Beat the heat wave: Pools, spraygrounds and splash pads

As you have likely noticed by now, Streeters, we’re in for a nasty heat wave this week. The forecasts suggest that temperatures won’t really go below the 80s at night because it’s so darn humid and our days could feel like 105 degrees. All of this has us considering our options about ways to cool off beyond strapping frozen peas to our heads and sitting in front of a fan. I for one might borrow a child so I can have a good excuse to splash in the Sister Cities Park fountain or run through a sprayground or two.

The good news: Philly has a ton of outdoor swimming pools – more than any other American city. So if you’re looking to take a dip check the maps below for locations of city pools, spraygrounds and playgrounds with water features sure to help you cool off on these hot days.  Pools tend to be open 11am-7pm Monday through Friday and 12-5pm on weekends, though hours do vary.

If swimming and splashing isn’t for you, don’t forget: the Free Library’s cooling centers are also open through Friday, July 19.

CITY POOLS

SPRAYGROUNDS and SPLASH PADS


View Cool Off in a larger map

Maps based on city data from Open Data Philly (Dataset: PPR Pools and Spraygrounds, December 1, 2012.), Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation list, and Phila.gov/map.

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