There are many local events in Salem that provide cooling activities for family members of all ages. Staying informed about cooling centers and activities is important to SAFE and our community.
By Mia Amaral
September is right around the corner, yet there’s still time to enjoy all the summer fun, family-friendly, local activities in Salem! Although we all look forward to these exciting moments, staying informed on high heat days and dangerous temperatures ensures we continue to have a safe and healthy summer. There are many local events in Salem that provide cooling activities for family members of all ages. Staying informed about cooling centers and activities is important to SAFE and our community.
The Mayor Jean Levesque Community Life Center is used as Salem’s cooling center. On days of high heat, the Community Life Center, located on 401 Bridge Street, is open to the public with access to their library. Stop in on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8 am to 7 pm or Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 am to 4 pm to cool down, escape the heat, and grab yourself a cup of water or coffee.
If you’re looking for fun activities for the little ones in your life, the Salem Fire Department often hosts ”Soak the Kids” events during days of extreme heat. Held in both Forest River Park and Salem Commons, the fire department sprays down attendees with fire hoses, providing a fun and exciting cooling experience.
For more water play, visit the city of Salem’s splash pads—with one located just outside the Forest River Pool (32 Clifton Avenue) and another at Mary Jane Lee Park (at the corner of Prince and Palmer Streets). These splash pads are a great activity for little ones to stay safe and cool. Look out for open swim days at The Forest River Pool for a fun afternoon to beat the heat.
The Summer Eats program provides free meals for the Salem community at open meal sites from June 30th to August 22nd, with a number of water play and cooling activities.
Summer Eats: Hours and Locations:
Lunch Menu (English and Spanish).
Dinner Menu only for Mary Jane Lee Park (English and Spanish).
Activities Calendar (June/July & August).
Stay in-the-know on family fun activities in Salem this summer that keep you cool and out of the rising summer temperatures. Check Salem City News for further announcements on cooling centers and activities on days of extreme heat.
Mia Amaral is SAFE’s Summer Communications Intern.