spend a day at Newtown Park letting the four-legged members of the family run, and near the entrance you will find the dog park which just happens to be one of the best dog parks in the country. They sport water fountains for people and pets to play in, and there is no charge for admission.
Hit the Fountains – If you haven’t discovered the fountains at the Mall of Georgia near Forsyth County, you may want to take the kids for an outing. Kids can run through the water to their hearts' content, and you may want to get a little wet yourself. It’s a fun way to keep the heat in check and create lasting memories at the same time.
Visit McDonalds' Play Spaces – The home of the Happy Meal can also provide a little cooling off on hot and humid days. The expectation is that you will patronize the restaurant, so getting the kids a drink or a cookie would be in order and if you’re going to get lunch anyway, you may as well go to a McDonalds with an indoor play area to let the kids have some cool fun rather than spending money for lunch somewhere that doesn't offer added entertainment value.
Go Window Shopping – There's nothing wrong with a little free-of-charge retail therapy, as long as you have the willpower to keep your wallet safely tucked away while you're enjoying the air conditioning. Looking without buying may be difficult for shopaholics, so if you are prone to being a spendthrift you may be better off choosing a different activity. However, for those who have the stamina, those who thrive on new designs and fashion copy cats, even crafters looking for new ideas, window shopping may be just the ticket for you. It can keep you cool and offer you inspiration at the same time.
Visit the Lawrenceville Female Seminary/Gwinnett History Museum – For history buffs, a visit to the Lawrenceville Female Seminary is a nice way to spend a cool afternoon. The museum is housed in the 1830’s seminary which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits include textiles, farm life, schools, traditional music and religion.
Check Out the Parks – In particular, Jones Bridge Park and Holcomb Bridge Park in Gwinnett County have amenities that make for cooling summer fun. For example, you can go swimming and fishing at Jones Bridge Park. Both parks are located on the Chattahoochee River, so you’ll have an opportunity to relax by the water. Most parks are open from sunup to sundown providing families an entire day to enjoy the outdoors. Check on line to find out what cooling amenities are at your local parks.
Kudzu Art Zone– The art lover in you will enjoy taking a jaunt over to the Kudzu Art Zone. Art and local artists hang around this quaint little cottage in Gwinnett County. Admission to the Zone is free, and they have a smattering of workshop offerings for those interested in artsy pursuits.
Volunteer at a Nursing Home – You can stay cool and do some good at the same time by finding a nursing home that could use your help. Volunteer opportunities at such places are usually wide open. People are always needed to read to residents, offer conversation, play games, and other activities. Find out what volunteer opportunities are available in your area.
Volunteer at a Theater – There are many opportunities to volunteer at local theaters as an usher or maybe even as part of the production crew. The perks are obvious. You get to work in an air conditioned environment, and most likely you get to see the production for free. For young people, volunteer work is also a good way to build up your resume.