If there’s anything these past few weeks of summer has taught us, it is that it gets really hot. New York City has reached record-breaking temperatures this summer and New Yorkers are looking for ways to beat the heat.
Here are some ways to cool down this summer in western Queens.
Visit the Astoria Park Pool
When the Astoria Park Pool opens for the season, it signifies the start of summer. The olympic size swimming pool is the perfect way to cool down this summer, with views of the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and the East River. Interested in lap swimming? It’s best to arrive early in the morning or late in the evening, to beat the crowd. However, if you don’t know how to swim, you’re in luck, because there are a plethora of free swimming lessons for people of all ages.
Remember: if you are bringing valuables, make sure to bring a sturdy, combination lock. Swimsuits are needed to enter the pool area, and cover-ups must be a plain white shirt. Floaties are not allowed in the pool, but babies can wear swim diapers. Food, glass bottles, electronic devices, and newspapers must be left at home.
Astoria Pool is located at 19th Street and 23rd Drive and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Visit one of the many spray showers
Not wanting to visit your local pool, but want to cool down with some water? Spray showers are your best bet. Spray showers are usually in operation when the temperature goes above 80 degrees. These are the perfect ways for your kids to run around and play, while cooling down from the heat. These are a part of the Cool It! NYC initiative, which plans to “increase the amount of cooling features available to the public during heat emergencies.”
There are a wide variety of spray showers throughout Western Queens. To find your closest spray showers, visit nycgovparks.org/about/health-and-safety-guide/cool-it-nyc.
Visit your local park
It may sound counter-intuitive to go outside on a hot day, but according to the World Resources Institute, trees can make it up to 14 degrees cooler. A hot summer day is the perfect time to plan your trip to a local park, where kids can play on the playground, and adults can roam around, viewing the waterfront or even having a picnic under the trees.
Local parks in western Queens include Astoria Park in Astoria; Hunters Point Park in Long Island City; and Sunnyside Gardens Park in Sunnyside.
Kayak on the water
Did you know that your local, waterfront parks have events where you can Kayak on the East River? Organizations such as the Hunters Point Park Conservancy, and parks such as Socrates Sculptures Park have programs with free events – usually alongside the Queens Landing Boathouse – where guests can kayak on the river with friends. This is the perfect way to cool down in the water, while taking in the breathtaking, NYC views.
For more information, visit hunterspointparks.org/boating or socratessculpturepark.org/programs/all.
Visit your local, air conditioned facility
There are a plethora of facilities around Western Queens that have air conditioning, for guests to cool down for even a second. Places such as the Queens Public Libraries, movie theaters, and museums all contain air conditioning, so guests can cool off on a hot summer day. Plus, it’s a fun way to pass time. Queens Public Library always has an assortment of events for guests to enjoy. Summer is also the best time to enjoy the newest blockbuster movie hits, and it’s even an excuse to visit one of the many museums – such as the Museum of Moving Image – that Western Queens has to offer.