With highs in the 80s and 90s in the forecast over the next few weeks, there’s no doubt that it’s officially summer here in Lincoln. While it might be tempting to stay inside and hide from the sun on those sweltering days, we encourage you to get out and enjoy everything our capital city has to offer!
Below, we’ve got a list of some things to do in Lincoln to stay cool. So, slather on some sunscreen, grab a water bottle and start exploring!
Because of the rise in COVID-19 cases and the Delta variant in the area, we encourage you to keep wearing masks and socially distancing whenever you’re indoors. We also recommend calling ahead to any venue you plan on visiting to inquire about their current COVID-19 policies and hours.
One of the best places to cool off in Lincoln, Trago Splash Park is a free sprayground open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays. The large, visitor-operated water park features several sprayers, fountains, slides, spinners and other ways to get cool on a super hot day! The many features make it accessible to children and adults of all ages as well as those with any mobility issues.
Soak up some A/C at a local museum
As the capital of Nebraska and the home to UNO-Lincoln, our city is home to some fantastic cultural destinations that are fun to visit all year long (but especially when it’s in the 90s outside). For art, don’t miss the Sheldon Museum of Art or the Great Plains Art Museum. For history, be sure to check out the University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History and the Nebraska History Museum. If you’re planning on taking your family, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to the Lincoln’s Children Museum or the Museum of American Speed. And if you’re looking for something a little more unique, head to the International Quilt Museum or the National Museum of Roller Skating!
Enjoy a cold beer at a local brewery
Honestly, there’s nothing better than a cold beer on a hot day. Luckily, Lincoln is home to several renowned breweries like Zipline Brewing Company, the Boiler Brewing Company, Kinkaider Brewing Company, Cosmic Eye Brewing and Backswing Brewing Company! How many can you hit this summer?
Scream for ice cream
While we don’t blame you for indulging in ice cream year-round, there’s just something about summer that makes the flavors really stand out. So, the next time you’re screaming for ice cream, reward yourself with a sweet, summertime treat at one of Lincoln’s many amazing ice cream spots. We highly recommend Ivanna Cone for slow-churned ice cream and Freezing Thai for rolled ice cream and baked goods.
Say hello to penguins and snow leopards at Lincoln Children’s Zoo
Lincoln Children’s Zoo is home to over 400 animals including giraffes, cheetahs, tigers, giant anteaters, red pandas, ring-tailed lemurs, Galapagos tortoises and more. Cool down with your family by paying a visit to their Humboldt penguin and snow leopard habitats! Though you probably won’t see any snow in these animals’ habitats, we promise their names and the fun warm weather activities you’ll get to participate in will help cool you off. Click here for more information on admission and to see what events they have coming up on the calendar!
Treat yourself to retail therapy
Spend a few hours exploring some of Lincoln’s best shops and shopping centers like Gateway Mall, SouthPointe Pavilions or Meadowlane Shopping Center. We also highly recommend heading to the Haymarket District, where you can scour unique local shops and boutiques for treasures before stopping to grab a bite to eat in one of the market’s popular restaurants!
Spend the day in the library
Lincoln City Libraries have plenty of events throughout the summer, including readings, book clubs, teas, speed dating, poetry bashes, craft days and more. And if you’re not up for participating, you can always roam the shelves for a good book and curl up in a cozy chair somewhere while basking in the sweet air conditioning.
Take a dip in a public pool
The most tried-and-true way to avoid overheating during the summer is lounging around in the pool! Grab your swimsuit, a towel and some flip flops and dive into one of Lincoln’s beloved public swimming destinations like the Irvingdale Pool, Ballard Pool, Highlands Aquatic Center, Eden Swimming Pool, Star City Shores and more. Click here for a full list (and to purchase a season pass) from the City of Lincoln.
Catch a movie at the Mary Riepma Ross Film Theatre
Summer is one of the best seasons of the year for movie-going because there are so many good films out! The Mary Riepma Ross Film Theatre is a local media arts center showcasing the best independent films in the nation all year long. And if you’re interested in catching the latest blockbuster as well, don’t miss Joyo Theater or any of the Marcus Cinemas around town.
Take a Day Trip to Pawnee State Recreation Area
Conveniently located just 11 miles outside of Lincoln, the Pawnee State Recreation Area spans more than 2,500 acres (including 740 water acres). The lake welcomes all types of boats, and features three ramps, two docks and two swimming beaches. The opportunities for swimming and water sports make it an ideal getaway on hot summer weekends! Whether you’re looking to kayak, water ski, go for a boat ride or just relax on the sand—there’s plenty of entertainment opportunities at Pawnee Lake.
Sip some wine at a local winery
The West Coast gets all of the credit for our country’s best wines, but we have a soft spot for the Nebraska countryside, which is home to its fair share of fantastic wine destinations! We can’t think of a better way to spend a summer day than heading to one of the wineries or vineyards nearby and enjoying a glass of Marquette or Brianna under the gaze of the hot sun. A few of our favorite vineyards near Lincoln include Capitol View Winery & Vineyards, Deer Springs Winery, James Arthur Vineyards and Windcrest Winery!
Go ice skating at the Breslow Ice Hockey Center
When all else fails this summer, hit the ice rink! Breslow Ice Hockey Center offers public skating along with classes to teach both kids and adults the basics of ice skating. Public admission costs $6.50 for adults and $5.50 for youth, while skate rentals cost $3. If you or your child are interested in taking a class to brush up on your skating skills, click here to learn more about their affordable lessons!
If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat with your whole family, why not try an escape room? If you haven’t yet attempted to break out of Lincoln Escape Room, you’re in for a treat. Utilize elements in the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape the room within a set time limit. Themed rooms at Lincoln Escape Room include The Cure, Missing Musician, LiCastro’s Lair, Hacker: Corruption Disruption and more. Click here to book your temporary stay in one of these mysterious rooms!
What’s your favorite way to stay cool in the summertime in Lincoln?
Let us know in the comments!