WHYY News Climate Desk

Pools, sprinklers and spraygrounds: 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 cooling options across the city.

Maria Pulcinella

Updated Jun. 13, 2025 7:48 am

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

Have questions about enduring extreme heat in Philly? WHYY News has the answers
Here’s how to protect yourself and loved ones, what happens to the body in extreme temperatures and how heat becomes deadly
Plus: If you’re going out in the heat, here are 8 mistakes to avoid

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. These 21 pools are the first Philly public pools to open for the 2025 season, with more to open on a rolling basis:

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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.

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About Maria Pulcinella

@mariapulcinella mpulcinella@whyy.org

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