Beat the heat: Activities to keep yourself busy during a hot summer

If this summer is going to be anywhere near as hot as last summer, it will be miserable — too hot for normal outdoor activities like swimming or sports.

If temperatures start to reach that uncomfortable high this summer, you will undoubtedly be looking for ways to spend your time inside.

Even though the summer is the time to relax from school, it also is a great time to learn something new and to start a new hobby. Whether it is a musical instrument, language or craft, there are endless possibilities.

For an easy way to cool down and to stay active, try ice skating. There are several rinks in the Oklahoma City area that are open year-around, including Blazer Ice Centre and Arctic Edge Ice Arena. Some offer classes for beginners or have figure skating and hockey clubs. They are not too expensive, and there are several opportunities for discounts.

An alternative to ice skating is roller skating. Roller rinks also are inexpensive and usually have heavy air conditioning. Check out Southwest Skating Center in Moore and Star Skate in Norman.

Another suggestion would be to go watch some roller derby matches. The sport is becoming more popular again and can be quite entertaining.

Since many go home during the summertime, many of your friends may not be in town. For a fun way to keep in touch with your friends, try Skype or a Google+ hangout.

There are several museums, music and fine arts events, as well as places like the Myriad Botanical Gardens, around the Norman and Oklahoma City area. Discounts are available for students and some are free, but most are not expensive.

Admission is free for students at the Fred Jones Jr. Arts Museum and Sam Noble Museum of Natural History on campus. Tickets for the Science Museum Oklahoma (Okie natives might now it by its former name, the Omniplex) include a show at the planetarium.

For the more altruistic people, many places are desperate for folks to volunteer. Animal shelters, retirement homes, child programs and schools, food banks, libraries and many other places always need help.

Many dance studios and fitness clubs offer cheap classes and memberships. Look into Modern Dance Arts and Downtown Fitness in Norman. Just because it is hot outside does not mean you can't maintain some physical activity.

The area has many other alternatives with arcades, bowling alleys, rock climbing and billiard halls. Nearby places are Hilltop Hideaway in Noble, Corner Pocket in Oklahoma City and Sooner Bowling Center in Norman.

If you want to try something different, check out some of the local gun and archery ranges.

Even if we face another 100-plus degree summer, we can still beat the boredom of sitting at home in front of a fan or air conditioner.

Mary Rogers

Mary is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Life & Arts Reporter and Campus Reporter.