Summer days are upon us. ☀️ ☀️ ☀️
You know, when we bake in our cars and shiver in our offices. (I have a blanket draped over my shoulders as I write this.)
To survive, distraction is key. Something to keep us cool and amused.
Here's what we're thinking: Learn something new. Swap the couch for a class. (Bonus: This gets you out of the house, too.)
If the options listed here don't work with your schedule, keep checking websites. Most of these businesses host classes throughout the year.
Here are 10 new skills and where to learn them. We promise *most* of these will keep you in a nice, air-conditioned room.
If you're feeling sporty:
Adult swim lessons (for beginners)
OK, so this is outside. But you're in water! And if your kids become fish when summer hits, you better know what to do when you can't touch the pool bottom.
When: 5:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Monday June 19 to Thursday June 29. Register by June 17. Future classes begin on July 10 and July 24.
Where: The University of Arizona's Campus Recreation Center, 1400 E. Sixth St. Campus rec also has intermediate and advanced swim lessons.
Cost: $40 for members; $65 for non members.
More info: Visit rec.arizona.edu/program/activity-classes or call 621-0473.
Side note: You can also find adult swim lessons — and get private personalized instruction — from the YMCA of Southern Arizona (tucsonymca.org/623-5511) and Saguaro Aquatics (saguaroaquatics.com/638-8040). Both have multiple locations.
Side note 2.0: We have also noticed that Campus Rec has a class called Standup Paddle Board Yoga. If you do it, tell us how it is. Which leads us to sporty activity No. 2.
Yoga
So many benefits here: It's a workout, you'll improve your flexibility, de-stress AND you might get to lay on the floor in an air-conditioned room with no one to bug you. We're gonna recommend Yogahour at YogaOasis because it's a one-hour flow class you can do with minimal experience. Plus it's cheap.
When: Multiple times throughout the day. Check the schedules for each location below.
Where:
• YogaOasis Central, 2631 N. Campbell Ave.
• YogaOasis Downtown, 245 E. Congress St. # 101
• YogaOasis East, 7858 E. Wrightstown Road #116
Cost: YogaHour classes are $5 if you pay cash; $6 with a card.
More info: Visit yogaoasis.com or call 322-6142.
Side note: Or try hot power yoga with Session Yoga (sessionyoga.com/ 272-1146/ 123. S Eastbourne Ave.) or the occasional outdoor yoga class at sunrise or under the stars at F.I.T. Yoga (fityogastudio.com / 572-7697 / 9101 N. Thornydale Road).
If you need to tap into your inner artist:
Photography
Because when you make all of your friends watch your slideshow of vacation pics, they should at least be good. Creative Tribe is hosting a July workshop about shooting in manual.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Register before July 11.
Where: Creative Tribe, 236 S. Scott Ave.
Cost: $45.
More info: Visit creativetribeworkshop.com.
Side note: Creative Tribe is an all-around great place to learn all sorts of artsy skills, but if you're looking for something a bit more intensive, try the Tucson School of Photography (thetsop.com / 955-0663 / 439 N. Sixth Ave. #143) or Pima Community College's photo classes.
Side note 2.0: If you're looking for more traditional art classes, we suggest stalking your closest Michaels. The stores have a number of cheap, and often free, classes they host. The Broadway location, at least, has some upcoming classes about painting landscapes and still life.
If you'd like to cook more than a pb&j:
Cake decorating
Remember what we were saying about Michaels? Well, they have this cake decorating thing covered. Maybe you too can achieve Pinterest-worthy Fourth of July cupcakes. Classes include cake and cupcake decorating, fondant, icing flowers and cookies for kids.
When: They have dozens of classes throughout the summer, so we'll give you the next class at each location.
• How to Decorate a Cake; 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 7 at the Oracle location.
• How to Decorate a Cake; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 6 at the Broadway location.
• Emoji Cookies for Kids; 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, June 5 at the Ina location.
• Note that as of Friday, the Irvington location had no sign ups for cake decorating classes.
Where: 4070 N. Oracle Road; 7150 E. Broadway; 3749 W. Ina Road.
Cost: $15.
More info: Visit michaels.com for more store info.
Cooking
Make your summer sizzle by beefing up your culinary expertise. A number of businesses around town offer cooking classes, but we're going to focus on a demo class that takes you around the world. Every month this summer, the Carriage House's cooking school is hosting a cooking demonstration and full meal that highlights a different part of the world. See our side note for other options.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays, June 16, July 21 and August 18. Taste Dénia, Spain on the 16th, Florianópolis, Brazil on the 21st and Shunde, China on the 18th.
Where: The Carriage House, 125 S. Arizona Ave.
Cost: $80 plus tax and tip will get you a full demo and meal.
Register: Visit carriagehousetucson.com/events/list or call 615-6100.
Side note: If you're looking for a cheaper option, hit up the Williams Sonoma Store at La Encantada (williams-sonoma.com / 615-3595 /2905 E. Skyline Drive #103). On Sunday, June 25, they're hosting "Ina Garten's Summertime Cooking with Cast Iron." For $30 you get to sample recipes demonstrated and keep a cast iron pan. Or you can visit a local Natural Grocers. They have free classes at all of their locations, with upcoming topics including using a spiralizer and making Paleo salad dressings.
If you're ready to go wild
Camping
Head to the hills for cooler temps and learn the skills to make it out alive. REI has tons of classes that will teach you everything you need to know to take on the wilderness.
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 6.
Where: Tucson REI, 160 W. Wetmore Road.
Cost: Free.
More info: Visit rei.com/stores/tucson or call 887-1938 to register.
Side note: REI also has a class on hiking with kids Wednesday, June 14, a class on using maps and compasses Tuesday, June 20 (that one's $30) and a class on backpacking Tuesday, July 11.
Rock climbing
We think this is the ultimate air-conditioned activity. If you ever wanted to learn to rock climb, do it this summer when Rocks and Rope has a three-month summer membership special for $179 including an orientation.
When: Open admission at Rocks and Rope is noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. New climbers must arrive at least three hours prior to close. Open admission at the Bloc is 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Rocks and Rope, 330 S. Toole Ave. #350. You can also go bouldering at the Bloc, 8975 E. Tanque Verde Road #155.
Cost: $30 first time package includes admission, a lesson and orientation and equipment rental.
More info: Visit rocksandropes.com or call 882-5924.
If you need to expand your palate
Wine tasting
This is a cheap and classy date night AND you get to become a wine connoisseur. Sort of. Every weekend CataVinos Wine Shoppe and Tasting Room has a themed wine tasting a flight of six different wines. You can learn what you like or try something new.
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Come in by 7 p.m. to make sure you have time to sip and savor.
Where: CataVinos Wine Shoppe and Tasting Room, 3063 N. Alvernon Way.
Cost: $10 for a flight of six.
More info: Visit catavinoswines.com or call 323-3063.
Side note: We would also recommend taking a day trip down to the Sonoita-Elgin area to do tastings at some of the many wineries in the area. But if you don't want to make the trip, sip at some vineyard tasting rooms in town: Flying Leap Vineyards, 4230 N. Campbell Ave. #130, Sierra Bonita Vineyards, 6720 E. Camino Principal or Sand-Reckoner Vineyards, 510 N. Seventh Ave. #170.
Coffee tasting
Cofeecoffeecoffee. Oh how we love it. But do we really know it? Can we talk fragrances and flavors? Aromas and roasts? We suggest attending a public cupping at Exo Roast Co. the second Saturday of each month. Maybe call in advance just to be sure schedules haven't changed.
When: Noon the second Saturday of each month.
Where: 403 N. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free.
More info: Visit exocoffee.com or call 777-4709 to make reservations.
Side note: Savaya Coffee Market (savayacoffee.com) is also known for hosting free coffee classes the first Saturday of the month at its Broadway location, 5350 E. Broadway.
