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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Free with AC: 20 Free Indoor Spots to Cool Off in August

8/11/14 - By Laurie Rein

Are the dog days of August starting to wear you down? As much I love summery outdoor fun, there are days when I need a break from chasing sweaty kids, globbing on lotion and cleaning sand from the car. If you need an escape from the August heat or rain, chill out indoors at these fun, air-conditioned events and activities. If your budget’s tight after camp and summer vacation, don’t sweat it. Everything on this list is free! And for more ideas to finish off the summer, check out the New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide.

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  1. Hang with snakes and turtles or dig for fossils in the sand table at Trailside Nature Center in Mountainside.
  2. Host a bug-free, sunburn-free playground play date indoors at Woodbridge Center Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall or Livingston Mall.
  3. Strike up a free game of bowling through the Kids Bowl Free program at participating alleys throughout New Jersey.
  4. Catch a family-friendly movie at no charge Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at Bow-Time Cinemas.
  5. Play with the train tables at some Barnes and Noble stores or Meyers Dolls Toys Hobbies.
  6. While at Barnes and Noble, partake in a free story time.
  7. Enjoy free healthy snacks, crafts and stories at Whole Foods in Millburn on Wednesdays at 10:30am.
  8. Check your local library for all kinds of fun and free events, such as Bingo, story time, movies and crafts.
  9. Score free tickets to attractions, such as Imagine That or Monster Mini Golf, through your local library’s Museum Pass; options may differ by library.
  10. Experience museums throughout the state with free admission for certain ages.
  11. Grab lunch at a fast food restaurant with a free play area, such as Chick-fil-A or McDonald’s.
  12. Ask your local kiddie gym or other children’s centers for a free trial class.
  13. Create free projects at Lowes Build & Grow or Home Depot Kids Workshops.
  14. Attend a story time at Pottery Barn Kids on Tuesdays at 10:00am at Short Hills Mall.
  15. Whip up easy recipes at Williams-Sonoma’s Jr. Chef free classes; check store for age range.
  16. Dine out at your favorite restaurant on a Kids-Eat-Free night.
  17. Get crafty at a Lakeshore Learning store every Saturday for a free craft workshop.
  18. Stop by Garden State Plaza for weekly Toddler Tuesday with free youngster activities.
  19. Drop the kids off at Ikea’s supervised play area while you do a little shopping.
  20. Watch Disney videos and enjoy Summer Play Days at the Disney Store; some locations, such as Freehold Raceway Mall and Menlo Park Mall, have coloring tables and crawl-through castles.