Temperatures are rising this summer, and with them, so are the risks of heat illness, sunburn, and dehydration. For many of us, it’s too hot to stay outside for long periods of time. The best solution is to stay indoors, but that might also mean blowing your electric bill by running the air conditioning (assuming you have it) all day.
If you don’t want to spend your summer on the couch, there are a number of places that offer a respite from the heat and a level of entertainment you can’t get at home. Bonus: many of them are inexpensive or even free.
Ready to beat the heat? Here are the best places to go.
Cooling centers
These free indoor, air-conditioned locations allow people to stay cool in extreme heat. Cooling centers are available in every state and are especially important for the unhoused population. You can access maps of cooling centers in the United States at the website of the National Center for Healthy Housing.
Public library
Libraries are open to everyone, whether or not you have a library card, and often serve as a cooling center in extreme heat. Libraries are particularly family-friendly, as they often offer free programs for children. Sit down with a book, enjoy the air conditioning and let your children enjoy story time or a craft workshop.
Movie theater
Movie theaters are famously cold. If you’re a movie buff, you can also save money by join shows like AMC A-List, in which you pay a flat rate for three films per week. A second-run theater in your area may also have cheaper tickets, if you’re looking for a good deal. (Pro tip: Choose a movie with a long runtime to get the most bang for your buck.)
Shopping centers
When the weather warms up, take a walk through a mall, even if you’re not looking to buy something new. If you don’t like crowds, try to arrive when the doors open (some malls allow people in before the stores inside open) and avoid peak shopping times like the 4th. July. It’s also worth checking online to see if your local shopping center has a play. space for children or in-store events.
Museums
Culture And The air conditioning ? We call it a win-win situation. If you’re looking to save money, look for free or paid museums in your area, as well as those that might offer discounts to students, seniors, or families if they request them. (For example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is free for children under 12, and children aged 16 and under get free entry to the city’s Museum of Modern Art.) It may also be worth paying for an annual membership if you plan to visit regularly (even if it’s just to beat the heat).
Supermarkets
Much like malls, stores like Target, Walmart, H Mart or Costco (the latter costs $60 per year to join us) keeps you cool while you browse. Cruising the aisles will get you in your stride, but the real challenge is getting out of there without loading your shopping cart to the brim.
Public swimming pools
You don’t have to stay in indoor places to cool off. Public swimming pools…
