We’ve officially hit sweltering season here in NYC, with temperatures reaching as high as 101º this week! And while it may sound tempting to stick in the house this week and cuddle up next to your air conditioner (if you don’t have one eligible NYers can get up to $800 towards a new one), NYC has plenty of options to beat the heat, if you’re up for the challenge.
Though these picks tend to err more on the “fun” side, of course it is also important to take note of safety measures when temperatures are this high. NYC Gov. provides “Beat the Heat” recommendations and resources on their website, including but not limited to:
- Spending time in air conditioning and in the shade; drink plenty of water & stay hydrated
- Utilizing the Park’s “Cool It! NYC” map feature that shares nearby water features and fountains, shady areas, tree canopies & more
- Keeping blinds down and not using the stove or oven
- Checking in on your neighbors
- Opening a fire hydrant — legally! You can go to your local fire station (find it here) and request a spray cap so there is still enough water pressure to fight fires when needed.
Throwing a few of our own ideas into the mix, here are some of our favorite ways to cool down and defeat this heat wave once and for all!
1. Hang out in a cooling center near you–see the map here
Let’s all say thank you to NYC for opening up hundreds of cooling centers around NYC to help combat the heat. Ranging from libraries to schools to community centers, these cooling centers are simply air conditioned buildings where NYC locals can take a load off and enjoy the cool air, no questions asked!
Learn more about NYC’s cooling centers and be sure to try out their interactive map to find one near you!
2. Take a dip in one of NYC’s free pools
We’re a huge fan of NYC’s public pools because they’re free and so refreshing! Though they don’t open for the season until June 29th, we’re looking forward to grabbing our towel, friends, and cannonballing into one.
Check out our favorite free NYC pools plus find one closest to you here!
3. Hit one of NYC’s beaches
If you’re trying to hop in the waves or spend a day reading a book under a shaded cabana, NYC has plenty of beach options to spend a day at. From Brooklyn to Queens to Staten Island, we have different size beaches that will surely fit a vibe you’re going for.
Check out our list for best beaches in NYC and start planning your trip!
4. Cool off with ice cream from an ice cream parlor
Just because National Ice Cream Day isn’t until July, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a tasty treat in a cone right now! Feed your tastebuds with a refreshing ice cream cone, or even a tasty milkshake.
Luckily, we’ve done the hard work and ranked all of the best ice cream shops in NYC to get you started. Which flavor are you trying next?
5. Splash around in an NYC public fountain
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and if you’re in for a serious cooldown right away, hop into an NYC fountain! It’s totally legal! Some of our favorites include the Washington Square Park Fountain, the Bosque Fountain in Battery Park, and the Domino Park Fountain, but there are so many scattered across all 5 boroughs. Whether you want to jump into a public fountain is up to you, but just know that they are indeed cleaned every year before they’re opened!
Read more about it here.
6. Sip on a frozen drink
NYC is full of restaurants and bars, but very few have great frozen cocktails that will truly cool you down. Whether you’re in the mood for a frozen margarita or a classic frosé, you have plenty of options to choose from! Check out our guide to the best places in NYC for a frozen boozy drink.
7. Relax in one of NYC’s waterfront parks
There’s nothing quite like a cool breeze on a hot summer’s day, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at one of NYC’s waterfront parks. They’re scattered up and down the Hudson and East Rivers and they make for a quality time of relaxation and sunshine. Be sure to bring your sunglasses and bottle of water too!
Check out our list of the best waterfront parks in the city.
8. Go kayaking in NYC waters
Take the heat wave to heart and hop in the water to paddle around! NYC is home to tons of kayaking opportunities this summer, and many of them are free! Splash around, grab some skyline views, and even break a sweat in the process! It’s an adventure like no other.
Here’s where to go kayaking in NYC.
9. Step into an air-conditioned museum to view some art
The city’s air-conditioned museums are a great hideaway if you’re looking to avoid the sunshine for a few hours. Step into the artistic world and let your mind escape the heat as you focus on the art around you! You have plenty of options to pick from!
Plus, check out all the different art exhibits and installations on show too!
10. Escape into a hidden speakeasy for a cool drink
Sometimes, all you need is a cold refreshing drink to have you feeling like new again. Especially at one of New York City’s underground or hidden speakeasies, it can be the perfect way to avoid the NYC heat wave and find a new hidden gem all at once! Check out our favorite speakeasies in NYC and sneak in to have one of their signature cocktails.