The prospect of heat, humidity, poor air quality and crowds of tourists is enough to send anyone scampering for the shoreline.

But hazy, stifling days are not all that a summer in Cambridge has to offer.

While conventional wisdom holds that any sane person, given the chance, would depart Cambridge as soon as possible for Cape Cod or the Maine Coast or Martha's Vineyard or Newport, it just isn't the case. Cambridge's long hot months have a lot going for them.

First of all, Cambridge is not your average urban sprawl. Green, shady oases like Harvard Yard, Radcliffe Yard, JFK Park at the Kennedy School and the Cambridge Common (only during day-light hours) offer plenty of space for frisbee games, touch-football and soccer.

Play softball on the Common--a small baseball field is nearly always empty--or take advantage of the University's Commencement-groomed lawns for some sunbathing.

If sounds of traffic disrupt your nature-loving in the Square, you still have options.

Summer has advantages that frigid January just can't touch, like the ability to walk, jog or rollerblade on Memorial Drive. On Sundays, Memorial Drive is closed to traffic, but a paved path along the river is good enough the rest of the week.

Can't Take the Heat?

Average temperatures in the city can soar beyond comfort level. Concrete has a way of getting quite hot.

To cool off close to home, the fountain in front of the Science center is perfect. Prance on top of the fountain's rocks, but, be warned, the misty appearance is deceptive--if you plan to go in with you clothes on, remember that the fountain is significantly wetter than it looks.

If you still can't take the heat, go inside. The University library system offers a number of air conditioned sanctuaries with all the summer reading you could possibly want.

Curl up with a book, but note that not all libraries are well-suited for this. Widener's stacks have a reputation for getting quite steamy at times. The lack of ventilation is distressing even in the winter, when it is still frequently overheated.

Or go the consumer route. The Square boasts excellent shopping (see related article on shopping below) and affords the opportunity to hop from one climate-controlled oasis to the next.

The Garage, between Mass. Ave. and Mt. Auburn St., is probably the largest indoor shopping area in the Square.

Another place to spend your money on the streets of Cambridge is at the abundance of sidewalk cafes which emerge from winter hibernation as the mercury rises.