With summer approaching, it’s hard to find things to do in and around Phoenix, especially when temperatures soar into the triple digits and can reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit from June through August.
The good thing is that there are several activities during the summer that are refreshing, that occur during not so hot times and that even take place in a conditioned space.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist visiting for just a few days, this list of the best things to do this summer will help you have the best time.
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Cool off at the Phoenix Zoo
If you want to encounter the city’s most exotic animal inhabitants, you’ll have to set your alarm a little earlier in the summer. Through August 31, zoo hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Zoo members can enter one hour before opening, at 6 a.m.
Closing the zoo early allows keepers more time to protect heat-sensitive animals. A recent blog post from the zoo staff noted that zookeepers monitor animals several times a day for signs of heat exhaustion, lethargy and abnormal activity or behavioral changes.
Depending on the animal, zookeepers give them access to pools and sprinklers, keep heat-sensitive animals in shaded areas, and provide them with frozen treats.
Details: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-286-3800, https://www.phoenixzoo.org.
Street art in downtown Phoenix
The streets of downtown Phoenix are like an art museum. Hop on the train to take a photo in front of large murals by local artists that tell stories of the past, speak out about social issues, and most importantly, inspire you to explore the city.
So if you are nearby or have nothing to do you can visit some of these murals:
- Jane Goat | Northeast corner of First and Adams streets of the Hyatt Regency Hotel
- Lalo Cota | Carly’s Bistro 128 E. Roosevelt St.
- Clyde | 1 N. First St.
- 1 ½ Street mural | The Churchill 901 N. First St.
- Kyllan Maney & Jayarr | Southwest corner of First and Adams Streets
- Nyla Lee & Isaac Caruso | 802 W. Jefferson St.
- Oak Street Alley | Oak Street between 14th and 15th streets
- Joerael Elliott | 815 N. Second St.
- Josh Brizuela | 711 N. Seventh Ave.
- Tyson Krank | Alley west of 5th Avenue and Fillmore Street
- Doug Bale, Miguel Ibarra and Aaron Lim | Trans Am 1506 W. Grand Ave.
- Lauren Lee | Oasis on Grand 1501 W. Grand Ave.
- Maggie Keane | Rodriguez Boxing Club 1350 W. Roosevelt St.
- ‘Malinda’ by Hugo Medina and Darrin Armijo-Wardle | Renaissance Hotel (alley) 100 N. First St.
- Nevercrew | 110 N. Central Ave.
Walk through the Desert Botanical Garden
Enjoy the nature of the Desert Botanical Garden with a nice walk along its trails and the outdoor art installations every second Tuesday of the month when admission is free. You can get your tickets here.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the 95,900 specimens they have, in addition to the 4,482 species in the living collection and 519 rare and endangered species in the garden. Admission is free every second Tuesday of the month.
Details: Phoenix Botanical Garden. 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. https://dbg.org/
An afternoon at the Phoenix Art Museum
Do you love art? The Phoenix Art Museum offers free admission every Wednesday afternoon.
For six decades, the museum has opened its doors for the community to view art and experience some of the Valley’s most notable cultural events. Admission is free every Wednesday from 3 pm to 9 pm,
Details: Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. https://phxart.org/.
day trips
Fun is also found in other spots not far from Phoenix.
Go to Salt River Tubing: Spend a relaxing day floating down the Salt River with Salt River Tubing. Rent a tube, relax and enjoy the cool water and spectacular desert and canyon scenery. You might even spot some of the wild horses that live along the river.
Visit Northern Arizona: Sedona, Flagstaff, Jerome and more. All of these towns are in northern Arizona and have their own unique and special touch, and, if that were not enough, the temperatures are usually between 10 to 20 degrees cooler than in Phoenix. Visit Sedona to fall in love with the magnificent red stones that adorn the city or Jerome, a point where you can also observe the beautiful rocks, but you can also delve into the history of mining and also some of the horror of the town.
Explore Arizona’s newest state park: The Verde River runs through Rockin’ River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde, perfect for swimming, fishing or lounging by the creek. Six miles of flat trails crisscross the park and there are picnic benches everywhere, so bring your lunch.
And of course, try the best food Phoenix has to offer.
Although in Arizona Mexican restaurants are not on every corner, there is something for everyone.
Our editors compiled a list of essential Arizona restaurants to try in 2024, and these Mexican food spots are the best:
Contact reporter Nadia Cantú by email [email protected] or by X @Nadia_Cantu.
