Updated July 29, 2025 – Extended Pool Hours Through Wednesday
As NYC experiences dangerous heat dome conditions with feels-like temperatures reaching 107°F, Brooklyn offers the most extensive cooling resources in the city. From Atlantic Ocean beaches to 191 parks with spray showers, this comprehensive guide helps you find immediate relief from life-threatening heat.
Official NYC Cooling Centers in Brooklyn
Call 311 or visit maps.nyc.gov/cooling-center/ for real-time status and hours.
Brooklyn Public Library System
All BPL branches serve as cooling centers with free WiFi, restrooms, and community programming:
Central Library (Flagship Location)
- 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
- Landmark building with extensive air conditioning
- Open Monday-Thursday: 9 AM – 8 PM; Friday-Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM; Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM
- Accessible via 2, 3 trains (Grand Army Plaza) or B41, B45, B69 buses
- Meeting rooms, computer access, free programming
Major Neighborhood Branches:
- Brooklyn Heights: 280 Cadman Plaza West
- Park Slope: 431 6th Avenue (at 9th Street)
- Williamsburg: 240 Division Avenue
- Crown Heights: 560 New York Avenue
- Flatbush: 22 Linden Boulevard
- Bay Ridge: 7223 Ridge Boulevard
- Coney Island: 1901 Mermaid Avenue
- Canarsie: 1580 Rockaway Parkway
Visit bklynlibrary.org/cooling-centers for complete branch listing and current hours
Cultural Institutions (Major Cooling Centers)
Brooklyn Museum
- 200 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights
- Part of NYC’s new cultural cooling center program
- Wednesday-Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM; First Saturday each month: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Accessible via 2, 3 trains (Eastern Pkwy-Brooklyn Museum)
- Free admission for Brooklyn residents with ID
Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Multiple air-conditioned facilities throughout the park
- Pier 2 fitness center and community spaces
- DUMBO waterfront location with harbor breezes
Community Centers
Many Brooklyn community centers open as cooling centers during Code Red alerts:
- Bed-Stuy: Various locations including recreation centers
- Crown Heights: Community centers with extended hours
- Sunset Park: Multi-cultural centers serving diverse communities
- Flatbush: Recreation centers and senior centers
Contact specific neighborhood community centers for heat emergency hours
Brooklyn’s Atlantic Ocean Beaches
Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk
NYC’s Most Famous Beach – Nearly 3 Miles of Coastline
Location: West 37th Street to Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn Access: D, F, N, Q trains to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave Hours: Beach season daily 10 AM – 6 PM (lifeguards on duty) Amenities:
- Historic Riegelmann Boardwalk (open 5 AM – 1 AM)
- Beach volleyball, handball, basketball courts
- Accessible beach with wheelchair mats available
- Free sunscreen dispensers
- Bike/skate path (5 AM – 10 AM only)
- Mobile charging stations
Nearby Cooling Options:
- Luna Park air-conditioned attractions
- New York Aquarium
- MCU Park (Brooklyn Cyclones games)
- Nathan’s Famous and boardwalk restaurants
- Numerous shops with AC along Surf Avenue
Brighton Beach
“Little Odessa” – Cultural Heritage Meets Ocean Relief
Location: Connected to Coney Island via seamless boardwalk Access: B, Q trains to Brighton Beach; walk to ocean Character: Russian/Eastern European community with authentic dining Amenities:
- Calmer atmosphere than Coney Island
- Beach volleyball courts and ping-pong tables
- Beachfront Russian restaurants with AC: Tatiana Grill, Anyway Beach Café
- Brighton Stone Faces art installation (low tide)
- Direct subway access overhead on Brighton Beach Avenue
Shopping/Cooling: Brighton Beach Avenue has numerous air-conditioned:
- Russian markets and grocery stores
- Pharmacies and convenience stores
- Restaurants and cafes
- Shops under the elevated subway tracks
Manhattan Beach
Family-Friendly Hidden Gem
Location: East of Brighton Beach within Manhattan Beach Park Access: B1 bus from Brighton Beach Q stop OR 20-minute walk from Brighton Beach Character: Quieter, more residential beach experience Amenities:
- Smaller, family-oriented beach
- Grilling areas and picnic facilities
- Large playground with shade trees
- Calmer waters in protected alcove
- Less crowded than main beaches
Parking: $25/day weekend parking lot (arrive early) Note: More difficult to reach by public transport but worth the effort for families
Plumb Beach
Nature Lover’s Retreat
Location: Gateway National Recreation Area Access: Car recommended; limited public transit Character: Most remote and peaceful Brooklyn beach Best For:
- Relaxation and nature
- Water sports and fishing
- Less crowded beach experience
- Sunset viewing
Public Swimming Pools and Water Recreation
Free NYC Public Pools in Brooklyn
Extended hours during heat advisory: 11 AM – 8 PM (cleaning break 3-4 PM)
McCarren Park Pool (Williamsburg/Greenpoint)
- Lorimer & Bayard Streets
- Olympic-size outdoor pool (37,571 sq ft swim area)
- Renovated and reopened in 2012
- Major attraction – expect crowds
- Accessible via L train (Bedford Ave) or G train (Nassau Ave)
Kosciuszko Pool (Bed-Stuy)
- Marcy & DeKalb Avenues
- Two outdoor pools: Olympic-size and lap pool
- Located in Kosciuszko Park with additional amenities
- Accessible via J, M trains (Marcy Ave) or G train (Bedford-Nostrand)
Red Hook Recreation Center
- Olympic-size and wading pools
- Handball, basketball courts, and track
- Scenic waterfront location
- Near Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies for post-swim treats
Brownsville Pool
- 1555 Linden Boulevard
- Intermediate indoor pool available year-round
- Recently reconstructed (check NYC Parks for current status)
- Variety of fitness and recreational activities
Additional Brooklyn Pools:
- Sunset Park Pool: Olympic-size pool serving diverse community
- Howard Pool: Bed-Stuy mini pool for families with young children
- Various Recreation Center Pools: Indoor options throughout Brooklyn
Splash Pads and Spray Showers
Brooklyn leads NYC with 191 parks featuring spray showers!
Major Spray Shower Locations:
Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2
- Tiered splash pad with multiple spray levels
- Constructed from eco-friendly recycled materials
- Retention system reuses water for park irrigation
- Combined with pingpong, basketball, picnic areas
Prospect Park
- Multiple spray shower locations throughout the park
- Near playgrounds and picnic areas
- Tree-shaded cooling areas
McCarren Park
- Spray showers complement the main pool
- Popular North Brooklyn location
Sunset Park
- Spray features serving diverse community
- Multiple locations within the large park complex
Fort Greene Park
- Historic park with modern spray features
- Central Brooklyn location
Use the Cool It! NYC map at nycgovparks.org to find the spray shower closest to your specific Brooklyn neighborhood.
Air-Conditioned Public Spaces
Shopping Centers and Malls
Atlantic Terminal/Barclays Center Area
- Atlantic Terminal Mall with multiple stores
- Target, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, food court
- Accessible via 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R, W trains (Atlantic Ave-Barclays)
- Extended hours, multiple food options
Kings Plaza Shopping Center
- Avenue U & Flatbush Avenue
- Large mall with department stores and food court
- Macy’s, Best Buy, Target, and dozens of other stores
- Accessible via B9, B41, B44, B46 buses
Industry City (Sunset Park)
- 220 36th Street
- Creative workspace with public areas, food hall
- Weekend markets and events
- Multiple air-conditioned buildings
Brooklyn Bridge area shopping
- DUMBO: Various shops and restaurants along Water Street
- Brooklyn Heights: Montague Street shopping district
Cultural and Entertainment Venues
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
- 30 Lafayette Avenue, Fort Greene
- Multiple air-conditioned venues and lobbies
- Café and public spaces
- Accessible via 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R, W trains (Atlantic Ave-Barclays)
Movie Theaters:
- Nitehawk Cinema: Prospect Heights and Williamsburg locations
- Alamo Drafthouse: Downtown Brooklyn
- Various AMC and Showcase Cinemas throughout Brooklyn
Museums:
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum: Crown Heights
- New York Transit Museum: Brooklyn Heights
- DUMBO galleries and exhibition spaces
Neighborhood-Specific Cooling Resources
North Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick)
Cooling Highlights:
- McCarren Park Pool and spray showers
- East River State Park waterfront breezes
- Williamsburg waterfront with harbor views
- Numerous cafes and restaurants with AC along Bedford Avenue
Transportation: L train (Bedford Ave, Lorimer), G train, NYC Ferry
Northwest Brooklyn (DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Downtown)
Cooling Highlights:
- Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront with harbor breezes
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade with harbor views
- Multiple shopping areas (MetroTech, Atlantic Terminal)
- Historic brownstone neighborhoods with tree-lined streets
Transportation: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, C, F, R, W trains; NYC Ferry
Central Brooklyn (Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights)
Cooling Highlights:
- Prospect Park’s extensive tree coverage and spray showers
- Kosciuszko Pool and park facilities
- Brooklyn Museum cooling center
- Multiple community centers and libraries
Transportation: 2, 3, A, C, G trains; multiple bus routes
South Brooklyn (Park Slope, Gowanus, Red Hook)
Cooling Highlights:
- Red Hook waterfront parks and pool
- Prospect Park’s western section
- Park Slope’s tree-lined avenues
- Gowanus Canal waterfront development
Transportation: F, G, R trains; B37, B57, B61, B77 buses
Southern Brooklyn (Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst)
Cooling Highlights:
- Sunset Park’s hilltop breezes and spray showers
- Bay Ridge waterfront and 69th Street Pier
- Diverse shopping districts with AC
- Large parks with tree coverage
Transportation: D, N, R, W trains; B1, B8, B9, B37 buses
Southeast Brooklyn (Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park)
Cooling Highlights:
- Marine Park’s extensive parkland and tree coverage
- Multiple community pools and spray showers
- Diverse cultural centers with AC
- Tree-lined residential neighborhoods
Transportation: B, Q trains; multiple bus routes
Eastern Brooklyn (East New York, Canarsie, Mill Basin)
Cooling Highlights:
- Canarsie Beach Park and waterfront
- Spring Creek Park’s natural areas
- Gateway National Recreation Area access
- Multiple recreation centers
Transportation: L train (Canarsie), various bus routes
Coney Island Peninsula (Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay)
Cooling Highlights:
- Atlantic Ocean beaches (primary cooling resource)
- Coney Island boardwalk and attractions
- Brighton Beach cultural amenities
- Sheepshead Bay waterfront
Transportation: D, F, N, Q, B trains
Fire Hydrant Spray Caps
Free cooling relief for your block!
- Available at any FDNY firehouse with valid ID (18+ years)
- Creates neighborhood spray area for children and families
- Legal alternative to illegally opened hydrants
- Reduces water waste while providing cooling
Brooklyn Firehouses (partial list):
- Ladder 101: 2nd Avenue & 51st Street (Sunset Park)
- Engine 205: Joralemon Street (Brooklyn Heights)
- Engine 224: Hicks Street (Red Hook)
- Ladder 120: Prospect Avenue (Park Slope)
Community Support and Resources
Language-Specific Resources
Spanish-Speaking Communities (Sunset Park, Red Hook, Bushwick):
- Bilingual staff at many cooling centers
- Spanish-language emergency notifications
- Community organizations providing outreach
Russian-Speaking Communities (Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay):
- Russian-speaking staff at area libraries and community centers
- Cultural organizations providing heat emergency support
- Familiar healthcare and social services
Chinese-Speaking Communities (Sunset Park, Bensonhurst):
- Mandarin and Cantonese interpretation services
- Cultural centers serving as informal cooling areas
- Community networks for vulnerable resident check-ins
Caribbean Communities (East Flatbush, Crown Heights):
- Community centers with cultural programming
- Churches and religious centers offering cooling space
- Neighborhood networks for heat emergency response
Senior Services
Brooklyn-specific senior cooling programs:
- GetCool NYC: Air conditioner assistance for low-income seniors
- Senior centers throughout Brooklyn open extended hours during heat emergencies
- DFTA (Department for the Aging) coordinated services: Call (212) 442-1000
Family Resources
Families with young children can access:
- Libraries with children’s programming in air-conditioned spaces
- Community centers with childcare during heat emergencies
- Parks with both spray showers and shaded playgrounds
- Free summer meals programs at cooling locations
Transportation During Heat Emergencies
Subway System
Air-conditioned options:
- All trains are air-conditioned
- Coolest stations: Atlantic Ave-Barclays (underground), Jay St-MetroTech, Court St
- Avoid when possible: Elevated and above-ground stations during peak heat
Bus Network
- All MTA buses are fully air-conditioned
- Useful cooling center routes:
- B41: Connects multiple libraries and pools
- B67, B69: Connect Prospect Park to various neighborhoods
- B1: Access to beaches and waterfront areas
NYC Ferry
- East River route: DUMBO to Williamsburg with harbor breezes
- Soundview route: Connects to various waterfront cooling areas
- Open-air cooling while traveling between neighborhoods
Citi Bike Considerations
- Avoid during peak heat: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Plan route between AC stops: libraries, stores, restaurants
- Use for early morning or evening cooling center access
Emergency Preparedness
Power Outages
If your building loses power during the heat wave:
- Go immediately to nearest cooling center
- Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors
- Check on elderly neighbors
- Call Con Edison: 1-800-75-CONED
Vulnerable Population Support
Check on:
- Elderly neighbors in buildings without doormen
- Families with young children
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Anyone who may lack air conditioning
Emergency Supplies
Keep available during heat waves:
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Extra water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Essential medications
Community Networks
Utilize Brooklyn’s strong community connections:
- Block associations: Organize cooling center carpools
- Religious communities: Many offer cooling space during emergencies
- Neighborhood WhatsApp/social media groups: Share cooling resource updates
- Local businesses: Often welcome people during heat emergencies
Stay Connected During Heat Emergencies
- Notify NYC: Emergency text alerts (sign up at notify.nyc)
- 311: General information and cooling center status
- Con Edison: Power outage updates and energy conservation tips
Local Brooklyn Resources:
- Brooklyn Borough President’s office: Borough-specific updates
- Community board websites: Neighborhood-specific information
- Local news: NY1, ABC7, CBS2 for real-time updates
Social Media:
- @NotifyNYC: Official emergency updates
- @BrooklynBP: Borough President’s office updates
- Local community group accounts
Brooklyn’s extensive cooling resources can keep you safe during this dangerous heat wave. From ocean beaches to neighborhood spray showers, from world-class cultural institutions to local community centers, relief is available throughout the borough. Plan your cooling strategy, check on your neighbors, and don’t hesitate to seek air-conditioned spaces when you need them.
Remember: Just 2-3 hours daily in air conditioning can prevent heat-related illness. Use Brooklyn’s resources to stay safe, and look out for your community during this heat emergency.
For real-time cooling center status and updates, call 311 or visit maps.nyc.gov/cooling-center/. Beach and pool information updated as of July 29, 2025.
