10 Places to Keep Cool Near Danbury During the Tropical Heat Wave

DANBURY, CT — Looking for some fun ways to stay cool while temps heat up? Patch has you covered.

There are plenty of beaches, lakes and waterfalls across the state but we have even more cool, and cold, ideas for you. Click on the links for more info.

1. Thrill seekers will love Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park in Portland: Swim, kayak, snorkel or scuba dive or explore the quarry's 100-foot freshwater depths. The old-fashioned rope swing is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
2. Feel the mist in your face with Clarke Outdoors Whitewater Rafting Tours in West Cornwall: Paddle a six or ten mile section of the Housatonic River on sometimes smooth, sometimes fast-moving water. The famous Covered Bridge in West Cornwall marks the halfway point of the whitewater rafting trip and is one of the most scenic spots along the river.
3. Bask in Bayou Bay at Lake Compounce in Bristol: Crocodile Cove is Connecticut's largest waterpark. Bayou Bay is filled with thousands of gallons of refreshing water to splash in.
4. Gear up for some old fashioned fun DIY-style in your own back yard! Visit your local toy store or hardware store for a sprinkler, slip-n-slide and/or kiddie pool, fill with ice and, voila! Coolness awaits.
5. Visit Ridgefield Spray Bay or check out one of many splash parks in Norwalk, Danbury, Trumbull, Fairfield, Stamford or one of the more refreshing parks across Connecticut. Find out more details by clicking here.
6. Check Out Hammonasset Beach in Madison: Visit the largest of Connecticut’s shoreline beaches for swimming, snorkeling, boating and more. Lifeguards are on duty on Wednesday through Sunday.
7. Cool down in Splash Away Bay at Quassy in Middlebury: Water slides, Saturation Station and many wet and wild water park attractions await at Saturation Station.
8. Visit one of many of Connecticut's gorgeous beaches, lakes and ponds. TripAdvisor readers rated their favorites in the state.
9. Chill out with some delicious, cold ice cream. Check out the best places in the Nutmeg state on TripAdvisor here.
10. Cool off with a Mojito Slushy, Frozen Sangria, Frozen Coconut Pineapple Margarita or any other delicious frozen drink at one of Connecticut's best dining establishments. See our "Best of Connecticut" list here.

Know of a cool place to chill out that we missed? Tell us in the comments!

Photo of Quassy's Splash Away Bay by Wendy Ann Mitchell