Phoenix Summer Activities
If you’re newer to the Phoenix area, you’re probably wondering what to do this summer to keep busy (and beat the heat). You’re in luck, because as a bustling metropolitan area, there is no shortage of fun ways to stay cool.
Embark on an Outdoor Adventure
Even in the summer it is possible to enjoy the great outdoors, it just might take a bit of planning. Whether you’re willing to take a drive to escape the heat or you’d prefer to stay in town there are options for you.
Hike in Northern Arizona
With an average of 111 days per year with temperatures over 100 degrees, the summer is not the best time to go hiking in Phoenix. Instead, consider taking a short drive up to Northern Arizona and knock-off at least 20 degrees for a break from the triple-digit temperatures.
Both Sedona and Flagstaff are within two and a half hours of most parts of Phoenix. Sedona is known for scenic red rocks, Oak Creek, and Slide Rock State Park. There are several beautiful hikes as well, including Devil’s Bridge, Bell Rock, and West Fork Trail. Since these hikes are popular, you’ll want to beat the crowds by arriving early to get a parking spot.
Flagstaff is home to the highest point in Arizona: Humphrey’s Peak. If you go in early summer, you may even see snow at the top of the mountain, since it is not uncommon for Flagstaff to get a little bit of snowfall in May. The challenging hike takes about five hours and is not recommended for beginners. If you’re looking for something more family friendly, check out Fatman’s Loop Trail or Sandy’s Canyon Trail.
Float Down the Salt River
Closer to home, you can cool down on the Salt River, located in Mesa. Bring your friends or family along for a relaxing float; you may even catch a glimpse of Salt River wild horses. Salt River Tubing rents inner tubes and operates shuttles, making this activity as easy as coming prepared. To prepare, you will want to bring plenty of water, snacks, and a fitted sheet to keep your tube cool. Water shoes and swimsuits are recommended on the river. Don’t forget sunscreen - the Arizona sun can lead to some pretty painful sunburns.
Save on Golf
As an Arizona local, you have the chance to take advantage of the world class golf courses located in Phoenix at incredible prices! Many resorts in and around the Phoenix area offer discounted rounds of golf during the summer months. You’ll want to make sure to bring along lots of water and sunscreen. This activity might not help you beat the heat, but at these prices, how can you resist?
Make a Splash at a Water Park
Visit Arizona’s biggest water park, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, located in North Phoenix. This water park has something for everybody. Hurricane Harbor boasts thrilling rides like the Anaconda, named one of the Top 5 Water Slides by the Travel Channel, and Mammoth Falls, which ends with a huge vertical drop. Younger kids can enjoy their own miniature waterpark, Coconut Bay. For a more relaxing experience, check out the Adventure River, where visitors can float in a tube while soaking up a bit of sun.
Located in the east valley is Golfland Sunsplash. This park is actually two in one! Golfland features activities like bumper boats, laser tag, and mini golf, making it a great year-round destination. They also have a few small water slides, but the real water park is Sunsplash. Families can enjoy Thunder Bay wave pool, the Lazy River and super thick milkshakes from the snack bar. Thrill seekers will be pleased with rides like the seven-story Double Dare, and the half pipe thrill slide: Side Winder. One of the best times to visit Sunsplash is during Night Splash, when the park stays open late on select evenings so you can enjoy all the fun with none of the sunburn.
You can avoid the sun altogether and take a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor waterpark and resort, located in Scottsdale. While you can opt to stay the night and enjoy a staycation, you can also purchase a day pass to the water park. This water park has it all, a wave pool, hot tub area, a giant tree house, and several thrilling slides. We recommend this water park for families because they have really put a lot of effort into the theme as well as having attractions that appeal to everyone.
Visit one of Phoenix’s Many Museums
On a hot day, one of the best ways to stay cool is to play tourist and soak up air conditioning at one of the Phoenix’s museums. From arts and culture to science and history, there are plenty of options.
First, check out the largest art museum in the Southwest: The Phoenix Art Museum. The vast collection includes art from around the world, including a large number of western landscape paintings. During a visit, you can see photography, modern art and even an impressive fashion design exhibit, all in a few hours. All ages can enjoy this museum, and there is even a kid’s guide available on their website.
One of the most unique museums you can visit is the Musical Instrument Museum. With over 7,000 musical instruments on display from 200 countries, you will certainly see something you’ve never seen before. In the Geographic Gallery, you can discover drums made from tree trunks, and an ornate Japanese mouth organ made over 500 years ago. The Artist Gallery contains memorabilia and instruments owned by some of the greatest musicians in the world, including Elvis Presley. Before heading out, be sure to visit the Experience Gallery, where visitors of all ages can touch, play, and make music with instruments from around the world and closer to home. You won’t want to miss this interactive exhibit.
While most of the museums in Phoenix cater to everybody, there are a couple that are especially great for kids. One of these is the Arizona Science Center. This multi-story, interactive museum has fun exhibits for everyone to explore, including an area to learn all about planes, an exhibit about the weather systems, and another all about the human body. They even have a SkyCycle, a bike visitors can ride on a cable 15 feet in the air, where they can learn more about the principles of counterbalance and center of gravity. Another family friendly museum to visit is the Arizona Museum of Natural History. The museum focuses on what the Southwest may have looked like throughout time, even going back to 75,000,000 BC. Though there are exhibits featuring Native cultures and archaeology, the real focus is on dinosaurs. In fact, the most dramatic attraction at the museum is Dinosaur Mountain, where guests can see which dinosaurs lived during each time period while witnessing a three-story “flash flood” every 23 minutes!
Make Memories with the Family
Did you know there is an aquarium in the middle of the desert? Well, now you do! Just northeast of Phoenix, you’ll find Odysea Aquarium in Scottsdale. Since the entire thing is indoors, it’s a great way to spend a hot summer day. You’ll encounter a wide array of aquatic wildlife native to Arizona lakes and rivers, but also sea life like octopi and stingrays. Plus, you can even see the bathroom voted best in the U.S in 2017. If you visit, you’ll understand why!
Next door you can visit the largest butterfly conservatory, Butterfly Wonderland. Not only will you get the chance to see butterflies of all colors up close and personal, but you can also check out the Honeybee Extravaganza and sample edible insects, if you’re into that kind of thing. Options include scorpion lollipops, chips made from cricket protein and chocolate covered ants.
Rounding out our ideas for summer activities, step into a medieval castle for dinner and a show at Medieval Times. Enjoy a four-course feast while you cheer on knights during jousting competitions, sword fights, and hand-to-hand combat. It can get pretty rowdy, so come prepared for a fun night out! Arrive at the castle early to take photos, browse a selection of royal souvenirs, and purchase delightful drinks from the bar before the show begins.
So, there you have it, plenty of ideas to get you through the hottest months in Phoenix. Whether it’s adventure you crave, or something to keep the kids busy, we hope these ideas will help you make the most of your summer in Phoenix!