BY DANIEL ROSLER
The first summer heat wave is on the horizon, but there are plenty of ways to keep cool in the region.
Temperatures Friday and Saturday will be in the low 90s, roughly 13 degrees warmer than normal, and the heat index will make it feel like it’s between 100 and 105 degrees, said Bryan Greenblatt, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Binghamton, N.Y.
“Stay hydrated. Take breaks in the shade. Limit strenuous outdoor activities,” he said. “And never leave kids or pets unattended in cars — even for a few minutes.”
Utility company UGI recommends drinking plenty of liquids, wearing lightweight clothing and eating frequent, small, low-protein meals.
If you’re looking to keep cool, here are some ideas:
The Everhart Museum
All the galleries are air-conditioned, except the bird display.
Besides their permanent galleries, they’re also featuring, “The Good News,” an exhibition of moments by Zak Zavada, which features photographs in and around Scranton.
“The premise is different perspectives of what’s out there in life, the beauty in the everyday,” said Kathy Bell, director of development and marketing.
The museum is open Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., Friday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and it’s $7 for adults; $3 for children 6-12; free for children five and under; free for veterans and their families; and $5 for students with a valid college ID.
Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour
Visitors journey 300 feet beneath the surface, where it is 53 degrees year round.
“It’s a good place to learn our history and keep cool,” county spokesman Joe D’Arienzo said. “Slope 190 was a working mine that helped build our economy.”
The tour at 1 Bald Mountain Road, McDade Park is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There’s also a snack and gift shop and a swimming pool in McDade Park.
Ice cream
You don’t have to get a brain freeze trying to finish your melting ice cream in the heat. Places like Manning Farm Dairy of Clarks Summit, 420 S. State St., allow customers to stay inside and chill out. Looking for a particular flavor to cool off with?
“Charlie Brownie is a favorite, and also our cookie dough,” said Paula Feduchak, manager.
Splash park
The South Abington Twp. splash park is adjacent to the elementary school at 642 Northern Blvd. and is a free and fun alternative to otherwise expensive water parks. Sherwood Park in Dunmore and Lackawanna State Park’s pool complex in Dalton also have splash pads.
Local libraries
The Scranton Public Library, 500 Vine St., has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and free computer access, and will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Library Express in The Marketplace at Steamtown has an open mic night from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and the “Craft Kids Club” on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kids can join the Lego club at the Lackawanna County Children’s Library on Vine Street, Scranton, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., or storytime with local children’s author, Chetty D, at the Valley Community Library, 739 River St., Peckville, this Saturday, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Contact the writer: drosler@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, x5365; @droslerTT on Twitter
