10 (Nearby) Ways to Keep Your Cool

If you have air-conditioning, the oppressive heat may be keeping you indoors. But who wants to start off summer vacation with restless kids saying, "Mom, I'm bored!" Thankfully there are plenty of options to keep the kids busy and cool in South Whitehall and nearby. Some are free, some are not.

1. . While not the least expensive option, unless you have a membership, the waterpark is right here in South Whitehall and will give everyone the chance to cool off.  If you purchase your tickets online you'll pay $39.99 for a regular admission ticket for those 48" and taller. There are other ticket options as well.

2. . The symbol of our youth and one of our first tastes of 'fast food' comes to the rescue with their indoor playland off Cedar Crest Boulevard. There are different areas for those barely walking, those who like to run around, and those who love computers and games. Grab a table and enjoy a sweet tea or some fries while the kids make new friends and tire themselves out.

3. . Kung Fu Panda 2 is currently showing and Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer will start tomorrow. Share a popcorn and soda and enjoy a few hours of entertainment and cool air.

4. .  Preschool playtimes and all-ages open Bounce sessions are available all weekend long to keep your kids active and cool.  Pre-school playtime is Friday from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.; all ages open bounce is 1 p.m .to 2:15 p.m. Bring the kids back at 7:30 p.m. to bounce around in their cosmic bounce till 9 p.m. in the glow-in-the-dark décor. Events are planned all weekend so check their calendar and reserve your spot.

5. DaVinci Center. This weekend the DaVinici has Joe's Workshop, where kids 14 and under can make a Father's Day Easel for $10. Register in advance. The Summer of Manufacturing Exhibit is also open and there will be an inventors showcase on Saturday. 

6. . Visit the library for a bit and read a book with the kids. Pick out a few favorites and maybe even a movie for a weekend of fun.

7. PPL fountains, in downtown Allentown. If you want to splash around for a bit, bring the kids for some water fun in the fountains outside the PPL Building.

8. The Saucon Valley Promenade Shops. Another great place for free water fun is the fountains at the Promenade Shops. An added bonus: places to shop -- and get ice cream. 

9. . For more than 30 years, has been making cool treats in their original location on Hamilton Boulevard. Whether you're in the mood for hard or soft ice cream, frozen yogurt, or water ice, there's something for everyone.

10. . While grocery shopping may not be the most exciting of outings, Wegmans does offer their WKids Fun Center. So kids get to play while you get a little time to yourself, whether you get your grocery shopping done or take time to relax upstairs with a snack and magazine.