July 3rd the Dog Days of Summer Begins!

How to Stay Cool and Still Have Summertime Fun!

The Dog Days of Summer are upon us soon. July 3rd is the beginning of the "Dog Days of Summer" when the days are the hottest and the humidity is enough to make the strongest person drop. Dog Days got its name from when the "Dog Star" Sirius raises before the sun. It typically runs from early July to early September when summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere. Regardless of how it got its name, it is important to make sure you have plenty of cool summer activities to do to help beat the heat and humidity.

Most the activities my family and I enjoy to help beat the heat include water. Boating is always good but not everyone has access to a boat, little lone the lakes or bodies of water to enjoy a boat on. In our hometown, we have access to many lakes and lakefront activities for little to no cost. Other then boating, another of our favorites is taking a paddleboat out for and hour or more. Here it is really quite reasonable, $5.00 an hour and the paddleboat holds four. Children under 16 have to be supervised by an adult and the park district supplies the life jackets that must be worn while enjoying this activity. If you are not up to paddling a boat around a lake, many lakes offer a swimming area. Check with your local parks around your area to find a spot to take the temperature down a few notches.