A family friendly guide to spring adventures in Tempe
Spring break is the best — it’s that little taste of summer that carries you through the rest of the school year. This year, spend your weeklong vacation right here in Tempe, Arizona. It’s the perfect place for enjoying fun in the sun and relaxing without schoolwork. To make the most of your valuable downtime, we’ve compiled a list of things to make your spring break memorable.
10 fun things to do in the Tempe area during spring break:
1. 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.
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. For a full list of activities, visit the zoo’s event website.
3. SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
Go under the sea at Arizona Mills, with thousands of aquatic creatures at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium. Located across from LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, this 26,000-square-foot aquarium features interactive touch pools and a 360-degree tunnel that allows visitors to come face-to-face with the animal underworld, including sharks and rescued sea turtles. There are more than 30 display tanks with 5,000 sea creatures, including seahorses, sharks, rays, tropical fish and more.
4. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
Recreate a LEGO® Masterpiece: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona, located at Arizona Mills, is an immersive indoor experience that invites visitors to explore landmark replicas from across the Grand Canyon State. A day here also includes mater builders to engage with, movies in the 4D cinema, two rides, virtual reality experiences, a playground, on-site cafe and LEGO® store.
5. Endless entertainment at Tempe Marketplace
A great place to visit all year round, Tempe Marketplace is 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.
- 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.
6. Try a new hobby
Experience the vertical world of climbing In Tempe. Whether you choose Phoenix Rock Gym or Arizona Bouldering Project, you’ll find yourself surrounded by thousands of square feet of indoor climbing surfaces. For something equally thrilling, but slightly less physical, tap into your competitive side with the collection of games — including axe throwing — offered at Recess at Tempe Marketplace.
Serious and casual golfers are invited to hit the links at Arizona’s very first fully lit 18-hole golf course. Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills golf course now welcomes golfers all day and into the night — thanks to new LED lights throughout the course.
7. Create your own souvenir
Tap into your creative side with pottery or canvas painting (just for starters) at As You Wish or Painting with a Twist — both of which offer everyone-friendly projects. New options are added daily at both locations, too!
For those with a little more experience, book a session at Hammer and Stain to create your own trendy wood signs using personalized stencils, paints and stains provided during the workshop. And, Tutugether is a new DIY crafting studio where you can try your hand at rug tufting, paint pouring, decoden art and more.
8. Take a hike
Warm weather, lots of sunshine and mountain trails, what more could you ask for? Maybe wildflowers, if you time it just right. The spring temperatures make this an excellent season for hitting the trail — with your kids or dogs in tow, too — for a hike. Check out some of our hiking recommendations in and around Tempe here.
9. Get into the 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.
Suppose you’d rather watch a game than play one yourself. In that case, we recommend catching a Cactus League Spring Training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium or an Arizona State University hockey game at the new Mullett Arena Stadium.
10. Scope out the pool scene
To best enjoy the sunny spring weather, we recommend taking full advantage of some pool time at your hotel. Each property promises a different poolside experience, so decide what your top priorities are — a rooftop perch, cabana options, sunny decks for soaking up Vitamin D, waterfall features or maybe delicious food and beverage options right at your finger tips. Then check out our guide on where to stay in Tempe and you’re set.
For more ideas about family fun in Tempe, visit our Spring Activities page.
