10 Places to Cool Off This Week

The hot, humid weather we have had for the past two days is expected to continue at least through Thursday, as the National Weather Service forecast calls for high temperatures to be around 90 degrees, with a chance of thunderstorms, both days.

With that in mind, here are some suggestions on how to keep cool in and near Bethlehem.

1.     The Bethlehem municipal swimming pools are open starting at 12:30 p.m. daily. Memorial Pool on Illick’s Mill Road is open until 7 p.m. The neighborhood pools at Clearview, Saucon, Stark, Westside and Yosko parks are open until 5. The daily and seasonal rates vary depending on how old you are and which pool you are visiting. Check here for more information.

2.     The outdoor swimming pool at the Bethlehem Township Community Center, 2900 Farmersville Road, is the coldest around, according to one Bethlehem Patch Facebook follower. And you don't have to be a township resident to visit, though it is a little less expensive if you are: $10 for non-resident adults, $6 for residents; $7 for non-resident children and seniors, $5 for residents. It is open for the season daily from noon to 8 p.m.

3.     If you want a frozen treat, there are plenty of options including Confetti Café on Main Street, Carvel on the West Side and, of course, The Cup a.k.a, the Bethlehem Dairy Store, which serves up its own home-made ice cream on Linden Street.

4.     Dutch Springs is an aqua park that features Scuba diving, camping a “sky challenge” and other attractions. The park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prices vary depending on the activities. Check here for more details.

5.     Lost River Caverns is a natural underground limestone cavern. Tours run every half hour, taking visitors roughly 120-feet into the ground. Tour highlights include the Crystal Chapel, which has hosted dozens of weddings since 1949, and the Lost River itself.

6.     Bounce U, at Ninth and Linden streets in Bethlehem Township, is an indoor, climate-controlled playground featuring inflatable structures that kids and even some adults may have fun climbing and bouncing on. There are also games and other activities. Known as a destination for birthday parties, the business also hosts "Preschool Playdates" and "All Ages Open Bounces," where admission is open. Check the website for details.

7.     The water park at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom features dozens of slides, pools, rivers and water play areas. Wildwater Kingdom is currently open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, but the hours expand for the summer beginning Sunday. Dorney Park is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays for the summer.  Daily tickets start at $39.99 and can be purchased online.

8.     Watching penguins splash around at the Lehigh Valley Zoo is a cool way to spend some time. You might also catch a glimpse of the zoo's new baby bison.

9.     A day trip to Jim Thorpe offers whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River or a refreshing swim, fishing and boating at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

10.   Summer blockbuster movie season is here and you can chill in a local theater watching Man of Steel, Monsters University, World War Z and more.

You can find local movie times here:

· Carmike Cinemas 16 at Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley

· Carmike-Allentown

· Regal Northampton Crossings

· AMC Tilghman Square

· Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre