5 Things to Keep Kids Busy - and Cool

Stuck inside with restless kids? You are probably not alone, as the heat index continues to put temperatures in the upper 90s to 100 this week, there are plenty of cool things to do around town.

Here are some ideas:

1. Head to the library

The Berkley and Huntington Woods public libraries have plenty of options to keep your little ones busy this summer, which is a treat for those stuck inside on these unbearably hot days.

Special programs at the Berkley library this summer that require advance registration include Storytelling by Oakland County Parks at 2 p.m. July 26

Or take advantage of the website links on the Berkley library website to keep kids enterained and learn a thing or two.

The Huntington Woods Public Library also is geared up to help keep youngsters busy this summer. During each of the library's arts and crafts sessions at noon each Monday through Aug. 1, children will make a different craft. Space in the free sessions is limited, so residents are advised to arrive early.

, will continue to visit during the summer. The patient pooch will visit the library from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 17 to hear hesitant readers read.

Click here for a complete list of summer programs at the library, and be advised, registration is required for most activities. Summer hours are as follows:

• Monday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Tuesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Thursday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: closed

Contact the library at 248-543-9720 for more information.

2. Hit the pool

The at the Recreation Center features a pool, water slide, diving area, roped off lanes for swimming laps and a shallow children's area with water spouts. For a list of pool hours, visit the Huntington Woods Aquatics Club online. Other include Oak Park Municipal Pool, Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights and .

3. Go out to lunch

has seasonal specials, a gluten-free menu for those with special diets and a very kid-friendly atmosphere and menu. Kids get things to do at the table and a moving train chugs around the restaurant. Not a bad way to spend a hot afternoon.

4. Rent a movie or go online

The kids can pick up videos for free at . Kids movies are free in specially marked racks and only $1 for other family favorites. Watch a classic or family favorite during those late afternoon hours, when the heat is the worst.

On a rainy day, log your children onto Sylvan Book Adventure. This site offers a free reading incentive program where children choose books to read and then take a quiz. They earn points that can be turned into redeemable prizes for each quiz they complete. DisneyJunior.com and PBSKids.org also are great to keep kids occupied and out of the sun.

5. Go bowling

Put on your bowling shoes and head to , where kids bowl free. Click here to register your child for free bowling passes every week and enjoy bowling on these hot summer days. Through Sept. 4, registered children will receive certificates to bowl two free games a day all summer.