Relax by the pool during the day and explore the wonders of the desert after dark this summer in Tempe, Arizona. Exploding with summer deals, live music and Broadway shows, zoo adventures and more, Tempe has never been so cool! Make the Tempe Tourism Office your first stop when looking for deals, attractions and entertainment this summer.
ACCOMMODATIONS & SPECIAL OFFERS - When the desert heats up this summer, the deals get even hotter. View a full list of special offers for hotels, restaurants and attractions.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS - Visit our calendar of events to find a complete listing of summer events in Tempe.
Tempe's Signature Summer Event!
The July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival
What do hot dogs, family fun and fireworks all have in common? It’s The July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival, featuring activities for kids, live entertainment, food booths and one of the best fireworks shows around. The Fantastic Family Fest will keep kids of all ages happy with a free inflatable village, rock climbing walls, face painters, relay races and more. The fireworks are shot from the Mill Avenue bridge and beautifully reflected in Tempe Town Lake.
THINGS TO DO IN TEMPE THIS SUMMER:
Tempe Shopping | Outdoor Activities | Indoor Activities | Nighttime Events
TEMPE SHOPPING
Arizona Mills
Arizona Mills offers the ultimate indoor shopping experience with more than 175 popular name-brand stores, all offering discount prices, and entertainment venues such as GameWorks, SEA LIFE Arizona and Harkins IMAX Theatre.
480-491-9700
www.arizonamills.com
Mill Avenue District
The pedestrian-friendly Mill Avenue District is home to an eclectic array of more than 70 shops, restaurants, taverns and nightclubs and is also within easy walking distance of hotels, ASU and outdoor recreation at Tempe Town Lake.
480-921-2300
www.millavenue.com
IKEA
IKEA Tempe sells everything for the home all under one roof including living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, lighting, rugs, mattresses, flooring, media storage, etc. And to better help customers with inspiration, our unique shopping experience includes individual room settings and complete home displays as well as specialty shops full of home accessories.
480-496-5658
www.ikea.com/us/en/store/tempe
REI
REI Tempe provides outdoor enthusiasts in the Tempe, Arizona area with top-brand gear and clothing for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling and more.
480-967-5494
www.rei.com/stores/tempe.html
Tempe Marketplace
Experience an interactive shopping, entertainment and dining experience in a vibrant, high energy outdoor setting. Shady walkways and a Splash Pad for the kids will cool you off during the day. Outdoor fireplaces, unique water features, live music on Friday and Saturday nights and light and laser elements set the mood after dark.
480-966-9338
www.tempemarketplace.com
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TEMPE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
ASU Karsten Golf Course
Rated "4½ STARS" by Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play", this par 70, Pete Dye Scottish links design boasts exceptional playing conditions year round. The Sun Angel Clubhouse is home to award-winning Trophy Room restaurant.
480-921-8073
http://asukarsten.com/
The Bicycle Cellar
The Bicycle Cellar is located at the Tempe Transportation Center adjacent to the College/Veteran's Way light rail station. It is a bicycle commuter support facility offering secure parking, showers, lockers, towel service, bike rental, accessories and repair and sales of new and used bikes. A variety of bicycles, perfect for the pathways in Tempe, are available to rent for 4, 8 or 24 hours, for a weekend or a week.
480-219-7225
www.thebicyclecellar.com
Big Surf Waterpark
Cool off from the summer heat at Big Surf Waterpark. Enjoy Waikiki Beach, America’s original wavepool with 2.5 million gallons of water, exciting rides like the Black Hole and the Hurricane Slides or relax with your family in the Bora Bora Bay Kool Kids Zone
480-994-2297
www.bigsurffun.com
Desert Botanical Garden
This living museum features 50,000 desert plants from around the world. Enjoy tours, concerts, seasonal exhibits, special events and family activities throughout the year.
480-941-1225
www.dbg.org
Golfland/Sunsplash
Families can play video games or laser tag in King Ben’s Castle, play miniature golf and ride bumper boats. And at Sunsplash, water-filled fun includes racing down the Bonzi Speed Slides, rafting down Thunder Falls or relaxing along the Endless River.
480-834-8319
www.golfland.com
Phoenix FC Wolves
The Phoenix FC Wolves are now playing professional soccer at the Sun Devil Soccer Stadium in Tempe. The team will play through August 2013, joining the USL PRO’s Los Angeles Blues as the two premiere Western franchises with a team made up of international and local players. Single tickets begin at $9.
602-795-6623
www.PhoenixFC.com
Splash Playground at Tempe Beach Park
Visitors to Tempe Beach Park can experience a small storm, even when the weather is sunny and warm. Kids can take a break from the summer heat and enjoy the water-filled playground featuring waterfalls, splash pads, fountains and more.
480-350-8625
www.tempe.gov/pools/SplashPlayground.htm
Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace
The kids can run and play in the Kidsplash Fountain located next to Barnes & Noble in The District.
4800-966-9338
www.tempemarketplace.com/experience/amenities/
Rent a Boat on Tempe Town Lake
Come with your friends and family for a relaxing cruise on Tempe Town Lake! Choose between a variety of different boat types at Tempe Boat Rentals including kayaks, paddleboards, hydro bikes and electric skiffs.
480-303-9803
www.boats4rent.com/tempe-boat-rental
The Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park has been voted one of the nation’s top 5 zoos for kids. The whole family will enjoy getting up close and personal to the animals at unfenced exhibits such as Monkey Village and Wallaby Walkabout and the petting zoo and playground at Harmony Farm. Designed specifically for kids, the Yakulla Caverns feature a mysterious cave perfect for exploration, and just outside the cave, a pint-sized "water grotto" thrills younger visitors.
602-273-1341
http://phoenixzoo.org/
Segway Tours in Tempe
Segway of Tempe brings you the Tempe Town Lake Discovery Tour aboard the world’s only self-balancing personal transporter, the Segway. Learn the history, see the sights and master the Segway on this 90-minute tour through Tempe.
480-306-4801
www.segwayoftempe.com
Tempe Public Pools
480-350-5200
www.tempe.gov/index.aspx?page=1544
• Kiwanis Park is the ultimate community park with a wave pool, lake, walking paths, picnic ramadas, a playground and fields for sports.
• Escalante Pool features a six-lane lap pool, zero depth entry play pool with play equipment plus two slides. The Escalante Pool is open during the summer season only.
• Tempe Beach Park Splash Playground - Open during the summer season only
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TEMPE INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Arizona Historical Society Museum
Contemporary history introduces visitors to the dramatic development of the Valley. The museum features interactive exhibits, guided tours and a research library.
480-965-3283
www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org
ASU Art Museum
Cited in "Art in America" as "the single most impressive venue for contemporary art in Arizona," the ASU Art Museum explores art and its impact on individuals and society. This free contemporary art museum hosts a First Saturday for Families on the first Saturday of every month. Children from 4-12 are encouraged to create artwork that’s inspired by a current exhibition.
480-965-2787
http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu
Changing Hands Bookstore
Changing Hands Bookstore is one of the best independent bookstores around. It has a wonderful selection of children’s toys and books. Check their event calendar for story times and author events.
480-730-0205
www.changinghands.com
Dave & Busters
There's always something new and exciting waiting for you at Dave & Buster's. Eat & Play Combo, drink specials, and more. You never know how much fun you will get into on any given day!
480-281-8456
www.daveandbusters.com
GameWorks
Located inside Arizona Mills, GameWorks offers the best games and attractions in the world. Guests challenge their game playing skills, compete with their friends and family and win great prizes!
480-839-4363
www.gameworks.com
Hall of Flame Fire Museum
If your child dreams of being a firefighter, the Hall of Flame Fire Museum is the perfect stop. See fire trucks and equipment dating back to the 18th century. Kids can climb on a truck and try on firefighter gear.
602-275-3473
www.hallofflame.org
Harkins IMAX
Located inside Arizona Mills, IMAX's revolutionary projection technology delivers crystal-clear images and the most immersive 3D movie experience ever created.
480-820-0387
www.harkinstheatres.com/HarkinsIMAX.aspx
Harkins Theatre - Tempe Marketplace 16
Visit Arizona’s most popular movie theatre, located at Tempe Marketplace.
480-557-0027
www.harkinstheatres.com
Narande Spa at The Buttes
Honoring the tradition of water as a key to relaxation, Narande is the natural choice to enjoy a refreshing escape!
602-431-2357
www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/fitness-spa-services/phxtm-phoenix-marriott-tempe-at-the-buttes/
Phoenix Rock Gym
Experience the vertical world of climbing as never before - indoors at the Phoenix Rock Gym. Explore the thirty foot high walls with over 15,000 sq. ft. of climbing surface.Even if you've never touched a rope in your life they will teach you the skills needed to climb safely.
480-921-8322
www.phoenixrockgym.com
SEA LIFE Arizona
Get to know the amazing ocean world! Encounter a vast array of creatures including seahorses, sharks, rays, tropical fish and more. There are more than 30 display tanks in 12 different habitat zones, making homes for more than 5,000 sea creatures.
480-478-7600
www.visitsealife.com/arizona
Stratum Laser Tag
Stratum Laser Tag is the World's Largest Laser Tag Arena featuring a giant labyrinth with 90 towers, bridges and ramps, 15 different levels and heights up to 20 feet with an intense sound system, light show and interactive targets.
480-545-5500
www.stratumhq.com
Tempe Center for the Arts
The Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA), located on the south bank of Tempe Town Lake, features a 600-seat theater, a 200-seat studio theater and a beautiful gallery space. The TCA is home to the Tempe Symphony Orchestra, Childsplay and Desert Dance Theatre, and plays host to open mic nights, the LakeShore Jazz Series and the Tempe Comedy Concert Series. The TCA also houses a gallery with rotating, themed exhibitions. Visit the TCA website for a current list of events.
480-355-2822
www.tempe.gov/index.aspx?page=2302
Tempe History Museum
The unique history of Tempe is dramatically staged through a variety of media and an interactive children's gallery.
480-350-5100
www.tempe.gov/museum/
Tempe Paintball
Enjoy some adrenaline rushing and action-packed paintball in Arizona’s best paintball facility that features over 12,000 sq. ft. of air conditioned fun.
480-966-1800
www.tempepaintball.com
Tempe Public Library
The Tempe Public Library features a variety of events, book discussions, art exhibitions, writing clubs and storytelling sessions at the Youth Library.
480-350-5500
www.tempe.gov/index.aspx?page=397
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NIGHTTIME EVENTS
Prowl & Play at The Phoenix Zoo
Prowl & Play at The Phoenix Zoo lets you experience the wonders of the Zoo after dark with activities to engage the entire family. Guests can discover the wet and wild fun at Leapin’ Lagoon and Yakulla Caverns, participate in squirt gun water wars and the summer “Zoo”cademy and enjoy music, games and more. Prowl & Play takes place from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. on June 8, July 13 and August 10.
602-273-1341
www.phoenixzoo.org
Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight Tours
The Desert Botanical Garden is offering Garden Flashlight Tours from May through September. Guests can observe how the desert comes to life when the sun goes down. Guests might see nighthawks, snakes and rare night blooming flowers during this nighttime adventure. Flashlight Tours are held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday evenings in May and September, and on Thursday and Saturday evenings from June through August.
480-941-1225
www.dbg.org
Music Under the Stars at the Desert Botanical Garden
Friday nights in May and June, the Desert Botanical Garden is the perfect setting for music under the stars. Jazz in the Garden features entertaining musicians and delightful food and wine. Performances are held Friday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in May, and 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in June.
480-941-1225
www.dbg.org
Live Music at Tempe Marketplace
Looking for more ways to dance your way through the evening? Tempe Marketplace, featuring shopping, dining and entertainment, hosts live music Friday and Saturday nights from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the District Stage. Listen to a variety of music genres such as rock, alternative, folk and country. For something more mellow, head to the Barnes & Noble fountain for acoustic musicians Friday and Saturday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
480-966-9338
www.tempemarketplace.com
The July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival
What do hot dogs, family fun and fireworks all have in common? It’s The July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival, featuring activities for kids, live entertainment, food booths and one of the best fireworks shows around. The Fantastic Family Fest will keep kids of all ages happy with a free inflatable village, rock climbing walls, face painters, relay races and more. The fireworks are shot from the Mill Avenue bridge and beautifully reflected in Tempe Town Lake.
www.tempe4th.com
Broadway Shows at ASU Gammage
Take in a show this summer at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed ASU Gammage. Sing and dance along to Broadway favorite SISTER ACT on stage June 25-30.
480-965-3434
www.asugammage.com
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