Top Indoor Activities in Tempe to Beat the Scorching Summer Heat
Escape Tempe's intense summer heat with these premier indoor activities and attractions. Perfect for families, these air-conditioned havens offer museums, arcades, escape rooms, and more for endless entertainment.
Arizona Mills
5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 491-7300
Spend an entire day at Arizona Mills, an expansive indoor mall featuring over a mile of retail shops, outlets, and entertainment options like an IMAX Theatre, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium.
Alcatraz Escape Room Games
1290 N. Scottsdale Rd., #103, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 719-1234
Test your problem-solving skills at Alcatraz Escape Games. Locked in a themed room with puzzles and riddles, you and your team have 60 minutes to decipher clues and escape together.
As You Wish at Tempe Marketplace
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 557-9100
Inside the District at Tempe Marketplace, As You Wish sparks creativity. Select pottery, paint it with provided colors, and explore classes for adults and kids. Reservations recommended due to limited seating.
Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (480) 730-0205
One of Arizona's top independent bookstores, Changing Hands offers an excellent selection of children's books and toys. Browse their event calendar for virtual and in-store happenings.
Dave & Busters
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 281-8456
Discover non-stop excitement at Dave & Busters with their Eat & Play Combo, drink specials, and vast array of games. Something new awaits every visit.
Escape Zone
414 S. Mill Ave. Suite #112, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 744-6469
Challenge yourself at Escape Zone in Downtown Tempe. Choose missions like stopping a train crash, breaking out of jail, or uncovering a hidden inheritance through unique storylines and puzzles.
Hall of Flame Fire Museum
6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ 85008 | (602) 275-3473
Inspire young firefighters at the Hall of Flame Museum. Explore historic fire trucks and equipment from the 18th century onward.
Inferno Escape Room
1415 E. University Dr., A-105, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 567-0190
Become the hero in Inferno's live-action escape games. Use teamwork to solve clues and puzzles within 60 minutes. Private rooms ensure it's just you and your group.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Ste. 135, Tempe, AZ 85282
Ideal for kids aged 3-10, LEGOLAND Discovery Center inside Arizona Mills offers hands-on building zones, themed play areas, and thousands of LEGO bricks to fuel creativity.
LumberJaxes Axe Throwing
3105 S. Fair Ln., #100, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 773-6551
Try indoor axe throwing at LumberJaxes, similar to a shooting range but with axes. Expert instructors ensure safety and teach proper techniques in each bay.
Main Event Entertainment
8545 S. Emerald Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 753-1200
Main Event boasts 26 bowling lanes, laser tag, high ropes course, billiards, shuffleboard, 125+ games, and diverse food and drinks for all-ages fun.
Phoenix Rock Gym
1353 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 921-8322
Conquer indoor climbing walls at Phoenix Rock Gym, featuring 30-foot heights and over 15,000 sq. ft. of terrain for all skill levels.
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Ste. 145, Tempe, AZ 85282
Inside Arizona Mills, SEA LIFE showcases 5,000 sea creatures in 30+ tanks, including seahorses, sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
Tilt Studio
5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Ste. 669, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 648-1222
This 40,000 sq. ft. two-story arcade offers 150+ video, redemption, and interactive games, plus food and drinks in a family-friendly setting.
ASU Art Museum
51 E. 10th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 965-2787
On ASU's Tempe campus, enjoy free admission to rotating exhibits of contemporary art, including the largest U.S. collection of Cuban art and an award-winning print collection.
