Summers in Brooklyn can be brutal and arming yourself with ways to staying cool throughout the season will go a long way. Whether you're commuting through Downtown Brooklyn, enjoying a day in Prospect Park or navigating the bustling streets of Bed-Stuy, here are five ways to stay cool when the heat hits:
1. Always carry a water bottle and fill it up
Carry a reusable water bottle and refill at free hydration stations across the borough. NYC Parks has public water fountains in spots like Prospect Park and McCarren Park and they're perfect for a quick refresh.
2. Spend your days in the city's open spaces
Brooklyn has plenty of shaded parks to cool off in. Prospect Park’s lush trees provide natural relief, while the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers serene, shaded pathways. Plus, the breezy Brooklyn Heights Promenade offers stunning waterfront views with a cooler breeze.
3. Take advantage of the city's free cooling centers
Need air-conditioning but don’t want to rack up your electric bill? Spend time at a Brooklyn Public Library branch, a museum or a shopping center to cool down for free. The city opens designated cooling centers during extreme heat, click here for locations.
4. Use public pools and splash pads
NYC Parks runs several free public pools in Brooklyn, including in Red Hook and Williamsburg. If you have kids, head to splash pads and water play areas, like Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 Water Lab.
5. Head to the beach
There's no better place to spend those hot summer days than on the beach. Don't forget to pack your sunhat, sunscreen and all the must-have summer essentials.
