Written By: Arizona Mills

The weather in Arizona is heating up and the season of renewal is just around the corner, making spring break the perfect time to experience something new with family and friends. Whether you’re planning a staycation or visiting Tempe for the first time, Arizona Mills – the state’s largest indoor value-retail and entertainment destination – is the ultimate place to shop, dine and play.

Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with more than 185 retailers, eateries and exclusive entertainment venues, the center has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in spending your spring break shopping ‘till you drop, relaxing and pampering or playing like a kid again, Arizona Mills has you covered.

Day 1: Shop ‘Till You Drop

Start your spring break off right with a wardrobe refresh! Arizona Mills offers the ultimate shopping experience with top brands at up to 70% off.  

Find staple pieces at the Tommy Hilfiger Company Store, Levi’s Outlet Store, Perry Ellis, Gap Factory and U.S. POLO ASSOCIATION. Or if you’re feeling sporty, stop by the Nike Clearance Store, Van’s Outlet and the first adidas Clearance Store in the state for the latest in athleisure. Step up your shoe game at one of the center’s many footwear retailers, including Foot Locker, Steve Madden, Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse and Finish Line. Finally, complete your new look with trendy accessories from Sunglass Hut, Lids and Oakley Vault.

After all that shopping, you’ll need to fuel up! Enjoy a variety of delicious fare from Johnny Rockets, Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant or Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen.

Day 2: Treat Yourself

Vacations are all about refreshing and renewing away from the every day. While you’re in Tempe, stop by Totally Chi Reflexology to let your stress melt away. For a unique way to pamper, head to Fashion Nails for a chocolate pedicure. Men can also check out Gentlemen Joe’s, famous for their hot towel shaves.

Don’t let the indulgence stop there! Treat yourself to sweet and creamy boba tea from Bubble Bee, cool off with Haagen Dazs or enjoy fresh, handcrafted Thai rolled ice cream at Roll Avenue Ice Cream. For the furry friends in your life, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory offers special hand-dipped dog bones, made with a creamy white confection safe for pets.

Wrap up the day by catching the newest movie at Harkins Theatres 25 or IMAX – the largest IMAX in the state.

Day 3: A Day of Play

Close out your spring break vacation with a day of family-friendly fun! Kick off the morning at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center to experience a factory tour, 4D cinema, creative workshops and a play zone – it’s like jumping into the biggest box of LEGO® bricks ever! From March 13 through April 26, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is celebrating the much-anticipated release of Trolls World Tour, featuring a Trolls scavenger hunt, movie maker, selfie stage and dance parties.

Once you’re done at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, walk next door to SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium and dive to the depths of the world’s waters. Visitors will discover 30 interactive zones and exhibits including an Interactive Tidepool Experience, Critter Canyon, a Bay of Rays and more! Now through March 29, guests have the opportunity to watch from Mermaid Lagoon as mermaids dive underwater in the Ocean Exhibit next to stingrays, sea turtles, and even sharks! After the interactive dive show, meet a dry-land mermaid up close and pose for a FINtastic photo in Mermaid Cove!

Continue exploring your imagination throughout lunch by heading over to Rainforest Café which has a kids’ zone, gift shop and interactive dining experiences. Wrap up your day of play at Tilt Studio to test your skills at more than 150 classic and modern games. The two-story, 40,000 square foot venue also features a delicious array of American and regional cuisine, as well as a Taproom to relax and watch your favorite sporting events on big screen TVs.

No matter what your spring break looks like, Arizona Mills is the perfect destination for both kids and adults to create lasting memories that will be talked about for years to come!

Arizona Mills

5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 491-7300