Summertime Funtime In South Dade

Summer has officially begun, and both parents and children look for ways to enjoy their time off, the question of what to do is surely being raised in households across the country.

Here in South Dade, home of the year-round vacation destination for those looking for summer things to do, it's sometimes a little harder to figure out what our options are, since we're so used to the warm weather and beaches we've been blessed with.

Nonetheless, here are some local ideas on beating the heat and whiling away those dog-day afternoons:

Take in a movie -- there's a reason why some of Hollywood's best showings are available this time of year; nothing is comparable to a big screen, big drink, and bigger popcorn amongst the cool dark seats of a movie theater to keep the sun's rays from hammering away at you.

Check out Flagship Cinemas, at 2250 NE 8th Street. Between their Camp Flagship summer program and their Flagship Film Fanatic rewards program, the price is right for blockbuster fun. Visit their website at http://www.flagshipcinemas.com/homestead/ or call them at 305-248-7001 for more information.

You could also spend a day at the mall -- between the variety of shopping and food available, there's something there for young and old alike. And as with a movie theater, the air conditioning can't be beat.

I recommend Southland Mall located at 20505 South Dixie Highway.

A great grand carousel, even better selection of stores, and their Festive Fridays Weekly Series from 6-8pm make this a fun family summer getaway.

If you're looking for something quieter however, a local library should hit the spot. Get in, pick a book, and sit down for some page turning. As convenient as tablets or e-readers are, books are great ways to unplug from it all, learn, and get away. Plus, they don't lose power or need a charge!

Go to Miami-Dade's Pubic Library System website at http://www.mdpls.org/ for more information on a library near you. At the website, you'll be able to also find out about this summer's options, like their free lunch program for kids 18 and under.

If you'd rather be outside (not that I would blame you, it's fantastic), but still want to keep cool, there's nothing better than a beach or community pool. It honestly wouldn't be summer without a trip or two to them, and it's a great way to get moving and exercise!

By visiting Homestead's Bayfront Park at 9698 SW 328th Street, you'll save gas and sanity by avoiding the mob in and traffic to South Beach. The YMCA's pool at 1034 NE 8th Street is also open and their Summer Camp is available now until August; their website at http://www.ymcamiami.org/event/ymca-summer-camp/ has more details.

Sometimes however, there's nothing wrong with staying home and enjoying our neighborhood or yard.

You'd be surprised how something as simple as lounging in the backyard, or flying a kite, or looking up at the sky while lying on the grass, or on a blanket, or in the shade of a tree is just as relaxing and fun.

Or you could do what me and my son did last Saturday: grab a battery-powered Ultimate Spiderman bubble gun, head outside, and blow/pop bubbles until we ran out of bubble solution.

We both never felt and slept better.