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.

Pools began to open this week on a rolling basis. Here’s a look at the opening schedule, and here’s where you can find a Philly public pool near you.

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Philly's 2024 pool opening schedule

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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Philly cooling centers

In response to the ongoing Heat Health Emergency, Philly is opening 153 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 below or by calling 311:

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