School’s back in session for many, but with the weather still in triple-digits in Sacramento, summer feels far from wrapping up. Fortunately there are plenty of ways to continue staying cool even when the scorching temperatures won’t cooperate.

Beating the Heat

It’s a tough road for Sacramento kids – school starts mid-August, but the summer weather often continues through late September at least. Even adults still pine for the dog days of summer as they often feel they’ve missed the season of vacations and tan lines completely due to work deadlines and family obligations.

For those who have not yet gotten enough of summer, or are still looking for their first opportunity to get away, there are plenty of opportunities to fight back against a typical seasonal Sacramento scorcher.

The River

The American River, that is. No matter how warm the temperature outdoors, the river continues to be a refreshing alternative to community pools and backyard sprinklers. The water remains downright cold on many days, and attracts many rafters and swimmers. Brave divers can leap approximately 12 feet down into the water from various rocks, and some locals even camp out by the water to ring a cowbell to recognize the best and most artistic leaps.

Mike Shellito Indoor Pool

When the community pools close after Labor Day, there is still hope for those living in or around Roseville. The Mike Shellito Indoor Pool is open year round with a gorgeous glass ceiling that allows the late summer sunlight to pour in while keeping some of the heat out. The complex includes a 25-yard pool reaching depths of eight-and-a-half feet, and a shallow (five feet) 1500 square foot warm water pool.

SwimStitute

Did your child just miss the community pool cut off with a late summer birthday? SwimStitute in Rancho Cordova offers year-round birthday parties ideal for those who were born during warm weather post-Labor Day. Year round aquatic fitness, swim lessons and even aquatic log rolling.

Water Parks

Every local knows about (and has likely grown tired of) Sunsplash, but there are community parks with water play features located all over the Sacramento region. This alternative form of “water parks” keeps kids cool after school for a bit longer than other public water options.

Stephenson Family Park in Elk Grove is one such location. With Egyptian-themed playgrounds complete with a huge cobra snake that “spits” water at every tot passing by, there is plenty to explore and play on while cooling off. Rocklin is also home to many parks with water features including Memorial Park, Lone Tree Park and Whitney Park.

Most of these water parks stay functioning through September 27.

Bounce U

With the beloved Funtastic Play Center no longer in Natomas, Bounce U is the place to be when you’re looking to stay cool. Even though it’s for kids only, parents will still greatly appreciate the opportunity to sit in air conditioning they don’t have to pay for.

Filled with giant bounce houses, kids can enjoy “open bounce” time, or special events like Glow-in-the-Dark Bounce and Parents Night Out. Admission is $7.00 per child for open bounce time, and kids under age 2 and parents are free.

Bounce U has locations in Roseville and Rancho Cordova.

Wacky Tacky

Home to huge jungle gyms and other play structures, Wacky Tacky also includes supersized slides and a foam shooting range. Located in Roseville, Wacky Tacky includes a snack bar for grownups with plenty of refreshing drinks and munchies to enjoy in the spacious air-conditioned café area while they kids play. Best of all, they are open to the public most weekdays from 9am to 6pm – so cool off while the older kids are at school, or bring everyone after a long day in the classroom.

Wherever you choose to spend the dwindling days of summer, be sure to stay cool and safe. Hydrate often, and don’t forget to send the kids to school with an insulated water bottle. Freeze lunchtime drinks overnight to have them just right for lunch time, and find out your local school rules on dress code to maximize comfort.

For adults, find out if your workplace is offering more casual dress options during the heat wave and take some time for yourself to swim, go out for drinks or refresh yourself in some other way that makes you feel recharged and ready to say goodbye to summer soon.