Summer is on its way, and soon you’ll be looking for activities to escape the blazing sun.
Luckily, there are plenty of things to do inside that will help you avoid heatstroke and sunburn. Here are a few ways you can beat the heat this summer with some indoor activities around Queens.
1. Cool off at an indoor pool
The easiest way to cool down during the summer is jump into a pool. If you’re looking to swim but don’t want the hot sun to beat down on you, try going to Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pool & Rink (located at 131-04 Meridian Rd. in Flushing) or Roy Wilkins Recreation Center (located at 177-01 Baisley Blvd. in Jamaica). They each offer a huge indoor pool that’ll keep you cool without facing the heat.
2. Skate at an indoor ice rink
While traditionally a winter activity, ice skating is a great way to stay cool in the summer. World Ice Arena (131-35 Avery Ave., Flushing Meadows Corona Park) and City Ice Pavilion (47-32 32nd Pl., Long Island City) are open all year round and offer public skating sessions that are fun for the whole family.
3. Catch a screening at the Museum of the Moving Image
All summer long, the Museum of the Moving Image (36-01 35th Ave., Astoria) hosts screenings of classic films, providing a comfortable escape from the hot, blistering sun. They also host a number of workshops, live events and tours that the borough’s film buffs are bound to enjoy.
4. Try your hand at extreme sports
Love to test your limits and try something new? At Indoor Extreme Sports (47-11 Van Dam St., Long Island City), the hardest decision you’ll have to make is which activity you’ll do first. With options such as paintball, laser tag, virtual reality, escape rooms and archery tag, chances are you’ll be back throughout the summer to try everything they offer. If indoor rock climbing piques your interest, head over to Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge in Long Island City (23-10 41st Ave.) for a great indoor climb!
5. Bring your kids to a safe, indoor space for play
For Queens residents with young children, Mini Galaxy Play Café (178-02 Jamaica Ave. 2FL, Jamaica) is a great place to bring your child for some cool, indoor fun. The indoor playground offers all the fun of a traditional outdoor playground without having to worry about your child overheating.
6. Bounce away from the heat at Laser Bounce
Laser Bounce (80-28 Cooper Ave., Glendale) has great activities for all ages that will help you beat the heat in no time. With arcade games, inflatable bounce houses, laser tag and more, there’s something for everyone.
7. Get hands-on with science in Corona
The New York Hall of Science (47-01 111th St.) has tons of activities that are not only fun, but you’ll learn a thing or two while you’re there. In addition to their many indoor exhibits, the New York Hall of Science’s design lab and the 3-D Theater will keep you and your children cool while learning science in a fun environment.
8. Paint a masterpiece
You need not be a professional artist to go to the Paint Place this summer. Located at 31-21 31st St. in Astoria, the Paint Place offers traditional paint nights and classes for Queens residents ages 18 and over as well as parties for children. So grab a drink (you can bring your own wine and beer) and a paintbrush and paint to your heart’s desire.
9. Knock down some pins at a local bowling alley
A classic indoor summer activity, bowling is a great way to avoid the sun this summer. Astoria Bowl (19-45 49th St., Astoria) offers the ultimate bowling experience with their Cosmic Bowling nights, which lights up the lanes with color lights and great music for a night of fun. Be sure to swing by the bar for for a refreshing drink or grab a snack from their kitchen.
10. Unleash your hidden Robin Hood at an indoor archery range
Want to beat the heat while learning a new skill? Give archery a shot at Pro Line Archery Lanes, located at 95-11 101st Ave. Fl 2 in Ozone Park. Their classes will turn you into a sharp-shooter in no time.
