Short on cash? No problem...Tempe is full of free, and almost free, activities. Here are just a few ideas:

• ASU Art Museum: ASU Art Museum is considered to be one of the Southwest's most significant contemporary art institutions. Collections include a permanent American art gallery and rotating thought-provoking exhibits.
• Over 20 museums and galleries at Arizona State University (ASU): Visit photography exhibits at the Northlight Gallery, 18 varieties of rattlesnakes at the Life Sciences Center, minerals and gems at the R.S. Dietz Museum of Geology and much more. There is also an extensive public art collection throughout campus.
• The Mill Avenue District: Stroll down the red brick sidewalks of the Mill Avenue District. Mill Avenue is a gathering place with over 100 restaurants, shops and taverns. You might also see an impromptu artist, street performers, or the next up and coming band.
• Fall and Spring Tempe Festivals of the Arts: In December and March/April every year, the Mill Avenue District is home to over 400 artists, food vendors and entertainers. You never know what treasures you'll find at this free festival.
• Tempe Town Lake: One of Tempe's most unexpected attractions is a 220-acre man made lake, just north of the Mill Avenue District and Arizona State University. Free attractions include the Cox Splash Playground for children (open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer), biking and walking paths, picnic space and free seasonal activities, such as concerts, boat races and other special events.
• Oktoberfest: Germany in Arizona? It happens every October at the Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake. There's something for everyone: beer gardens, live entertainment, children's activities, German food and a polka stage.
• Climb "A" Mountain: Tempe has an abundance of natural desert beauty, best seen by hiking or mountain biking. Choices include Papago Park, with 11 miles of trails and "A" Mountain, offering great views of the Mill Avenue District, ASU and Tempe Town Lake. Located just south of Tempe is South Mountain Park/Preserve, the nation's largest municipal park, with seemingly endless trails and city views.
• The Arboretum at ASU: Stroll the entire campus of Arizona State University and view Arizona's largest public urban arboretum, with the largest date palm collection in North America and the Arizona selected site of the All American Selections Garden.
• FLASH (Free Local Area Shuttle) and Orbit neighborhood shuttle: Getting around downtown Tempe and Arizona State University is simple, and free, thanks to the FLASH shuttle. The Orbit connects Tempe neighborhoods to attractions like Mill Avenue and Tempe Marketplace.
• Tempe Marketplace Concerts: Every Friday-Saturday, the entertainment and shopping hub, Tempe Marketplace, presents live music in The District. Music styles range from acoustic sets to blues to alternative rock.
• The Gallery at TCA (Tempe Center for the Arts) features a variety of curated, touring and juried exhibitions throughout the year. Admission to the Gallery is free. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday.
• The history of central Arizona, especially the 20th century, comes to life at the Arizona Historical Society Museum. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. Otherwise admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and free for children 11 and younger.
• The Kiwanis Wave Pool is fun for the whole family. This indoor facility features hours for open and lap swimming and separate hours for riding the 3’ waves. Admission ranges from $1.25-$6.00.
• The Kiwanis Park Batting Range helps all levels of baseball players hone their skills. Tokens are $1 for 14 pitches.