With many things to do in Tempe, Arizona, it may be hard for you to plan a trip to the area. You can rest assured, however, because there are things to do that everyone in your travel party will enjoy. This list will help you find things that each person in your group will love.
10. Big Surf Waterpark
While this waterpark is only open during the summer months, it is still a great place to visit if you are in the area while the park is open. The park has a large wave pool, a number of fun slides, and a young children’s area. The waterpark is also home to a zipline, which will be an additional cost for guests. Keep in mind that tickets may not be your only cost while at the park. If you want to rent rafts or lockers, those will be an additional cost on top of the admission. Check the park’s website for hours or to buy tickets ahead of time.
9. Tempe Beach Park
Your family and friends will love a trip to Tempe Beach Park. Located next to the lake, this park allows guests to do a number of different activities. Take a romantic picnic in the park with your significant other or rent a bike and go for a little ride around the park. For the water lovers, there are paddle boards and boats you can rent and take out on the lake. If you are visiting during the summer, take the kids to the Splash Pad where they can run through the fountains and play.
8. Mill Avenue District
The Mill Avenue District is a cool place to go shopping or to catch dinner while you are in the area. The district is full of great local businesses, but you will still find national chains here, as well. There are dozens of restaurants in the neighborhood that hit a variety of different price levels. Whether you want to spend the evening quickly catching dinner or sitting down for a more formal meal, you will find something here. The district also host many different events, especially during the weekend, so you may want to check out the event calendar.
7. Riverbound Sports
If you or someone in your traveling group loves to be out on the water, considering stopping at Riverbound Sports to rent a kayak or standup paddle board. The company offers inflatable standup paddle boards, as well, so you won’t hurt yourself as a beginner. Rentals may be either half day or full day and prices depend on length of rental and equipment rented. The company does advise that it may be difficult to transport the equipment, so you may want to consider that aspect before you decide to rent anything. Go online to reserve your rental equipment today.
6. Arizona Distilling Co.
Arizona Distilling Co. offers both tours and tastings for those who are truly interested in the distilling process and the products it yields. Each tour lasts an hour and you will see the ins and outs of making different products, including bourbon and gin. If you don’t want to take a public tour, you should consider scheduling a private tour. Take a tasting if you are a bourbon or whiskey connoisseur. You will need to schedule tours at least 24 hours in advance. You can book a tour online or by phone.
5. Halle Heart Children’s Museum
At Halle Heart Children’s Museum, kids will have a great time learn about the human heart. Exhibits will show children how the heart works, what to eat to prevent heart issues and why staying active is so important. Children three and under get into the museum for free. Those older than four will be charged a $5 fee per person. Hours vary depending on day and season, so you will want to check out the museum’s hours before you plan your visit. If you are planning on bringing a large group, you may want to contact the museum to make sure they can accommodate you.
4. Tempe Historical Museum
The Tempe Historical Museum is dedicated to showing visitors and locals the history of the city. The admission is free, so you won’t have to break the bank for this stop on your trip. The exhibits include a permanent exhibit that stays constant. There are also changing exhibits that will showcase different aspects of the history of the town. From Tuesday through Saturday, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sundays, the museum is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays.
3. Detours Tours
Detours offers a few different tour options for those who wish to tour the area. Take a single day tour if you are short on time in the area, but otherwise, you may prefer to opt for a multi-day tour to get the most out of your stay in the area. The company also offers platinum tours that you can customize to meet the desires of those with whom you are traveling. Tour prices vary, as some will require more expenses than others for the company. If you think that you want to take a tour with this company, visit its website or call for more information and to reserve your tour space.
2. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is home to a number of different museums that outsiders will enjoy exploring. Wander around the many different art museums on campus to see beautiful artwork, or check out the arboretum if your traveling companions enjoy plants and flowers. There is even an archeological museum on campus. With dozens of museums on campus, you should be able to find something everyone will enjoy. If you happen to be in the area during football season, you may want to consider catching a game at the Sun Devil Stadium.
1. Hayden Butte Preserve
Of all the places to visit in Tempe, this may be the most beautiful. This small mountain is a local landmark that is loved by those who live in the area. The Hayden Butte is tied to Native Americans, as many called the butte home in the past. The preserve offers great views of the city and other nearby towns and cities. There are a few rules for hiking the trail on the mountain, as there are a number of petroglyphs on the mountain. If you want more information about the butte, check out the Tempe government website. The best part, visiting the butte is free.
While there are many tourist attractions in Tempe, it can still be hard to figure out what to do while you are staying in the area. Luckily, there are many things to do in the city that will catch the attention of everyone in your traveling group. The best part of traveling to Tempe, is that you will find many fun things to do.