Pools, spraygrounds and cooling centers: Here’s where to cool off in Philly during a heat wave

For many Philadelphia residents, when extreme heat hits, air-conditioned spaces are in short supply. Here’s a look at some free options across the city.

kids play in a pool

File photo: Joyful kids at the James Finnegan Playground in Southwest Philadelphia on June 30, 2021. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

How to cope with a Philly heat wave

Philly public pools

Philadelphia’s Department of Parks & Recreation operates dozens of public pools across the city.

Here’s where you can find a Philly public pool near you.

Philly sprinklers and spraygrounds

Philly has more than 90 sprinklers, splash pads and spraygrounds, which are open seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Residents can find a Philly sprayground online.

Philly cooling centers

In response to the ongoing Heat Health Emergency, Philly is opening more than 150 cooling centers and sites, including extended hours at Free Library locations, Parks & Recreation Centers, pools, spraygrounds, Older Adult Centers and PHA Senior Sites.

Residents can find a cooling center near them online or by calling 311.

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