2. Sky-High Swimming: Tempe hotels offer a variety of sky-high options for swimming, soaking and sunning. One thing these rooftop pools all have in common is the exceptional views. So, grab a cocktail, a cabana, some light bites and a dose of vitamin D — then be sure to stick around for the stunning summer sunset too.

3. Take to the Lake: The weather is warm, not too hot, and perfect for a lovely boating excursion a Tempe urban oasis in the desert: Tempe Town Lake and Kiwanis Lake.

Boats of all types can be rented at Tempe Town Lake, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pontoon boats, pedal boats and electric boats. They open at 10 a.m. every day.

The Kiwanis Park location rents kayaks and pedal boats and is open on Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Boat Rentals at Tempe Town Lake | 72 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (855) 690-0794
Boat Rentals at Kiwanis Lake | 5203 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85283 | (855) 690-0794

Have your own watercraft? Online boating permits for Tempe Town Lake are now available. Visit the City of Tempe website to purchase your permit and enjoy Tempe Town Lake on your own kayak, stand-up paddleboard, sailboat or canoe. Make sure to read all boating regulations before purchasing your permit.

5. Under The Sea: Located in Arizona Mills, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is designed to provide a fun, interactive and educational experience for kids (and adults, too). Explore the 12 different habitat zones housing more than 32 tanks with thousands of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, jewel-colored fish, undulating stingrays, a huge slithery eel and graceful sea horses. An underwater tunnel provides a 360-degree view and the sensation of swimming underwater, surrounded by sharks and other deep ocean dwellers.

5000 Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe, AZ 85282

6. The Phoenix Zoo:
Get up early to beat the heat and plan a visit to the Phoenix Zoo. Favorite spots include a stop at Orang-Hutan, the Orangutan habitat, and the Sumatran tigers of the “Isle of the Tiger” habitat. And don’t miss a stop at the Camel Rides, a favorite of both the kiddos and adults.

455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008 | (480) 757-541

7. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center: An ultimate indoor playground where visitors can explore landmark replicas of the Grand Canyon State built with 1 million LEGO BRICKS, take interactive adventures, watch movies at the LEGO 4-D cinema and build LEGO creations with master builders. Check out the LEGO store and café that are also onsite.

5000 Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (877) 526-3960

8. Take a Sunrise Hike: We can all use a little Vitamin D right about now. During the summer, you can still go for a hike early in the morning. Visit our Tempe hiking blog to learn about some of our favorite places for trails, from “A” Mountain to South Mountain Park and Preserve. We advise you to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and proper hiking shoes. 

Looking to watch the sunset without the exercise? We compiled a list of the top places to enjoy a stunning sunset in Tempe.

9. Fun and Games: Get into the game … the arcade game, that is! Tilt Studio, located inside Arizona Mills, and Dave & Busters, located at Tempe Marketplace, are open for some cool fun this summer. From arcade games to delicious eats, each location has something unique to offer. Main Event Tempe also offers entertainment options for all ages, including state-of-the-art bowling, billiards, laser tag, a ropes course, more than 100 virtual and interactive games, free Wi-Fi, attractive dining options and full-service premium bars.

Tilt Studio at Arizona Mills | 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Suite #669, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 648-1222
Dave & Buster’s at Tempe Marketplace | 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 281-8456
Main Event Tempe | 8545 S. Emerald Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 753-1200

10. Axe Throwing: This summer, try your luck at wielding an axe. Tempe now has three indoor axe-throwing facilities — very similar to a shooting range, except your weapon of choice is an axe! Make sure to pay attention, because there is nothing more satisfying than finally making your axe stick. You will want to bring closed-toe shoes and an adventurous attitude.

Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing: 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. Suite 2105, Tempe, AZ 85288 | (480) 773-6551
Class Axe Throwing: 1625 W. University Dr. 122 B, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 676-3386
Hotshots Axe Throwing: 1290 N. Scottsdale Rd. #102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 591-9118

12. Treat Yourself: Savor the season with summer’s most-popular pastime (and here you thought it was baseball). Tempe’s roster of treat purveyors includes flavorful frosty frozen concoctions, cool smoothies, frothy favorites and icy blends to cool you to the core. Whether you enjoy innovative flavors or the classics, Tempe has the perfect frozen treat for you.

13. Refreshing Summer Sippin’: Having a cool beverage in hand a non-negotiable this season, it’s just a matter of what you choose to sip on. Thankfully Tempe’s beverage purveyors are continually raising the bar on cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, teas and just about every other frosty beverage selection. So much so, that we couldn’t fit them all into one list … also check out our recommendations for Craft Cocktails and our Tempe Breweries for even more summer refreshment.

15. Downtown Tempe: Spend the day in Downtown Tempe. Enjoy an early a.m. hike up “A” Mountain and then refuel at one of the many restaurants in downtown for a delicious breakfast or a refreshing smoothie. Do some shopping and then head south a few blocks to explore the ASU Art Museum. This free contemporary art museum features exhibits, residencies, collections and programs focused on perspectives of regional and emerging artists, students and the public. Visit the ASU Art Museum website for more details. And just a few blocks north of downtown is Tempe Beach Park and Tempe Town Lake, offering lots of things to enjoy outside.

17. Live Performances: Once the sun goes down, Tempe stages light up. From Broadway shows at ASU Gammage and eclectic programming at Tempe Center for the Arts to live DJs at Sunbar and touring shows at such live music venues as Marquee Theatre, there’s a ticket waiting for you for this summer.

19. Biking in Tempe: Take your bike out and explore 217 miles of bikeways, including bike lanes, desert trails and canal paths. Ride around Tempe Town Lake, down Mill Avenue or in Papago Park. Visit the City of Tempe website for additional information.

Tempe E-Bike Tours is now offering private group rides for two to five people, by request only. Tempe E-Bike tours will provide the bikes, you just have to bring your own water, bag and helmet. To book, contact Todd Davis at (602) 980-3798.

20. Self-Guided Mural Tour: Enjoy the City of Tempe’s public art collection, and you’ll be amazed at the creativity all around the city. From live theatre to concerts to museum exhibitions, you will notice art shows up in unexpected places.

If you want to explore Tempe’s street art scene, we suggest hopping in your car for a self-guided driving tour of a few of our favorite Tempe murals. You can see all of these works of art from the road or a parking lot. And, if you practice social distancing, you can still get that perfect photo for Instagram.