By Phoebe LaMont, EI Blogger
As we move into the middle of the summer, Philadelphia faces another season of potentially dangerous heat. A Code Red was issued on June 30th, with more expected in this hotter-than-average summer. While the weather may be uncomfortable and unsafe, there are dozens of ways to cool down throughout Philadelphia.
Libraries are a free resource located throughout the city. They offer access to books, movies, CDs, and computers to all. Libraries also run workshops on a huge range of topics, from career-building and computer classes to exhibits on folk art and poetry. Whatever you’re interested, the library is sure to offer something for you. The Free Library of Philadelphia has 54 branches throughout the city; click here to find a branch near you.
Several museums throughout the city offer free or pay-what-you-can admission on certain days of the month. The Philadelphia Museum of Art offers pay-what-you-wish admission on the first Sunday of every month and Wednesday evenings after 5 PM. This admission includes special events on Wednesday evenings. The Barnes Foundation has free admission on the first Sunday of every month. The Galleries at Moore are free for all, Monday through Saturday. In addition, most museums offer discounted tickets for seniors—see here for a list of museums to see what interests you!
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging maintains two senior community centers, the Older Adult Sunshine Center and the Southwest Senior Center. Both offer classes in nutrition, fitness, arts, and computers, as well as offering lunch Monday through Friday. The William Way LGBT Community Center is open seven days a week and offers services specifically for LGBT seniors. You can find other community centers here.
Public cooling centers, pools, and spray grounds are situated conveniently through Philadelphia. Click here to find spaces near you.
Be sure to take advantage of these free and low-cost activities to stay cool this summer!