10 Things To Do In Phoenix In Summer
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Ready to explore Phoenix in summer? Keep reading to know about the most fun things to do in Phoenix in summer.
Phoenix is a lively desert city in Arizona that has shown tremendous growth over the years to become the fifth most populous city of the United States. The city offers its visitors glorious sunny days, plenty of outdoor activities, interesting architecture, historical sites and thriving nightlife. But are you aware of how this vibrant city’s beauty enhances during summer? If you are wondering about the things to do in Phoenix in summer, then follow the list below that has been curated carefully to give you the perfect summer experience in Phoenix.
Things To Do In Phoenix In Summer
1. Visit The Sealife Arizona Aquarium
When the sun burns the surface, you can find solace at the Sealife Arizona Aquarium. Visit and explore the world under the sea and make some friends. Yes, all of it is possible and makes for an adventure at Sealife Arizona Aquarium. What’s so special about it? The long blue tunnel keeps you so close to the world of blue and its creatures.
Though the 360-degree ocean tunnel is the main attraction of the Aquarium, there are other adventures that you can look towards. Most importantly, if you are visiting the center with family, do witness the turtle rescue reef, the blue rays, starfishes, beluga whales and other adventures. The staff at the aquarium is friendly and helpful. They not only take care of the animals but also make sure that they can help in a friendly interaction between the human world and the blue world. You can check the prices and get your tickets for Sealife Arizona Aquarium here.
2. Get Adventurous At The Salt River
What is summer without the Arizonian Summer Adventure? And since you are in the city of Phoenix, there is only one point that offers the perfect natural habitat for the perfect summer adventure and that is Salt River. Salt River as well as the area around it offers the perfect spot for camping. The amenities make it smooth to stay at night as well. There are night adventure tours, jeep tours, mild and deep-water rafting, tubing and kayaking. And if you want to dawn the cowboy hat, there are wild horses available for you to tame them and give you that medieval royal feeling.
There are many tours available in the Sonoran desert to offer you the perfect adventurous ride. The most enjoyable and popular tours are Salt River Rafting and Arizona Outdoor Fun ATV tour. You can check their respective websites or simply book a call; they will help you in planning the rest of your trip.
3. Explore Wildlife At Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park
What if the door to meet all of the creatures in the world opens while you are exploring Phoenix? If you are thinking that is not possible, you need to think again. The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park in Litchfield Park 29 miles from Phoenix, is a wide area to offer you the perfect opportunity.
An area spread over 215 acres feels like Savannah in the summer heat, where all the lions snore and crocs and hippos go lazy in the water pool. The zoo specializes in African and South American animals which makes it an amazing place for an adventurous safari. Some of the main attractions include Giraffe Feeding Station, Australian Boat Ride, Baby Animal Nursery, African Safari Train, Lory Parrot Feeding, Wildlife Encounters, Tropics of the World Reptiles, Children’s Petting Zoo, Small Mammals of the World and Dragon World. Once you enter the place, there is no stopping fun.
4. Admire Nature In Desert Botanical Garden
How will you find out about the vegetation of the desert, that too in Phoenix? All you need to do is to visit Desert Botanical Garden and you will find out all the answers. You might think that desert vegetation is limited to cacti and some plants that have closed leaves and spiky thorns. But you would be surprised to know that there is much more to it than the desert flora that you know of. You would be amazed by the colors in the garden. The geometrical patterns of the Rotraut would serve as a maze. The Cactus clubhouse in the middle of the garden would leave you spellbound.
And if anything, that has been missing in your summer relaxation, that must be music. You would have live bands and artists performing in the garden. This experience of yours amidst the Desert Botanical Garden would be magical.
5. Spend An Enjoyable Day At Golfland SunSplash
How would you define a light summer day? A water park visit or a visit to the game arcade maybe? What if you could have both and a lot more fun? Golfland Sunsplash is just the place for you. The place has been divided into 2 sections. One section is a waterpark and the other section is a mini-golf course. So, you can enjoy the game as much as possible and once you get tired, you can jump into the water to refresh yourself. It has an arcade as well where you can play video games.
Golfland SunSplash has a pizza restaurant for you to cater to your hunger. You will also see a go-kart truck, bumper boats and bumper cars as well. If you are looking for fun things to do in Phoenix in summer with kids, this activity is the one for you. You can check the timings and tickets on their website.
6. Go For Indoor Skydiving
If you are thinking about a fun indoor activity that you can enjoy during the summer season, then you must consider going for an indoor skydiving experience. You will enjoy the feeling of a freefall in a vertical wind tunnel which is created in a completely safe environment. Proper training about all the gears are provided by professional skydivers. If you haven’t ever experienced real skydiving or are scared of it, then the iFly Phoenix would be one of the most fun things to do in Phoenix in summer for you.
7. Visit The Oak Creek Canyon
The best trips in the summers need a water trail alongside your path. When you are in phoenix you need not go further than Oak Creek Canyon. A water trail surrounded by desert vegetation and huge mountains alongside it. The jeep tours are the best way to explore these spaces along with the creek. You can decide to trek as well if you want. The scenic beauty spread around the area would leave you spellbound.
8. Go Hiking In South Mountain Park and Preserve
Why should you stop your adventure during summer? Though you can enhance your boundaries and explore some new terrains if you have been planning to visit Phoenix. South Mountain Park and Preserve is the perfect destination to expand your horizons. If you have been planning for a hike or a trail trekking, there is a path of 50 miles in the park. But if you simply want to enjoy the views from the top of the mountain, you can drive up to the top and witness the gorgeous sunsets or sunrise.
There is no entry fee to the park. The terrains are beautiful here. As you will witness the beauty of this region, you would witness why it has been known as Phoenix Point of Pride. The best way to soak in the spellbounding views in South Mountain Park during summers is through a sunrise or sunset hike. You can find more details here.
9. Spend Relaxing Time At The Japanese Friendship Garden
A perfect zen-like feel, trickling water and a cool breeze. No, we are not talking about a meditation class. We are talking about a garden that keeps a culture that is practiced thousands of miles away from Phoenix. The Japanese Friendship Garden has all that feels and a plethora of flora. Limestone rocks, tiny Japanese-styled carved structures, a small waterfall and a large water body offer a calming effect on people who choose to visit the garden. This is a perfect place for summer visits.
And don’t be surprised if you see people meditating in such a beautiful environment. The garden is spread over 3.5 acres and contains a tea garden as well as a tea house. You can spend as much time as you want in the garden. A single tour of the garden lasts from half an hour to one hour.
10. Visit The Phoenix Zoo
You would find a variety of flora and fauna in the Phoenix Zoo. The zoo has been spread over 125 acres and has a variety of sections where you would find animals living in natural habitats. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere here is jolly. Among the adventures, you will find Arizona Trail, Africa Trail, Tropics Trails, Children’s Trails, Camel Rides, Wild horses and much more. You can organize field trips, night camps and educational programs in the zoo as well. If you are an environment enthusiast, you would love the sanctuaries and reserves here. Get your tickets for Phoenix Zoo here.
Where To Stay In Phoenix
The Downtown neighborhood is undoubtedly a great place to stay in Phoenix. You will be at the center of the many attractions as it is considered to be the historical and cultural hub of the city. There are also a variety of options for dining and shopping in the neighborhood. Below are our recommendations to help you find your perfect stay in Phoenix in summer.
Budget : SureStay Hotel By Best Western is a great budget option just 5 minutes drive away from downtown. Rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool, free parking area and also provides an airport shuttle for its guests.
Click here to book your stay at the SureStay Hotel By Best Western.
Mid Range : Hyatt Regency is located in Downtown having many restaurants and stores in a close proximity. It is a favorite among travelers. The rooms are beautiful, clean, comfortable and filled with modern amenities. The hotel boasts amazing views of downtown or mountains from its rooms. It also has a revolving rooftop venue where you can enjoy regional New American meals.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Hyatt Regency.
Luxury : Kimpton Hotel is a perfect choice for those looking for a luxurious stay in Phoenix downtown. The rooms are very beautifully designed and filled with impressive and comforting amenities. In room spa services are available too for guests. The rooftop pool and bar is a cool place from where you can enjoy some astounding views of the city.
Don’t miss out, book your stay at Kimpton Hotel here!
The food, art and cultural attractions in Phoenix are also fun during the summers. This massive city has plenty of indoor and outdoor places that can be explored by you to make the most out of your trip. Do let us know your favorite things to do in Phoenix in summer in the comments below.