As summer rages on the temperatures continue to rise and with it so do energy costs and stress.  Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to beat all three in this city.  Here’s a list of a few of our favorites:

Dive into the water

There’s nothing more refreshing than diving into a nice cold pool on a sweltering summer day.  Fortunately for residents of Boston there are plenty of public pools to help keep you cool as well as beaches for relaxing.  The pools range in price and location and the beaches are free, making a refreshing dip available no matter what your budget or neighborhood.  Here’s a short list of some places to check out:

-Mirabella Pool (North End)

-Roof Top Pool at the Colonade Hotel (Back Bay)

-Revere Beach (Revere, just north of Boston)

-Reilly Memorial Swimming Pool (Brighton)

Go see a movie

It seems a pity to waste a beautiful day indoors, but there is a distinction between squandering an enjoyable day and taking shelter from the onslaught of a heat wave.  Going to see a movie is a great two-for-one deal.  Some of the best movies come out during the summer and theatres are typically well air-conditioned.  See what movies are showing near you.

Lace up your blades in the summer

No, the Bruins aren’t holding try-outs and hockey season doesn’t start until October, but you can still hit the ice before snow hits the ground.  The Jim Roche Community Ice Arena is open to the public for a couple hours three days a week during the summer, making it a great spot to have some fun and enjoy the less than scorching atmosphere.  It is in West Roxbury, so it’s not the closest option, but it may be worth the trip to get out of the sun.  You can see their entire schedule here.

Grab some gelato in the North End

The best slice of Italy on a hot summer day isn’t the pizza, though there’s plenty of that in the North End.  It’s gelato.  If you haven’t had gelato you’ve been missing out.  And the next best thing to buying a ticket to Italy is taking a trip to the North End and visiting one of the many Gelaterias.  Do a quick search for gelato in the North End and you’ll be overwhelmed with choices, from Sapori di Napoli on Salem St, to the aptly named Gelateria on Hanover.  It’s a great take on a summer classic.

Hit up the library

Don’t feel like spending money?  Maybe you’ve already had a fun-filled day and need a cool place to relax.  Or maybe you really want to learn, either way the library is a great place to cool off.  All the Boston public libraries are air-conditioned, have wifi, movies, video games, and of course books, completely free of charge.  All you need to do is find a location near you and sign up!  It may not be as thrilling as the beach, but we guarantee it’s a much cooler alternative to being in the sun.