5 Ways to Stay Cool Around Center City

5 Ways to Stay Cool Around Center City

Summertime isn’t quite over. Seeking ways to stay cool as the mercury continues to climbs? Here are some fun options to escape the heat courtesy of Phillyliving.com.

1. Take a Dip in a Pool: Here are a couple pools where you can cool off.

With hours dedicated for swimming laps, adult and family bathing, there is the Olympic-sized John B. Kelly Pool, located in West Fairmount Park. Surrounded by trees and grass, it’s a peaceful place to relax, or swim in the multi-lane Olympic-size swimming pool.

For a more urban environment, there is the O’Connor Pool at 2601 South Street. It’s surrounded by a brick wall to provide some privacy from the street. Even better, after you’ve had a dip, you’re just a few steps away from partaking in fun times on South Street.

2. Find a Fountain or Sprinkler: Fountains and spray parks are fun spots for kids and the occasional errant adult to cool off.

Dilworth Park at City Hall thaws out for the summer and transforms into the Dilworth Park Fountain. There’s plenty to enjoy with rows of splash zones for kids, and a full schedule of activities at the park throughout the summer. Need a break from the fountains? Cool off with a refreshing drink at the Dilworth Park café.

Another hot-day spot, although smaller in size, is the Headhouse Square Fountain in Society Hill, where you can cool your feet while admiring the fountain’s abstract art. And if you’re looking for another colorful sprinkler, check out the Shot Tower Sprayground in Queen Village, where water sprays poke out of the painted red circles on the ground. Making this sprayground extra-cool for kids is that they can push a button to set off the minute-long water bursts.

3. Connect with the River

Sometimes, just being on the water is enough to help you cool off. There are kayak tours available on the Schuylkill River. Hidden River Outfitters tours depart from the Walnut Street Dock and the Manayunk Brewery Company Dock. Going down the river from Walnut Street, you’ll get a new perspective on some of Philadelphia’s most famous sights — the city skyline, Art Museum and Fairmount Water Works.

Looking for some music and boating? You can enjoy the river at night with ‘Evening Full-Moon Row-Boating’ at Bartram’s Garden. It’s a once-a-month party on the river, complete with a DJ, drinks and snacks. Plus, there’s free kayaking there every Saturday during season (weather and river conditions permitting).

4. Enjoy a Cool Beverage in a Hammock

Stop by Spruce Street Harbor Park on Christopher Columbus Boulevard, snag a hammock, sip on a refreshing beer(perhaps a Yards Lazy Hammock) or a frozen cocktail. Take in the floating gardens and watch the sun set over the Delaware River. Then, experience the magic as the park comes alive with the glimmering, multi-colored LED lights hanging from the trees.

 5. Find an Air-Conditioned Museum

If you’ve had your fill of fresh air and outdoor fun, it may be time to visit one of Philly’s air-conditioned museums. Check out the Brain Freeze Cart at The Franklin Institute and find out how your mind plays tricks on you. Meet some multi-colored, gigantic bugs at The Academy of Natural Sciences. There’s no need to be scared — they are animatronics, robotic devices that imitate the real thing. Or learn about the history of the City of Brotherly Love at the Philadelphia History Museum. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to museums in Philly.

There are lots of ways to get cooled off in a pool, sprinkler park or on a river expedition. Treat yourself to a long frosty drink in a hammock or learn something new at one of Philadelphia’s many museums.  Of course, do your own research to make sure the activities are a good fit for you and your family. It’s also a good idea to call ahead / ask to confirm hours and any special rules and requirements.

 

Carolyn Frith, a content consultant who owns Carolyn Frith Marketing, aims to rid the world of snore-and-bore writing on the web. Topics she covers range from Philadelphia events and real estate options to a range of other content. Website: Phillyaptrentals.com