Beat the Heat: Stay Cool at NYC Parks this Summer

During extreme heat, our parks are the place to be to cool down and beat the heat! We want to make sure that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable summer. Whenever there's a heat emergency, make sure to drink plenty of fluids (even if you do not feel thirsty), wear sunscreen and light, loose clothing, and be sure to check on your friends, family, and neighbors.

Beat the Heat Guide

Want to stay informed? The City's Office of Emergency Management has put together a #BeatTheHeat guide to stay safe, keep cool, and conserve energy.

Rockaway Boardwalk

Water Safety Tips

Be sure to stay safe while having fun near and in the water! Swim only where lifeguards are present, never leave kids unattended, and wear a life jacket when boating. For more tips, visit our Water Safety page.

Lifeguard at Rockaway Beach

Play it Safe

When visiting our playgrounds and athletic fields, Play it Safe and protect yourself from touching hot surfaces. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and always wear shoes. Visit our Play it Safe page for more.

A child running through a spray shower.

Here's where to beat the heat at NYC Parks:

Make a splash at our free outdoor pools

We have free outdoor pools in each borough! Pools are open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily while pools are open. Find a free outdoor pool

Find a spray shower near you

Splash around at one of our spray showers in parks across the city. Find a spray shower near you

Please help us keep our city cool by reporting non-working spray showers to 311 by phone or online. 

Head to the beach

All of our beaches are open this summer from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Memorial Day Weekend through the Sunday after Labor Day. Find a beach  

Please swim only where lifeguards are present. Swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty and in closed sections. Closed sections are marked with signs and/or red flags.

Visit our waterfront parks

Spend the day at one of our waterfront parks that feature boating activities, fishing, opportunities to go for a swim, and more. Learn more about NYC’s waterfront parks

Take a boat out on the water

Enjoy the breeze and beautiful scenery as you cruise in and around NYC's 520 miles of waterfront. Check out our Boating Guide to learn about canoeing, rowing, and kayaking programs across the city and to find out where you can rent a boat! Have your own boat? Use our Water Trail Guide to find out where you can launch your own kayak, boat, or canoe. 

Check out our indoor recreation centers

Take your workout inside on hot days by visiting a local recreation center. Our centers have indoor sports facilities and gym equipment, as well as fitness, art, and technology programs for kids, teens, adults, and seniors! Find a recreation center near you