With temperatures in Boston soaring to the 90s, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory — and the hot, humid weather isn’t going anywhere soon. This may throw summer barbecue plans for a loop, but don’t worry. There are lots of places to go to beat the sweltering heat.
North Point Park and Splash Pad: Across from the Museum of Science, this playground/spray deck has plenty of space to run, jump, and climb, and it boasts a great view of the Zakim Bridge for photographers and architecture buffs. 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. 6 Museum Way, Cambridge.
Ride the ferry: Did you know the MBTA has a public transit ferry that takes you from Long Wharf to the Charlestown Navy Yard? Tap your Charlie Card and set off on a breezy, 15-minute cruise to the home 0f the USS Constitution. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $4. Long Wharf, Boston.
Rose Kennedy Greenway fountains: Never rule out the obvious — splashing in water is a foolproof way to cool off. The Greenway boast several water features, but the Rings Fountain takes the running-through-sprinklers tradition to a whole new level. 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. On Atlantic Avenue near Milk Street
Boston Public Library: The Central Library’s Johnson building is open to literary enthusiasts or anyone looking for a respite from the scorching temps. And maybe you haven’t been in since its multi-year renovation? Stop by out of curiosity or for a trip to the whimsical Children’s Library upstairs. There’s something cool for everybody. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. Free. 700 Boylston St., Boston
Dorchester Brewing Company: This trendy spot just celebrated its second anniversary and serves up to 20 different kinds of beers. On weekends, you’ll also be able to grab a bite from restaurant pop-ups and food trucks. So grab some friends and head over — a couple of frosty brews are waiting for you. 11:30 a.m-11 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday-Monday. 1250 Massachusetts Ave., Dorchester
Frog Pond: The Frog Pond, a wading pool and 70-foot-tall spray plume, gives kids a refreshing place to hop around and frolic on a hot day. The nearby cafe adds to the appeal. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 38 Beacon St., Boston
Boston Children’s Museum: The museum, known for giant bubbles, wacky rope climb, and innovative construction zones, is open almost all day on weekends, providing hours of discoveries for your kids. And did we mention that it’s air-conditioned? 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday. $17. 308 Congress St., Boston
Institute of Contemporary Art: Most any day is a good day to appreciate contemporary art, but the heat might provide the extra bit of motivation needed to venture out to the Seaport. Once there, cool down and take in works by Kevin Beasley and Caitlin Keough, on view through Aug. 26, and “We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women 1965-85,” through Sept. 30. 10 a.m.-5 p.m, Tuesday-Sunday. Admission prices vary. 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: You’ve been meaning to go, but haven’t gotten a chance. Why not use the summer heat as an excuse to do so? Not only does the museum display Gardner’s stunning collection, but the space itself is breathtaking. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday-Monday, Wednesday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday. Admission prices vary. 25 Evans Way, Boston
Legoland Discovery Center: Legos upon Legos upon Legos. The expansive locale will provide hours of indoor, infrastructure-related fun for your little ones. Be sure to protect sandaled feet from those little bricks, though. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday. Admission Prices Vary. 598 Assembly Row, Somerville.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: The MFA is always a fine destination, but the new “French Pastels: Treasures from the Vault” exhibit is a special draw. The exhibit showcases rare pastel works from the likes of Degas, Cassatt, and Millet — pieces so delicate they can only be shown once a decade. With multiple floors to explore in the museum, the blistering sun will be the last thing on your mind. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Tuesday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Wednesday-Friday. Admission prices vary. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston
Walden Pond: Part beach, part forest, iconic and historic Walden Pond has something for everyone. Picnickers and transcendentalists are always welcome and lifeguards are on duty until 6 p.m. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. $8 for parking. 915 Walden St., Concord.