In the past few weeks, Lincoln has been riding a weather rollercoaster. With the fluctuations between torrential downpours and mini-heat waves, it can be hard to find something to beat back summer boredom if the weather isn't co-operating with your plans. Fret not, dear readers! We at the Daily Nebraskan have put together this handy list of ideas to keep you from falling into the pits of summer boredom no matter what it looks like outside.
Rainy Days
Rain can seem like a major buzz kill in the summer months when all you want to do soak in the rays and enjoy a tall glass of your beverage of choice. Don't let a little drizzle get you down, there's plenty of fun to be had around Lincoln that will keep you dry when there's a storm brewing.
Bowling
A favorite of school children and mustachioed old men alike, bowling holds plenty of good times for all. It's fairly cheap, so you can waste a few hours without spending too much cash. Sun Valley Lanes located at 321 Victory Lane, is the closest alley to campus. They have lots of great deals like Quartermania, 25 cent shoes and games with a 7 dollar cover, on Mondays and Thursdays, 2-buck Tuesdays and special pitcher prices throughout the week for those of-age bowlers. Champion's Fun Center (15th and Cornhusker Highway), Hollywood Bowl (920 N 48th St.) and Madsen's Bowling & Billiards (4700 Dudley St.) also offer lanes close to campus.
Bar games
Bar games like pool and darts are a great way to pass the time during a rainy day. Just grab some quarters out of your change jar and a few friends and you're ready to go. Many bars have pool tables or dart boards such as DN favorite O'Rourkes Tavern on 13th and O streets. Lincoln also offers some places to play these games for the underage such as Madsen's Bowling & Billiards (4700 Dudley St.).
Movie
Taking in a show is an easy way to beat the rainy day blues. With the summer blockbuster season gearing up, there are plenty of action-packed and entertaining options to choose from. Marcus's Lincoln Grand Cinema, located at 11th and P, is just a short walk from downtown or campus and carries all of the typical multiplex films. It also has a game room where you can spend a little time and a few quarters on a variety of arcade games. Looking for something a little more out of the ordinary? The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center carries a weekly rotation of independent, experimental, limited release and foreign films on its two screens. The Ross offers student discounts and accepts NCards, which makes it a great place for UNL students to see films they wouldn't normally get the chance to view on the big screen.
Game Night
Low on cash but still looking for some fun? Trying organizing a game night with your friends. Board games, video games or card games are all great ways to have fun without breaking the bank. Organize a tournament or turn your old board games into drinking games (if you're over 21) to up the ante. Don't have any board games? Hit up a thrift store, like the Goodwill store on 17th and O streets, which carries a fairly decent selection of board games that usually go for under $5 each.
Arcade
Lincoln also offers a couple arcades with plenty of indoor activities. Check out Champion's Fun Center on 15th and Cornhusker Highway. They offer a variety of activities including an extensive arcade and bowling lanes. If the weather happens to clear up while you're there, check out the Go-Karts and batting cages or hit a few rounds of mini golf. Lincoln Laser Tag at 6600 N. 27th St. offers student discounts and specials on laser tag sessions and boasts an impressive arcade area.
Sunny Days
Sunny days seem like they should be an abundant commodity in the summer, but you never know when the weather is going to take a turn on you and send hurricane level winds and rain your way. Don't let the idea of inclement weather slow you down, go out and enjoy the sunny weather while you can.
Parks
Lincoln has over 100 parks and outdoor recreation centers to take advantage of. Grab a Frisbee for some Frolfing at Tierra Briarhurst Park (40th and Highway 2) or Max E. Roper park (N. Bellmont St.). Head over to Seacrest Fields on 70th and A streets to enjoy some baseball or wiffleball. Enjoy a relaxing day by the lake at Holmes Lake Park on 70th and Pioneers Blvd., or check out the animals at Pioneers Park on 40th and Van Dorn streets.
Bike Trail
Lincoln boasts more than 128 miles of trails for bikers and hikers including several cross-city routes. With the trails constantly being renovated and added to, they are a great way to get around the city while getting some exercise and saving on gas. Not to mention, a long bike ride can be a relaxing way to end the day. Check out the Lincoln Parks and Recreation website for a trail map and to check up on trail construction.
Pool
Going to the pool is a classic way to beat the summer heat. Lincoln has ten different public pools and water grounds to choose from. Trago Park Sprayground at N. 22nd & U St. doesn't charge admission and is just a short walk from campus. Though not a traditional pool, it offers playground equipment and fountains to keep you cool during those hot summer days. It is also surrounded by a decent size park with volleyball and basketball courts.
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