BY RYAN MCLAUGHLIN

209 staff reporter

In case you haven’t noticed, which is seemingly impossible this time of year  that classic Cali heat has swung into full effect.

Despite the rising temperatures, Turlock residents do not have to resort to hiding away in their air conditioned homes for relief. All across the city await ways to escape to heat, some entertaining and some even delicious.

Turlock is home to a number of local parks and recreation areas, two of which double as their very own water spray parks. Both Broadway and Columbia Park give kids the opportunity to cool down whether that comes via mounted water guns or a sporadic fountain nozzle.

Both spray parks will be open throughout summer with hours varying due to current drought conditions. The spray parks will be open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday until August 9. The parks will remain open Every Friday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. between August 10 and September 5.

Another popular location for people to get away from the heat is the Hilmar Cheese Factory. Perhaps one of the lesser conventional means of cooling down listed; it’s not necessarily the cheese that has people rushing to the dairy based destination.

Through Aug. 26, the Hilmar Cheese Factory offers ice cream making tours to the general public. For just three dollars per person, groups will have a chance to create (and of course eat) your own handmade ice cream.

With tours accommodating people of all ages being offered Monday through Friday, this tasty trip is a unique way for someone to show their sweet tooth.

If the ice cream is the only thing sounding appealing, Lulu’s Ice Cream Parlor & Treatery is the place to go. Offering a wide variety of sundaes, shakes and malts all served in old time glasses and dishes, Lulu’s has been a staple of classic taste here in Turlock.

Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., this old timey parlor even serves simple but delicious grill items such as burgers, fries and sandwiches.  

These three selections are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to options for beating the sweltering summer heat here in the valley. Stay hydrated, keep cool and have a great remainder of summer.