5 Ways for Malden Families to Beat the Heat

MALDEN, MA - Summer is officially here, and it's bringing the heat.

Here are the best resources we've found for you and your kids to cool off. You can find spots in your neighborhood through the links below.

1. Cooling Centers and Pools

The Boston Centers for Youth and Family has compiled a list of its cooling centers and pools, made available when the city hits 90 degrees or higher for three consecutive days or more. There's a full list here, and a map available here.They operate 18 pools and public beaches around town.

2. City Spray Fountains and Splash Pads

The City of Boston lists its water features in parks and playgrounds online, so you can find the one closest to you. They offer them in map and list form. Plus, you all know about the Frog Pond, right? Info at the link.

Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation owns and operates additional pools and spray decks in and around Boston, including Brighton, Dorchester, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roxbury, and more. Full list here.

3. Catch a Movie

It's dark, it's air-conditioned, and you can pretend the high temps outdoors aren't even happening. Assuming the nights get cool enough, there are also several outdoor movie screenings around the city. A guide to those can be found here.

4. Go Ice Skating in the Summer

We love this one. West Roxbury's Jim Roche Community Ice Arena offers public skating, the perfect way to ice that summer burn. Details here.

5. Check Out a Book (and stay awhile!)

The Boston Public Libraries offer books in the comfort of air-conditioning. What better way to cool the kids off? If a good book isn't enough, you should also know that many libraries are prime spots for Pokemon Go!

Parents! Got any great cool-down ideas of your own? Let us know in the comments.

>> Photo by Dilys Ong via Flickr/Creative Commons