We have had humid, hot 80-degree weather this past week. Staying cool can be a breeze if you know the right places to be in Bowling Green this summer. Here are some local hotspots where you can cool off when the temperature gets too high.
Lola’s Frozen Yogurt is the perfect place for any budget. You get to be your own culinary artisan when you step into this locally owned yogurt shop. The store features 15 all-natural flavors and you get to choose exactly how much of each flavor you want. You pick out whatever size cup you want and then fill it with whatever flavors your heart desires. Mixing is encouraged. Watermelon swirled with pomegranate, chocolate goodness mixed with chocolate chip cookie dough and salted caramel vanilla are just the beginnings of the many delicious creations you can make. The next order of business is toppings and Lola’s offers over 95 to choose from, including fresh fruit, cereal, cookies, brownies, cake and a variety of different candy bars and sauces, to name just a few. You pay 43 cents per ounce. Buying your frozen yogurt this way is great if you want to go light on your wallet. But, if you really want to splurge, fill your cup to the brim and get ready to indulge.
Lola’s Frozen Yougurt Hours
Tuesday – Sunday | 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
City Pool and Waterpark, located at 520 Conneaut Ave., is a good place to go when you just can’t beat the heat. The pool includes a water slide and diving boards for the more adventurous swimmers. If heights aren’t your thing, you can float around in the lazy river. There is also a lap pool to use for exercise. For the younger crowd, the pool has a splash pad. Swimming can be tiring, but you can refuel by heading to the concession stand located inside the City Pool and Waterpark.
Hours:
Monday – Friday | 1 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. (Opens one hour earlier for pass holders)
Saturday – Sunday | 11 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. (Opens one hour earlier for Pass Holders)
A student pass is $70 for residents or $80 for non-residents. You can get a day pass for $5 (resident) or $5.50 (non-resident). For a full list of prices visit: http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/family-aquatic-complex/pool-pass-prices
The University Ice Arena is open throughout the summer to help you chill out if you really want to escape the heat. Be prepared; it can get a little cold at the ice rink, so you might want to dress in layers to make sure you stay warm enough. If you don’t know how to skate, the arena offers Learn To Skate sessions. To learn more, go to http://www.bgsu.edu/ice-arena.html
Summer Season (June 16 – August 29, 2014)
Thursday | 7 p.m. – 8:50 p.m.
Friday | 6 p.m. – 7:50 p.m.
Cheap Skates: Monday – Friday | 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Rates:
•General Admission: $5.00
•BGSU Student/Faculty/Staff: $3.00 (with a University ID)
•Group Rate: $3.00 (Reservation one week in advance, 10+)
•Pre-School (4 and under): $3.00
•Skate Rental: $3.00
If the weather isn’t scorching hot, head out to Simpson Garden Park, located at 1291 Conneaut Ave. This park is the perfect escape from a hectic schedule and has many gardens, including a Japanese Peace Garden, two small ponds and a waterfall. There is a Children’s Discovery Garden where kids can explore and learn about wildlife. If you look close enough in the pond located in this section, you will find fish and possibly a frog or two. Trails lead you throughout the park, making for a good place to get some exercise. However, if you get too hot while enjoying the park, head over to one of the gazebos to get some shade. If you want some quiet time, the Peace Garden is the perfect place for you.
To learn more details about the Simpson Garden Park and to explore a map of the park, visit http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/simpson-garden-park