Chill Out This Weekend with Tai Chi and Swimming

We’ve reached the “dog days” of summer, where hiding in the cool of your house trumps any outdoor trip. This weekend, though, we’re encouraging you to brave the heat and participate in some outdoor activities in your area. If you just so happen to be allergic to the sun, we’ve got some air-conditioned activities, too.

This weekend, Aug. 5-7, Lemon Grove and neighboring cities will keep you cool with some indoor tai chi and a book signing. You can also take the kids swimming for an outdoor activity that won’t leave you sweaty. If you like music, Sycuan has an old British pop band in town and El Cajon has a Latin-jazz concert to attend.

Families with a sweet tooth can head down to Standley Park, near La Jolla, and help construct a giant banana split; rock music lovers can attend two concerts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. If you’re up for a day trip, head all the way down south to Chula Vista for all-things lemony.

Click on the links for more details.

BEST BETS CLOSE TO HOME

• When/where: San Diego County Lemon Grove Library, 8073 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Practice your balance and meditation skills and maybe even get rid of some stress with this tai chi class for adults.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa,
• Why go: Visit with Axe, author of Bouncing Off Guardrails, an account of the author's struggles and experiences during two heart surgeries.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: , 6845 University Ave., San Diego, 1-3:15 p.m. and 3:30-5:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Why go: Jump in the pool and cool off during the open swimming session.
• Price: $3-$5.

BEST BETS, A LITTLE FATHER OUT

• When/where: Sycuan Casino, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: See the 60s British band Herman’s Hermits do their thing on stage, with lead singer Peter Noone.
• Price: $35-$45.

• When/where: Prescott Promenade at the intersection of West Main Street and North Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, 6-8 p.m. Friday.
• Why go: Enjoy a concert on the green with some Latin jazz by the Illiana Rose Band.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Standley Park and Recreation Center, 3585 Governor Drive, San Diego, 4 p.m. Saturday.
• Why go: Play constructor and help build a 650-foot long banana split. Then, of course, gobble it up.
• Price: Free.

• When/where: Del Mar Fairgrounds at Seaside Stage, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, following the race Friday and Saturday.
• Why go: See The Bravery rock out Friday and alternative rock phenom Weezer will keep you happy on Saturday.
• Price: The concert is free if you paid race admission; otherwise the cost is $20. Beer tasting is $15.

• When/where: Third Avenue Village, 353 3rd Ave., Chula Vista, 10:45 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
• Why go: If you love lemons, this is the place for you. Try various lemony treats, live music and even a pie-eating contest (we hope it’s lemon meringue).
• Price: Free.