The Top 10 Things to Do in Phoenix, AZ
#10 -
Chase Field
Home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, this stadium that opened in 1998, offers baseball fans a retreat from the Phoenix heat. Enjoy a game under the retractable roof in a nice air conditioned stadium, while munching on those peanuts and cracker jacks. Some outfield seats are even located next to its iconic swimming pool. Formerly known as Bank One Ballpark, which was lovingly referred to as “The Bob.” The stadium is clean, the staff is friendly, and overall it is a fun place to visit while in the area. It’s easily accessible by the Metro Light Rail and close to other downtown activities such as the Arizona Science Center.
#9 -
Spring Training
If you love baseball and warm weather, then a visit to this area in March is a must do! Half (15) of the teams in Major League Baseball, including the Dodgers, Cubs, and Giants, make their spring training homes in the Phoenix area. Around two million people head here every spring to watch their teams get ready for the long baseball season. The stadiums are all pretty close to each other, making it easy to visit several even during a short trip. Prices are lower than regular season MLB games and most parks have a lawn area beyond the outfield wall which are great for families with young children. Be very aware that it will be very warm, so shaded seats are a big recommendation.
#8 -
Arizona Science Center
Located in the Downtown Phoenix Heritage and Science Park, this center provides hands-on learning opportunities and experiences spanning its 120,000 square feet of gallery space. It boasts over 350 permanent exhibits, a 5 story IMAX theater, a planetarium, and more! It is a wonderful center for everyone, but especially the 140,000 school children it services each year. It is full of activities that promote exploration, innovation, and teamwork. As a teacher, I really enjoyed interacting with and seeing the kids’ faces light up with each wonderful discovery.
#7 -
Top Golf
You don’t have to be a skilled golfer to enjoy a couple hours at Top Golf. With locations in Scottsdale and Gilbert, you’re never too far from the action during a trip to the Phoenix area. This place is kind of like a Dave and Busters meets a golf driving range. You reserve a stall by the hour and can share with up to a total of 6 people. You can take turns hitting golf balls towards targets ranging from 20 to 200ish yards away. All the balls and golf clubs are provided right at the stall. The best part? You have a waiter who will bring you food or drinks right to your area! With loads of different game types and options for varying skill levels, Top Golf really thought of everything when creating a fun experience for everyone!
#6 -
Gilbert Historical Museum
The city of Gilbert holds a special place in our hearts. We have family that migrated to the area over 100 years ago that settled down and helped grow the city. Once known as the “Hay Capital of the World,” the city was famous for its large farming community. Since then, the city has grown and grown into one of the largest communities in the state of Arizona. The Gilbert Historical Museum is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning more about the city. It contains artifacts, photographs, and archives of the city’s deep history. The museum, which resides in the same building as the original Gilbert Elementary School (built in 1913!), is the only structure in the city that is in the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is located in the Gilbert Heritage District, which is a really cool area that features many shopping and dining options. If you’re lucky enough to be in town for the annual fundraising gala event, secure a ticket to experience a beautiful night featuring great food and the opportunity to bid on hundreds of great items/experiences.
#5 -
Go Shopping (and More!)
If you’re in the shopping mood, then the Phoenix area certainly has you covered. There are loads of malls and shopping areas to enjoy while being out in the dry, Arizona heat. Phoenix and its surrounding areas are very large, but no matter what area you’re in, there’s a large shopping center nearby. The Scottsdale Fashion Square and Chandler Fashion Center offer the typical mall shopping that you know and love. Santan Village offers a gorgeous and modern outdoor shopping experience. Located in Gilbert, Santan Village is close to one of the Top Golfs in the Phoenix area. If you’re looking for a deal, the Phoenix Premium Outlets in Tempe offers discounts stores featuring many big brands. Saving the best for last, the Arizona Mills shopping center (also in Tempe) offers the most stores as well as top restaurants, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Legoland Discovery Center. Visit one of these great options and we doubt you’ll leave empty handed.
Photo provided by the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium.
#4 - Desert Botanical Garden
Desert plants can be some of the most unique and beautiful plants in the world. Arizona is one of the best places in the world to experience them. The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is over 80 years old, allowing them to build a collection of over 50,000 desert plants showcased in an appealing and respectful way. The garden features a countless amount of cacti, trees, and flowers from all around the globe. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check out their special events calendar, as they offer lectures, concerts, family activities, and much more. Designated as one of “Phoenix’s Points of Pride,” this 140 acre botanical garden is one of the area's most beautiful offerings.
#3 -
Camelback Mountain
Ready to get outdoors? The Phoenix area has a lot of great hiking spots varying from moderate to very difficult skill levels. Due to the high temperatures, always pack lots of water and sunscreen when you venture on any hike in the area. If you’re up for a challenge, take on one of two trails at Camelback Mountain. Camelback became a Phoenix city park in 1968 and has been a favorite of residents and tourists ever since. Both are hard trails, with Echo Canyon being steeper and Cholla being longer. It’s a beautiful hike full of nature and plant life. You can visit their official site to purchase themed apparel and/or to book a guided hike.
Photo provided by Unsplashed.
#2 -
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is one of the most unique museums that we’ve ever visited. First off, it’s gigantic! The building covers around 200,000 square feet and contains over 15,000 musical instruments from all around the world and throughout history. The instruments are sorted by regions into galleries, with sections ranging from the United States/Canada gallery all the way to the Africa and Middle East Gallery. The museum also has features on specific artists (like Elvis and Taylor Swift, to name a few), an area where you can play some of the instruments, a 299-seat theater for performances, and much more. If you’re a music lover, this is a wonderfully designed and beautiful museum that you should definitely check out.
#1 -
Heard Museum
Founded in 1929, this ever growing museum works with American Indian artists and tribal communities to give voice to the vitality and beauty of their culture. It features world-class exhibits, educational opportunities, and many festivals throughout the year. Starting as a small museum, it has grown right along with the Phoenix area; always striving to offer a first hand viewpoint of Native people. Listen to first rate lectures, native music, peruse the weaving exhibition, and enjoy local foods! Members get free tickets and access to exclusive events and children 5 and under are free. When visiting the Heard Museum you gain a better perspective of the tribal people who played such an important role in shaping this southwest area.
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