No need for summer fun to stay on hiatus -- just move indoors

The ice, the snow, the freezing cold temps - you're so over it.

Memories of better times - beach volleyball games, scenic outdoor picnics and brunches alfresco - have long since faded. And with spring still nearly two months away, that's a little depressing.

Well, we can't magically transport you to the sunny shores of Mexico (though that would be our first choice.) But you don't have to forget about your favorite summertime activities completely. In fact, the winter blahs may just be the perfect motivator to try something new. From old faves like volleyball and golf to more unique activities like bocce and auto racing, you can still have your fun this winter - while staying warm.

OK, it's no Mexico. But trust us, this is better than watching "E! True Hollywood Story: Girls Next Door" for the 12th time. And you might even pick up a new favorite hobby.

Chicago Indoor Racing

Best thing to do here: Go-kart racing on indoor tracks

Locations: 2381 W. Army Trail Road, Addison; 301 Hastings Drive, Buffalo Grove

Check out: www.chicagoindoorracing.com

Ever wonder what it's like to be Jeff Gordon or Danica Patrick? You can get a little taste here.

Outdoor go-kart racing has long been a fan favorite at places like amusement parks, said Tony Stewart, CEO of Chicago Indoor Racing. But the indoor racing trend didn't gain steam until the 1980s, first becoming popular in London before spreading throughout Europe and then to America. "We're taking something that's been popular for years and putting it into a nice environment," he says.

Moved indoors, racing becomes weather-independent, safe and easily accessible, Stewart says, while still providing that adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers. "It gives people a taste of what it's like to be a race car driver without the cost or the danger," he says.

Chicago Indoor Racing has two locations, one in Buffalo Grove and a new facility in Addison. The Addison locale also features Cyber Sport, a game similar to WhirlyBall with electronic scoring.

Whatever your choice, it's an ideal way to lift spirits and ease stress, Stewart says. "People need some escape from the doom and gloom," he says.

Pinstripes bocce ball

Best thing to do here: Play indoor bocce

Locations: 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington; 1150 Willow Road, Northbrook

Check out: www.pinstripes.com

So bocce might not be something you do every week. But that's the point.

Pinstripes, with locations in South Barrington and Northbrook, is about more than the typical darts and pool games. Instead, it offers a unique bocce, bowling and bistro experience with an Italian-American theme.

"You can come and spend a whole afternoon or evening here and enjoy the combination of gaming, food and wine," general manager Shawn Mason said.

Bocce ball, an ancient game similar to bowling, has typically been most popular with older people, though it's starting to attract younger players. Andy Zimmerman of Des Plaines, who has played bocce indoors at both Pinstripes locales, says the courts allow fans to get their fix year-round. "If you have to play indoors, this is as good as it gets," he says.

Mason says the indoor courts get a great reaction. "It's been one of those sports people have played before but have never seen it played indoors," he says. "People are pleasantly surprised to be able to play in the middle of winter."

White Pines Golf Dome

Best thing to do here: Practice your swing

Location: 500 W. Jefferson Ave., Bensenville

Check out: www.whitepinesgolfdome.com

You won't be able to play a full round, but at least you won't go totally rusty.

White Pines is among the world's biggest indoor golf facilities, measuring 100 yards long, 100 yards wide and 100 feet high. The fully heated dome has three large greens, each surrounded by two bunkers, a 45-foot-long contoured putting green, six suspended hitting targets, 50 hitting stations on two levels and a virtual golf simulator. It offers group lessons and demo days.

Staying warm indoors allows you to practice your swing without extra clothing layers getting in the way, says facility owner Mike Munro. The facility, which is open daily through April, also offers the latest sporting events on TV and a snack bar with beer.

Golfing is a great way to let off steam, Munro says, and the dome is "a pretty good escape."

North Beach Club

Best thing to do here: Play indoor beach volleyball

Location: 1211 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove

Check out: www.northbeachclub.com

If you're really missing the beach right now, this is the place to go.

North Beach Club bills itself as the area's premier adult playground, offering two full-size sand volleyball courts, as well as beach soccer, bean bag toss and the more traditional air hockey, cosmic bowling, pool and darts.

"Our theme is the beach," said Christiane Mulacek, event planner. "Our beach volleyball is always in high demand."

The courts are available for daily rental, with weekly volleyball leagues, tournaments and private parties. The club also offers food, drink specials and live music every night.

e Skape batting cages

Best thing to do here: Take your pick: batting cages, laser tag, bowling, arcade

Location: 350 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove

Check out: www.eskape.us

With baseball season around the corner, e Skape's four batting cages are preparing to get some use. The cages, which offer fast-pitch hardball or slow-pitch hardball for kids, can be adjusted for speed and height.

The 60,000-square-foot indoor facility also offers laser tag, a video arcade, 36 lanes of bowling, including a new 12-lane private lounge area for adults only, and a restaurant, GrillWorks. The facility just underwent a big renovation, with more changes in the restaurant to come, said managing partner Bill Feldgreber.

"There are so many activities to do under one roof," he says.