Five Free Ways To Stay Cool Today

With Minneapolis temperatures soaring to the low 90's on Wednesday, and high humidity, officials at the National Weather Service are predicting today will feel as hot as a 100 or a 110 degree day. Here are our five free tips for having fun while staying cool this week.

1. Beaches: Any day that the temperature at 6:00 p.m. rises above 85 degrees, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has announced it will extend lifeguard hours from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All beaches are open until 10:00 p.m. Life guards are on duty daily at Lake Calhoun's Thomas beach, and at Lake Harriet's North beach and Calhoun's 32nd Street beach Thursday through Sunday.
2. Libraries and Museums: With two libraries at and , a and another in Linden Hills.
3. Crafternoons: Got little ones? Linden Hills craft and toy shop holds regular "Crafternoons" on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Similar drop-in arts projects can be found around the corner at from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and a more literary experience can be had at the book shop next to the .
4. Movies and Music in the Park: Maybe we're cheating a little bit, since these occur outside, but waiting until sunset is a sure way to beat a lot of the day's heat. Find a full movie schedule here, and a full list of music going on at the Lake Harriet Bandshell here.
5. Wine and Beer Tastings: Local liquor stores and hold regular tasting events throughout the week, no experience required. Even if you don't know the bottom from the top of a wine bottle, they say you'll enjoy yourself, and France 44 also offers classes for those who want to learn more. France 44's free tastings can be found here, and South Lyndale Liquor posts theirs on Facebook, here.
6. Bonus Tip: Want to bring your pet, but worried about their fur coat? Check out Curtis Johnson.