Where to Cool Off in Dedham This Summer

Cooling off in the summer has become more sophisticated since the Mad Men era of the 1960s. Back then, suburban parents simply set up a sprinkler in the backyard, whipped up some lemonade and invited their children’s friends over for some shivering shenanigans. Meanwhile, urban locals beat the heat by playing in the spray of cool water from neighborhood fire hydrants. 

Thankfully, there are more creative 21^st century options.

At home, it’s easy to cool off with an air conditioner or a circulating fan. But what if you want to stay cool and get out of the house?

Well, here are a few options.

1. Play. It might just be time to join the community pool. Get wet by taking a trip to the local pool or a nearby beach. Better yet, find a waterpark or an amusement park with water rides.  Or stop by the Dedham High School pool on Reacreation Road.
   
   
2. Eat. Even worse than being hot is being hungry and hot. Whether you're in the mood for a chardonnay or a chocolate soda, plenty of local eateries offer icy drinks in cool environments. For something more substantial, stop for ice cream or frozen yogurt. So stop by Ron's Gourmet Ice Cream in Dedham Square to help cool off your day.
3. Shop. It might sound like an unconventional way to cool off, but when was the last time you were in a store without air conditioning? It doesn’t cost anything to slip in and out of stores in Legacy Place for some indoor window shopping. Also, check out your local church or synagogue—they may be hosting rummage sales in their chilly, subterranean basements.
   
   
4. Work out. Check out your local recreation or community center for a listing of indoor classes and activities. Or step up your visits to gyms like Solid Body Fitness, Planet Fitness or the Dedham Health and Athletic Complex.
   
   
5. Go see a movie. Visit the Dedham Community Theatre  in Dedham Square and keep yourself cool and entertained. For a few extra dollars, linger a little longer and see two movies. The library also has plenty of movies, books and magazines you can enjoy indoors.

Of course, don’t forget to stay hydrated. And if there's no time to get out, you can always take a nice cold shower.

Remember, if the car is too hot for you, it's also too hot for pets! Please don't leave them in the car unattended.