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Heat hacks: How to keep yourself and your pets cool if you don't have AC!
This post was originally published July 2014.
Grab an ice cream, hit the beach or just do nothing because, frankly, it's hot out this week.
Los Angeles County Health Officer has declared a Heat Alert with high temps forecasted for the Pomona area on Thursday, July 24 through Friday, July 25. Meanwhile, downtown L.A. will reach a high of 91 degrees and the San Gabriel Valley will reach a high of 97 degrees Thursday.
Those heading to the beach will face hazardous rip currents in the surf zone, according to the National Weather Service.
Sure, there are cooling centers scattered all throughout Southern California; we've got a map (click here) of those, which was issued by L.A. County Thursday. But, let's face it, they're not exactly cool (pun intended) — that's why we've curated a list of not-so-typical places to beat the heat this week and beyond.
For parents
Take the kids to a park with lots of shade or try a toy store.
W/kids? Toy stores, parks w/water features, friends w/ pools.RT @KPCC: Stay cool in the summer heat? @whatnuransaid @KPCC. #heatwave #buzzLA
— Laura Nickerson (@nickerberger) May 12, 2014
Toy stores:
- The Dinosaur Farm in South Pasadena
- Tom's Toys in Beverly Hills
- The Acorn Store in Santa Monica
- Whimsic Alley in Mid-Wilshire
Find more here.
Parks with water:
- Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles
- Echo Park Lake in Echo Park (Check out the pedal boats!)
- Sigler Park Splash Pad in Westminster
- Pacific Community Center & Park in Glendale
- Holmby Park in Westwood
Find more about the best toy stores in Los Angeles here. To read about 10 cheap places (most of which involve water or air conditioning) to take your kids in SoCal this summer, click here.
Don't forget to pack lots of water for you and your little ones.
A cool place to stroll AND just relax
In extreme heat, the brisk air that escapes through supermarkets' sliding doors can be seen as a welcomed blessing.
If you have time to spend, then enter an air-conditioned grocery store like Whole Foods, where you can buy this week's produce, try samples and sit down for a meal. Plus, there's Wi-Fi.
Museums — such as the Santa Monica Museum of Art and the Griffith Observatory — are free and can provide a refreshing place to escape hot temps.
Other museums with FREE admission:
- Natural History Museum - Los Angeles: Free admission first Tuesday of the month.
- Discovery Science Center - Santa Ana: Free admission first Sunday of the month.
- The Irvine Museum - Irvine: Admission always free.
- Riverside Metropolitan Museum’s Heritage House - Riverside: Admission is free, $3 donation recommended.
Find more here.
Work from home with no air conditioner?
While it's not wise to take your laptop to the pool, there are other options, like heading to a Starbucks or a public library. Local libraries — like the one in Huntington Beach — have quiet, scenic and air conditioned areas.
Huntington Beach Public Library
And, like we mentioned above, there's always Whole Foods. Your one-stop-shop for groceries, dining, Internet, coffee and booze.
What about Duke and Bella?
Don't forget: Pets are susceptible to heat-related health problems, too. Don't forget about them when planning cool down sessions.
Get out the kiddy pool, make some "pupsicles" (all you need is 1 ripe banana, 4 cups orange juice and 1/2 cup plain yogurt) and just enjoy a day of lounging with your best friend.
Bonus tip: Try putting ice cubes in your pet's water bowl. It will surely quench the thirst of any parched throat.
We hope this goes without saying: Please don't leave any animal in the car.
Got a tip? Let us know in the comments or tweet @KPCC.