WHILE YOU CAN: Cool Naples-area places to see during steamy summer

August is coming in on the next flight and before — or right after — it reaches here, you may want to dash to some summer-only events. The fun starts,  in order of immediacy, 

1. The REVS Institute

The auto museum that melds almost everything historic and sexy on four wheels has extended its "Under the Hood" exhibition through this weekend, showing off engines of more than 40 of its raciest cars. Even if you don't know horsepower from horseplay, its best autos and their stories are there through Saturday.

After that, the museum closes for the month of August, and there are rumors prices may go up in September

It's well worth the $3 extra to get a docent-led tour. Please, no drooling on the cars.

Address:  2500 Horseshoe Drive S., Naples

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through July 29

Information: revsinstitute.org or 239-687-7387  

Admission: Reservations required; $20 docent tour, $17 general, $12 faculty, active military and students, free for accompanied children younger than 8

2. Golisano Children's Museum of Naples

The Golisano children's museum operates its camps in high gear right up until the first day of school, but registration is a must. During the first two weeks of August there are a variety of "best of" camps by two-grade level and an adventure camp. 

 Learn to stamp leather, create electricity, make s'mores in a solar oven and other  projects adults wish they knew how to do. Fun games? Of course.

Address: 15080 Livingston Road, North Naples

Hours and dates: Weekdays July 31 through Aug. 12. These full-day camps are a week long, with dropoff time beginning at  8:45 a.m. and pickup time ending at 5:15 p.m.

Information and registration: cmon.org or 239-514-0084

Price: $300, $270 for members; those who may need help can ask about scholarships

3. Naples Botanical Garden Dog Days

The Naples Botanical Garden takes the term "dog days" literally. In August, you and Rover can roam its 170 acres of dedicated gardens and trail areas all day. Even better, it opens at 8 a.m. in the summer for those who appreciate the relative cool of the morning.

The friendly staff offer a doggie biscuit and you-know-what refuse bags, but you can help them out by bringing your own. If you haven't done this before, be prepared for your pooch to nag you about buying a membership. It is a canine's scent smorgasbord. 

For hungry humans, the Fogg Cafe has a terrace where you can dine with your dog.

Another reason to come in August: the garden closes Sept. 19-30 for maintenance.

Address: 4860 Bayshore Drive, East Naples

Hours: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. daily through Sept. 18

Information, tickets: At the gate or at naplesgarden.org

Admission: $14.95, $9.95 ages 4 – 14, free for members ages 3 and younger; dogs $9.95, free for members

Something else: Your dog must have a license and no retractable leashes are permitted. Occasionally, in the rain-prone months, mosquitoes may be out, so bring bug spray.

4. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon

August is the last month the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon in North Naples is open daily. It moves to weekend-only hours after Aug. 14 and closes totally in October and November. So splash now.

Smart swimmers will check the weather first, because it's everyone out of the pool at the first warning of approaching lightning. Until then, zip down the 38-foot enclosed Sting Ray water slide; float down Sunny's River, which randomly shoots cooling water jets at you; or sample some of the other attractions.

There's a Tadpole Pool where you can cool your feet and watch your toddler play, too.

Address: 15000 Livingston Road, North Naples

Hours: 10 a..m.-5 p.m. daily through Aug. 14, on weekends after that until October

Admission: Free ages 0-3; $6, less than 48 inches tall; $13, other heights; $2 discount for Collier County residents with a valid driver license and $9 for ages 60 and older

Information: napleswaterpark.com or 239-252-4021

5. Naples Museum of Military History 

This museum is open all year, but your kids aren't out of school all year. Give them some perspective on the past with a visit to the Naples Museum of Military History.

They'll learn, for one thing, that the airport where celebrity planes now taxi was built to train World War II troops. Something else few may know is that this is the airport's 75th anniversary as that training base.

There are two roomfuls of artifacts, and helpful docents to explain what their purpose and significance was, along with war memorabilia and uniforms.

Address: Naples Municipal Airport Commercial Terminal, 500 Terminal Drive (off Airport-Pulling Road), Naples

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays

Admission: Free, but your donations help preserve this museum

Information: naplesmuseummilitaryhistory.org or 941-575-0401