6 Ways to Stay Cool During Summer Park Trips

Summer is heating up, so here are some tips to cool down and beat the heat!

1. Look for parks with swimming or water activities available. Medano Creek at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park, or Muir Beach at Golden Gate National Recreation Area are great places to visit during the heat of summer. Did you already swim at your favorite park this summer? Log your visit on the ParkPassport App and keep track of the best places to swim!
2. Schedule ahead when visiting your favorite parks to ensure you won’t be doing a long, difficult hike in the middle of the day. Early morning or late evening times are the best to be out and about to avoid overheating.
3. When you decide what to wear for your trip, stick to light materials like cotton and linen. These fabrics aren’t nearly as heavy as other popular fabrics like denim, canvas, or wool. To protect your face and eyes don’t forget your favorite hat and sunglasses!
4. When you start to feel yourself getting overheated and need to cool down fast; take cold water, an ice cube, or a cold wrap and put it on your pulse points (like your wrist or neck.) The cold on your veins helps bring your body temp down quickly.
5. Try to keep a small portable fan on hand, as some parks may not have a lot of shaded areas. It’s important to be able to cool down during those long, sunny hikes.
6. And of course, make sure to bring enough water with you to stay hydrated! Staying hydrated is incredibly important when visiting your favorite park or doing any kind of physical outdoor activity, especially during hot weather. The recommended amount of water to drink when being physically active is 8 ounces every 30 minutes – think ahead and plan out how much water you might need for your next day of outdoor play!