Support Us Button Widget

How to stay cool during a heat wave in Madison

From cooling centers to splash parks, we’re laying out a few local spots where Madisonians can catch a break from the heat wave.

Splash Park

Beat the heat while tiring the kids out.

Photo via City of Madison

In the midst of a heat wave, we’re checking out a few ways to stay safe and cool around town.

OutReach | 2701 International Ln., Madison | Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Middleton City Hall (Cooling Center) | 7426 Hubbard Ave., Middleton | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Splash parks | Various locations | Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Public libraries

  • Alicia Ashman | 733 N. High Point Rd.
  • Central | 201 W. Mifflin St.
  • Goodman South | 2222 S. Park St.
  • Hawthorne | 2707 E. Washington Ave.
  • Lakeview | 2845 N. Sherman Ave.
  • Meadowridge | 5726 Raymond Rd.
  • Monroe Street | 1705 Monroe St.
  • Pinney | 516 Cottage Grove Rd.
  • Sequoya | 4340 Tokay Blvd.

Keep this map handy to find hours, websites, and locations of each of the above options.

Locals are advised to check on elderly neighbors, stay hydrated, and seek a cool area if you start feeling:

  • Weak
  • Nauseous
  • Dizzy
  • Muscle cramping
More from 608today
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Madison, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
Reach your local community with our help.
Dining in Madison is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Go bargain hunting with our Madison happy hour guide, which highlights drink specials and food discounts throughout the city.
Grab your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Madison.
Dig into Madison’s must-try pizza shops including fun flavors, fancy offerings, and frozen favorites.
We found the best kid-friendly activities in Madison, complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 15+ lunches from the east side to the west side.