Tempe Mission Palms rooftop pool

Things to do in Tempe in the Summer

Ultimate Guide to Summer in Tempe

Grab your sunglasses, sunscreen and sense of adventure, because summer has arrived in Tempe! Start your days exploring the wonders of the Sonoran Desert, then relax and recharge by the pool and take in the sights of downtown after dark. Summer in Tempe means going on a sunrise hike, cocktailing at a sun-kissed rooftop pool, watching the kiddos play in a splash pad or visiting one of Tempe’s many indoor attractions. It’s the time of year when hotel rates are a steal, patio misters invite alfresco dining, and each sunset gives way to an exciting nightlife scene. If this is how you envision celebrating the season ahead, we have the ultimate guide for visiting Tempe this summer – time to book your stay!

Donut Boat at Tempe Town Lake

Top 20 summer activities in Tempe

Summer fun has officially begun! Check out our list of the top 20 summer activities in Tempe.

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Thirsty Cactus Pool and Bar Grill_The Buttes

Find Your Summer Getaway Hotel

Book a hotel stay in sunny Tempe for a much needed summer getaway.

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Canopy by Hilton: Tempe, AZ

Rooftop Pools in Tempe

There is nothing quite like relaxing at a pool on the rooftop level. Luckily, Tempe has several to offer visitors for a day of fun in the sun.

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Mango-Rabbit-Bubble-Waffle

Frozen treats on a summer day

It’s starting to heat up outside! Beat the heat with a cool treat this summer and check out Tempe’s frozen delights.

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A couple wtih cocktail drinks on hand overlooking a sunset in Tempe

Catch an awe-inspiring sunset

There is nothing quite like seeing Tempe’s landscape and skyline illuminated by dramatic orange, red and purple hues. Explore our list of the best spots in Tempe to capture the most mesmerizing sunsets.

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Two friends playing board games and eating food

Indoor Activities to Stay Cool

Tempe has lots of indoor activities, from museums to arcades to bookstores, that offer tons of fun for the whole family, with a bonus of amazing air conditioning.

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Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace

Why we’re stoked about summer

Tempe is ready to host visitors and locals alike with lots of cool fun in the sun and money-saving deals all summer long.

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Things To Do in Tempe This Summer

Arizona Mills by Mark Skalny

Arizona Mills

Arizona Mills is the state’s largest family entertainment and outlet shopping destination with more than 185 stores at savings up to 70% off every day, plus great dining and entertainment options, conveniently located 10 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix.

5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir.
Tempe, AZ 85282

(480) 491-7300
ASU Art Museum credit Tim Trumble

ASU Art Museum

The ASU Art Museum exhibits national and international contemporary artists, with a focus on Latin American art. The Museum houses the largest collection of Cuban art in the U.S. and an award-winning print collection. Exhibitions change seasonally. Admission is free.

ASU Tempe Campus
51 E. 10th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 965-2787
ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage is among the largest university-based performing arts presenters in the world. It is the home theater of the Desert Financial Broadway Across America – Arizona and the Beyond series. This historic 3,000 seat hall was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

ASU Tempe Campus
1200 S. Forest Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 965-3434
AZ Bouldering Project

Bouldering Project

Bouldering Project is an inclusive space for healthy movement. Vast climbing terrain. A variety of high-end yoga offerings. Open fitness space with dedicated classes included. Amazing community. Amenities like cold plunge tubs, saunas, and co-working space. BP has something for everyone. 

2626 S. Hardy Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85282

(480) 716-9014
Changing Hands Bookstore

Changing Hands Bookstore

This legendary independent bookstore has served the Tempe community since 1974, with thousands of new and used books and unique gifts including ceramics, chimes, chocolates and much more. The popular community gathering place also hosts author events and workshops regularly.

6428 S. McClintock Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85283

(480) 730-0205
Dave & Busters at Tempe Marketplace

Dave & Buster’s

52,000 sq. ft. of fun! Have a blast playing billiards, eat and drink at the sports bar, and play over 150 video, prize and simulator games. Whether it’s classics like Pop-A-Shot, Pac-Man, and Skee-Ball, or the newest games in our Million Dollar Midway, everyone in your group will have a blast!

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Ste. 1100
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 281-8456
Downtown Tempe

Downtown Tempe

Downtown Tempe offers a hometown feel with urban appeal and epic adventures. From dueling pianos to Broadway plays, public art to hiking “A” Mountain, renting a bike or paddleboarding on Tempe Town Lake and more, Downtown Tempe is like #NowhereElse.

5th St. and Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 355-6060
Gravity Extreme

Gravity Extreme

Welcome to Gravity Extreme Zone, the best trampoline park in Phoenix, AZ. In addition to our state-of-the-art trampolines, our 40,000 square foot facility features a range of unique attractions, including a zip line, rock climbing wall, bungee jumping, skywalk, drop slide, dodge ball, foam pit and VR area.

190 S. Kyrene Rd., Ste. 5
Chandler, AZ 85226

(480) 757-5411
Hall of Flame

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting

National Firefighting Hall of Heroes. Over 70 classic pieces of firefighting apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 2004. Fire safety exhibits, games and activities for kids.  A full-sized fire engine available for boarding. Open Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Sun., open Mon. by appointment for guided group tours.

6101 E. Van Buren St.
Phoenix, AZ 85008

(602) 275-3473
Harkins Tempe Marketplace 16

Harkins Tempe Marketplace 16

Harkins Theatres Tempe Marketplace 16 features state-of-the-art amenities, including Ultimate Rocker seats, cutting-edge laser projection and sound technology, an expanded concession stand and the perfect fusion of technology, style and showmanship with its Ciné Capri® auditorium.

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. #1160
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 557-0027
Harkins Theatres Arizona Mills 18 with IMAX

Harkins Theatres Arizona Mills 18 w/ IMAX

Harkins Theatres Arizona Mills 18 w/ IMAX features state-of-the-art amenities including plush leather Ultimate Lounger seats, cutting-edge laser projection and sound technology, an In-Lobby Bar serving local craft varieties, and the addition of Harkins premium large format auditorium CINÉ1®. Harkins IMAX® at Arizona Mills is the largest IMAX screen in Arizona!

5000 Arizona Mills Cir.
Tempe, AZ 85282

(480) 820-0387
Inferno Escape Room

Inferno Escape Room

Experience the game. Private bookings – always just you and your crew. Use clues and puzzles to solve the objective before the 60 minutes is up. Inferno is Arizona’s highest-rated escape room: 5 stars on Google, Yelp, Facebook and Tripadvisor.

2155 E. University Dr. #210
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 567-0190
Kiwanis Rec Center Wave Pool

Kiwanis Recreation Center

The Kiwanis Recreation Center is home to an indoor heated wave pool and water slide, 15-court tennis center, gymnasium, batting range, a ramada area and classrooms.

Kiwanis Park
6111 S. All American Way
Tempe, AZ 85283

(480) 350-5201
LEGOLAND Discovery Center AZ

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is where families with children aged 3 to 10 can enjoy a world of creativity, color and building fun in the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground, complete with the thousands of LEGO® bricks in themed play areas.

5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Ste. 135
Tempe, AZ 85282

Lumberjaxes Tempe

Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing

Lumberjaxes is a fun activity great for team building, group bonding, or  a fun night out. Adults with axe throwing abilities ranging from novice to “axe-pert” can test their Lumberjax skills by throwing axes at wooden targets.

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. Suite 2105
Tempe, AZ 85288

(480) 773-6551
a variety of arcade games with people playing

Main Event Entertainment

Our 58,000 square foot center is home to 26 high quality recreational bowling lanes, laser tag, a gravity high ropes course, billiards and shuffleboard tables, more than 125 interactive games, flexible meeting and event spaces and a tempting array of food and beverages.

8545 S. Emerald Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85284

(480) 753-1200

Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill

Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill offers seven state-of-the-art screens with recliners and rocker seats. Enjoy new releases, classics and 35mm screenings. Enjoy their Service at Your Seat for full-service dining during the film. A lobby bar providing extra services is available.

1140 E. Baseline Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85283

(480) 795-6622
Marquee Theatre in Tempe, Arizona

Marquee Theater

Located on Mill Avenue, north of Tempe Town Lake, the Marquee Theatre is one of Tempe’s premier entertainment venues. Since debuting in 2003, it has hosted over 1,500 national touring artists, including Adele, Prince, Katy Perry and Selena Gomez, to name a few. Designed for the true concert goer, the theater is standing-room-only and offers a full bar and light food service.

730 N. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 829-0607
Mountain America Community Iceplex at ASU

Mullett Arena

The 5,000 seat multi-purpose arena located on the ASU campus is home to the Sun Devil men’s ice hockey, wrestling and gymnastics programs. The new arena will play host to national touring live entertainment and will be the temporary home of the Arizona Coyotes.  

411 S. Packard Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium

Dive into SEA LIFE Arizona! Discover thousands of amazing creatures and walk through our incredible 360-degree ocean tunnel. SEA LIFE Arizona is built for kids with child-level bubbles and interactive touch pools.

5000 Arizona Mills Cir., Ste. 145
Tempe, AZ 85282

Tempe Center for the Arts

Tempe Center for the Arts

Tempe Center for the Arts, Arizona’s premier waterfront arts center, is an iconic venue offering exceptional, diverse, inclusive and accessible arts experiences. Enjoy dance, music, theater, comedy and visual arts all under one roof.

700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 350-2822 (box office)
Tempe History Museum credit Bill Timmerman

Tempe History Museum

The museum explores Tempe history through collections, research services, exhibits and programs that captivate and connect with audiences throughout the community and beyond. Open Tuesday – Saturday. Closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays.

809 E. Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282

(480) 350-5100
Tempe Improv

Tempe Improv

The Tempe Improv, a state-of-the-art comedy theater, features amazing food, excellent service and a first class comedy experience. Comprising of over 3,500 square feet and over 450 seats, there’s never a bad view in the house!

930 E. University Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480)921-9877
Family shopping at Tempe Marketplace

Tempe Marketplace

With over 100 shops and restaurants and 300 events a year, Tempe Marketplace is the ultimate destination. With a vibrant outdoor setting featuring fireplaces, water features and pop-up art installations, Tempe Marketplace provides an unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment experience.

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 966-9338
two kids running through a splash pad

The Cloud at Kiwanis Park

The Cloud at Kiwanis Park has 5,000 square feet of water play, including loops, jelly sticks, misting sprays and pillars. The one-of-a-kind structure also provides shade from the summer sun, while featuring unique lighting and sound shows throughout the day. Open April through October.

Kiwanis Park
5233 S. Ash Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85283

(480) 350-5200
Tilt Studio at Arizona Mills

Tilt Studio

Tilt Studio’s 40,000 sq. ft. family entertainment center features a unique combination of food and fun. Guests enjoy 150+ interactive video and redemption games, a retro gaming area with pinball and vintage games and a mouthwatering menu of American cuisine.

5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Ste. 669
Tempe, AZ 85282

(480) 648-1222
Escape Zone

United Escapes of America

Follow clues and crack codes to escape the room in 60 minutes or less. United Escapes of America offers Arizona’s highest-rated and most immersive escape game experiences. Perfect for a date night, friend/family outing, or corporate event. Do you have what it takes?

414 S. Mill Ave. #112
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 666-5550
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