Cool Spots for Hot Days
There’s a magical moment about 90 seconds into a splash pad visit when you think, maybe I too can enjoy summer as a parent. That is, until someone gets sprayed in the face and starts shrieking like they’ve been wronged by Poseidon himself. For these outings to be enjoyable, shade is your best friend, snacks are your currency, and a comfy chair with a decent book might just buy you a solid 20 minutes of peace. Make it a weekly ritual or at least a weekly attempt.
If you're looking to cool off without young kids in tow, paddling might be more your speed. The Valley has no shortage of great spots to rent a canoe, kayak, or tube; some closer to home than others, but all worth the drive.
Farmington River Tubing reminds me of that one summer I went tubing in the North Carolina mountains, where the water was frigid, the rapids were unexpectedly aggressive, and I questioned every decision that led me there just before deciding it was an absolute blast. TLDR: do it.
So whether you're into splashy chaos or chill river floats, here are your best bets to beat the heat without leaving the Valley:
Fernridge Park – West Hartford
💦Splash Pads
West Hartford Splash Pads
Looking to cool off without straying far? West Hartford has you covered with four free neighborhood favorites:
Fernridge Park: Fenced-in and toddler-friendly, with a shaded playground and benches perfect for snack breaks or a breather in between splashes.
Wolcott Park: Recently reopened, this all-ages pad is fenced in and sits beside a playground, picnic tables, basketball and tennis courts, open lawns, and bathrooms. It really has everything you’d want.
Beachland Park: A lively all-in-one stop with a splash pad, playground, and walking trail.
Kennedy Park: A quieter Elmwood gem that’s less flashy and less crowded. Simple and reliable, with a nearby playground to boot.
Mills Pond Park – Canton: This splash pad is part of the town’s pool facility. A daily admission fee is required—$5 residents and $8 non-residents, or free with a resident pool membership. Once you’re in, enjoy both the splash pad and full pool area in one spot.
🛶Paddle Spots & Rentals
Collinsville Canoe & Kayak – Canton: A summer staple. Rent canoes, kayaks, or paddle boards and cruise the Farmington River. Perfect for beginners or anyone in need of a mellow float.
Main Stream Canoes & Kayaks – New Hartford: More than just rentals, Main Stream offers guided trips down the scenic Farmington River, plus lake trips to Burr Park, and Stillwater ponds. Equipment delivery and shuttle service are available. Rentals start around $65 but depend on location.
Farmington River Tubing – New Hartford: For the thrill-seekers: float through three sets of natural rapids in a giant tube. Minimum age is 10, life jackets required, and you're guaranteed to get drenched. Shuttle included in the $30 admission, but is cash only.
Farmington River & Connecticut River – Simsbury & Glastonbury: Got your own gear? Launch at Curtiss Park or Riverfront Park for a peaceful float with excellent wildlife spotting such as herons, turtles, and the occasional paddle board yoga group.
July 7 - 13 Hot Happenings:
Local Festivals & Events
Mark your calendar for these can't-miss happenings around the Valley.
Date | Event Name | Location | Time | Info |
July 9 | Winged Jewels | Roaring Brook Nature Center | 1–3:30 PM | |
July 9 | Number 9 - Beatles Tribute Band: Summer Concert Series | Elizabeth Park | 6:30 - 8 PM | |
July 10 | Hill-Stead Short Course: Impressionism | Hill-Stead Museum | 6:00 - 7:30 PM | |
July 10 | Summer Concert Series: Vivid | Sycamore Hills Recreation Area | 6–8 PM | |
July 10–12 | Tunxis Hose Carnival | Union School, Unionville | Varies | |
July 11 | Acoustic Nights | Winding Trails | 7 - 9 PM | |
July 11 | Talcott Mountain Music Festival: The Music of Queen | Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center | 7:30 - 9:30 PM | |
July 12 | Citizen Science Bee Count | Cowles Parcel, Farmington | 9–10:30 AM | |
July 12 | Drake Hill Flower Bridge Scavenger Hunt | Old Bridge Rd., Simsbury | 10 - 12 PM | |
July 12 | Music on Main: Driving Iris | Main Street, Canton | 6–9 PM | |
July 12 | Family Movie Night: Migration | Sycamore Hills Recreation Area | Dusk | |
July 12 | Farmington Polo Club: $1500 July Jackpot | Farmington Polo Club | 5 PM | |
July 12 | Concert: The Score | Winding Trails | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | |
July 13 | Yoga on the Land | Mountain Spring Nature Trail | 9 AM |
Booked in the Valley: Summer Reads Recommendations and Local Literary Events
The next recommendation in our summer reads series is a story that’s equal parts heat and heart:
🌞 Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
This isn’t just another beachy romance—it’s witty, swoony, and surprisingly deep and moving. Bonus: it somehow makes mosquito bites and cabin life look romantic.
Library Events
Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.
Date | Event Name | Library | Time | Info |
July 7 | Food Chemistry | Canton Public Library | 2 PM | |
July 7 | Summer Kids LEGO Club | Avon Free Public Library | 4:30–5:30 PM | |
July 8 | Science of Color | West Hartford Library (Noah Webster) | 3:30–4:30 PM | |
July 9 | Crafternoon at Barney | Farmington Barney Library | 2:30–3:30 PM | |
July 10 | Ice Cream Social | Farmington Library | 6:15–7:15 PM | |
July 10 | Teen Giant Games Thursdays | Avon Free Public Library | 2–4 PM | |
July 11 | Summer Matinee: Love, Weddings & Other Disasters | Simsbury Public Library | 1–3 PM | |
July 11 | Moana and Mocktails | Farmington Library | 6–8 PM |
