Due to Rochester’s moderate climate, many residents do not use air conditioning in their homes. So when extreme temperatures persist for several days, it’s important to find places where you can stay cool, such as public facilities that have air conditioning or shaded outdoor areas near water. To stay safe on hot days, it’s essential to keep yourself hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and wear sunscreen.
Stay Cool Outdoors
Swimming Pools in State Parks
Greater Rochester
Mount Morris
Letchworth State Park
2280 Park Road
(585) 658-3563
parks.ny.gov
Surrounding Counties
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen State Park
1009 N Franklin Street
(607) 535-4511
parks.ny.gov
Youngstown
Fort Niagara State Park
1 Scott Ave.
(716) 745-7273
parks.ny.gov
Swimming Pools in Monroe County
City of Rochester
R-Centers cityofrochester.gov
Adams Street
85 Adams Street
(585) 428-7456
Avenue D
200 Avenue D
(585) 428-7934
The Honorable Willie Walker Lightfoot
271 Flint Street
(585) 428-7001
Trenton and Pamela Jackson
485 N. Clinton Ave.
(585) 428-7476
Genesee Valley Sports Complex
131 Elmwood Ave.
(585) 428-7888
cityofrochester.gov
Midtown Athletic Club
200 E Highland Drive
(585) 699-1647
midtown.com
Monroe County
Brighton
Goldfish Swim School
3349 Monroe Ave.
(808) 518-3783
goldfishswimschool.com
Brighton
Irondequoit Country Club
4045 East Ave.
(585) 586-5880
irondequoitcc.org
Brighton
JCC of Greater Rochester
1200 Edgewood Ave.
(585) 461-2000
jccrochester.org
Fairport
Perinton Community / Aquatic Center
1350 Turk Hill Road
(585) 223-5050
perinton.org
Henrietta
RIT Judson/Hale Aquatics Center
One Lomb Memorial Drive
Lots D, N, and U
(585) 475-2280
rit.edu
Webster
Webster Aquatic Center
875 Ridge Road
(585) 670-1087
websteraquaticcenter.org
Multiple Locations
Esporta Fitness
Locations in Greece, Irondequoit, Webster, and Henrietta
esportafitness.com
YMCA of Greater Rochester
Several branches in and around Rochester
rochesterymca.org
Splash Pads & Spray Parks
City of Rochester
Ontario Beach Park
50 Beach Ave
Read more at wxxinews.org
R-Centers cityofrochester.gov
Carter Street
500 Carter Street
(585) 428-7890
David F. Gantt
700 North Street
(585) 428-7149
Edgerton
41 Backus Street
(585) 428-6769
Humboldt
1045 Atlantic Ave.
(585) 428-7294
Roxie Ann Sinkler
75 Grover Street
(585) 428-7827
Thomas P. Ryan
530 Webster Ave.
(585) 428-7828
Tyshaun Cauldwell
524 Campbell Street
(585) 428-7860
Find spray parks for children aged 6 and under at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, Fourth & Peck Park, and Troup Street Park.
Monroe County
Brockport
Sweden Town Park Splash Pad & Playground
4745 Redman Road
(585) 637-2144
townofsweden.org
East Rochester
Edmund Lyon Park
100 E Ivy Street
(585) 248-6370
eastrochester.org
Irondequoit
Camp Eastman
1301 Lakeshore Blvd.
(585) 336-6070
irondequoit.org
Greece
Wild Over Water Zone Spray Park
1 Vince Tofany Blvd.
(585) 225-2000
greeceny.gov
North Chili
Union Station Park & Sprayground
25 Rock Island Road
(585) 889-4680
townofchili.org
Spencerport
Pineweay Ponds Park
1 Park Road
(585) 617-6174
ogdenny.myrec.com
Webster
First Responders Park
1350 Chiyoda Drive
(585) 872-7103
ci.webster.ny.us
Webster
Ridgecrest Park
985 Ebner Drive
(585) 872-7103
ci.webster.ny.us
Greater Rochester
Geneva
Seneca Lake State Park Sprayground
1 Lakefront Drive
(315) 789-2331
parks.ny.gov
Surrounding Counties
Olcott
Krull Park
6108 E Lake Road
(716) 778-7711
niagaracounty.com
Oswego
Breitbeck Park
91 Lake Street
(315) 342-8180
oswegony.org
Natural Swimming Areas
If you plan on spending a hot day outdoors, it’s best to pack a picnic in an ice-filled cooler, arrive early, and find some shade.
Gorge Trails
Although water may not be accessible at many of these destinations, the gorges often remain cool due to deep shaded areas.
Escape the Heat Indoors
Looking for a cool place to beat the heat? Try visiting movie theaters, libraries, museums, and even grocery stores like Wegmans. These indoor locations offer cool temperatures for your comfort.
Reading is Cool
Grab a book and plan to spend a few hours reading the day away.
Explore More
A free library card allows you to access 31 Monroe County libraries, including Central Library and Libby, the digital library.
New & Used Bookstores Around Rochester
Books take us on a journey through time and space. If you’re looking for a new adventure, check out these bookstores around Rochester.
A Day at the Museum
Discover local favorites or visit museums like Corning Museum of Glass or Buffalo AKG Art Museum. There’s enough to keep you busy all day.
Explore More
Rochester is home to world-renowned museums and thought-provoking galleries. You can spend weeks exploring our rich cultural heritage.
Strong National Museum of Play
The Strong National Museum of Play boasts the world’s most extensive collection of play-related historical materials.
I’ve heard ARTISANworks described as a walk-through kaleidoscope, a bombardment on the senses, and a 360° canvas that defies all boundaries.
The George Eastman Museum is a beautiful tribute to his life & legacy, and is the world’s oldest photography museum with one of the oldest film archives.
The Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester boasts a rich permanent collection and an impressive range of traveling exhibitions.
Rochester Museum & Science Center
Between the star shows, laser shows, interactive exhibits, and Singing Tesla Coils, the Rochester Museum and Science Center will entertain you for hours!
Sit Back and Relax
Indulge in some air-conditioned entertainment at a theater for a few hours. If you’re fortunate, you may be able to plan a double feature!
Where do you go to escape extreme heat?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
