When it comes to keeping cool, most people immediately turn to, and turn on, their air conditioner. While we agree that air conditioning is a wonderful invention, there are other ways to stay cool this summer--whether you're indoors or out. Try some of these money-saving and sometimes fun ideas to keep yourself (and your family) comfortable.

Outside the Home

Get wet! Your kids have the right idea! They love the water and it makes perfect sense. You don't need a swimming pool to cool off and have fun. Misters, sprinklers, water guns, water balloons and even just a plain old garden hose can make miserable days enjoyable.

Just because you're not a 10-year old, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a run through the sprinkler. Put on a bathing suit and get outside. You might just recapture some of that childhood excitement!

Before air conditioning became common in houses, most folks headed to the movie theater to cool off. That's still a good idea, though it can be a little pricey these days. Why not check out some local museums instead? Or maybe a library. What's more fun than learning? Well, water balloons I suppose... but learning is fun too!

Need more ideas? When's the last time you had an ice cream social? OK, so maybe you've never had an ice cream social. Well it's never too late to start. Invite some of the neighbors over. After all, it's just a big, messy party! When everyone's had their fill and they're covered with melted ice cream, wash them down with the garden hose! See, you don't have to pick and choose--you can mix and match your summer cooling ideas!

Inside the Home

If you've had enough of the outdoors, you can try some of these tips to keep cool once you're back in the house. You don't have to go without air conditioning entirely, but these tips will allow you to move your thermostat up a few degrees which could save you some serious money each summer.

Perhaps the most sensible thing you can do is reduce the heat. Start by turning off the lights. Most of the energy from incandescent bulbs is nothing but heat. Only 5%-10% is used to generate light!

What else creates heat?

How about your electronics? Do you leave your computer(s) on all the time? Shut them down. How about that TV that's on even though no one is watching it? It's creating a lot of heat. Turn it off.

The oven? That one is obvious--use a microwave or outdoor grill instead. But what about your other appliances? Washers, dryers and dishwashers all generate heat. Don't use those until the sun goes down. And make sure you run your exhaust fan when taking a shower--it will go a long way toward removing heat and humidity.

Once you've reduced the heat in your home, start thinking about cooling yourself off. It may sound like common sense, but change into some light, comfortable clothing, turn on some fans and limit your activity (maybe read one of those books you picked up at the library!).