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Beat the Arizona Heat: Top Ways to Stay Cool in Tempe This Summer

Arizona summers in Tempe bring intense heat, but with the right activities, you can stay cool, entertained, and comfortable. Discover our curated list of reliable ways to beat the scorch and enjoy the season.

1) Cool off at Tempe's splash pads. The Tempe Marketplace Splash Pad, in the heart of The District at Tempe Marketplace, offers shaded seating for parents, nearby shops, and restaurants. Grab an iced drink or treat from spots like MoJo Yogurt or Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Open daily 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with live music on Friday and Saturday evenings nearby.

2) Dive into fun at Big Surf Waterpark. America's original wave pool features activities for all ages, from toddler play areas to thrilling rides. Enjoy waves at "Waikiki Beach" every three minutes, surf lessons, on-site food, and drinks. Check the Big Surf website for hours, deals, and details.

3) Explore sea life in air-conditioned comfort. SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium at Arizona Mills (Priest and Baseline) houses over 5,000 creatures, including stingrays, sharks, and clownfish. Catch rotating exhibits like Octopus Hideout. Afterward, shop the 1-mile Arizona Mills loop, dine at restaurants, or try the new food court.

4) Enjoy indoor adventures at Tempe museums. The Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) on Tempe Town Lake offers a 600-seat theater, 200-seat studio, and free gallery with rotating exhibits celebrating Arizona's birds, like Birds of a Feather. The ASU Art Museum on Mill Ave. and 10th St., praised by Art in America as Arizona's top contemporary art venue, hosts free First Saturday for Families. Open Tue-Sat 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Tempe History Museum (Rural and Southern) features hands-on Super Summer Adventures with music, crafts, and games. Free admission; Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 1-5 p.m.

5) Game on at Tempe's entertainment hubs. Dave & Buster's at Tempe Marketplace has 150+ video, prize, and simulator games, plus a full restaurant. At Arizona Mills, Tilt Studio offers arcade classics and prizes. Main Event (near IKEA on Priest and Warner) includes 26 bowling lanes, laser tag, ropes course, billiards, shuffleboard, and 125+ games.

For more Tempe summer ideas, visit www.tempetourism.com/summer.

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