Chicago has hit the throes of summer, folks, Temperatures have tipped onto the wrong side of 90 degrees, and stepping outside can’t help but remind you of the iconic words of Rob Thomas on his and Carlos Santana’s 1999 hit, “Smooth”: “Man, it’s a hot one.”
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For better or worse, there are more hot ones on the way and jokes aside, we’re all looking for ways to cool off. With the city beaches still shut down from COVID-19 regulations, we have to look that much harder (at least, the rule-abiders do).
Earlier this week, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the city would be opening public facilities — with social distancing guidelines in place — including park field houses, libraries and cooling centers. We got creative and tacked on additional options on our list of 10 spots to cool off. But above all, stay safe, and remember to check on vulnerable friends and family to make sure they’re safe from the heat.
Cooling centers
Chicago has made two types of cooling centers available at various locations throughout the city, one for the general public, and another specifically designated for senior citizens. You can see the full list of cooling centers on the city webpage, as well as a list of the senior centers.
Splash
More than 100 water features — think water-spray splash pads — are open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. from now through July 10, after which the city will reassess. You can find a full list of the different locations on the city’s website.
Libraries are cool …
Grab a book, find a socially-distanced corner of the library and enjoy some air conditioning. More than 75 libraries will be open throughout the city this weekend.
So are buses
Out of service? No, that idling CTA bus is very much in service, the service of giving us all a chance to cool off. Look around to find 50 buses operating as cooling locations this weekend. Those, and a full list of other cooling locations, can be found here.
Field houses
If you’re looking for a bigger place to shut the heat off, park field houses offer exactly that. Here is a full list of all the spots open for your chlled comfort.
Laundromat
So you want to get out of your apartment and maybe do something cool down, but you have laundry to do. Try posting up at the laundromat for a few hours, and get your laundry finished while soaking up some sweet, sweet air conditioning. Two birds, one stone, etc.
Ice cream
It’s true that ice cream will only mitigate the temperature, and it will melt very quickly. However, is there a sweeter, tastier option to cool off? No, there is not. Plus, grabbing a cone to go is easier (and likely safe) than sitting down to eat indoors.
Ice bath
Here’s a DIY option if you really want to ice yourself down. Fill up a bucket, a kiddy pool, your bathtub, anything, with some ice-cold water, and you feel that body temperature drop. Runners know this one, and they will attest to its glory on extremely hot occasions.
Take a little trip
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If you have a car, hop in and head somewhere where you can (legally) go for a dip in the water. Maybe that’s another body of water you know, or maybe it’s your friend’s pool.
Stay home
Last but definitely not least: stay home! That is, if you’re among the folks who are blessed to have air conditioning. Park yourself in front of a vent, a window unit or whatever, and pretend like it’s a little breeze. The best part? This is the safest option, and you don’t have to go anywhere.
Twitter @lucheezy