We all welcome warm weather and sunny city strolls as our prize for putting up with snowstorms and windchills. But when summer is at its peak and the New York City humidity is high, a cooldown plan is in order. To get you started, we’ve jotted down a few of our favorite ways to beat the heat.
In the summer it’s not hard to run straight to a Mister Softee truck, but if you’re looking for more of a specialty ice cream shop, try something of the chewy Mediterranean variety at Republic of Booza, the refreshing Indian flavors at Malai, a tried-and-true favorite like Ample Hills, a fish-shaped dessert at Taiyaki or farm-fresh gelato at L’Albero Dei Gelati.
Though it still requires being outside, a pool or fountain is another fun way to cool off. Try Douglass and DeGraw (aka Double D Pool), Sunset Park or your local YMCA. We also love the fountain at Domino Park, the Prospect Park Splash Pad and the Water Lab at Pier 6. And don’t forget, it’s legal to jump into an NYC fountain for a quick dip.
Did you know that Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Historical Society and BLDG 92 at Brooklyn Navy Yard are always free or ask only for a suggested donation? Many other museums throughout our lovely city are free on certain days so be on the lookout for lists like this.
Too hot to head into the city for a Broadway show? There are plenty of playhouses right here in Brooklyn where you can take in moving performances. Now in its 40th season, Theatre for a New Audience has produced more than 60 works including a number of Shakespeare plays and other classics, as well as more contemporary works. With a mission to bring professional-quality theatre to Brooklyn audiences at an affordable cost, The Gallery Players is worth a visit. Additional options include St. Ann’s Warehouse, The Brick and BAM, among others.
Movie theatres are of course a great way to escape the humidity—and the ones with food and cocktails are even better. Try Syndicated, Alamo Drafthouse or Nitehawk Cinema, who added a Prospect Park location less than a year ago.
Like to stay active while cooling off? Explore the many indoor sport venues found throughout Brooklyn. Knock down some pins or catch live music at Brooklyn Bowl, play mini golf at Shipwrecked, get in on a soccer game at SoFive, or head to Gowanus to play shuffleboard at Royal Palms and rock climb at Brooklyn Boulders.
If you follow our Instagram or Facebook (you do, right?!) you might notice our Date Night and Family Friday posts each month—some of which have focused on cool classes you can take throughout the city. Brooklyn Brainery and CourseHorse have an eclectic selection.
Laser tag, anyone? What about a laser maze and a mix of games at Max Adventures? From ’80s-era arcade games at Barcade and board games at Brooklyn Strategist to virtual reality at YokeyPokey, there are so many Brooklyn venues catering to game enthusiasts.
We suggest Brighton Beach, or you could also give Manhattan Beach a shot. You could also travel outside of Brooklyn to get to some other nice beaches.
Sure, you could get lunch at any air conditioned restaurant on a hot day—or you can get it at a food hall where you can wander around for a while and sample a cornucopia of dishes. Savor traditional Chinese lite bites at Fei Long Supermarket Food Court or Japanese dishes at Japan Village. Head to the popular (and Insta-worthy) DeKalb Market or try the new Time Out Market. Gotham Market at The Ashland may be on the small side and has mixed reviews but it’s also worth a try for yourself.
Buying or selling in Brownstone Brooklyn this summer?