4 ways to beat the heat this summer in Huntsville

single-meta-cal July 6, 2023

Summer is finally here – and so are the soaring temperatures. As the mercury rises, it’s important to beat the heat. 

To that end, we’ve compiled the four best ways to avoid those triple-digit temps while having fun.

Take a dip

Avoid a costly, sweltering beach trip by taking a dip in our indoor pools at the Huntsville Aquatics Center or Dr. Richard Showers Sr., Recreation Center. 

Class offerings include water aerobics, lap swimming, lessons and water polo. General admission to both pools is $4, though extended swim passes are available.

For youngsters, the City’s splash pads at Bicentennial Park, Showers Center and Brahan Spring Park offer another way to stay cool. They are available each day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied by a family member aged 16 or older.

Visit the library

children reading books in aisle of library with adult nearby

Nothing beats the heat like staying indoors with a good book or movie, and plenty of each are available at your local library.

The Huntsville-Madison County Library System (HMCPL) has 10 locations across the county offering indoor activities like story time, history and language lessons, crafts, and of course, book clubs. 

Checking out a book or movie is easy! Library cards are free to all Madison County residents over the age of 16, as well as those living in the Huntsville or Madison city limits in Limestone County. 

Play some games

If you’re into indoor activities like crafting and board games, check out the City’s community and recreation centers.

Just a few examples include: Dominoes, from 10 a.m. to noon each weekday at the Max Luther Community Center; stamp club, from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Fern Bell Recreation Center; and “card time,” from 6-8 p.m. on Thursdays at Brahan Spring Recreation Center. 

Our community centers also offer opportunities for special populations, including dance fitness and art classes at the ARC of Madison County. 

Exercise indoors

A group of women exercise indoors at one of Huntsville's recreation centers.

When exercising during summer months, breaking a sweat can quickly turn into heat exhaustion. Fortunately, our air-conditioned recreation centers are filled to the brim with indoor physical activities. 

Amenities include strength and cardio equipment, group exercise courses, volleyball courts and a rock-climbing wall at Johnson Legacy Center. If competition is more your thing, boxing and basketball are also available.

Learn more about the City’s numerous free and low-cost summer activities in the Summer Program Guide. For more information, keep up with Huntsville Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.