Beat the Heat

What do you think of when someone mentions August? Here in Taylors, I instantly think HOT, HOT, HUMID! July has already been ridiculously hot with temperatures skimming the hundreds and predictions continue to show August being even hotter than that.

Being someone who works with a youth group, I am constantly thinking "what are we going to do with these kids in this heat?"

School is still far away enough that we have to keep thinking of things to keep them occupied, and I assume it is the same for those who have kids. So I compiled a list of things that are worth doing in this crazy heat.

I know what you are thinking; everything is so EXPENSIVE these days. I know it too. I am broke. That is why I have researched several different options with many of them costing less than an admission to Six Flags and some at $10 or less because most parents don’t want to send their kids with us if costs too much either. I mean come on, they have already paid for camp and everything else, summer is supposed to be easy.

Fighting the heat…and winning.

Otter Creek. No, it is not as expensive as you think. It is also a whole lot of fun for adults and kids. I am 23 and I love it! It is $10 a person over the height of 42 inches and $8 if you are under that height. If you don’t want to get in the water, its just $4 to get in and supervise. Its open 10:30am to 5:30pm everyday except Sunday when they open at 1:30pm so you can cruise in just after church! They have slides, a crazy water playground and a big COLD pool. Everything you could ever want on a hot day. Just bring you bathing suit and sunscreen and you are set to go. If you need more info just check out their website. 

Sprinklers! Don’t want to leave the house or have too many kids to keep up with at a water park? Then bust it out old school and bring out the sprinklers. I know when I was a kid and even know, running through a cold sprinkler really breaks the heat. You can make it fun and buy a couple extra sprinklers for under $10 a piece (Ace Hardware) and set up a fun water obstacle course. 

Putt Away. Not feeling the water? Or is the chances of a harsh sun burn pushing you away? Then just make a trip to downtown Greenville’s West End where they now boast a really cool indoor putt putt course, Falls Park Golf and Games. Their website, doesn’t have a lot of information but it gives directions to get to their location. I know it cost $6 a person and you definitely will have some fun. Its air-conditioned and fun. Adults and kids have praised this place ever since it opened up. I have enjoyed it several times myself and it definitely rivals any miniature golf you find in Myrtle Beach, the putt putt capital of the south.

Strike!! Another great option everyone can enjoy is afternoon bowling. Yeah, some of the bowling lanes in the area are not family focused because they still allow smoking or drinking or what-not but AMF star lanes on Pleasantburg is a little different than that. They don’t allow smoking and it has a cleaner environment. It is around $15 for shoes and one game, and I believe it is on $6 more for each game after that. It is a little more on the expensive side, but one game could last all afternoon. Plus their nachos and cheese - amazing.

Sno Hut. To be the summer heat and get a little treat there are only two words needed. Sno Hut. Located in the parking lot next to BB&T and the SC Telco Credit Union on Wade Hampton Blvd., Sno Hut has been quite the fixture in Taylors for as long as I can remember. Open all summer and prices never more than $5. It has a bazillion flavors and is worth the outdoor conditions.

Quiet Time. Just need a peaceful place to hide out and/or to keep little minds busy? Just swing by the Taylors branch of the Greenville Library System. This is one of my personal favorites because I am a book nerd. It is a great place, air-conditioned and there is so much to do, especially in the summer. You can check out their calendar here

Now you have lots of options! None of these will break the bank and all of these are fun. Why not make a weekend of it. Pick a few out and enjoy!

If you have any other fun suggestions, share away, I know I will appreciate it as well as anyone else out there looking for some heat relief.