6 Ideas for Keeping Your Kids Cool This Summer

Summer is finally here, and temps have been spiking into the 90's. It can be hard to find ways to entertain your kids when it's scorching hot out...Well, ways that don't involve sitting in front of the TV all day or baking under the sun at the pool. We've compiled some of our favorite ideas to beat the heat indoors while also having fun in the Quad Cities.

Northpark and Southpark Mall

I would highly recommend this one for parents of smaller children especially. During the week, the mall isn't nearly as busy, and it's a nice, cool place to take a walk with the stroller. Northpark Mall has a group of arcade rides for kids to check out, while Southpark has a nice, sizable play area. Grab an iced coffee and you're good to go for a couple of hours.

Putnam Museum

If you have older kids, it can be difficult to find things to do indoors that won't leave them bored after ten minutes. Luckily, the Putnam has plenty of hands on science and history exhibits that will keep them entertained for at least eleven minutes. Ancient Egypt buffs will find interest in the museum's King Tut exhibit, going on now through September 5th. Putnam's theater also has plenty of options for kids of all ages, including the documentaries Humpback Whales, Robots, and Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs in 3D.

John Deere Pavillion

For kids that are interested in tractors and all things John Deere, the Pavillion is a great way to spend a summer afternoon. Kids can get up close and personal with all of the machinery, and parents can take a much needed break from having to entertain the kids all day. Best of all, the museum is FREE.

Movie Theater

No one pumps the air conditioning quite as well as movie theaters do, plus the snacks beat any popcorn you can make at home. Rave Cinemas in Davenport has a program called the Summer Movie Clubhouse, where older kid's movies are shown for just a dollar every Monday-Thursday at 10 AM.  A new movie is shown each week, and titles include Home, The Snoopy Movie, The Boxtrolls, and The Sandlot. At that price for the movie, you can treat yourself to your own candy...Until the kids inevitably steal it.

Regal in Moline has a similar program, only they show two movies on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some of their titles include Despicable Me 2, Home, Minions, and Curious George. Check out the theaters' websites for more info.

Bettendorf Family Museum

The Family Museum is always a blast, between their giant piano, fun fake 'town' and the rotating list of special exhibits. There's plenty of places for your little rascals to burn off energy in the comfort of AC. Currently, the museum is upgrading their outdoor playground and water play area, so expect even more fun ways to cool off once it reopens.

Whitey's

If things get really desperate (and they very well could after a couple months with the kids on summer break), there's no better way to both lift spirits and chill out than indulging in ice cream. And there's really no better place than Whitey's (aka the Best Ice Cream in the World).