Play It Cool

The heat still is on, and who knows when it’s going to let up? Instead of barricading yourself in your air-conditioned home, step out to some of these cool sites.

Friday Evening

Start at Twin Palms: The tented restaurant is breezy and cool, even after the hottest of days. Mediterranean fare. 101 W. Green St., Pasadena. (626) 577-2567.

Or make a trip to the lovely Nick’s, a parking lot-turned-restaurant that’s alfresco (except for a small building that houses the kitchen). Try the pressed chicken, grilled skirt steak and chocolate brioche bread pudding at this French/Italian spot. 1009 El Centro St., South Pasadena. (626) 441-7910.

If the humidity has dampened your spirits, a few laughs at the Ice House could be a good pick-me-up. Lily Tomlin, Robin Williams and Steve Martin all got their starts at this friendly comedy club, which presents George Lopez all weekend. Tonight, 8:30; Friday, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7, 9 and 11 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 9 p.m. $15.50 for all shows, plus two-drink minimum. 18 and over only. 24 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. (626) 577-1894.

Saturday

The Central Library, with its central air-conditioning, is downtown Los Angeles’ answer to a scorching day. Millions of volumes, photography exhibits, weekly programs and an extensive music library make for hours of cool entertainment. Tour the original Goodhue Building, built in 1926 as a monument to learning, and the Tom Bradley Wing, with its impressive glass ceiling. 630 W. 5th St., downtown. Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Tuesday-Wednesday, noon-8 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Parking at 524 S. Flower St. Validation for library cardholders. (213) 228-7000 or (213) 228-7025.

This week, you don’t have to go to the zoo to see wild animals. Visit them inside when “Wildlife on Wheels” comes to the library’s KLOS Storytime Theatre at 2 p.m. Free. (The library offers free kids’ programs every Saturday at 2 p.m. in the children’s literature department.)

It’s hard to imagine spending a cool summer afternoon in the Valley, but consider an afternoon in the Iceoplex. The skating rink, the training center for the L.A. Kings, is kept so chilly you may just need to bring along a jacket. Public skating sessions: Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-5:15 p.m. Evening sessions: Wednesday, 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 7:30-9:45 p.m. $7; children under 12, $6. Rentals, $2.75. 8345 Hayvenhurst Place, North Hills. (818) 893-1784.

After dark, Griffith Park is one of the coolest places in town. Pick up a picnic to have on the lawn in front of the Griffith Observatory at the top of the hill as the sun sets. Then get a close-up of the stars through the observatory’s twin-refracting lens telescope, open from 7-9:45 p.m. Free. “No Moon,” the observatory’s newest sky show, tells about the formation of the moon, its effect on Earth, and what Earth would be like without a moon. 3 and 7:30 p.m. daily. Additional 4:30 p.m. shows Saturdays and Sundays. $4; seniors, $3; $2 for children ages 5-12. Children under 5 not admitted. The observatory is open daily from 12:30-10 p.m., but will be closed Sunday-Sept. 2 and Sept. 17-18. 2800 Observatory Road, Los Angeles. (323) 664-1191.

Or, take in a laser show. Laserium shows feature krypton and argon laser visuals performed live inside the planetarium. The newest offering is “U2 3D.” Tuesdays-Saturdays, 6 and 8:45 p.m.; with an additional 9:45 p.m. show Fridays and Saturdays. $8; seniors and children ages 5-12, $7. (818) 901-9405.

Sunday

For everyone who lives in the city, a sure cool bet is always the beach. The Cabrillo Beach, Marina and Fishing Pier in San Pedro is a wildlife preserve with both rocky and sandy beaches that are perfect for spotting marine life. There are lifeguards, a fishing pier, boat rentals and a playground for the kids. 36th Street, San Pedro.