A cool farewell to Summer.

Summer may be winding down, but the heat is still on. Stopping to smell the roses is all fun and games until you’re sweating buckets, parched, and dealing with a pounding headache. The wonderful thing about your local park and recreation department? You can stop and smell the roses inside too. Get out of the house and into ours — our recreation centers offer a range of possibilities for having fun, staying active and social, and saying goodbye to the dog days of summer. And don’t rule out parks! We’ve also got a few ideas on how to stay outside while staying cool. 

Did you know 2023 was named the hottest summer on record? And it may only get hotter. It’s important to know the signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. If you’re planning on spending long periods of time outdoors on particularly hot days, look out for nausea, dizziness, dry or damp skin, and other severe conditions. And if you or your outdoor buddy experience this, it may be best to visit a hospital. The best approach? Taking the proper steps beforehand to avoid heat-related dangers. 

Pick Up a Game of Pick-Up

One thing rec centers are best known for is their courts and sports. Getting active indoors is as easy as stepping inside your local recreation center. If you can’t take your normal jog on a park trail, find an indoor running track. (Did you know the Montgomery Township Recreation and Community Center has one?) And if you’re looking to get a bit competitive and make new friends, without having to give them a sweaty handshake, take a peek at some of the fun, casual sports you can play in recreation centers all over PA. Thinking you may want to dink? Huntingdon Recreation Center has 2 free indoor pickleball courts. Our Park Finder’s “Amenities” tool can be a great place to start, with options for basketball courts, tennis courts, and more. And the PA 211 is another helpful resource for finding different courts and sports offerings at recreation centers in the state.

Play the Brain Game

Where there’s courts and leagues, there are also spaces for skills, hobbies, and social activity. Recreation centers aren’t just for physical recreation, you know? They host a variety of classes, workshops, programs, and fun events. Hone a craft you’ve been looking to get better at. Learn about something you’ve always wanted to study. Maybe even volunteer at a recreation center. They could always use the help! Knitting, scientifically, has been proven to ease the mind and bring a sense of calmness to knitters. The Ross Township Recreation Center in Allegheny County has a weekly knitter’s club. Why not join in and create your own “close-knit” community? (They have line dancing every week too, which is also great for the brain, FYI.) And if you’re looking to learn, Washington Crossing Historic Park offers weekly living history programs at their Thompson Neely House.

Make a Splash

Many recreation and community centers in Pennsylvania have outdoor public pools that will be open for a bit longer, and some have year-round indoor pools. The Upper Saint Clair Community and Recreation Center in Boyce Mayview Park is just one example. With an indoor and outdoor pool available, (and water slides at both!), you can decide what kind of swimming experience you’d like. Swimply is a great tool for finding more pools in PA. Or click on the Park Finder and use the filter to find parks and recreation facilities with pools.

A Dog Day of Summer!

Why should the humans have all the fun at the pool?  Bring your favorite pooch out to the Annual Paws-A-Pool-ooza event in Centre Region! Dogs love water, and we love watching dogs love the water. It’s happening on September 8th, so get your furry friend ready to make a splash.

Fall is approaching…

If you’re looking to enjoy nature while the leaves are still on the trees, Governor Printz Park in Delaware County offers not only a scenic outlook at the Delaware River (boating, anyone?) but also a great playground among the beauty for the kiddos.

And finally, if you’re ready to explore nature, look to parks with rivers, streams, and lakes. Many offer water-based programs and sports that will get you into the great outdoors. VisitPA lists some must-see lakes in PA that are perfect for seeing the sights and cooling down. Looking to find more? Our PA Park Finder includes amenity filters like skiing, white water rafting, boating, swimming, and more!

Recreation centers and parks know the tricks as we move from summer activities to fall fun, and you can be part of it. Discover all the indoor and outdoor offerings at a local center or park near you. As the temperatures start dropping, you’ll find parks and recreation are ready for you!