It’s safe to say that summers in Phoenix tend to be pretty brutal with 100 degree weather, so we want to give you a few ideas of places to visit in Phoenix this summer! We’ll give you a few indoor and outdoor areas that are fun, family friendly, and easy to get to for a good time.
VIP European Automotive wants to give you some ideas to l avoid the summer heat or enjoy it!
Desert Botanical Gardens
You probably wouldn’t expect beautiful flowers and greenery in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, but the Desert Botanical Gardens provides just that! Home to multiple species of flowers, trees, and cacti from around the world the gardens are vibrant in color in contrast with the red rock surrounding them.
The gardens sometimes showcase artist exhibits and often have culinary and wine festivals – along with the occasional concert. The gardens are also beautiful during sunset and after to see the flowers illuminated.
Camelback Mountain
If you are looking for a beautiful scenery after hiking Camelback is certainly on that list. Located in Echo Canyon the top of the mountain offers views of Phoenix and Scottsdale and can be reached from a 1.2 or 1.5 mile trail. The hike is well worth the views, but not for the faint of heart as the trails can be steep and narrow at certain parts throughout. The scenery during sunrise and sunset are breathtaking. You can bring a camera, but your mind will capture the best as the images will not do the beauty justice.
The best times to hike Camelback Mountain are either early in the morning or later in the evening because the desert heat is more bearable. Be sure to have plenty of water and sunscreen while hiking.
Musical Instrument Museum
Offering more than 6,000 musical instruments from around the world and all different time periods the Musical Instrument Museum gives a wide variety of musical history. The first level offers viewing instruments from famous musicians throughout history. The second level of the museum is separated by geographical region to showcase instruments from different cultures throughout the world. The geographical areas also play audio of the instruments to put into context how they were used and are still used today.
Not only can you look at instruments from the past and famous musicians along with footage, but you can also engage in playing the instruments in the Experience and Encore galleries. Great for adults and children to have fun the galleries give hands on experience of all different areas of music. Be sure to look on their website to see when they are holding concerts too!
TopGolf
Looking for something fun to do with family and friends? TopGolf is the place to go. Indoors and outdoors this driving range is tons of fun for everyone. Different from most driving ranges you sit in a bay and can play against up to 6 people per game. The goal is to get your ball in the large colored holes provided for your points. The range also provides a restaurant and bar relaxation.
Fun for all ages this driving range is one you don’t want to miss out on. Night time is especially fun when the colored holes light up for you to see with the Talking Stick Resort lit up in the background.
OdySea Aquarium
Right next to Dolphinaris and Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Aquarium is a shopping, dining, and entertainment get away. If you prefer to hit all three exhibits in one day you can buy passes in a package deal. Seeing creatures from rivers and oceans you can see and interact with many animals. With a shark tour, sea trek helmet tour, penguin interaction program, touch pools and kids’ cove you and the kiddos will never get bored!
Butterfly Wonderland
Looking for a fun family day or date Butterfly Wonderland is the spot. Home to thousands of butterflies from all over the world this is an extraordinary exhibit. In a tropical rainforest habitat these butterflies are free to fly around all they want, and enjoy landing on their fellow human friends as they walk through.
The exhibit also offers a 3D movie “Flight of the Butterflies” which is educational for everyone. Don’t forget to bring your camera to get beautiful close ups of the butterflies. Butterfly Wonderland has a fun gift shop and cafe with great refreshments and snacks for you and the kiddos or S.O. too!
Taliesin West
One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s world famous home and architectural laboratories built in 1937. Wright constructed the house from the sand and stone from the Sonoran Desert from the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. This 600 acres of land with the house and schools for students is a sight to see. With the option of a 90 minute tour of the home and surrounding areas the tour guides are well trained and knowledged on the subject. The gift shop is a great spot with artistic gifts for yourself, family, and friends.
Phoenix Zoo
Lions, Tigers, Bears … oh my! The Zoo is one of the places where you can see the animals active and moving around from wild and exotic to local animals. This is a great place to take the littles ones for a fun adventure. Four trails with 2 ½ miles in total covering 125 acres of land is a a great way to see all the animals. You can encounter the animals in the Red Barn petting zoo and feed the giraffes. Once your little ones are tired, hop on the narrated safari train tour showing the entire zoo, it’s worth it to give your babes – and yourself – a break. From monkeys, to lions, to elephants, to local sheep you can see everything!
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is one of the best Native American museums offering an introduction to Arizona’s original residents. The museum conveys the life and culture of Native Americans from the Southwest. With many artifacts and exhibits to see you should set aside about a half day to get the most out of it. You can even take a guided tour if you would like, and the gift shop is great for some Native American art and jewelry.
Roosevelt Row
With beautiful murals, art galleries, and fun boutiques Roosevelt Row is a great spot to walk down during the day or night. Coffee shops and restaurants lining the street make it one of the best to explore in downtown Phoenix to spend the day. Every First Friday of the month is a great night for an art walk down Roosevelt Row. Whether you want to listen to the music, look at the art, or bar hop on First Friday Roosevelt Row is a must!
CrackerJax Family Fun & Sports Park
A fun action packed day for the entire family, CrackerJax is a family friendly park with an extremely helpful staff. You can bungee jump, play laser tag, do bumper boats, volleyball courts, and so much more! This is a place to take the kids on a nice day and have family time… plus they will definitely sleep well after a day of fun!
Papago Park
Papago Park is a nice park with picnic tables, a small lake, and the famous Hole in a Rock. Right next to the Phoenix Zoo Papago Park is a relaxing spot for everyone. You can enjoy the lake with docks swimming around and fish jumping, the picnic tables to sit and relax, and when you are ready make a small hike to Hole in a Rock. The views of downtown Phoenix at sunset from Papago Park are beautiful, you will surely enjoy it!
We hope this helps you find some fun adventures this summer in Arizona. Either beat the heat or enjoy it with these places to visit in the greater Phoenix area! If you want your car to be fixed up before heading out to all these places contact us!
