Summertime Guide: 3 Ways to Stay Cool This Summer in Philly

It’s summertime in Philly, so you know what that means: it’s going to be hot, hot, hot! While some people may welcome the sizzling temperatures, it’s important to stay safe during the summer heat. Excessive heat can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Infants, young children, and the elderly are all at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent heat-related illnesses and beat the heat this summer, including drinking plenty of fluids, staying out of the sun during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. There are also plenty of ways to cool down in the city, so check out these top 3 ways to stay cool this summer in Philly.

1. Splish splash at a sprayground

Splash pads and spraygrounds (play areas with sprinkles, drop water, and water sprays) are popping up all over Philadelphia and these sure beat cooling off in a city water fountain. Run through the sprinklers just once for a quick cool down, or bring your swimsuit and prepare to be soaked — don’t forget your sunscreen.

Here are a handful of spraygrounds in Philadelphia:

• Spray Fountain at Dilworth Park
• Misting Stations at Spruce Street Harbor Park
• Spray Fountain at Sister Cities Park
• Herron Playground and Spraypark

2. Go for a dip in the swimming pool

When it’s hot outside, there’s nothing more refreshing than being in a pool. Did you know that Philadelphia has more than 70 public swimming pools? Admission is free and many of them even offer free swimming lessons. See if there’s a pool near you:

Public swimming pools in Philadelphia

If a private swimming pool is more your speed, there are several swim clubs in and around Philadelphia to choose from, including:

• Lombard Swim Club
• University City Swim Club
• Linvilla Orchards Swim Club

3. Keep the kids cool at home

If you don’t have an oasis in your backyard, you may have to get a little more creative when you want to keep your kids cool at home, but the results can be just as refreshing!

• Have a carwash— Put your kids in their swimsuits, grab a hose and soapy bucket of water, and let your kids clean your car. If they’re older, you may need to throw a few bucks or summer treats their way!
• Turn on the sprinklers— Whether you have in-ground sprinklers or a simple water hose attachment, sprinklers are a cheap and easy way to cool down on a hot day.
• Set up a water table— Water tables not only keep toddlers busy, they also keep them cool since most of the water ends up on your little ones. They don’t cost much if you want to buy one, and you can even build your own water table.
• Break out the water balloons and blasters— Both are inexpensive ways to keep several kids occupied and you can find water balloon kits and water blasters just about anywhere — from your local grocery store to your pharmacy.

How do you keep cool in the summer?