Not everyone has their own backyard pool, kiddie pool or air conditioning to beat this August heat. And because the city declared a heat emergency through Saturday, it's important to know how and where you can cool off in Jamaica Plain.
As part of the heat emergency, all Boston Centers for Youth & Families are open as cooling centers for anyone to visit. Click here for a full list of all BCYF centers in Boston.
One of the best options to cool off and get wet is the Johnson Playground on Green Street, seen below. It's got a great water feature that kids (and adults) can play in. There are benches in the shade where you can sit if your children are enjoying playing in the water. There's also usually an ice cream truck on Green Street just outside of the playground -- so bring some cash!
The Johnson Playground on Green Street includes a great water feature for everyone to play in and cool off.
Farther down the road is the Lamartine/Hubbard Street Garden Park, which also has a water feature to splash around in. Like the Johnson Playground, there's also playground equipment for kids to play on.
If you're looking to really get wet, go to Curtis Hall, which has an indoor pool. Hours seem to vary daily, so it's best to call ahead at 617-635-5193 to make sure you can get in the pool, as there are sometimes classes like water aerobics.
Other suggestions for staying cool (besides making friends with someone who has air conditioning): go shopping in a place with AC!
Please note: Do not go swimming in Jamaica Pond. It may be tempting. But it's not allowed and it's dangerous because of vines in the water.