All weekend here in lovely Chicago, the temperature gauge on our back porch teetered toward a hundred degrees. That's right, a hundred ass-whooping degrees. Sure, there's direct sunlight beating down out there, but there's also not enough breeze in this Windy City to balance out that kind of heat. And it isn't a dry heat either, people. It is pure, hellish, get back in the house and bundle up with damp towels heat.
While I would have been content to just curl up in front of the AC with a trashy magazine and TBS movies all weekend, my kid was not having it. So, what to do when it is too hot to burn up that crazy kid energy outside and boredom makes your home feel like Alcatraz...in July...with miniature wardens bearing half-licked popsicles?
This article says it is time to vacate to cooler climes, It suggests heading to Gymboree or another local indoor playground where the kids can go nuts and no one has to break a sweat. Also, I'd like to add to that Target doesn't charge you $18 to jump on their toys and if you can leave without buying a cart-full, then consider that a good escape. While I detest McDonald's, I do think their play lots are good in a pinch and an ice cream cone (I mean, apple dipper things) justify being there without too many trans fats or complaints by management. Finally, if all else fails, my mom suggests just going home, filling the tub with sand toys and floaties and letting the kids take a dip in the "pretend pool." They might get a bit pruney but at least they'll also get relatively clean. And if you've got one of those wonderfully unused whirlpool tubs, you can also jump in for an hour or two, or at least until the heat index sinks down below burning.
