Summer has officially arrived, and not just because Friday was the first day of summer. It has arrived because the past few days have been hot and sticky. Temperatures have crept into the 90s in inland areas. Yesterday, the outside temperature on our car said 100 degrees at 6 p.m. It may be slightly off, but not by much. Here are a few ways to beat the heat as a family:

• Overload your taste buds with ice cream or frozen yogurt. Our current favorite spot is Cherry on Top in Orange (there’s also one in Mission Viejo). Other top picks of ours are Pink Berry, Yogurtland and Ben & Jerry’s.

• Wham-O’s Slip ‘N Slide® has come a long way since its original design of a long plastic sheet. Now your kids can slide down a pirate ship or into the mouth of a shark. Renee and I may just have to get one of these to satisfy our inner children.

• Make a splash. If you don’t have access to a pool and can’t invade the neighbors, head out to the beach. Suzanne got some great family-friendly beach ideas in the Mom Blog.

• Check out some of the ickiest, grossest animals around at the Discover Science Center’s Animal Grossology. You’ll learn about disgusting animals in cool air-conditioning. The big kid in me has been wanting to take Sydney, but she’s still too young. Video: click here for a sneak-peek.

• Take in a movie and a some cool air conditioning at a local movie theater.

• Test your ice skating skills or join a pick-up hockey game at Anaheim Ice.  I’m terrible at ice skating, but Renee likes it. Maybe she’ll teach Sydney one day.

Leave a comment below telling us how your family stays cool during the dog days of summer.

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