Summer Heat Hacks: Cheap Ways to Cool Down in Springfield

Ok – so summer hit, and Mother Nature turned up the HEAT!
I don’t know about you, but this past weekend I was looking for any way to beat the heat. For me, the wallet isn’t as heavy as I’d like, so I’m always looking for different and affordable ways to cool down when temps hit the 90s.

I figured—the more you know, right? So in the spirit of sharing, here are a few inexpensive ways to stay cool when things heat up:

🌊 Nelson Center Pool

The Nelson Center Pool is a seasonal outdoor aquatic facility open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Supervised by professionally trained lifeguards, it features a twisted flume slide and a separate kiddie pool that will keep your kids coming back again and again. There’s also a full-service concession stand and locker rooms.

Admission:

• Children 12 and under: $5.25
• Adults: $6.00
• Adult Lap Swim: $5.25

🎬 Catch a Movie at AMC

My wife and I go to the theater a lot—especially when it’s hot out. This past weekend, we saw the brand-new release 28 Years Later. Let me tell you, the movie was amazing, and the A/C was even better! It’s such a great way to escape the sun, relax in the dark, and beat the heat.

❄️ Springfield Cooling Centers

If you need a break from the sweltering weather, these local cooling centers offer a safe, air-conditioned space:

Municipal Center East
800 East Monroe Street
🕒 Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Municipal Center West
300 South Seventh Street
🕒 Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Lincoln Library
326 South Seventh Street
🕒 Mon–Wed, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
🕒 Thu–Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Office of Community Relations
1450 Groth Street
🕒 Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

St. John’s Breadline
430 North 5th Street
🕒 Mon–Fri: 8–9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
🕒 Sat, Sun & Holidays: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Salvation Army (Main Campus)
1600 Clear Lake Avenue (entrance on south side off MLK Drive)
🕒 Mon–Fri, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Washington Street Mission
408 North 4th Street
🕒 Mon–Fri: 7:30–10:30 a.m., 12:30–4:30 p.m.
🕒 Sat: 8:30–10 a.m.

Helping Hands
2200 Shale Street
🕒 Daily, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.