Cool Places for Hot Summer Days in Waukesha

Too much summer sun and activities? Some days, it’s just too doggone hot to frolic outside.

The next time heat and humidity hold Waukesha hostage so that even the pool has lost its appeal, check out some of these “cool” places and get out of the sun.

• Rediscover your Midwestern roots and pretend you’re Laverne and Shirley: Go bowling! Waukesha is lucky to have three different bowling alleys. is close to downtown. AMF Waukesha Lanes, by the airport, offers coupons with the weekly mailer. is a favorite of children because of its arcade. Prices vary according to each location.
• Want some exercise but don't want the heat? Or just feeling a little crabby? Take the family to Laser Tag Adventure and pretend to shoot each other. Nothing like a little exercise and target practice to clear the air. Plus, it’s cool and dark. Don’t forget to check online for coupons and specials. One game per person costs $7.25 and $19.95 for three games.
• Another oldie but goodie: roller-skating. Skate Land is open for the public Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12:30 to 3 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m. Music, disco ball, some funky skating moves can all be fun, plus there's an arcade. Check online for specials and discounts.
• Experience a little winter, right in the middle of summer, with ice skating at Eble Ice Arena. The cost is $6 for adults and $4.50 for juniors or seniors. Summer public skating hours are usually noon to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. However, there is no public skating Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17 and hours on Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, are 2:15 to 4:15 p.m. Also, August 15 to 19, public skating will be 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• “Cool” your heels at the Waukesha Public Library. The newly-renovated children’s area has something for every youngster; the teen area offers a quiet space with the latest “hot” books for that sometimes-temperamental teen; and mom and dad can spend some downtime browsing for music, movies or a book from their favorite author or genre. Check online for children’s story times and special activities like free  Thursdays movie matinees and teen gatherings like the Wii Sports game on Tuesday, July 12 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Another oldie but a goodie for summer is heading to the movie theater for some cool, dark comfort and laughs. In addition to matinee pricing during the day, has a program at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, June 21 through August 11, where a family-friendly film is just $2. Also on Tuesdays, popcorn and fountain drinks are $2. Hoodwinked Too, Rio and Judy Moody are on the schedule for July as part of the Kids Rule promotion.
• One last location to consider for getting out of the sun: The Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum. The museum is air-conditioned and you’ll learn something, too. Permanent exhibits include local history, technology and the Civil War. Also, the museum offers day camps for children and the current special exhibit is of wildlife artist Owen Gromme. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the general exhibit is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for children six to 17, and free for children 5 and under. Free admission to permanent exhibits is offered on Wednesdays for Waukesha County residents.