30+ Things to do in Phoenix

Fun Things to Do in Phoenix

1. Explore Old Town Scottsdale

Location / Neighborhood: Old Town Scottsdale

Best For: First-time visitors, couples, shopping, dining

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours

Cost / Entry: Free to explore

Old Town Scottsdale is one of the liveliest places to spend a few hours in Greater Phoenix, bringing together Southwestern character, independent stores, art galleries, restaurants and nightlife within a walkable district. Browse shops selling jewelry and local gifts, explore the galleries around Main Street or simply wander between the historic streets before stopping for lunch. Later in the day, Old Town becomes one of the area’s main dining and nightlife hubs.

Tip: arrive in the afternoon and stay into the evening. You can explore the shops and galleries first, then move naturally into dinner and drinks without making another journey.

2. Visit Roosevelt Row Arts District

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Phoenix

Best For: Art, food, nightlife, couples

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free to explore

Roosevelt Row is Downtown Phoenix’s creative heart, with colorful murals, galleries, independent stores, cafés and bars spread through a compact, walkable neighborhood. Street art appears across building walls and alleys, while local galleries showcase work by Arizona artists. It is particularly good for visitors who want to experience Phoenix beyond the major museums and outdoor attractions, with plenty of places to stop for coffee, food or drinks along the way.

Tip: if your visit falls on the first Friday of the month, return in the evening for the neighborhood’s major art walk and live entertainment.

3. Walk through The Square PHX

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Phoenix

Best For: History, architecture, families, culture

Estimated Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free to explore, individual attractions may charge

Formerly known as Heritage Square, The Square PHX preserves a collection of 19th and early 20th-century buildings from Phoenix’s original townsite. The standout is the restored 1895 Rosson House, but the surrounding historic homes, restaurants and museums make the whole area worth exploring. Arizona Science Center is also just steps away, so this is an easy place to include in a wider Downtown day.

Tip: book a Rosson House tour if you want more than an outdoor wander, then combine the neighborhood with Arizona Science Center or nearby Downtown attractions.

1. Explore CityScape Phoenix

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Phoenix

Best For: Dining, entertainment, couples, evening visits

Estimated Time Needed: 1 to 3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free to explore, entertainment extra

CityScape sits at the center of Downtown Phoenix and brings restaurants, bars, entertainment and public space together across two city blocks. You can stop for lunch, catch a comedy show at Stand Up Live, listen to live music or combine the area with an event at nearby Footprint Center. Families also have access to a splash pad within the main complex, making CityScape useful for several different types of visitor.

Tip: CityScape works best as part of a wider Downtown itinerary rather than a standalone half-day attraction. Visit after sightseeing and use it for food or evening entertainment.

5. Shop at Biltmore Fashion Park

Location / Neighborhood: Biltmore / Camelback Corridor

Best For: Shopping, couples, dining, relaxed afternoons

Estimated Time Needed: 1 to 3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free to browse

Biltmore Fashion Park offers a more relaxed alternative to a traditional enclosed mall, with landscaped outdoor walkways, fountains, restaurants and more than 60 specialty stores. The open-air setting suits Phoenix particularly well during the cooler months, when you can browse between shops before stopping for lunch or drinks on a patio. Its position near the Camelback Corridor also makes it easy to combine with other central Phoenix attractions.

Tip: save this for late afternoon if you are visiting outside summer. Browse the stores first, then stay for dinner as temperatures become more comfortable.

6. Visit Arizona Science Center

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Phoenix

Best For: Families, science, rainy or hot days

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours

**Cost / Entry: **Paid admission

Arizona Science Center packs four levels of hands-on exhibits into a large Downtown space, with displays exploring subjects such as physics, the human body and natural forces. Live demonstrations, traveling exhibitions and the giant-screen theater give families enough variety to spend several hours indoors, making it particularly useful during Phoenix’s hottest afternoons. The center sits beside The Square PHX, so the two attractions can easily be combined.

Tip: check the day’s planetarium and giant-screen schedule before arriving. Those timed experiences can help shape the rest of your visit rather than being squeezed in at the last minute.

7. Explore the Musical Instrument Museum

Location / Neighborhood: North Phoenix

Best For: Music lovers, families, culture, indoor sightseeing

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours

Cost / Entry: Paid admission

The Musical Instrument Museum turns music into a journey around the world, with thousands of instruments and exhibits exploring how different cultures create and experience sound. Interactive spaces let visitors hear and sometimes play instruments rather than simply viewing them behind glass, while concerts and special programs add even more reason to visit. The museum is open daily and is one of Phoenix’s strongest indoor attractions for both adults and families.

Tip: give yourself at least a couple of hours. Trying to rush through every geographic gallery means missing much of what makes the museum interesting.

Things to Do in Phoenix With Kids

8. Visit the Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Phoenix

Best For: Toddlers, younger children, interactive play

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours

Cost / Entry: Paid admission

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is aimed primarily at children from infancy through around age 10, with three floors of hands-on play and creative exhibits. Kids can climb, build, explore imaginative spaces and burn off plenty of energy indoors, making it especially useful when temperatures outside become uncomfortable. The museum’s central Downtown position also makes it easy to combine with lunch or another nearby attraction.

Tip: younger children can easily spend several hours here, so avoid packing too many other activities into the same morning. The museum also offers free First Friday evenings at selected times.

9. Play at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona

Location / Neighborhood: Tempe

Best For: Families, LEGO fans, younger children

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours

Cost / Entry: Paid admission

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona brings LEGO-themed rides, play spaces and building activities together in an indoor attraction at Arizona Mills in Tempe. Children can build their own creations, explore themed areas and enjoy attractions designed specifically for younger LEGO fans. Because everything is indoors, it is also an easy choice for the hottest summer days or when you want a break from desert hiking and outdoor sightseeing.

Tip: allow around two to three hours, which the attraction itself recommends. Arriving earlier can also give children more time at the most popular build and play areas.

10. Ride the rails at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Location / Neighborhood: Scottsdale

Best For: Families, younger children, train fans

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours

**Cost / Entry: **Park entry free, rides and some attractions paid

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is one of the best family attractions in the Phoenix area for younger children, with a miniature railroad, historic railcars, a vintage carousel, model railway displays and large play areas spread across the 30-acre site. Newer additions include an indoor train-themed play space and splash pad, giving families somewhere to cool down during warmer weather.

Tip: plan to visit earlier in the day if you want to combine the train rides with outdoor play, then use the indoor Roundhouse or splash area when temperatures begin to rise.

11. Walk among butterflies at Butterfly Wonderland

Location / Neighborhood: Arizona Boardwalk, Scottsdale

Best For: Families, younger children, nature, photography

Estimated Time Needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours

**Cost / Entry: **Paid admission

Butterfly Wonderland offers a colorful indoor nature experience centered around its tropical butterfly conservatory. Visitors walk among free-flying butterflies in a rainforest-like environment, while additional exhibits introduce other animals and ecosystems. Located at Arizona Boardwalk, it can also be combined with several nearby family attractions without needing to move the car.

Tip: wear bright clothing if the kids are hoping butterflies might land nearby, and leave plenty of time inside the conservatory rather than rushing straight through for photographs.

12. See dinosaurs at the Arizona Museum of Natural History

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Mesa

Best For: Families, dinosaur fans, school-age children, hot days

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours

Cost / Entry: Paid admission

The Arizona Museum of Natural History is one of the strongest family-friendly museums in Greater Phoenix, with exhibits covering dinosaurs, fossils, minerals, Ice Age animals and the human history of the Sonoran Desert. Children can see towering prehistoric skeletons, explore hands-on displays and even try gold panning, making it much more interactive than a traditional museum visit. The Downtown Mesa location also makes it easy to combine with other attractions and restaurants nearby.

Tip: visit after midday on a weekday if you want a quieter experience, as the museum says school field trips are most common between 10am and noon.

13. Spend a few hours at Encanto Park and Enchanted Island

Location / Neighborhood: Central Phoenix

Best For: Young families, picnics, rides, relaxed days

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours

Cost / Entry: Park is free, amusement rides are paid

Encanto Park offers 222 acres of green space close to central Phoenix, with a lagoon, playgrounds, picnic areas, sports facilities and walking space. Inside the park, Enchanted Island Amusement Park adds rides aimed mainly at children roughly ages two to 10, making this a useful choice for younger families who want something simpler than a major theme park.

Tip: combine a few rides with time elsewhere in Encanto Park rather than spending the whole visit inside the amusement area. Bring a picnic and make it a slower family afternoon.

Free Things to Do in Phoenix

14. Attend First Fridays in Roosevelt Row

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Phoenix

Best For: Art, couples, groups, nightlife

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

On the first Friday of each month, Downtown Phoenix’s art scene becomes even livelier as galleries, creative spaces and streets around Roosevelt Row take part in First Friday. Visitors can browse art, listen to live music and explore the neighborhood alongside food vendors and other pop-up activity. It is one of the easiest ways to experience Phoenix’s local creative community without buying a conventional attraction ticket.

Tip: use public transportation or arrive early, as central Phoenix becomes much busier than on a normal evening. Wear comfortable shoes because the event is best explored on foot.

15. Walk the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area

Location / Neighborhood: South Phoenix, along the Salt River

Best For: Walking, nature, birdwatching, budget trips

Estimated Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area offers a quieter side of Phoenix, with walking trails following restored wetlands and desert habitat along the Salt River. It is a good place to escape the busier Downtown streets, spot local birdlife and experience the natural landscape without committing to one of the city’s steeper mountain hikes. The trails are relatively easy, making this a useful option for visitors who want some outdoor time without a strenuous climb.

Tip: visit early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is generally more active. Bring water and binoculars if you are interested in birdwatching.

16. Explore Papago Park

Location / Neighborhood: East Phoenix

**Best For: **Easy hiking, families, sunsets, photography

Estimated Time Needed: 1 to 3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Papago Park is one of the easiest places to experience Sonoran Desert scenery without committing to a difficult mountain hike. Trails weave between distinctive red sandstone formations, while the very short Hole-in-the-Rock Trail climbs to a natural opening overlooking the surrounding city. The park also connects with the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden area.

Tip: Hole-in-the-Rock is especially popular around sunset, so go earlier if you would rather avoid the busiest period. Even the easy trails require water in warm weather.

17. Visit the Arizona Capitol Museum

Location / Neighborhood: Capitol Mall, Downtown Phoenix

Best For: History, families, culture, budget trips

Estimated Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

The Arizona Capitol Museum occupies the state’s original Capitol building and uses artifacts, interactive displays and historic rooms to explore Arizona’s development from territory to statehood. Visitors can see the former legislative chambers, learn about the state constitution and explore exhibitions covering Arizona’s political, social and cultural history across four floors. Admission is free.

Tip: allow time to walk around Wesley Bolin Plaza outside as well. The monuments and Capitol surroundings add context to the museum without costing anything extra.

18. Discover Downtown Phoenix murals

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Phoenix and Roosevelt Row

Best For: Art, photography, couples, free sightseeing

Estimated Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Public art is scattered across central Phoenix, with huge murals appearing on storefronts, restaurants, alleys and creative spaces throughout Downtown and Roosevelt Row. Styles range from colorful abstract work to pieces inspired by local communities, desert landscapes and Arizona culture. Turning mural hunting into a self-guided walk is an easy way to explore streets that visitors might otherwise miss.

Tip: start around Roosevelt Row and branch into surrounding Downtown streets rather than trying to follow a rigid route. New murals appear regularly, so part of the fun is finding something unexpected.

19. Take in the view from Dobbins Lookout

Location / Neighborhood: South Mountain Park and Preserve

Best For: Views, photography, couples, scenic drives

Estimated Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

At 2,330 feet, Dobbins Lookout is the highest publicly accessible viewpoint in South Mountain Park and offers wide views across Phoenix and the surrounding Valley. You can reach the lookout by driving Summit Road or earn the view by hiking the Holbert Trail. A stone ramada provides some shade once you arrive.

Tip: check road restrictions before driving up, particularly on Silent Sundays when sections of South Mountain’s roadway are reserved for walkers and cyclists.

Outdoor and Adventure Things to Do in Phoenix

20. Hike Camelback Mountain

Location / Neighborhood: Camelback Mountain / Arcadia and Paradise Valley

Best For: Experienced hikers, adventure, panoramic views

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix’s signature outdoor challenges, with Echo Canyon and Cholla trails climbing steeply towards a summit around 1,400 feet above the trailheads. Both routes are officially rated extremely difficult and involve steep, exposed terrain rather than a casual desert walk. Those who reach the top are rewarded with 360-degree views across the Valley.

Tip: take the difficulty seriously. Start early, carry plenty of water and never attempt the summit during extreme heat. Trails close from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Extreme Heat Warning days.

21. Climb Piestewa Peak

Location / Neighborhood: Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Best For: Experienced hikers, fitness, sunrise views

Estimated Time Needed: 1.5 to 3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Piestewa Peak offers another demanding city hike, with the Summit Trail climbing around 1,200 feet in just over a mile. The route is steep, rocky and officially rated extremely difficult, but the summit rewards successful hikers with panoramic views across Phoenix. Easier trails around Dreamy Draw and the base of the mountain provide alternatives for visitors who want desert scenery without tackling the summit.

Tip: if you are unsure about the summit, choose the Nature Trail or another lower route instead. Phoenix heat restrictions also apply to Piestewa trails during Extreme Heat Warnings.

22. Explore South Mountain Park and Preserve

Location / Neighborhood: South Phoenix

Best For: Hiking, cycling, scenic drives, families

Estimated Time Needed: 2 hours to full day

Cost / Entry: Free

Covering more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park and Preserve gives visitors dozens of options for exploring the Sonoran Desert. More than 58 miles of trails range from shorter walks to demanding hikes, while Summit Road offers a scenic driving route for visitors who want the mountain views without a long climb. Dobbins Lookout is one of the most popular destinations within the preserve.

Tip: choose your route before arriving because the park is enormous. Some popular trails also close during the hottest hours when an Extreme Heat Warning is in effect.

23. Visit Desert Botanical Garden

Location / Neighborhood: Papago Park

Best For: Nature, photography, families, couples

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours

Cost / Entry: Paid admission

Desert Botanical Garden showcases the remarkable variety of plants that thrive in arid landscapes, with trails winding through cactus, agave, wildflowers and other desert species. The garden has more than 50,000 plants and several themed trails covering subjects such as Sonoran Desert ecology and desert living. Seasonal exhibitions and evening events can make repeat visits feel very different.

Tip: visit early or later in the day during warmer months. The garden adjusts hours around extreme temperatures, and advance ticket reservations are recommended.

24. Kayak or paddleboard Tempe Town Lake

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Tempe

Best For: Families, couples, watersports, active visitors

Estimated Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours

Cost / Entry: Paid equipment rental

Tempe Town Lake adds a surprisingly watery experience to a desert-city trip. Visitors can hire kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats and other watercraft from operators around the lake, while the surrounding paths are popular for walking and cycling. Swimming is not permitted, but being on the water still makes a refreshing change from mountain trails and city sightseeing.

Tip: go in the morning during warmer months when the water and surrounding paths are quieter. If bringing your own watercraft, check Tempe’s permit requirements beforehand.

25. Play a round of desert golf

Location / Neighborhood: Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale

Best For: Golfers, groups, couples

Estimated Time Needed: Half day

Cost / Entry: Paid green fees

Greater Phoenix is one of America’s major golf destinations, with nearly 200 courses spread across the metropolitan area. Choices range from lush resort fairways to dramatic desert layouts surrounded by mountains and native Sonoran vegetation. Scottsdale is particularly well known for high-profile courses, although Phoenix itself also offers municipal and resort golf options for different budgets and ability levels.

Tip: winter and spring tee times are in high demand, so book well ahead. Summer rounds can be cheaper, but very early tee times are essential because of the heat.

26. Take a hot-air balloon ride over the desert

Location / Neighborhood: Sonoran Desert around North Phoenix and Scottsdale

Best For: Couples, special occasions, photography, adventure

Estimated Time Needed: 3 to 4 hours including preparation

Cost / Entry: Premium paid experience

Few experiences show the scale of the Sonoran Desert better than floating above it in a hot-air balloon. Most flights take place around sunrise, when temperatures and winds are calmer and the low morning light spreads across mountains, cactus-filled desert and the outskirts of the city. It is a peaceful contrast to Phoenix’s more active hiking and biking adventures.

Tip: leave this activity for one of the earlier mornings of your vacation. Balloon flights depend heavily on weather conditions, giving you time to reschedule if your first booking cannot operate.

Unique Things to Do in Phoenix

27. Tour Taliesin West

Location / Neighborhood: North Scottsdale

Best For: Architecture, design, history, couples

Estimated Time Needed: 1.5 to 2.5 hours

Cost / Entry: Paid tour

Taliesin West was Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert home and architectural laboratory, built into the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. Tours reveal how Wright responded to the surrounding desert through materials, light, geometry and indoor-outdoor design, making the site fascinating even for visitors who are not architecture experts. The property is explored primarily through guided or audio-based walking experiences.

Tip: reserve ahead because tour capacity is limited. Wear comfortable shoes too, as pathways include gravel, shallow steps and uneven surfaces.

28. Explore Phoenix’s craft brewery scene

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Phoenix, Roosevelt Row and wider city

Best For: Adults, groups, food and drink

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours

Cost / Entry: Drinks and tours paid individually

Phoenix’s food and drink scene has developed well beyond traditional Southwestern dining, with craft breweries, taprooms and distilleries scattered through Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Roosevelt Row is a particularly convenient starting point because you can move between drinks, restaurants, street art and nightlife without planning a dedicated driving route. Tempe also has a well-established brewery scene within Greater Phoenix.

Tip: choose one neighborhood and explore on foot or use rideshare rather than trying to visit breweries spread across the entire Valley in one evening.

29. Visit the Japanese Friendship Garden

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Phoenix

Best For: Couples, gardens, photography, peaceful sightseeing

Estimated Time Needed: 1 to 1.5 hours

Cost / Entry: Paid admission

The Japanese Friendship Garden, also known as Ro Ho En, offers a calm contrast to Phoenix’s desert scenery. The 3.5-acre garden was developed through Phoenix’s sister-city relationship with Himeji, Japan, and includes streams, landscaped pathways, a waterfall and a koi pond filled with hundreds of fish. Cultural programs and seasonal events add further reasons to visit.

Tip: take your time rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. Early visits are especially peaceful, while seasonal cultural events can make certain dates worth planning around.

1. Explore the Heard Museum

Location / Neighborhood: Central Phoenix

Best For: Indigenous art, culture, history, adults and older children

Estimated Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours

Cost / Entry: Paid admission

The Heard Museum is one of Phoenix’s most important cultural institutions, focusing on American Indian art and the histories and experiences of Indigenous peoples. Permanent and temporary exhibitions range from historic objects and sculpture to contemporary work, photography and exhibitions addressing subjects such as boarding-school history. Complimentary public tours run throughout the day when the museum is open.

Tip: join one of the free guided tours if your schedule allows. The additional context provided by museum guides can make the collections much more meaningful than walking through every gallery independently.

Seasonal Events in Phoenix

WM Phoenix Open

Golf becomes one of Greater Phoenix’s biggest spectator events each February when the PGA TOUR arrives at TPC Scottsdale. The 2027 WM Phoenix Open runs from February 8 to 14, with tournament play from February 11 to 14 and the famously energetic 16th-hole stadium among its best-known features.

Tip: accommodation, restaurants and transport around Scottsdale become much busier during tournament week, so book early if your Phoenix trip overlaps with the event.

Cactus League Spring Training

Every February and March, 15 Major League Baseball teams gather at 10 stadiums across Greater Phoenix for Cactus League Spring Training. The 2027 season begins February 19, with more than 200 games taking place around the Valley.

Tip: don’t restrict yourself to one team. Stadiums are relatively close together, making it easy to see several games during the same vacation.

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has been part of the area’s event calendar since 1955 and combines equestrian competition with demonstrations, shopping and family activities at WestWorld. The 2027 show runs from February 11 to 21.

Tip: this takes place at the same time as some of Phoenix’s busiest winter events, so plan Scottsdale travel and parking carefully.

Arizona State Fair

Fall brings rides, concerts, fairground food, agricultural exhibits and family entertainment to the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix. The 2026 Arizona State Fair runs from October 1 to November 1, opening Thursdays through Sundays.

Tip: evening visits bring cooler temperatures and the full atmosphere of the illuminated rides, although weekends are generally much busier.

Plan your Phoenix trip

Choose a base that makes it easy to balance Phoenix’s outdoor adventures with the city’s museums, restaurants and entertainment. Our Phoenix vacation rentals include homes with private pools, hot tubs, outdoor kitchens and games rooms, with properties suitable for smaller families through to large groups.

If Old Town, nightlife, golf and Scottsdale’s attractions feature heavily in your itinerary, you can also explore Scottsdale vacation rentals, which sit within easy reach of Phoenix while providing a large collection of private-pool homes.

For help deciding when to travel, the best time to visit Arizona guide covers Phoenix weather throughout the year, including the milder hiking and golf season and the extreme summer heat.