Dog Days of August: what to do with your kids for the last short weeks before school.

So it's the homestretch of the summer but the heat isn't letting up just yet so what to do when you're looking for some last ditch summer fun but maybe want to stay out of the humidity?

I'm not one for the sitting in my own sweat and I'm not much of a swimmer either so when it came time to fill those long days with my 6 year old daughter I had to think outside the box. We did our share of swimming (her being a mermaid and me watching), playgrounds, Six Flags and the beach but I also infused some much needed outings with A/C as part of the plan.

So if you're looking for some things to do with your kids read on. Kids need to move. They will fidget and climb the walls and be all over the place most likely driving you crazy unless they're given a way to turn loose. One of the places I've just discovered is Bounce Town.

It's an indoor bounce arena probably something akin to what a mall is for shopaholics. But better because for about $10 you can spend up to 4 hours letting your child go wild and crazy in all things inflatable.

Think huge trampoline-like structures erected just so kids can jump and bounce and yell and play like kids are meant to. Bounce Town has bounce houses, slides and even a rock wall where they can get harnessed in and make their way to the top like a real mountain climber.

They have snacks and drinks for sale and also for for the adults, free wifi! Bounce Town is located on Commerce Way in South Windsor and their website is www.thebouncetown.com. Be sure to check the website for open play schedules. Also, recently opened is another bounce arena called Jumpin Jonnies.

Located in Vernon at the old Cardio Express building your kids can bounce in the 12,000 square foot new inflatables or slide down the big slides and test their skills throwing plastic balls at targets. Parents can access wifi and kids can take a break and have a soft serve ice cream cone. The cost per child is about $8. www.jumpinjonnies.com check the calendar online for open play.

If bouncing isn't your thing try Monster Mini Golf in Windsor Locks. But bring your brave face because the place is all dark with tons of glow paint. Lit with black lights you'll find freakish art work and creepy statues and moving monsters at every turn. The golf course is set up as one interconnected maze that even if you're not skilled with a putter you will at least be entertained by the scenery.

There is a small arcade with ticket dispensing to exchange for prizes and a DJ spinning all kinds of music. And of course it's air conditioned. www.monsterminigolf.com

Now it may have been a while since parents have purposely put themselves in harms way but we all know that a little adrenaline goes a long way. If you haven't been rollerskating and maybe your kids' idea of anything on wheels is a skateboard or scooter it's time to introduce them to the original 'accident waiting to happen'. Check out Ron A Roll in Vernon where for about $7 (or $10 with skate rental) you can go skate till your hearts content.

All ages and abilities cruise the floor at the open skate sessions found on their website. www.ronaroll.com If you have young children (6 and under) I've found the Lutz Museum in Manchester to be a wonderful place for kids to interact and play and pretend all day long.

The newly remodeled school house has an area where kids can play on "Main Street" with a post office, school room and play apartment on a second floor. There's a farm room too with play foods and life sized cow to milk (water comes out into a bucket). They host arts and crafts activities through the day and have a room full of animals to watch and learn about including a giant rabbit, birds, turtles, doves, snakes, guinea pigs and more.

Throughout the museum there are pictures and factoids for kids to learn about the town of Manchester and farming in general. Wifi is accessible and it's a great place for small kids to socialize. The cost is $5 per person but most libraries offer free passes. www.lutzmuseum.org Speaking of libraries, don't forget about your local library for a place to chill out during the last dog days of August.

They're great places for quiet time and now offer not only books and magazines but huge selections of DVD's including the newest releases. They have internet access and computers for your use. Also many offer children's programs, arts and crafts, and story-times for different age groups.

The last place is not so much an indoor venue but definitely fun is Sonny's Place in Somers. It's a new finely maintained family fun place with a miniature golf course, driving range, batting cages, rock wall, and monkey motion, and probably the coolest go kart race track I've seen locally.

There is a large indoor arcade with tickets to win and prizes to exchange for and a concessions stand with burgers, hotdogs, fries and other grilled items and ice cream at reasonable prices. www.sonnysplace.com So think that because summer's on it's last legs there's not much to do? Think again and your kids will thank you and you will be thankful you'll be cool (and cooled off).