The dog days of summer bark loud and proud as the region is hit with a heat wave late this week.
Some of you have young kids on summer break to entertain but it’s likely too hot to take them outside. Others need a new after-work activity now that an outdoor walk in the park is out of the question.
And you must exercise caution (hydrate!) if you must work outside, walk a distance or are considering doing your favorite outdoor workout.
Whatever your heat-related plight may be, we know how frustrating it can be to limit yourself to the indoors, especially if you have a house full of children to keep entertained.
That’s why we’re helping you out with a list of fun indoor activities around the state to keep you out of the heat and make sure you keep your cool:
Is there a heat wave in Delaware?
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an excessive heat warning for New Castle County, in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday to 10 p.m. Friday, and a heat advisory for the entire state, in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday.
“Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, especially for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” reports NWS.
In New Castle County, a heat index value up to 108, classified as dangerously hot, is expected for areas like Wilmington that are impacted by the excessive heat warning. All other areas are expected to see a heat index value up to 104.
In Kent County and inland Sussex County, heat index values up to 110 are expected.
What should I do during a heat wave?
The main way to stay safe during a heat wave is to stay out of the sun. You should drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room if possible, and spend some time checking up on relatives and neighbors, according to NWS.
While young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, this is especially true during days of excessive heat when “car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,” said NWS.
Other ways to practice safety during a heat wave include:
- Limiting strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
- Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include excessive thirst, fatigue, headaches, sweating, dizziness and feeling clammy. If this happens, move the person to a cool, shaded location and call 911.
- Wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing.
- Taking frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments if working outdoors.
Ways to cool off in Delaware during a heatwave
Catch a movie
If you have yet hop on the “Barbenheimer” wave, the box office premiere of both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” on July 21, or have your sights set on other new releases, now is the time to get your tickets.
Grab your popcorn and drink, recline your theater seat and kick up your feet as you enjoy a new movie on the big screen.
Lace up your skates
Are you in desperate need of a chilly climate? Surrounding yourself with ice should do the trick!
No, we’re not talking about booking a trip to Antarctica. With the Fred Rust Ice Arena and the Patriot Ice Center open, you can spend some time ice skating around local indoor rinks.
While we’re positive these ice arenas don’t offer the penguins and seals of a trip to Antartica, ice skating in Delaware is a cheap and easily accessible way to cool down significantly.
If ice skating isn’t your thing, you can swap your ice skates for rollerblades and cruise around the Christiana Skating Center in Christiana or the Dover Skating Center in Dover.
Brush up on your strikes and spares
Wii Sports Bowling is great and all, but don’t you think it’s time you give the real deal another chance?
Delaware has plenty of bowling alleys up and down the state, and if you’re looking for a Friday night activity to wait out the heat advisory, the air-conditioned lanes are calling your name.
A bowling alley visit also guarantees a meal of greasy pizza, hot French fries and all the other nostalgic alley foods without having to pile up in the car and drive elsewhere.
Jump the day away
Trampoline parks may sound like a kiddie activity, but adults can enjoy the jumping fun, too.
Skyzone in Newark, Urban Air in Christiana and Fly Over Park in Dover are a few places offering open jump or day program options.
At the end of your jump session, huddle in the food court for some small bites before going back on the trampolines for round two.
Take a scenic train ride
If physical exertion of any sort does not sound like it belongs on your to-do list, we feel you.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad in Prices Corner operates steam- and diesel-powered tourist trains on 10 miles of track in the Red Clay Valley between Greenbank and Hockessin from spring through Dec. 30.
That means you get to cruise through beautiful state views without doing any work. Pack your lunch to enjoy on the ride or just sit back and relax.
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Test your wits
Hear us out. Using a heat wave as an excuse to lock yourself in a room with friends as you dig for clues to aid your escape sounds like as good a reason as any to do it.
Channel your inner “Nancy Drew” to beat the clock and free yourself from the Axxiom Escape Rooms in Newark and Wilmington or the Novus Escape Room in Middletown.
For a fun twist, head to Ctrl V in Bear for virtual reality escape rooms and arcade fun.
Get your game on
There’s something about the neon lighting, funky music and wacky designs of arcades and events centers that always feels welcoming.
Family Fun Galaxy at Mid County Lanes in Middletown has a laser tag arena, indoor bumper cars, arcade games and more for everyone in your household to enjoy.
Main Event in Christiana has a gravity ropes indoor course, laser tag pool, bowling, arcade games and tasty eats.
Xbos in Smyrna has an arcade, bowling, a trampoline park and an indoor playground. Bring the little ones to play while you relax at the café.
In Bethany Beach, Shore Fun Family Fun Center offers pinball machines, Skee-Ball, air hockey, arcade games, crane games and more.
And for those of you who are a part of the “pictures or it didn’t happen” crowd, you can snap some pictures at the photo booth before you leave.
New Castle’s Xtreme Zone features indoor go-karting, axe throwing and virtual reality fun.
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Go shopping
Maybe you want a head start on back-to-school clothes shopping for the kids or you want to check out some new home décor.
Whatever you’re looking for, spending the day at the mall is a worthwhile activity.
You can browse the books at Barnes & Noble, grab lunch in the food court or at one of the restaurants in the Christiana Fashion Center, buy new pantry organizers at the Container Store and revamp your vanity with new makeup from Sephora.
The whole family is bound to find a store they want to peek into before it’s time to head back home.
Channel your inner artist or historian
Delaware has no shortage of museums throughout the state, and there’s guaranteed to be a local exhibit for you and your crowd.
Bring the kids to the Delaware Children’s Museum in Wilmington, have a family day at the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, visit the Discoversea Shipwreck Museum in Fenwick Island, walk around the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington or spend the afternoon at the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society & Museum in Rehoboth.
Try rock climbing
For the kids who want to try rock climbing and the parents who are too afraid to let them do the real deal.
Or any other local rock-climbing enthusiasts who thought they had to spend the day inside.
Some local gyms or community centers have rock climbing walls available for guests to use and others spots like the Delaware Rock Gym in Bear and RISE Fitness + Adventure in Rehoboth offer a variety of rock-climbing opportunities for all levels of experience.
Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys’tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.
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