As the numbers on the weather app are now reaching above 80 degrees, and the evening air is thick with humidity, one can't help but crave anything to cool off. And while blasting the air conditioning 24/7 may be tempting (although not the most economical or eco–friendly solution), Philadelphians have been surviving these hot East Coast summers forever. So how do they do it? Here's Street's ultimate guide to staying cool in the city, from local favorites and hidden gems.
Digging into a frozen treat
Forget hoagies and cheesesteaks, Philadelphia is an ice cream city. As the birthplace of several national ice cream brands, including Breyers and Bassetts, and home to a thriving local ice cream scene, Philadelphia is the ice cream destination. Beloved local ice cream joint Scoop Deville, with locations on 11th and Walnut and 5th and South Street, is known for its indulgent soft serve and candy blends, over–the–top sundaes, and vegan creations. Looking for frozen delights with a touch of old–time charm? Look no further than The Franklin Fountain at Front and Market, offering artisanal ice cream and floats in the form of a mid–century–inspired soda fountain. For ice cream connoisseurs interested in locally sourced ingredients, Weckelry’s at 9th and Girard Ave. is the spot. If you can’t get enough of their enormous ice cream sandwiches, bring home a whole pint of their craft ice cream.
Catching the river breeze
Philadelphians swear that the wind coming off the Schuylkill and Delaware makes these spots a few degrees cooler than city streets. You can catch the river breeze by foot or on bike on the 30 miles of trail along the Schuylkill and three miles of paved trail along the Delaware. For those trying to avoid breaking a sweat, residents chillax by picnicking on the river or striking some yoga poses. Yoga on the Banks offers yoga classes along the Schuylkill throughout the summer with a reasonable sliding scale cost. If one finds themself by the Delaware, there are free yoga classes hosted by Wellness on the Waterfront on Race Street Pier. While in downward dog, yogis enjoy views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and the occasional sailboat.
Diving into public pools
For many Philadelphians, the best place to get a break from sweaty Philly summertime heat is the local public pool. The city has a rich history of public pools, building the first outdoor city pool in 1884 and maintaining one of the highest rates of city pools per capita in the nation. And public pool season is right around the corner in Philadelphia, with most pools opening in late June and early July. Close to University City is Lee Pool at 4328 Haverford Ave and O'Connor Pool at 2601–13 South St. This map from the city offers a comprehensive list of public pools. Looking for an Olympic–sized pool? There’s the John B. Kelly pool located in Fairmount Park. The city has faced issues with staffing lifeguards for public pools. Last summer ten pools remained unopened due to short staffing through mid–July. This is nearly a crisis, given that these pools are a lifeline for the city by offering essential relief from record–breaking heat, a space to learn the important skill of swimming, and a safe recreational outlet. Stopping by the nearest public pool will show just how important these urban oases are to the city.
Relaxing by private pools
Some turn to Philadelphia’s private swim clubs to cool off in the summer. These pools are a who's who of Philadelphia, boasting past mayors and local TV personalities as members. There’s the Lombard Swim Club, just a stone’s throw from Rittenhouse Square at 20th and Lombard. Besides the standard 25–foot pool and kids splash area, inside the unassuming brick walls lies a full–service restaurant and adults–only open bar. Sound enticing? This might not be the route for college students to cool off, with the membership wait lasting around a decade. There’s the Lombard Swim Club’s unassuming cousin, the University City Swim Club, at 48th Street & Spruce Street. You’ll just have to wait the “several years” for membership as listed on the website. Several sports clubs offer pools without the wait. The Society Hill location of Philadelphia Sports Club offers a 25–meter outdoor pool, as does City Fitness’ Northern Liberties location. For a touch of luxury, there’s the newly renovated Sporting Club at the Bellevue. Don’t want to pay a membership fee? Our advice: Make friends with someone in The Chestnut and head up to the rooftop pool.
Splashing around in Philadelphia’s official (and unofficial) spraygrounds
For residents who prefer splashes over dives, there are spraygrounds. The city hosts several spraygrounds, including the iconic Dilworth Park sprayground on City Hall. Want to make a night of it? Grab drinks during one of the weekly SIPS at Dilworth Park events, and run through the gentle, shooting streams of water afterward. We promise it’s not just for kids! Closer to University City is the sprayground located at the 48th & Woodland Playground, where water spurts out of sprayers in the shape of rainbows, palm trees, and cacti. While the city has plenty of official spraygrounds, the real Philadelphia experience is playing in the Logan Square Fountain. While it is technically prohibited, there are almost always several kids and curious visitors wading into the knee–high fountain. And if rule–breaking isn’t your thing, there’s an official sprayground with a shallow wadding fountain across the street at Sister Cities Park.
Going down the shore
Some people go to the beach. Some people go to the ocean. Philadelphians go down the shore. Beyond being a part of Philadelphia’s lexicon, “going down the shore” is one of the favorite ways Philadelphians cool off during the summer. The phrase refers to typically traveling south, and always down in elevation, to a Jersey beach. For those wanting the iconic boardwalk rides and a family–friendly atmosphere, there’s Ocean City. Want a rowdier boardwalk? Head to Wildwood, the home of MTVS’ Snooki and Jersey Shore. Interested in birdwatching on a nature preserve and a horse–drawn carriage ride through the impeccably restored Victorian beachfront downtown? Try Cape May. Want to take a chance at the slot machines and don’t want to drive? Atlantic City is accessible from Philadelphia by NJ Transit. Jersey beaches offer something for everyone. Just remember, it’s down the shore.
