Surviving Arizona Summers
If you are looking for things to do to beat the heat, or need to keep those kiddos busy this summer here is a list of fun activities to keep you cool while having fun. Enjoy!
Hiking: Head north for the day or two and take in some great hiking in Prescott like Watson Lake or hit Sedona and check out devils bridge or slide rock to really cool off.
River tubing: Beat the heat by going river tubing in places like the Salt River or Verde River. Float down the gentle currents and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Lake Activities like boating or Paddleboarding – on Lake Pleasant then hit Dillions on the doc for some BBQ or Bartlett Lake – and head up to their dining room that overlooks the lake for a quick bite or Ravensview as you head back into town.
Water parks: Visit one of Arizona's water parks, such as Big Surf Waterpark in Tempe or Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix. These parks offer thrilling water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and other fun water attractions. If you don’t want to be in the sun then check out the newly build Great Wolf Lodge
Jeep Tours: Heading North again to Sedona and take in a Pink Jeep Tour where you’ll take jeeps off roading for a thrill ride. Another company is Arizona Off-Road Jeep Adventures for guided tours through Sedona’s beautiful red rocks.
Visit Museums: Explore the Heard Museum in Phoenix, which showcases Native American art and culture, or the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, known for its innovative contemporary art exhibitions, The science center is always a fun day for the kiddos and adults.
Indoor rock climbing: Try indoor rock climbing at places like AZ on the Rocks in Scottsdale or Phoenix Rock Gym. These facilities offer climbing walls for all skill levels and provide a safe and controlled environment for climbers.
Ice Skating or Hockey - Hit the Ice Den for a little ice skating or hockey
Shopping: Explore the upscale shopping destinations in Scottsdale, such as Scottsdale Fashion Square with 3 floors indoor shopping or Kierland Commons/Scottsdale Quarter where misters definitely help keep you cool while you shop.
Escape rooms: Challenge yourself and your friends with an escape room experience. Scottsdale and Phoenix have several escape room facilities where you can work together to solve puzzles and escape within a set time limit. They are available all over the valley
Bowling – check out summer rates at AMF or Bowlero is also a really fun time. It’s a little bit fancier than the traditional bowling alley like you’ll find at the AMF locations/
Indoor trampoline parks: Jump, flip, and bounce at indoor trampoline parks like Altitude Trampoline Park or Urban Air Adventure Park. These parks offer various attractions, including trampolines, foam pits, and obstacle courses.
Talking Stick Adventure area with the butterfly world, Octane go cart racing, Fly High for the skydiving experience, or just hit the casino
Pool Time – Did you know you can buy a pool pass for several hotels in the area like the Scottsdale Princess, Westin Kieland, the W hotel, Hotel Valley Ho etc…. you can find a list on Experience Scottsdale.
If you want to step it up a notch many of these hotels are also offering spa specials so you could get pampered and then utilize the pool. If you do a spa service you don’t need to purchase the day pass for the pool, it’s complementary for spa patrons.