Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 103 degrees this weekend, breaking a 20-year record. Weather officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during the heat wave. Here’s how to keep the kids — and your head — cool this weekend in Long Beach.
- The beach is an obvious choice on a hot day, just make sure to drink lots of water and use sunscreen. Mother’s Beach and Colorado Lagoon are good spots with limited wave action for even the littlest swimmers. A recent report gave good grades for the water quality at both beaches. Alamitos Bay also features an inflatable water playground off its newly rebuilt dock for the entire summer.
- Dive into the depths without getting too wet at the Aquarium of the Pacific. This summer, the aquarium is celebrating its 20-year anniversary with new exhibits, programs and events. General admission starts at $30 for adults and $18 for kids 3-11.
- Libraries are a resource for not only books, but also relief from the heat. Long Beach libraries have several events and activities scheduled for this weekend, including “Budding Builders” at the Main Library, “Summer Movie Club” at the Dana Neighborhood Library and “Craft and Movie Day” at the Bay Shore Library.
- Kids can play inside at local indoor playgrounds. We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym in Long Beach allows kids with varying levels of ability to play safely and Kidz Town Indoor Playground in Lakewood is another nearby option. Cost varies depending on the gym.
- Learn about art and culture through Beyond the Blueprint, a new interactive gallery at the Museum of Latin American Art museum. Visitors can learn how makers make and modify designs and processes to create innovative art and objects, like the winning robots of the Long Beach Robobowl. General admission is $10 and children under 12 get in free. Free admission is offered on Sundays.