So the thermostat keeps climbing and, if you’re like us, you’re sweating. Looking for ways to pass the time as the Texas summer takes its toll? Browse through our suggestions below, and see if you can’t find a little fun in — or out of — the sun.

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The Dallas Zoo. Cool off in the Reptile House, or in several air-conditioned locations in the Lacerte Children’s Zoo. There’s also a meandering river for the little kids to cool off outside; bring a snack and some friends and sweat it out together. www.dallaszoo.com.

Summer at the Nasher Sculpture Center. Enjoy lots of summertime fun, from Free Thurdays to Movie Fridays. The Wolfgang Puck Café and the great gift shop are other air-conditioned highlights of this indoor/outdoor museum. www.summeratthenasher.org.
 The Circus Comes to You. Ringling Brother’s Barnum and Bailey Circus clowns visit Dallas Public Libraries through July. For branch schedules: www.dallaslibrary.org.
 
Art & Me Classes for Little Ones at the Dallas Museum of Art. Wednesdays & Saturdays in the summer. Registration required. We also just like to go to the museum in the hot hot afternoon; the cool air and serene art helps keep a smile on our faces. www.dallasmuseumofart.org.
 
Late Nights at Dallas Museum of Art. Third Friday of the Month, until Midnight. $10 for nonmembers. www.dallasmuseumofart.org.
 
Eat on the Patio at Tio Joe’s. Okay, it’s hot, but there’s a great fountain that the kids inevitably splash in, and the Gold Margaritas make you forget the heat. Down Sylvan Ave. www.tiojoes.com.

Have a Drink at BarBelmont. Not only providing the best view in the Cliff as well as one great mohito, but the good people at the Belmont also bring you cool misters to drown out the hot July air. www.belmontdallas.com.

Enjoy a Pink Lady at Aunt Stelle’s Sno-Cones on Clarendon Drive. This Oak Cliff standby is open til around 10 p.m. through October. Get your favorite sno-cone and chat with the throngs of neighbors waiting in the hot summer night air.

 

Storytime at the Library. Fridays at 10:30 a.m. downtown, 4 p.m. in Spanish at the West Tenth Street branch, featuring neighborhood Mom Ginnette Correa-Serrano. www.dallaslibrary.org.
 
Get a Soothing Massage (in the AC!). Visit Bishop Arts Wellness Center, www.BishopArtsMassage.com; or Bishop’s Refuge Day Spa, 214.948.4881.

Golf Lessons. Take advantage of state-of-the-art golf training equipment (inside!) at The Golf Performance Institute of Dallas at Stevens Park Golf Course, www.GPIofDallas.com.
 
Chill Out with WiFi. Did you know that Nodding Dog is not the only location with free Wireless access? Beckley Brewhouse (www.beckleybrewhouse.com) and The Quinn (www.thequinnbar.com) have WiFi as well. Fire up your computer, order a cold drink, and veg the hot day away.

Kidd Springs Online. The Kidd Springs Rec Center, surprisingly, also offers free wireless access, courtesy of Dallas Parks. It may not be particularly cool, but it is pretty neat. 711 W. Canty, www.dallasparks.org.
 
Make a Splash. Visit one of our favorite pools in the Cliff at the Hilton Anatole Veranda Club. This outdoor pool boasts a bar right in the water. . . parents and kids rejoice! Not a member? Summer memberships are available, or, ask around; chances are someone you know already belongs and can take you as a guest. Cheers! www.verandahclub.com.

The covered patio by the pool at Golf Club of Dallas (former Oak Cliff Country Club) is also very appealing, especially in the evenings. They have ceiling fans that keep a breeze going. www.golfclubdallas.com.

Bahama Beach Splash Park. You know that gigantic park you see on 67 S, on your way to Target? That’s the Bahama Beach park, with slides for all ages. The Coconut Cove area is touted as the absolute coolest place in the OC; it’s for the littlest CliffDwellers and has constant jets of water squirting. Moms are half-off on Mondays (print coupon from the web). www.bahamabeachdallas.com.
 
Watch a Classic Movie at Victory Park. Through August, bring something to sit on and enjoy great movies like Jaws and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at the hip Dallas locale. Starts at 7:30. Detailed schedule at www.pegasusnews.com.
 
Free Family Movies at Select Regal Theaters. It’s a hike from the Cliff but participating theaters include Keystone Park Stadium 16 and the Galaxy Stadium 10. Schedule and information at www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx.
 
I Scream, You Scream…  Dollar Dip Night (Tuesdays) and Half-price Sundaes (Wednesdays) at Baskin Robbins on Kiest Blvd is a family favorite  We also enjoy evenings under the covered patio/kid play area at the new Sonic west of Westmoreland on Illinois.
 
Highland Park Village Movie Theater.  Movies are always a good option for a hot summer day, and the Regent Theater in Highland Park tops our scales for the icebox factor. We wore sweaters and were still shivering! 214.526.9666.