In the ‘burbs they’ve got summers easy–– just throw on a bathing suit and run through the sprinkler system.  But in one of the most heavily-populated cities in the world, we’ve got to find more creative ways to get fresh air and a good cool-down. From sharing an ice-cold beer with some friends, to licking a drippy fro-yo down the street, no matter where you are in NYC, there are some simple ways to beat the heat this summer. With temperatures quickly escalating, we’ve all hiked our shorts way up, and found some prime tactics to cool off around our favorite city. 

Queens
Indoors: Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, Astoria - Partake in a 90-year-old tradition of enjoying frosty cold beers at one of the oldest beer gardens left in the city. Whether you sit indoors or out, you can enjoy your favorite imported or domestic beer at a picnic table and do  “cheers” with your friends long into the wee hours of the night.
Outdoors: Water Taxi Beach, LIC - Sip on a cold fruity cocktail from one of the many bars on the strip while you sink your toes in the sand and gaze at an amazing view of midtown Manhattan. Even catch a ride on the Water Taxi for a short, cool mini-cruise and enjoy the New York skyline. 

Manhattan
Indoors: The Metropolitan Museum -Take advantage of one of the most icily air-conditioned spots in Manhattan and catch the “Frank Stella on the Roof” installation while you’re at it.
Outdoors: Pinkberry -The frozen treat that markets itself simply as “swirly goodness” is a massive hit with West Coasters, with stores throughout California. Now invading the East coast, Pinkberry now offers up a low-fat way to cool down with 3 stores in Manhattan, and a new one opening up in Nolita. 

Brooklyn
Indoors: Galapagos Art Space - Smack in the middle of Williamsburg, this nightclub/art space has a reflecting pool right on the premises where you can sneak in a nippy dip for your feet.  And if that’s not cool enough for you, at least the crowd will be. Don’t miss the summer parties before it moves to its new DUMBO location.
Outdoors: Coney Island Park - Take the worthwhile trip out to the end of the train lines in Brooklyn for a ride on the Scream Machine or the Python roller coaster for a stomach-turning, hair-blowing cool-down -- and catch a good tan. 

Staten Island
Indoors: Ralph's Italian Ice - Famous for having some of the yummiest Italian ices in New York, this Staten Island establishment has been serving up brain-freezes since 1928 with tongue-color-changing flavors from cherry cola to margarita.
Outside: Staten Island Ferry - Catch this 25-minute free ride down at the tip of Battery Park over to Staten Island for a breezy trip across the Hudson. And for an ultimate cool-down tip, stand directly in the center of the front entranceway where the air channels into a powerful wind tunnel for those sweltering days. 

Bronx
Indoors/Outdoors: Bronx Zoo - The Bronx Zoo’s got your inside and out cool-down needs covered. For just 5 bucks, you can take a ride on the Wild Asia Monorail for an aerial glide around the zoo, to see the animals in their outdoor habitats and catch a breeze while you cross the water. And if that’s not enough, check out their indoor exhibit “World of Darkness” to see nocturnal animals from bats, to snakes, to two-toed sloths—because even if you can’t cool off in here, seeing these creatures peer at you through the darkness is enough to give you chills.
*And for a tasty summer treat in any borough, indulge yourself in a pint of some 5 Boroughs Ice Cream, with flavors from Upper East Side’s “Rich White Vanilla,” to South Bronx’s “Cha-Cha Chocolate.”

~Leann Peterson