5 Cheap Ways to Keep Cool in Bergen County

How you feeling? Likely, Hot, hot, hot.

After a steamy day Monday, temperatures in Bergen County hit the 90s again on Tuesday. The National Weather Service issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the area Tuesday citing hot temps and potential thunderstorms and strong winds later in the day.

While there is some good news – temperatures are expected to get to 89 degrees on Wednesday and all the way down to 85 on Thursday – locals are looking for ways to cool off this week.

Below, check out some Patch recommendations for cheap ways to cool off. And, if you have a suggestion to add, leave it in the comments section below.

Municipal Pools

Towns throughout the county have pools that offer one-day passes to residents for about $10 to $15, and rates to out-of-towners for a few dollars more. Below is some info for certain pools across the county. If you don't see yours listed, head to your municipal website for details and rates. And if you head to one of these pools, remember to bing proof of residency!

Mahwah – Residents and their guests are charged a weekday rate of $10 each.

Ramsey – Ramsey opened a brand new municipal pool this season. The pool is complete with islands, diving boards, slides, and a tot area for small kids. Memberships are available to in and out-of-towners, and guests can join members for $10 a day.

Ridgewood – Head over to Graydon Pool in Ridgewood for a more beach-like pool atmosphere. Daily guest passes are $10 each.

Teaneck – The inground pool at Votee Park is open to guests, as long as you head there with a Teaneck resident.

Fair Lawn – Memorial Pool is surrounded by beach sand and grass, and features shade trees, a kiddie swimming area, slides, and a raft. Day passes are available to residents of the borough and nearby towns.

County Parks

Though it may not be the best time for a hike or outdoor sport, you can cool off by swimming or fishing at the Darlington County Park. Day passes are $10.

Free Movies

If you want to skip the ticket prices and expensive snacks at movie theaters, you can check out a free flick at a bunch of local, air conditioned libraries. Many host movie afternoons for families. 

This week, the Mahwah Library is showing Lincoln at 10:30 a.m. And 2 p.m. Thursday, the Wyckoff Library is showing a double feature Thursday night at 7 p.m. of Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers and Wall-E, Franklin Lakes Library hosts a Friday matinee each week at 1 p.m., and the Ridgewood Library is showing Nebraska Friday at 1 p.m. and Walking with Dinosaurs Monday at 2 p.m. Call your local library or look at its website for details on free movies and other events.

I Scream, You Scream

Grab the kids and head to a local eat-in ice cream shop. You can hang out in the air conditioning and enjoy a cool snack for a few bucks each. And, if you want a healthier option, check out an Italian ice or froyo place. Got a recommendation for the best, coolest sweet treat in the county? Leave those below in the comments section!

Museums

Going the educational route might help get your kids to feel both cooler and smarter without breaking the bank. Many towns have small museums that boast exhibits about local history – check out a guide here. Or, you can head to the New Jersey Children's Museum in Paramus, where admission is $9.99 for adults and $11.99 for kids.