Things to do in Tempe in the Summer

Ultimate Guide to Summer in Tempe
Grab your sunglasses, sunscreen and a big smile because summer in Tempe is here to stay for a while! Relax by the pool during the day, take in the sights and explore the wonders of the desert after dark. Summer in Tempe means going on a sunrise hike, watching the kiddos play in a splash pad, catching some rays at a rooftop pool, or visiting one of Tempe’s many indoor, and thankfully, air-conditioned attractions. It’s the time of year when hotel rates are a steal and patio misters are on full blast to keep you cool while patio dining. We have the ultimate guide for visiting Tempe this summer – time to book your stay!

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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Find Your Summer Getaway Hotel
Book a hotel stay in sunny Tempe for a much needed summer getaway.
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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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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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Top Places to Catch a Sunset in Tempe
There is nothing quite like seeing Tempe’s landscape and skyline illuminated by dramatic orange, red and purple hues. Check out some of the best spots in Tempe to capture the most mesmerizing sunsets.
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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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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.
Learn MoreThings To Do in Tempe This Summer
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
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
Boat Rentals of America – Kiwanis Lake
Boat Rentals of America – Kiwanis Lake offers kayaks and pedal boats for rent; no experience is required. In addition, surrey bike rentals are also available and are perfect for a leisurely ride around Kiwanis Park.
5203 S. Ash Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85283
Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake
At Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake, everyone can enjoy recreational boating. Select from a variety of watercraft: kayaks, pedal boats, electric boats, stand-up paddleboards and more. Guests can now rent surrey bikes too.
72 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281
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
Escape Rooms Tempe
Follow clues and crack codes to escape the room in 60 minutes or less. The Escape Rooms Tempe offer 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill
Majestic Neighborhood Cinema Grill features seven screens and showcases new release movies, independent films and classic films. Experience state-of-the art entertainment along with food and drink while you enjoy the show.
1140 E. Baseline Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85283
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
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
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
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
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Arizona Coyotes Call Tempe Home
There are a few bucket list items that just make sense when visiting Tempe, Arizona. One bucket list item that may seem peculiar, but yet a must try in Tempe, is watching Arizona’s very own NHL hockey team face off at the new ASU multipurpose facility, Mullett Arena.

Black-Owned Restaurants and Businesses in Tempe
Looking for a Black-owned restaurant or business in Tempe? We made this list of locally owned restaurants and businesses in Tempe to make your search easier. We love supporting our community and Black-owned businesses are an important part of that.