Best Places To Cool Off In Lufkin And Nacogdoches-Our Top 5

Here in East Texas, we could kiss the ground when the weather dips below 95 degrees in the summer. Between running errands, grilling outside and eating watermelon in the back yard, it is inevitable that you will break a sweat in no time in this blazing Texas heat. So next time you feel a bit overheated, stop by one of these places in Lufkin or Nacogdoches to cool off and reboot!

1. Go To The Movies!

In the Lufkin and Nacogdoches area, we have access to 3 different movie theaters! You can check out Lufkin Mall 9 or Starplex Cinema in Lufkin, or you can swing by Cinema Six in Nacogdoches to catch the latest box office hits.

It is going to be a big summer for movies - so grab the family, kick back and relax with a bucket of fresh popcorn in an air conditioned theater and enjoy watching some of these upcoming films:

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides [now showing]

X-Men: First Class [now showing]

Green Lantern [now showing]

Transformers: Dark of the Moon [July 1]

Zookeeper [July 8]

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II [July 15]

2. Grab Some Ice Cream Or Frozen Yogurt!

There's nothing better on a hot day than a frozen treat. Marble Slab Creamery offers a wide variety of flavors and toppings, and provides a perfect quick getaway from the searing heat outdoors. Find the nearest location in Lufkin or Nacogdoches.

If you're looking for a healthier treat, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt is opening in Lufkin soon!

The store will be located in the South Loop Crossing Shopping Center and it is going to be Awesome with a capital 'A'. The self-serve frozen yogurt establishments are taking over the country, allowing you to follow 3 simple steps.
1) Fill up a cup of your favorite frozen flavors
2) Add toppings as desired
3) Weigh your bowl and pay

Not only is it cool because you get to create your own delicious treat, but each establishment is equipped with unique orange and white chairs around a table, fitting the fun funky vibe of Orange Leaf.

Chilly Fillmore's in Nacogdoches offers the same concept, with tons of different frozen yogurt flavors and toppings to choose from.

3. Spray Play at the Park

If it's a hot day and you don't feel like running up your water bill by turning on the sprinkler for your kids to jump around in, get them in their swim suits and take them to Chambers Park.

Fully equipped with pavilions, picnic areas, restrooms, a playground and a spray play pad, this park is a kid's paradise. It's newest feature is the spray play pad, a sensor operated area that shoots up water in fun designs between the hours of 10AM and 8PM.

It's a great place for birthday parties, family gatherings or play dates and the use of the park is entirely free! You can rent a pavilion cost free, all you have to do is contact the City of Lufkin and make a reservation.

Looking for other swimming venues? Check out our list of top swimming places in Lufkin and Nacogdoches right here.

4. The Library

The summer is the BEST time to catch up on all your reading. Kurth Memorial Library offers free memberships to anyone living in Angelina County, and all you need is a photo ID with a current address on it.

Kurth Library has a wide variety of books, old newspapers, and records of all kinds. It also has a genealogical collection where you can research your East Texas roots. It is the perfect place if you 're looking for a little peace and quiet, or if you're taking summer classes and need a quick place to study. Did we mention - free air conditioning?! Kurth Memorial Library also offers free summer reading programs for kids and teens!

In Nacogdoches, the Nacogdoches Public Library is open Monday to Saturday, and offers children's storytimes for kids in English and Spanish, free computer classes, family movie matinee (with free popcorn and lemonade!) and tons of books to choose from!

5. Spas, Massages & Manicures!

Although this endeavor is a little more pricey than the others (and more catered towards women) nothing beats the relaxing vibe of pampering yourself - especially when it is in the triple digits outside.

With a chic and calming atmosphere, Maricela's Day Spa in Lufkin, located at 121 N. First St., is the perfect place to go if you are looking for any kind of beauty treatment. Tripling as a Nail Salon, Beauty Salon and massage parlor, you can get a haircut, manicure, pedicure and full body massage all in one place.

One of the best things about Maricela's is that they offer gift cards, so it is not only the perfect relaxation salon but also a great place to grab a gift for a friend, family member, partner or wife too!