Hot Spots to Cool Off This Weekend

The season's first heat wave is upon us even though summer doesn't officially start until June 21.

But there are plenty of places to beat the heat around Palmer and Forks Townships this weekend.

What's your favorite place to cool off? Tell us in the comments section below.

If high temperatures and humidity have you seeking heat relief, here are some places to cool off:

• Take a dip in the Palmer Community Pool or Stones Crossing pool, both in Palmer Townships.

• Grab some Italian ice at Rita's on Sullivan Trail in Forks Township and William Penn Highway in Palmer Township.

• Go shopping in the air conditioning at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township.

• Chill out with some frozen yogurt at Just a Dream in the Giant Food Shopping Center in Forks Township.

• Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom are open for the 2013 season. The water park features dozens of slides, pools, rivers and water play areas. Wildwater Kingdom is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. this weekend. Daily tickets start at $39.99 and can be purchased online.

• Watching penguins splash around at the Lehigh Valley Zoo is a cool way to spend some time. You might also catch a glimpse of the zoo's new baby bison.

• Do you know there's a nudist camp nearby? Sunny Rest Resort near Palmerton offers a relaxed, clothes-free atmosphere if you dare to go bare.

• A day trip to Jim Thorpe offers whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River or a refreshing swim, fishing and boating at Mauch Chunk Lake Park.

• Summer blockbuster movie season is here and you can chill in a local theater watching "Iron Man 3," "Star Trek: Into Darkness," "After Earth" and more.

You can find local movie times here:

• Carmike Cinemas 16 at Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley
• Carmike-Allentown
• Regal Northampton Crossings
• AMC Tilghman Square
• Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre