1)
Think cool thoughts... no seriously... this helps.

If there are kids around, head to the library to find some stories that describe and discuss the cold. Read them out loud and you'll be shocked at how much this helps.

2)
Make some popsicles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5ts3Tk1zoI

You're doing everything else right... why not make some tasty treats?

For breakfast:
http://sporkorfoon.tumblr.com/post/36465228/coffee-on-a-stick-count-me-in

These are very good - just make them regular size:
http://foodproof.com/blogs/view/post/blueberry-mango-minipops-aka-save-me-231

Vegan popsicles if you're into that sort of thing:
http://www.vegfamily.com/vegan-children/popsicles.htm

Vegetable popsicles for kids who don't like veggies... knock off two tasks at once:
http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/22/how-to-make-veggie-popsicles-kids-will-love/

Last, a couple of my favorites:
http://www.cookiemag.com/food/2008/05/popsicle
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Once you get more than a few feet below ground level, the temperature is pretty constant around 60 F, so rent a backhoe and dig yourself a cave? I'd try digging at night, though - it's a little cooler.

Alternatively, I'm sure there's a local convenience store with a "beer cave" so go hang out in there for a while when you overheat. Remember, when it's hot, you should drink a lot.

Of water, I meant.
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Try keeping your favorite body spray in the refridgerator.
I know this sounds strange but my girlfriend was looking over my shoulder as I read this question and said I should mention it.
Imagine what I thought when I discovered hers there. (????!)
This is Victoria's Secret, shhh.
http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users/2/20652/26_2007/BeautyRushVS.jpg
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I don't think I even have to say anything. Probably just seeing an answer from me will be enough to remind you of the best way to cool down.

But I can't resist one tip. Have you ever made a stout float? Put a scoop or two of ice cream in a tall glass and fill it with stout. If that's too much work, they serve a version of it at McGuire's in Pensacola.
Source(s):
http://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/
http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink4041.html

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Make some fun blended drinks. I prefer daiquiris with fresh fruit, both with rum and virgin. You can buy the frozen mix and then add fruit, ice and rum (optional).

Buy a cheap kiddy pool or sprinkler.

Buy one of these:
http://www.bikudo.com/photo_stock/49439.jpg

It's a fan that mists water.

At night, to sleep better, fill a hot water bottle with ice water and put it on your ankles or behind your knees, it will cool you down a lot. It would work during the day too.

Have a water fight.

See if there is an indoor skating rink that is open during the summer and go skating.

See a movie, theatres are usually cool.
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Just a quick suggestion I like for gardening outdoors on the hottest days: I like to wear bandanas on my head, and I'll just dunk them in water (not TOO cold) before putting them on.

Sure, my hair's a wreck, but never underestimate moisture for keeping your head cool.

Don't forget the sunblock when you're outdoors! :)
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One way I cool my house off is to screw plastic stand offs onto the 2 by 4 studs that are under my eaves and then run soaker hose through those stand offs. At the end of the run, connect the soaker hose with black plastic 5/8ths inch tubing, and put a hose connector at the end of the tubing. Hook this up to the fawcet and you will create a dripping water fall. Now put a box fan by the window and you get air that is coming through a light curtain of water.

http://www.rittenhouse.ca/content/images/big%5Csoaker_hose_no_label.jpg

http://www.gardendrip.org/images/dripfittings/barbed/14BarbedConnector.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411aVy-r14L.jpg

See the item on the left? Stick the small end into the black plastic tubing and clamp it with a metal clamp. Now screw a male disconnect into the other end and get a piece that fits from there to the fawcet. A lot easier to put on and take off.
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when working outside wear a cold moist small towel around your neck. Also (this will help keep your home cool and help with your electric bill) turn on your AC during the night and sleep with it on, then turn it off and have the fan on during the day, the fan won't take as much electricity as AC.
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Get a dehumidifier. The heat isn't so oppressive with less humidity.
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There is a spin off of the old water hose mister at your local retail marts such as target, walmart etc. It has a handheld fan with a very fine mister attached and the whole unit is pretty small but very effective and is battery powered. The spray is very very fine so you neednt worry about getting soaked or getting your stuff wet either. It works great and is around $3-$5.
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Be a fan-atic. Instead of reaching for the AC, consider the much underrated ceiling fan. It uses dramatically less energy than an air conditioner, costs less to buy, is a breeze to install, and cools like a charm. And for you DIY types, there’s always the classic hand fan, made out of the nearest newspaper, magazine, or outdoor concert brochure.

Consume the cold stuff. Take advantage of your fridge by filling up some spare bottles with water and keeping them in there. And keep one in the freezer for those extra hot days. Eat small, light meals, and foods high in water content, like fruits & vegetables. Also, don’t you forget the organic ice cream and sorbet (like the UK’s Rocombe makes)! Remember too to keep that fridge closed as much as possible--the more it's open, the more energy it uses and the more heat it releases.

Turn off the hot stuff. Switch off your computer and lights when not in use (try to avoid incandescent and halogen lamps in favor of compact florescent ones), and forgo the oven if you can. In fact...

Get out of the kitchen. Forget your hot indoor stove or even outdoor grille—you’ve already got the sun! Feel some SOUL or make your own solar oven. Heating your afternoon tea meanwhile is simply a matter of leaving some tea leaves in your glass of water and letting it warm on the window sill. (But yes, beware--some say making sun tea could be bad for your health)

Keep it on the down low. Heat rises, so try to stay on lower floors of buildings. If you’ve got a stone or tile floor, wipe it off and lie down on it for a cool respite.

Let in the breeze. Circulate air by opening windows, especially those on the north and south of your house or apartment—but keep out the heat with some white window shades (to deflect the sun) or bamboo blinds. And don’t forget the old-fashioned Israeli air conditioner: drench some sheets in water (or wash some clothes) and hang them over the windows to let the water evaporate in the breeze, creating a lovely cooling effect.

Take a cool shower. It's a great way to chill out fast and keep the air in your home cool too—and considering how quickly you may want to get out of it, a cool shower is also a great way to save water. Also: try throwing some rose water in a spray bottle and give yourself a light misting now and then. It'll also help cover up your less-than-pleasant summer fragrance au naturale.

Plant some trees. If you live in a house, planting trees on the south and west sides of your home will provide enough shade in the summer (and wind blockage in the winter) to save you between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually, says a US Department of Energy estimate. Opt for deciduous trees, which shade in summer and allow light and radiant heat to pass through in the winter.

Go Chinese. The hand fan is only the tip of China’s summer-cooling iceberg. Sitting outside, as older folks do here in the hotter months, isn’t just comfortable, it’s sociable. Find a bamboo mat for your chair—they rarely heat up and don’t soak up sweat—pull up your shirt to cool your tummy (try to ask permission before attempting further nudity--trust me) and relax over a game of checkers, or a cool plate of watermelon, iced tea, or (mmm) pickled cucumbers.

And if you must use the air conditioner. Remember to keep doors and windows closed to maximize cooling. Also make sure you’re using an energy-efficient Energy Star model, and clean the filter every so often so as to improve air flow. In addition, consider using an electric fan to supplement the AC, allowing you to raise the thermostat 9 degrees Fahrenheit higher to get the same resulting temperature--and saving up to 30% of your energy consumption.
Instead of reaching for the AC, consider the much underrated ceiling fan. It uses dramatically less energy than an air conditioner, costs less to buy, is a breeze to install, and cools like a charm. And for you DIY types, there’s always the classic hand fan, made out of the nearest newspaper, magazine, or outdoor concert brochure.

Consume the cold stuff. Take advantage of your fridge by filling up some spare bottles with water and keeping them in there. And keep one in the freezer for those extra hot days. Eat small, light meals, and foods high in water content, like fruits & vegetables. Also, don’t you forget the organic ice cream and sorbet (like the UK’s Rocombe makes)! Remember too to keep that fridge closed as much as possible--the more it's open, the more energy it uses and the more heat it releases.

Turn off the hot stuff. Switch off your computer and lights when not in use (try to avoid incandescent and halogen lamps in favor of compact florescent ones), and forgo the oven if you can. In fact...

Get out of the kitchen. Forget your hot indoor stove or even outdoor grille—you’ve already got the sun! Feel some SOUL or make your own solar oven. Heating your afternoon tea meanwhile is simply a matter of leaving some tea leaves in your glass of water and letting it warm on the window sill. (But yes, beware--some say making sun tea could be bad for your health)

Keep it on the down low. Heat rises, so try to stay on lower floors of buildings. If you’ve got a stone or tile floor, wipe it off and lie down on it for a cool respite.

Let in the breeze. Circulate air by opening windows, especially those on the north and south of your house or apartment—but keep out the heat with some white window shades (to deflect the sun) or bamboo blinds. And don’t forget the old-fashioned Israeli air conditioner: drench some sheets in water (or wash some clothes) and hang them over the windows to let the water evaporate in the breeze, creating a lovely cooling effect.

Take a cool shower. It's a great way to chill out fast and keep the air in your home cool too—and considering how quickly you may want to get out of it, a cool shower is also a great way to save water. Also: try throwing some rose water in a spray bottle and give yourself a light misting now and then. It'll also help cover up your less-than-pleasant summer fragrance au naturale.

Plant some trees. If you live in a house, planting trees on the south and west sides of your home will provide enough shade in the summer (and wind blockage in the winter) to save you between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually, says a US Department of Energy estimate. Opt for deciduous trees, which shade in summer and allow light and radiant heat to pass through in the winter.

Go Chinese. The hand fan is only the tip of China’s summer-cooling iceberg. Sitting outside, as older folks do here in the hotter months, isn’t just comfortable, it’s sociable. Find a bamboo mat for your chair—they rarely heat up and don’t soak up sweat—pull up your shirt to cool your tummy (try to ask permission before attempting further nudity--trust me) and relax over a game of checkers, or a cool plate of watermelon, iced tea, or (mmm) pickled cucumbers.

And if you must use the air conditioner. Remember to keep doors and windows closed to maximize cooling. Also make sure you’re using an energy-efficient Energy Star model, and clean the filter every so often so as to improve air flow. In addition, consider using an electric fan to supplement the AC, allowing you to raise the thermostat 9 degrees Fahrenheit higher to get the same resulting temperature--and saving up to 30% of your energy consumption.
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No sub for a cool glass of lemonade
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I would recommend wearing non-dark colors and light weight clothing. If possible try not to spend a lot of time outdoors during heat's peak hours (typically during the middle of the day). If you have access to a swimming pool, that's always an option. Taking several cold showers a day is a temporary solution. Everything depends upon your personal schedule. Try not to turn on your oven a lot; I recommend cooking stove top to avoid increasing the temperature in your home. Make sure you drink at least 7 glasses of water each day, smoothies are great idea. As long as you stay hydrated that will help lower your body temperature.
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The best thing I have found to "beat the heat" and have a little fn while your doing it is buy a Slip N Slide. The average at about 10 dollars and it sound silly but its a fun way to cool off. Another thing that would help cool you off is a snow cone machine, with a fun syrup(grape,cherry,strawberry) . It will cool you from the inside out plus the ice is made from water which is way better for you than a soda. Snow cone machines are usually about 20 dollars and last for a long time. I have had mine for about 6 years and it has refreshed my family every summer. :]
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Do like the kangaroos do, lick your wrists. The air evaporates the saliva at your pulse points and cools your blood.

Stick your bed sheets in the freezer for 15 minutes before bed.

Put a bag of frozen peas on your neck for a few minutes.

Put a big bowl of ice water behind floor fans, the air that comes out will be cooled.
Source(s):
http://www.farmersalmanac.com/natural_cures/a/6-creative-ways-to-keep-cool-...

http://kikikaria.wordpress.com/2006/07/30/creative-ways-to-keep-cool-when-e...

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I used to be in the environment committee when I was in high school, and probably the biggest ac alternative (to save energy of course lol) was house awnings. From what I can remember, these awnings can lower the temperature in the homes by quite a lot (10 degrees...even more?) So these awnings act like a tree/cave which shades you from sunlight, cutting down on a lot of the heat. I feel like this is quite a good investment against heat during the summer.

Other benefits is that it is environment friendly. I feel like this is one of the quickest and most efficient way to deal with heat.

There was also a thing going on with collecting water bottles in your house and placing these water filled water bottles around the house. This gives the same effect as the ocean cooling the air (because of water's high specific heat).

Hopefully these are efficient and easy ways for you to cool yourself.
Source(s):
http://retractableawnings.arieljvan.com/

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Buy a pack of cool beers and borrow your uncles crow bar...

whilst driving your non window working but reliable automobile, enjoy a refreshing drink of top quality beverage of your choice,

That should keep you cool for at least an hour.
when you have run out of beers and have little inhabitions left,
use the crow bar to break the window for a cooling air con sensation.

other alternatives include:

Buying a NEW car.

Or..

Moving to Antarctica.
Source(s):
Good ol brain Alchemy.

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I like to string a hose above my bed. It is punctured with tiny holes for misting purposes. The physical arrangement is up to you. The water slides off a plastic cover on my bed and into a reservoir where it is filtered and reused. The pump is also powered by solar power!

Patent pending!
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take a holiday to a more human friendly destination
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Home appliances, yoga and cooling equipments are not the only thing to keep you cool. What ever you eat and drink also contributes to the heat of your body. Here are a few delicious recipes to keep you cool this summer....

"Quench your Thirst this Summer with these Cooling Drinks"

1. Yogurt drink

Ingredients:
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup mango pulp (fresh or canned)
1 cup crushed ice
3 table spoons sugar / Use sugar substitute if desired

Method:
Blend all of the above. Add a little water if the consistency is too thick. Keep refrigerated. Serve chilled. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Makes 4 servings. It's as Simple as that!

2. Lemonade

Ingredients:
Juice of 4 lemons
Sugar/honey to taste
2 tbsps Jaljira powder (available at most Indian groceries)
Chilled water
Crushed ice
Lemon slices and mint to garnish

Method:
* Squeeze all lemons to remove juice and strain the juice to remove seeds. Pour into a large jug.
* Add all the remaining ingredients to get desired strength and sweetness and mix well.
* Serve in chilled glasses garnished with lemon slices.

3. Spiced buttermilk

Ingredients:
1/2 cup yogurt
4 glasses chilled water
1/4 cup of chopped coriander (cilantro)
1/4 cup of mint leaves (phudina)
1 green chilly
1 tea spoon dhania powder (cumin seed powder)
2 tea spoon Sanchal (Black Salt)
Salt to taste

Method :
Put all the ingredients in a blender till coriander and mint leaves crush very well. Serve cold.
Source(s):
http://www.indiamarks.com/guide/Quench-your-Thirst-this-Summer-with-these-C...

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I would have thought summer is more enjoyable with most people. The positive side for me is, enjoy the natural detox of perspiration!

Through our experience last summer 2009, the heatwave hits Victoria, Oz before and after the bushfires...we struggled with the horrific heat reaching 40°C. We find the dehumidifier fan is more helpful to us as a couple. I don't know with someone who have kids though? This may also depend on our body temperature how adaptable we can be with the climate. Most times, I always prefer not to have fan or cooler that makes me headache! Perspire it out is the best solution, I'd say.
Source(s):
Image source: http://www.thermospace.com/sunpentown/mini_dehumidifier_sd-350_UV_rear.jpg

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