The Arizona heat is finally starting to kick in - this weekend it was 115°, and the temps are just going to continue to rise. Instead of sitting inside trying to escape the flaming heat, here is a list of twenty things that you can do to get out and explore Arizona all summer long! Some of these activities are free, some cost money, and they span out covering locations across the entire state.
1. Hike & swim at Fossil Creek in Strawberry, Arizona
Fossil Creek is a beautiful creek in Strawberry that is super popular during the summer! You have to hike to get down to the stream, but once you get down there, it makes the hike worth it. You'll be greeted by beautiful waterfalls and crystal clear swimming pools. You do have to have a permit to hike down, so it's best that you plan this trip in advance. You won't regret it!
2. Go to an Arizona Diamondbacks game
Baseball season is in full swing, and what better way to enjoy it then going to a Diamondbacks game? Single game tickets are available for as low as $15, and you can get great seats at a matinee game for $20-30!
3. Get an ice cold drink at Dutch Bros Coffee
Dutch Bros is always a good place to go during the summer. They sell everything from coffee to tea to energy drinks to smoothies, and the workers are always personable and fun to talk to.
4. Spend a night out on Mill Avenue
If you're 21, Mill Ave on a Friday/Saturday night is the place to be. There are tons of bars and pubs that are super popular. If you're under 21, there are still lots of restaurants and shopping that you can check out!
5. Float the Salt River
Floating the Salt River is super popular during the summer. It costs $17 to rent a tube and you can float all day, while staying remotely cool. Get a group of friends together and you're guaranteed to have a good time.
6. Escape the Room
Escape the Room is a fun, interactive game that you can take on with your friends. Based out of old-town Scottsdale, this game requires you and your friends to use clues and hidden objects to break out of a room within a certain amount of time. This place is a bit pricey and you have to make reservations, but it's an experience that you'll never forget.
7. Go swimming
Most people that live in Arizona have a pool in their backyard, but even if you don't, there are hundreds of community pools all around the state! Take a dip and escape the heat, all while getting an awesome tan (or sunburn).
8. Create your own ice cream at Creamistry
If you're a fan of ice cream, you must check this place out! At Creamistry, you create your ice cream from scratch and it is made right in front of you with liquid nitrogen. Not only is the process super cool, but the ice cream is out of this world!
9. Search for Wall Art in Phoenix
Phoenix is filled with tons of cool wall art. You don't have to get out of the car, but you can drive around downtown and look at some of the awesome murals painted downtown. Here is a list of some of the most popular murals in Phoenix.
10. Go to the movies
Going to the movies is always a great place to relax and cool off. There are so many movies coming out this summer: Finding Dory, Me Before you, The Conjuring 2, Central Intelligence – the list goes on and on!
11. Get a drink at the Soda Shop
The Soda Shop is a unique place that puts a tasty spin on plain ol' fountain drinks. Flavors range from 'Big Booty Judy' (Coke with raspberry & vanilla flavoring, as well as fresh squeezed lime) to 'Shark Attack' (Sprite, lemonade, blue raspberry flavoring, and a gummy shark) to 'Happy Camper' (root beer with toasted coconut flavoring and half & half).
12. Go on a Ghost Town Tour in Jerome
Ghost tours in Jerome are a popular tourist attraction for those visiting Arizona. Book a tour here and be spooked by the sites of unsolved murders, ghost sightings, and suspicious fatal accidents. You'll have to plan this in advance - you have to make reservations ahead of time.
13. Spend a night with friends at Top Golf
Top Golf if one of the coolest places you can visit this summer! Have dinner, desert, drinks, and then golf for a few hours with your friends. It tends to get crowded at night, so get there a bit early to get a spot in line so you don't have to wait too long.
14. Have dinner at Culinary Dropout
Not only is the food here delicious, but all of their locations are uniquely decorated and make for a great dining experience. At the Tempe location, they have a live band that plays a variety of music!
15. Swim at Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon is a river located in-between Sedona and Flagstaff. You'll have to hike down to get to the river, but once you do, you'll be greeted by a gorgeous Grand Canyon-like river, red rock, and limestone.
16. Look at art during First Fridays in downtown Phoenix
On the first Friday of each month, there is an art walk in downtown Phoenix from 6-10 PM. You can look at the art, or even buy your favorite works from the vendors.
17. Go to an improvMANIA comedy show
improvMANIA is a improv comedy theater in downtown Chandler. There are different shows at different times, but tickets are cheap (only $10) and you'll leave with sore abs from laughing so hard. These comedians never disappoint.
18. Go to a concert
There are a ton of great artists coming to Arizona this summer, from all different types of genres. The list is endless, with artists ranging from Blue October to Migos, from Pat Benatar to Troye Sivan, from James Taylor to Dej Loaf, and from Bryson Tiller to Darius Rucker. Check out this website for a complete list of all of the concerts in Phoenix this summer.
19. Paint pottery at As You Wish
Painting pottery is super relaxing, not too expensive, and a great way to cool off during the summer. There are tons of pottery places all around the valley, so find one near you and get a group of friends together to go.
20. Take a nap
If you aren't feeling any of these activities, just chill out and take a nap. Naps are free and easy and the greatest thing on this planet.
