Free and Almost Free Activities in Tempe, Arizona

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
TRANSPORTATION
EVENTS

Museums and Galleries

• Visit one of the 20 free museums and galleries on campus at Arizona State University (ASU). Exhibitions range from multimedia to ceramics to science. The largest museum, ASU Art Museum, was cited in Art in America Magazine as "the single most impressive venue for contemporary art in Arizona.
• Tempe has a diverse public art program with both permanent and temporary projects that are engaging and always accessible. A self tour guide is available at www.tempe.gov/arts/publicart/.
• 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 Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts presents music, dance and theatre performances throughout the year. Many performances are free; others have a minimal ticket cost.
• The Hall of Flame Fire Museum features more than 90 fully restored pieces of fire apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 1969. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for ages 6-17 and $1.50 for ages 3-5. Children under 3 are free.  

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Outdoor Activities

• Go for a scenic Sonoran Desert hike at Papago Park, "A" Mountain or South Mountain Park/Preserve.
• Tempe Town Lake is a 220-acre urban oasis located within a quick walk of the Mill Avenue District and Arizona State University. Free attractions include the Splash Playground for children (open April through October), five miles of biking and walking paths, picnic space and free seasonal activities, such as concerts, boat races and other special events.
• Tempe Marketplace hosts musicians Friday and Saturday evenings. There are two stages in "The District" and styles range from alternative rock to folk.
• Stroll through the historic Mill Avenue District any evening and you'll find impromptu musicians and street performers along the way. Listening and people watching is always free.
• 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. Open April-September, check Web site for specific days and hours of operation.
• The Kiwanis Park Batting Range helps all levels of baseball players hone their skills. Tokens are $1 for 14 pitches.  

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Transportation

•  Explore the city and travel from Tempe to Downtown Phoenix or Mesa using the Metro Light Rail
• Getting around the Mill Avenue District and Arizona State University is simple, and free, thanks to the FLASH shuttle. In addition, Tempe's free Orbit neighborhood circulator bus system can take visitors to attractions such as Tempe Marketplace and Arizona Mills.

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Events

• Tempe is known for its variety of fun-loving special events. Many of the family-friendly events have free admission, including:
  • Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake - October annually, Tempe Beach Park
  • Tempe Festival of the Arts - December and March annually, Mill Avenue District
  • Movies in the Park - April-May annually, Kiwanis Park
  • Arizona Dragon Boat Festival - March annually, Tempe Beach Park Marina
  • Tempe Fantasy of Lights Opening Night - November annually, Mill Avenue District
  • Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade - December annually, Tempe Town Lake

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