Top 10 Best & Fun Things To Do In Tempe
Tempe has destinations intended for kids and families. Here are our picks for the best and fun things to do in Tempe, Arizona that you should add to your family fun!
1. Stroll through Tempe Marketplace
Tempe Marketplace is a great place to visit all year round, but it’s a perfect family destination in the spring. Explore all activities at this outdoor shopping oasis:
- Splash Pad – Cool off at the splash pad located near Barnes & Noble in The District. Kids can play in the water at the Splash Pad while parents sit and relax while enjoying the fresh spring air.
- Drift Haus – On your marks, get set, go. Buckle into one of these speedy little carts and hit the beginner-friendly, indoor racetrack. There’s even a Lil’ Drifters session for ages 3 to 5.
- Live Music – Enjoy FREE live music from up-and-coming talent Friday and Saturday nights at The District Stage.
- Movies – Visit Harkins Theaters to catch the latest blockbuster film.
- Dining – There are so many kid-friendly dining options and shops inside Tempe Marketplace. From frozen yogurt to pizza and everything in between, Tempe Marketplace has just what you need to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Check out our Tempe Marketplace dining blog or family friendly restaurant blog for more options.
2. Visit the Phoenix Zoo
Previously voted one of the top five zoos in the U.S., and one of the largest nonprofit zoos as well, this is an awesome place to spend the day. Zoo staff cares for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species, such as the African Lion, Golden Eagle, Orangutan and the Jaguar.
While you’re there, immerse yourself in a world where colossal dinosaurs and other ancient beasts dominate the landscape of the Phoenix Zoo at Dinosaurs in the Desert! Through April 2023, guests can experience prehistoric creatures, including Giganotosaurus, saber-toothed cat, sea scorpion, terror bird and more. Activities include a self-guided tour, an interactive fossil dig, dino-themed photo ops, dino merch and snacks. For a full list of activities, visit the zoo’s event website.
3. Enjoy Tempe Town Lake and Rent a Boat
Get out on the water at Tempe Town Lake. Rent a donut boat, pedal boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake. Kick the fun up a notch by boarding the swan, duck or dragon-themed pedal boats. Or bring the entire crew for a donut boat ride (seats up to 10). If you’d rather experience the lake on dry land, rent a surrey bike to cruise the perimeter. They have both two-person and four-person bikes available for rent.
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4. Explore SEA LIFE Aquarium
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, located inside Arizona Mills, is built for kids of all levels with tons of exhibits, creatures and hands-on experiences. Discover the only 360-degree ocean tunnel in Arizona and come face to face with sharks, stingrays and more! Make it a day of exploration and purchase a combo ticket to visit SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona, located next door.
5. Desert Botanical Garden
Discover the tranquil beauty of the Sonoran Desert at the Botanical Garden, where desert plants are nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. With five thematic trails to explore, it’s easy to get lost among the towering cacti, swaths of succulents, brilliant wildflowers, and lush trees.
6. Hike Camelback Mountain
Considered one of the country’s top hiking destinations, Camelback Mountain attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. There are two routes to the top, the Echo Canyon trail and the Cholla trail, both of which test even the most advanced hikers with rough terrain and steep elevation changes. The payoff is worth it, though — the 2,700-foot-summit offers unparalleled views of the Valley below.
7. Fun for Everyone
Try a new game! Tilt Studio, Dave & Busters, Snakes and Lattes and Main Event deliver fun for everyone in the family. From arcade games and bowling to delicious food and tasty drinks, each location has something unique to offer, so check them all out.
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8. Build with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona, located inside Arizona Mills, is where families with children ages 3 to 10 can enjoy a world of creativity, color and building fun in the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground, complete with thousands of LEGO® bricks in themed play areas.
9. Visit the Tempe History Museum
Tempe History Museum is a free museum is quite a gem. It explores the history of Tempe in four themed areas: Surviving the Desert, Building Our Community, College Town and Living Together. There’s also an area called Kids’ Place where children can play in a miniature Sun Devil Stadium, climb on a police motorcycle and hear music from bygone eras. There’s also an area with changing exhibits that relate to Tempe’s past.
10. Catch a Spring Training Game
Enjoy sunny skies and all the spring vibes at this year’s Cactus League Spring Training games, February 26 through March 25, 2023.
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