Hi Adventure Lovers, Welcome to Things to Do in Phoenix. Imagine a city where the sun shines almost every day, a vibrant metropolis that meets all expectations and desert landscapes as far as the eye can see.
Whether you’re a local, visitor or traveling with kids, it offers an endless array of fun things to do. From the scenic landscape of the Sonoran Desert to the attractions of cool downtown Phoenix to the fun activities to do, Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, should be on your travel bucket list. From hiking to biking and kayaking on the Salt River, Phoenix is a popular destination for its many kid-friendly and family-friendly attractions!
In this blog post today I will give you a guide to the best activities to do in Phoenix. So why the delay?
Best 15 Things to Do in Phoenix
1. Desert Botanical Garden
#Top things to do in Phoenix
The Desert Botanical Garden is a popular destination in Phoenix. The 140-acre garden is a great place to display many things, including desert plants and birds. With beautiful plants, butterflies, hummingbirds, other wildlife, and numerous cactus species in the tranquil meditation garden with the soothing sound of water, it’s like nature’s Disney World. I recommend downloading the map first. Not all trails are paved, so bring good, closed-toe walking shoes. If you need to take a break, there are plenty of seating options available. The garden is a beautiful, peaceful place to relax.
2. Camelback Mountain
#Best Things to do in Phoenix
Camelback Mountain is one of the most famous and recognizable landmarks in the region. Camelback Mountain is located northeast of the city, between Phoenix and Paradise Valley. The mountain gets its name from its uncanny resemblance to the head and hump of a kneeling camel. The massive mountain is a great place for a variety of activities including hiking, and biking for you to enjoy. It’s a ~1.5 mile uphill but it’s a steep elevation gain! Make sure you bring proper shoes and enough water. And don’t stick your hand in a hole and be careful where you step. There is wildlife everywhere and you don’t want to be surprised.
3. Musical Instrument Museum
#Things to do in Phoenix
This is one of the favorite museums in all of Phoenix. This is the Musical Instrument Museum, known as the MIM. It costs twenty dollars for adults. If you go here, you’re going to be very happy with your experience. You don’t really play instruments or do much with music, but you do like music, and this place wowed me. In my opinion, a “should-visit” location for anyone who finds themselves in the greater Phoenix region. To visit Musical Instrument Museum, please confirm your Ticket first.
4. Phoenix Art Museum
#Indoor things to do in Phoenix
General admission is free, but if there are special exhibitions going on, you have to pay the ticket price for them. It is a large art museum. Visiting on a weekday offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for immersing yourself in the beauty of the pieces. They have provided plenty of photo ops for everyone to enjoy. But it is a best choice place for you and kids.
5. South Mountain Park
#Things to do in Phoenix
This park serves the purpose of recreation. Although there are some unique micro/macro-hiking opportunities, don’t expect anything above that. If you’re looking for a wild drive, it’s 5.5 miles along a curvy road. You get a city view and a desert view. Some people prefer to do it at night, others at sunset or even during the day. It’s good for biking but it is also a great place for an early morning hike while the air is still fresh. There are also plenty of hiking options. Be sure to drink plenty of water as the heat heats it very quickly.
6. Phoenix Zoo
#Family friendly things to do in Phoenix
Incredible Experience It will feel like you are in a zoo where you are in an amusement park. The entire park allows visitors to get up close to the animals in a way never experienced before. Rare species from all over the world are much more interesting than the rare splits. I would compare it to Jurassic Park if it was a real place. You can see nearly 3,000 members of the fauna living in conditions that mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible.
The zoo is home to Sumatran tigers, orangutans, Maasai giraffes, rhinos, crocodiles, and many other animals. It is also home to lovely gardens, ponds, promenades, outdoor cafes, and stores. Phoenix Zoo is a kid and family-friendly destination.
7. Papago Park
#Things to do in Phoenix
Papago Park is literally in the heart of the Phoenix metro area. Around here, you’ll find zoos, parks, and recreation areas where you can hike to the Hole-in-the-Rock. You may also see some bighorn sheep walking around. The park features very unique red rock sandstone formations. It is a great place for a picnic and you can also fish in the lake. It’s a free activity, even for parking. It’s popular with both locals and tourists.
8. Ody Sea Aquarium
#Kid friendly things to do in Phoenix
Super Family is friendly and fun and is a great indoor activity. It was bigger than expected. Beautiful aquatic animals on display, everything from fish, sharks, small gators, turtles, jellyfish, some birds, and more. It was a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, not too busy, and the staff was very helpful and friendly. The exhibits were incredibly well designed, showcasing a variety of marine life in beautifully themed environments.
What really stood out to us was the emphasis on family connections throughout the aquarium. There were lots of interactive exhibits that encouraged us to engage with the marine life and each other. OdySea Aquarium can certainly be an interesting destination for children. To visit Ody Sea Aquarium, please Confirm your Ticket first.
9. Phoenix Mountains Preserve
#Outdoor things to do in Phoenix
Phoenix Mountain Preserve is a natural region that spans more than 7,000 acres of rough land and different types of environments. The Preserve was created to conserve the extraordinary desert-like setting, which offers numerous opportunities for recreation including walking, cycling, and riding horses on its numerous trails. Of course, you are never wholly in the wild, but considering this is urban sprawl, it is an impressive place for a hike.
You will be surprised when you get to the top and you will see the entire city of Phoenix. You can keep the hike pretty easy if you go on the Peak Trail or over the ridgelines. The trails are nice but very rocky, so be sure to wear hiking shoes at a minimum.
10. North Mountain Park
#Free things to do in Phoenix
Visitors to North Mountain Park can enjoy the fascinating mix of nature and fun activities this 1,100 wilderness preserve offers. Its highest point rises to 2,104 feet above sea level, presenting a difficult but thrilling hike with breathtaking scenic views as a reward to the visitors. Furthermore, there is no doubt that the quality of the well-kept and clean trails also contributes significantly to the hiking experience as a whole. This trail tends to be active almost all the time, contributing to the place’s liveliness.
Also, there is the selling point of the impressive view of the Phoenix skyline with the attractive terrain of Camelback Mountain as the background. Because of the strategic location and features such as the picnic spots and playgrounds, it attracts not only hikers but also families in search of typical outdoor activities. They are perfectly suited for anyone who aspires to have a unique hiking experience.
11. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
#Unique things to do in Phoenix
Hot air ballooning in Phoenix, Arizona is a thrilling experience. Like a fairy tale, you look up and see clouds, and slowly circle into them. If it’s your first time in a hot air balloon, and all this makes you drowsy, that’s normal. You cannot perceive that you are rising; it is too smooth. And the sights are breathtaking too especially when it is a great desert around Phoenix.
Many types of balloon rides are available for do in Phoenix. The most favorite of all is done in the morning after which you are served breakfast. Sometimes they do provide a glamorous breakfast where champagne is included. It’s one of the most entertaining activities in Phoenix, as it is unique and thrilling.
12. Explore the Lake Pleasant Regional Park
#Things to do in Phoenix
Lake Pleasant Regional Park, very close to the Phoenix area, is the ultimate favorite for many. It’s never busy and there’s plenty to do. Enjoy walking trails, boating, a boat launch, a restaurant on the water, plenty of picnic tables and biking trails. There is an entrance fee for this park, which is very reasonable considering how well they maintain the park and roads. Natural shade is non-existent though so if you go in summer (June-October really) be sure to bring plenty of artificial shade: extra tarps, canopies, sun clothes etc. Try to keep the site as cool as possible.
13. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
The Riparian Preserve is the perfect place to get away from the Gilberts without actually leaving Gilbert. When you walk the gravel trails, you’ll feel like you’re walking through the wilderness. All kinds of beautiful birds frequent the park, so it’s great for birdwatching. There are places to fish, places to feed the ducks, and plenty of places to sit and relax. The kids love it here for many reasons, including the activities that are set up specifically for younger children.
14. Visit Saguaro lake
Phoenix has quite many lakes, yet one of the finest of them is Saguaro Lake. You can go out to the water on a jet ski for hire, a boat for rent is also an option, or you can even go on a cruise over the sands of the desert, the tickets are $26 for adults and $17 for kids. Just bear in mind that the actual tour is an 80 to 90-minute one with commentary.
15. Nightlife in Phoenix
Scottsdale offers some of the best nightlife. Nightlife is offered in different parts of the Phoenix metro, but this particular place is one of the best, especially for a youthful population. Old Town Scottsdale tends to be less rowdy than the area surrounding Fashion Square. There is so much more entertainment at Dierks Bentley’s Jerky Bar, bottled blonds, and in the W hotel which has a bar that is set like a resort. Live music venues, craft cocktail lounges, and local dance spots are available for people with different interests.
Certain places like Crescent Ball Room and Valley Bar are on occasion active due to performances, while other areas like Roosevelt Row consist of cool bars and art spaces. Such regions provide an informal high-end dining experience at night conducive to working class, more so middle-aged patrons.
All the best on your trip to Phoenix. Don’t forget to share your best things to do in Phoenix travel experiences with “Tale of Journey”. I look forward to hearing about your Phoenix travel experiences. Oh, and one more thing Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive the latest destination information directly to your email.
Happy Travel!!
