10 Places to Cool Off This Weekend

The season's first heat wave is upon us even though summer doesn't officially start until June 21.

What's your favorite place to cool off? Tell us in the comments section below.

If high temperatures and humidity have you seeking heat relief, here are some places to cool off:

1. 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.

2. Bethlehem's municipal swimming pools won't open until June 8, but a relaxing bench under a shady tree with the sound of a creek running nearby can make you feel 10 degrees cooler. Illick's Mill Park, Sand Island Park and Johnston Park are all great places to find that spot.

3. Dutch Springs features an aqua park that features Scuba diving. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday with a $10 general admission. Summer rates, with weekend general admission of $28 for adults and $18 for children, kicks in on Saturday.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom are open for the 2013 season. The water park features dozens of slides, pools, rivers and water play areas. Wildwater Kingdom is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. this weekend. Daily tickets start at $39.99 and can be purchased online.

7. 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.

8. Do you know there's a nudist camp nearby? Sunny Rest Resort near Palmerton offers a relaxed, clothes-free atmosphere if you dare to go bare.

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 "Iron Man 3," "Star Trek: Into Darkness," "After Earth" 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