The intense heat of a Phoenix summer is here, and we in Gilbert are right in the thick of it. With our daily temps averaging about 104°F, we know it’s best to ride out the heat with equal amounts of adventure, patience, and common sense.
So what can you do to stay cool in Gilbert? Parents and their kids can cool off in outdoor swimming pools or tubing on the Salt River. Or they can take their fun indoors in air-conditioned comfort for indoor ice or roller skating, bowling, or that old standby, movies at your local theater. To help you get through the summer heat zone in the Valley, check out these 5 ways to stay cool in on hot summer days (and nights!) in Gilbert.
Gilbert Public Swimming Pools
Gilbert public swimming pools are a great way to beat the heat. Several aquatics facilities run by the Parks & Recreation Department are open from May to August, offering swim classes, water activities, team recreation and more. Here is information on the four pools in Gilbert.
- Mesquite Aquatic Center: It offers a regular public swimming schedule except when swim teams meet. They have water slides and diving boards. Mesquite has a zero-depth area, shaded ramadas, and a concession stand. Visit the aquatic center information page on the parks and recreation website for details on punch cards and fees.
- Greenfield Pool: Water sprinklers and geysers dot the landscape at this wonderful pool, which offers diving boards, a kiddie slide, and a zero-depth area for toddlers. You can find public swimming lessons and youth swim and dive teams as well at the Greenfield location.
- Perry Pool: This facility on East Queen Creek Road has diving boards, splash pads, tumble buckets, and a playground. Teams, lessons, and aquacise classes can be found here too.
- Williams Field Pool: Diving boards, splash pads, and other water amenities for playing and keeping cool are available at this South Higley Road facility. Public swimming pool fees apply.
Salt River Tubing
Another exciting outdoor adventure that will keep you cool on a hot day is a floating trip down the Salt River. The river is a perfect ride on a warm day – just cruise the river and splash about to stay cool. Rapids give you even better chances to beat the heat outdoors. To see how far the water will take you, read the float-time chart on the Salt River Tubing website. Tubing is for adults and kids 8 years and up.
Movies in Gilbert
If you’d rather stay inside in air conditioning, movie theaters are one of the best places to cool off. Harkins Theatres in Gilbert offers the top film releases as they come out, as well as a Summer Movie Fun program. The 10-week schedule offers kids a rate of $1 per movie. There is also a school rebate program for area students during the summer.
In addition, Gilbert Town Square features a 14-screen multiplex theater along with shops and restaurants. The Dickenson Free Summer Movie Series held in nearby Mesa and Goodyear provides even more opportunities to cool off with a box of popcorn and a fun movie.
AZ ICE Gilbert
Combine an air-conditioned facility with ice-skating in the heart of summer and you have AZ ICE Gilbert. Schedule a birthday party or attend a figure skating event, hockey game, or ice show. Look for hours on AZ ICE’s Public Skating page. “The Greatest Skate” summer day camp is now open for kids five and up, while a number of hockey camps are also held here.
FlipSide
FlipSide features bowling, laser tag, billiards, an arcade, and other fun activities. You can combine unlimited bowling and brunch on Sundays for one price. The facility is conveniently located at Val Vista Drive and Queen Creek Road.
