How to Stay Cool in the Capital Region

Family in park wearing swim suits and dumping pails of water on each other

It’s summer time in the Albany area and the living is easy. Unless of course you’re living without central air, and then it tends to get a bit sticky up here in the Capital Region. We may be known for our blustery winters, but this summer has been a scorcher so far. If you’re looking for ways to stay cool, here are few of the top recommendations from our Guilderland NY real estate agents.

5 Ways to Beat the Heat in the Albany NY Area

Splash around in a Water Park

Less than an hour from Albany, you’ll find two family-friendly outdoor water parks. The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom in Queensbury features 10 water attractions, ranging from large pools and lazy rivers to multi-passenger rafting adventures, while Zoom Flume Water Park in the Catskills offers eight slides, five play areas and four restaurants.

Dive into a Public Pool

Albany has three public pools and nearly a dozen spray pads that are open from late June until September 3. The spray pads are open every day from 10am to 6pm, and admission is free. The pool hours vary and admission is also free with the exception of Arbor Hill Community Center Pool, which charges a $1.00.

Head to the Beach

Did you know that there are five beaches less than an hour from the Albany area? The closest is Brown’s Beach at the southern end of Saratoga Lake, followed by Grafton Lakes State Park, Cherry Plain State Park, Moreau Lake State Park and Million Dollar Beach on Lake George.

Take to the AC

Sometimes it’s even too hot for the pools and beaches, in which case, we recommend retreating to the area’s air conditioned movie theaters and museums. Take the kids to the Children’s Museum of Science & Technology in Troy NY or the Museum of Innovation & Science in Schenectady.

Cool Down the House

The best way to keep cool is to not let the heat into your home in the first place. Blackout curtains and adhesive window film, typically used in winter to keep out the cold, also block heat and help keep your home up to 30% cooler. You can also reduce heat by using LED light bulbs, turning off the TV and ensuring ceiling fans are spinning counter-clockwise. For a DIY air conditioning hack, try placing a large bowl of ice water in front of a stationary fan.

Stay Cool in a New Home

If this summer has got you dreaming about a home with central air, CM Fox Real Estate can help. We have a number of homes for sale in Guilderland, Albany, Latham and throughout the Capital Region with backyard pools, shade covered yards, and, of course, central air conditioning. Contact us or call (518) 861-7030 to speak directly with our Guilderland real estate agents.