The DN's guide to the end of summer activities

OUTDOOR:

POOLS

Next semester is barreling toward us like an oncoming train, so it's time to wring every last drop of fun out of this summer like a moist towel at the pool. Speaking of pools, the nine municipal Lincoln swimming spots will be closing down after Aug. 14, so move fast if you want to catch some sun and chlorine before trudging back to campus next week. Though not a lot of them are right by campus, you can check out the Trago Park Sprayground at 22nd and U streets. A full list of pool locations, as well as hours and admission prices, is available at http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/parksfacilities/pools/.

TRAILS

If pools aren't your thing but you need some sort of break from the mind-numbing boredom of your final week of freedom, head out onto the Great Plains Bicycle Trails and cycle like a gerbil on a wheel. Lincolnites are lucky to have 128 miles of trails within this fair city — with 82 of them classified as commuter trails, meaning 71 paved miles and 11 of crushed limestone, according to the Great Plains Trails Network website. There are both rural and urban trails to try out, and you can find helpful photos, maps and more information at http://www.gptn.org/.

KANSAS CITY

Chances are, if you start chanting "road trip" among a group of friends some time in the next week, it'll catch on. It's just that easy. The Kansas City Royals will be playing the Yankees and the Red Sox all next week, so drive down and laugh at their misfortune. Pick up some awesome barbecue (as featured in last week's issue) at Arthur Bryant's and then haul it back to Lincoln before the bars close. Just make sure to take an iPod with you on the road and choose an in-car DJ whose musical tastes won't make the trip unbearable. Do anything to escape this city for as long as you can before being dragged back.

OMAHA

If you don't want to stray too far from Lincoln, or if there's a warrant for your arrest preventing you from crossing state lines, then you can hide out somewhere in Omaha. Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo, which has been offering discounts on the scorching-est days of summer. Rhinos! Desert Dome! Skyfari! Then after that, shop your troubles away at Village Pointe or the Old Market. Get a cone of ice cream at Ted & Wally's or a slice of pizza at Zio's. Stare blankly at the diverse collection of pieces at Omaha's Joslyn Art Museum, or hide in a vintage train car at the Durham Western Heritage Museum and contemplate your reluctant return to the Star City.

MAHONEY

In the stretch between here and Omaha, you can also visit Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which has camping accommodations, cabins and a lodge. Mahoney also has a pool complex open daily, with the most glorious waterslide to be found ‘round these here parts. Or you could rent a paddleboat for $5, ride on a horse trail for $15, head to the miniature golf course or practice at the the driving range. Visit http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/Parks/permits/fees.asp#mahoney for more info.

MONA

If Omaha or Mahoney don't sound like your thing, or if you've already exhausted your interest in these attractions, then head somewhere you haven't been yet. Visit the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA), due west in Kearney, and prove that there's something else there other than that arch. MONA houses more than 5,000 works and is home to the state's official art collection. MONA is hosting several current exhibits, including a collection of Native American works, a selection of 14 artistic and historic quilts from Nebraska's Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer and a  "Nebraska Art and History Timeline" tribute to the MONA building's centennial anniversary. If you've gone the Joslyn route too many times before, this is an exciting alternative. Find out lots more at http://monet.unk.edu/mona/home.html.

INDOOR:

Although summer is coming to a close and everyone is beginning to prepare for the first week back to classes, there is still a week left to have a little fun. If a quick vacation isn't in the cards for you, there are other ways to waste away your last days of freedom. The summer Daily Nebraskan staff has compiled a list of TV and movie recommendations for the summer's final stretch. So grab a spot on the couch and settle in for hours of entertainment.

Emily Bliss

TV show: "That '70s Show" (all seasons available on Netflix Instant Watch)

Movie marathon: All or any Quentin Tarantino films ( I highly recommend "Inglorious Basterds," "Kill Bill" Vol. 1 & 2, "Pulp Fiction" and "Reservoir Dogs")