Four ways to beat the heat

Delta Delta Delta hosts Duck Races at the Baylor Marina on April 24, 2013. Students can buy a ticket for a duck, and rubber ducks are raced to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Monica Lake | Lariat File Photo

By Bradi Murphy | Arts & Life Editor

As the summer comes to an end, the hot Texas weather is still beating down, but the heat doesn’t have to be a bad thing. These businesses demonstrate why the sun can be so fun.

The Pullin Family Marina

Located on the Brazos River, across the street from Baylor’s main campus the Baylor marina provides kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, Sunfish sailboats, sand volleyball and a grassy area to lay down and relax on. Only a Baylor Student ID is required to check out equipment, making this is a great place to relax in the warm weather at little cost. The cool water and beautiful views add to the experience as well. For more information, visit their website.

BSR Cable Park

BSR Cable Park is a water sports facility where riders and skiers are pulled around a 12-acre lake by one of two cable systems. Located on Old Mexia Road, this cable park is open seven days a week from noon to 7 p.m. throughout September. This is a great place to go if you are in the mood to venture to new heights, especially with the BSR Royal Flush water slide. BSR is also home to the world’s largest lazy river, cabins that fit up to 14, a grill and beach volleyball with imported sand. Beat the heat and even learn a new trick by taking wakeboard lessons. For more information, visit their website.

Mr. Snow

Mr. Snow was founded by the Mendez family in 1999. The black cherry-flavored snow cone is a great treat to beat the heat. Photo Credit: Jessica Hubble Mr. Snow was founded by the Mendez family in 1999. The black cherry-flavored snow cone is a great treat to beat the heat. Photo Credit: Jessica Hubble

Mr. Snow is located on Tulane Street and is known for its snow cones and frozen yogurt. The Mendez family founded Mr. Snow in 1999 with the first of four locations right here in Waco. Mr. Snow started small, serving only ice cream and snow cones, but now it has expanded its menu to include milkshakes made with Blue Bell Ice Cream, smoothies, snacks and sundaes. Enjoy the tropical-themed atmosphere and cool off from a long day with Mr. Snow’s large variety of unique flavors. For more information, visit their website.

Katie’s Frozen Custard

Katie’s Frozen Custard is a gourmet ice cream shop located on S. Valley Mills Drive. Katie’s Frozen Custard first opened its doors in 2002 and has been drawing in crowds of customers ever since. Katie’s has all kinds of treats to satisfy your tastebuds, including the Specialty Cyclones, Brownie Hot Fudge Sundaes and 100 percent beef brisket hot dogs. Katie’s also makes its ice cream fresh every hour. For more information, visit Katie’s Frozen Custard on their Facebook page.