Where to Cool Off in Barrington

Cooling off in the summer has become more sophisticated since the Mad Men era of the 1960s. Back then, suburban parents simply set up a sprinkler in the backyard, whipped up some lemonade and invited their children’s friends over for some shivering shenanigans. Meanwhile, urban locals beat the heat by playing in the spray of cool water from neighborhood fire hydrants. 

Thankfully, there are more creative options these days.

At home, it’s easy to cool off with an air conditioner or a fan. But what if you want to stay cool and get out of the house?

Well, here are a few options.

1. Play. It certainly is a good time to go to Barrington Beach or the Bayside YMCA. If the water is still a bit too chilly, you might try a waterpark or an amusement park with water rides.
   
   
2. Eat. Even worse than being hot is being hungry and hot. Whether you're in the mood for a chardonnay or a chocolate soda, plenty of local eateries offer icy drinks in cool environments. For something more substantial, stop for ice cream or frozen yogurt. The Daily Scoop has some of the best ice cream in New England. Try the food at some of Barrington's new restaurats -- The Blue Kangaroo or Pizzico -- or some old favorites with a new look -- Newport Creamery -- or a new name and look -- Tyler Point Grille is now the Bluewater Bar & Grill.
   
   
3. Shop. It might sound like an unconventional way to cool off, but when was the last time you were in a store without air conditioning? It doesn’t cost anything to slip in and out of stores for some indoor window shopping. Window shopping in Barrington Books is a favorite spot for me.
   
   
4. Work out. Check out your local fitness centers for a listing of indoor classes and activities. Or step up your visits to the Bayside YMCA.
   
   
5. Go see a movie. A movie theater keeps you cool and entertained. For a few extra dollars, linger a little longer and see two movies. The Barrington library also has plenty of books and magazines you can enjoy indoors. Women Rising performs an a cappella concert at 4 pm today.
   

Of course, don’t forget to stay hydrated. And if there's no time to get out, you can always take a nice cold shower.

Remember, if the car is too hot for you, it's also too hot for pets! Please don't leave them in the car unattended.