Top Spots to Escape the Sweltering Heat This Season

As the mercury climbs this season, so does the danger of heat-related illnesses, sun damage, and dehydration. For many, the heat is too oppressive to enjoy extended periods outdoors. The wisest option is often to remain within — yet the convenience may come at the cost of soaring electricity expenses, as air conditioning runs incessantly (if it’s an option at all).

In case you’d rather not while away your summer days on the sofa, there exist a plethora of destinations that provide a cool haven and amusement that the confines of home cannot match. Added benefit: Numerous spots are either inexpensive or entirely gratis.

Eager to escape the warmth? Here are some ideal escapes to consider.

Cooling Centers

These complimentary, air-conditioned havens offer a respite amidst bouts of scorching heat waves. Accessible in every state, cooling centers are especially vital for those without housing. Maps to local cooling centers across the United States are available via the National Center for Healthy Housing website.

Public Libraries

Welcoming to everyone, library cardholder or not, libraries often function as cooling centers during heat waves. They are excellent for families, providing complimentary child-friendly activities. Relax with literature, revel in the cooling system and allow your youngsters to delight in readings or arts and crafts..

Movie Cinemas

Film theaters are known for their crisp temperatures. If films are your passion, you could also conserve funds by subscribing to services like AMC A-List, which offers an inclusive package for three movies weekly. Second-run cinemas in your vicinity may provide more economical tickets for those seeking a deal. (Pro tip: Opt for a long-duration film for greater value.)

Shopping Malls

During hot spells, shopping centers offer a perfect promenade to log your steps — purchase intentions unnecessary. If you’re averse to busy spaces, target early openings (malls sometimes open their doors before the vendors within commence business) and dodge crowded holiday sales like Independence Day. It’s beneficial to verify online if your local mall provides a play zone for children or store-held happenings.

Museums

Both culture and a cooler environment? That’s a dual victory. To minimize expenses, discover museums in your locale offering free admission or voluntary contributions, as well as those granting reductions for students, the elderly, or families, should they be applicable. (For instance, New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art has no cost for kids under 12, and children 16 and under are admitted into the city’s Museum of Modern Art at no cost.) It might be economical to invest in an annual subscription if you foresee frequent visits (if only to stay cool).

Gigantic Retailers

Likewise, establishments such as Target, Walmart, H Mart, or Costco (the last requires a $60 yearly membership for access) provide a chilled environment to peruse goods. Wandering the walkways will keep you active, yet refraining from filling your cart to its limits remains the true test.

Community Pools

It’s not mandatory to confine yourself to indoor spots for cooling. Community pools — some without an entry fee or demanding a nominal charge — serve as a delightful summer refuge. Should you have toddlers, inspect your nearby parks for complimentary water play areas.

Ice Skating Arenas

Although it seems incongruous for the season, indoor ice skating presents an opportune and active method to stay chilly during summer months — you may find yourself needing additional layers for warmth. The post-skating hot cocoa can likely be skipped, though.

Bowling Alley

Regardless of whether you roll more misses than hits, booking an alley for an hour could be worthwhile. Numerous lanes feature cafes and arcades, perfect for extending your leisure.

Arcades

Whether it suits adults with alcoholic beverages and gourmet snacks, or the classic young-at-heart setup, arcades provide a chilled venue to sharpen your Skee-Ball prowess in the summertime.

Pet Suppliers

Few locations offer tranquility quite like the aquarium section of a pet supplier, especially amid the heat. Visit to acquire pet supplies, linger to marvel at guinea pigs, parakeets, geckos, and more. Depending on the policies at your local retailer, you may be able to bring in your dog for a respite as well.

Bookshops

Analogous to libraries, you can meander through the aisles of a bookshop in the comfort of air conditioning while discovering trending #BookTok recommendations. Certain establishments, such as Barnes & Noble, house cafes, enabling you to enjoy a pastry while indulging in the latest narrative.

Hotels

Welcome – guest or not. A hotel lobby is a convenient spot to operate your laptop amidst a vacation-like setting, even without being an actual customer. To enjoy cooling down outdoors, consider services like ResortPass, which grants day passes for hotel pools. Costs span from $20 to upwards of $100 for a day’s access.

Fitness Centers

During a heatwave, exercising might be the furthest from your mind — yet consider this. Many fitness centers, such as Crunch and Equinox, boast extremely cool interiors (a sweltering workout space is avoided at all costs) and there’s no judgement for leisurely walking on a treadmill just to relish the chill atmosphere.