Top 20 Must-Try Summer Activities in Tempe, AZ: Beat the Heat with Family Fun
Summer in Arizona means soaring temperatures, but Tempe offers endless ways to stay cool, entertained, and connected with nature and adventure. As a trusted local guide from the Tempe Tourism Office, we've curated this list of the top 20 summer activities (in no particular order) based on visitor favorites and expert recommendations. Always check venue websites for current hours, safety protocols, and reservations.
1. SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium: Dive into an immersive underwater world at Arizona Mills. Explore 12 habitats with over 5,000 marine creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, via a 360-degree tunnel. Perfect for all ages. 5000 Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282. Check website for updates.
2. Axe Throwing: Channel your inner lumberjack at indoor venues like Lumberjaxes, Class Axe Throwing, or Hotshots. Wear closed-toe shoes and embrace the thrill of a perfect stick.
Lumberjaxes: 3105 S. Fair Ln. #100, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 773-6551
Class: 1625 W. University Dr. #122B, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 676-3386
Hotshots: 1290 N. Scottsdale Rd. #102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 591-9118
3. Frosty Refreshments: Beat the heat with smoothies, frozen treats, and exotic teas at Tempe's top spots. From fruity blends to creamy delights, find your chill anywhere in town.
4. Shopping: Shop 'til you drop at Arizona Mills or Tempe Marketplace, featuring outlets, boutiques, dining, and entertainment.
Arizona Mills: 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 491-7300
Tempe Marketplace: 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 966-9338
5. Breakfast Gems: Savor crepes at The Crepe Bar (Rural & Elliot) or innovative dishes at Daily Dose near Tempe Marketplace.
6. Phoenix Rock Gym: Climb indoors at this air-conditioned haven for beginners to pros.
Mon-Fri: 3-10 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
1353 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 921-8322
7. Pottery Painting at As You Wish: Unleash creativity at Tempe Marketplace. Pick pottery, paint, and fire on-site; classes and events available. Reservations recommended. 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Ste. 1141, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 557-9100
8. Try a New Restaurant: Tempe's diverse dining scene awaits. Book ahead and explore global flavors.
9. Stroll Downtown Tempe: Hike 'A' Mountain, breakfast downtown, shop, visit ASU Art Museum (free, reservations encouraged, Fri-Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m.), or relax at Tempe Beach Park and Town Lake.
10. LEGOLAND Discovery Center: Build, ride, and watch 4D movies amid LEGO wonders at Arizona Mills. 5000 Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (877) 526-3960
11. Phoenix Zoo: Early visits for orangutans, tigers, and camel rides; or drive-thru Cruise the Zoo events (seasonal). 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008 | (480) 757-5411
12. Boat Rentals of America: Paddle or cruise Tempe Town Lake or Kiwanis Lake with kayaks, SUPs, and more.
Tempe Town Lake: 72 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (855) 690-0794
Kiwanis: 5203 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (855) 690-0794
13. Arcades & Games: Play at Tilt Studio, Dave & Buster's, or Main Event for games, bowling, laser tag, and eats.
Tilt: Arizona Mills #669 | (480) 648-1222
Dave & Buster's: Tempe Marketplace | (480) 281-8456
Main Event: 8545 S. Emerald Dr. | (480) 753-1200
14. Escape Rooms: Test wits at Escape Zone, Alcatraz, or Inferno.
Escape Zone: 414 S. Mill Ave. #112 | (480) 666-5550
Alcatraz: 1290 N. Scottsdale Rd. #103 | (480) 719-1234
Inferno: 1415 E. University Dr. A-105 | (480) 567-0190
15. Water Play: Kiwanis Pool for slides and waves; Splash Pads at Tempe Marketplace and neighborhood parks (Kiwanis, Esquer, Hudson, Jaycee).
16. Snakes & Lattes: Board games galore with burgers, poutine, and drinks indoors or on the patio. 20 W. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 361-6644
17. Sunrise/Sunset Hikes: Early trails like 'A' Mountain or South Mountain. See our hiking guide and sunset spots. Pack water, sunscreen, hat, shoes.
18. Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon: Sunrise flights over the Sonoran Desert. 715 E. Covey Ln. #100, Phoenix, AZ 85024 | 800-725-2477
19. Movies: Harkins Theatres at Tempe Marketplace/Arizona Mills or Majestic Phoenix with enhanced safety. Reserve online
20. Biking: Explore 215 miles of paths around Town Lake, Mill Ave., Papago Park. E-bike tours/rentals available. Contact Tempe E-Bike Tours: (602) 980-3798; Northshore Rentals
Bonus Activities!
21. Outdoor Picnics: Over 50 parks like Kiwanis, Daley, Tempe Beach. See our picnics guide.
22. Tempe Public Art Drive-By: Tour murals and installations from your car. Explore City art collection.
Follow @tempetourism for updates and visit our Things to Do section.
