Tomorrow isn’t just going to be hot, it’s going to be SO hot, you’ll be looking over your shoulder for little red men with horns and pitchforks.
Unless you’re fortunate enough to own a beach house, you might be more than a little uncomfortable since very few homes have the luxury of a/c. AND school’s out. Why not kick off the first day of summer with a trip to somewhere you can cool off? Here’s a list of places you can go to wait out the heat wave. And if you’re not up for a last-minute beach run, scroll to the end of the post for some ideas for staying cool in your own backyard.
NYS Parks with Beaches
Watertown has the unique distinction of being located within driving distance of a Great Lake, and two major rivers, not to mention countless streams and natural springs. A few of these gems are open to the public, for a small fee. All info is from the NYSParks.com website.
Southwick Beach State Park
8119 Southwicks Place
Henderson, NY 13650
Spacious and popular, the park is known for outstanding swimming and sunning on its sandy beach. The park is adjoined to the adjacent wildlife management area and its trail system.
Westcott Beach State Park -
Route 3
Henderson, NY 13650
A popular day-use and camping park with rolling, wooded hills and open, grassy meadows sheltered by Henderson Bay, and a bluff offering spectacular views of Lake Ontario.
Cedar Point State Park
36661 Cedar Point State Park Drive
Clayton, NY 13624
Cedar Point is one of the oldest state parks in New York. It is a popular spot, offering excellent camping, fishing, boating and swimming as well as stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
Coles Creek State Park
Route 37
Waddington, NY 13694
The park offers a variety of campsites on Lake St. Lawrence which is ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. A marina on the mouth of Coles Creek lies just north of the park entrance.
Grass Point State Park
42247 Grassy Point Road
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Projecting into the American Channel of the St. Lawrence River the park is known for some of the best fishing in the country. It is a popular spot for campers and day-users.
Kring Point State Park
25950 Kring Point Road
Redwood, NY 13679
A narrow peninsula flanked by Goose Bay and the St. Lawrence River the park offers a picturesque location for camping, fishing, boating, swimming and picnicking. Standing anywhere in the park, visitors see water and many of the 1700 islands for which the region is named.
Whetstone Gulf State Park
RD #2, Box 69
Lowville, NY 13367
Built in and around a three-mile-long gorge cut into the eastern edge of the Tug Hill Plateau, the park offers one of the most spectacular scenic vistas east of the Rocky Mountains.
Pools are open at 11 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Sunday through Saturday and are free for City of Watertown residents. Non-residents pay $1 per person.
Word on the street (a big thank you to my friend Becky) is that the pool behind North Elementary has a small splash area for little ones.
Cooling Off at Home
Haven’t tried this one yet, but thanks to my friend Laura for suggesting it. Looks like tons of fun!
And if you’re feeling REALLY ambitious, here’s instructions for building a homemade water wall from pallets, recycled bottles, a few PVC joints, some home improvement store plumbing hose and screws. Looks like fun!
But if you’re not quite up for it, there’s always:
Or, my favorite:
