Things To Do In Arizona During The Summer

Pick Up A Souvenir At Hubbell Trading Post

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Ganado, AZ

The Hubbell Trading Post is the oldest continuously operated trading post in the United States, and has been active since 1876. The trading post is steeped in Old West history and is well-known for its one-of-a-kind Navajo rugs. Visitors can see demonstrations of this Native American craft and even walk away with a beautiful one-of-a-kind Navajo rug.

Arizona Summertime Activities In The Cities

Phoenix

The states largest city copes with hot Arizona summers by air conditioning virtually every interior space and using water for those outdoors. Youll find aquatic-themed parks from large to small, major league baseball in a domed stadium, and womens pro basketball team. The rates at the citys luxury destination resorts fall during the summer, where you can play on championship golf courses at reduced rates and enjoy yourself pool-side at their lavish water features.

The area also has award-winning museums, galleries, and restaurants, some of whom use misting systems to drop temperatures by 30 degrees on their outdoor patio seating. There is no lack of shopping in the area, from bargain basements to high-end retailers. Attractions like the Heard Museum, the Arizona Science Center, the Musical Instrument Museum, and the iconic Old Town Scottsdale are must-sees for visitors and residents alike.

Sedona and Flagstaff

Just a few hours north of Phoenix, youll find Sedona, where breathtaking red rock geological formations ring the city. Sedona is a year-round destination with plenty of world-class resorts, fine dining, shopping and golf. Just up the road from Sedona is Slide Rock State Park, where you can glide down a short length of Oak Creek Canyon without any kind of floatation device.

Tucson

Plan Your Dream Hiking Trip

Tired of doing the same hikes and need some inspiration? You can marvel at the views you’ll find hiking the Hugh Norris Trail in Saguaro National Park west of downtown Tucson. If you’re looking for meadows and a cathedral-like forest, consider the West Baldy trail in the White Mountains. You can find our guide to the 10 best hikes in Arizona at azcentral.com/travel-explore.

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Family Fun In Arizona’s White Mountains

Explore the cool communities of Arizona’s White Mountains for a refreshing family summer getaway.

This summer, tell your kids to step away from the video games and the television. Put your foot down and refuse to take them to the mall and the multiplex.

Instead, pack up everyone and have some family fun in Arizona’s White Mountains.

The White Mountains region, located in eastern Arizona, is a high-country, pine-scented retreat dotted with small lakes.

Although some of the area was damaged by the recent Wallow Fire, there is still plenty of beautiful country offering cool respite and fun, family friendly activities.

The region cradles portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, the White Mountain Apache Reservation and communities such as Pinetop-Lakeside, Greer, Springerville and Eagar.

Away from big-city distractions, kids love the activities available to them in the White Mountains – camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and more.

Best Places To Visit In Arizona: Barringer Crater

Barringer Crater is a meteor crater near Winslow, Arizona, a popular tourist destination, and the source of endless speculations about the origin of this perfectly round giant hole in the ground.

The first person to venture a guess that the hole was created by an impact from a meteor was Daniel Barringer, who gave it the name and whose family also owns the crater and the surrounding land. The big hole is 4,100 feet in diameter and 570 feet deep. It was created about 50,000 years ago by an asteroid about 130 feet wide. Scientists believe that the asteroid was a part of a larger asteroid that broke apart while passing through the atmosphere.

Barringer and other researchers found pieces of this space rock made of iron weighing from one to 1,000 pounds in a six-mile-diameter area around the crater. The latest theory is that the remaining rock hit the Earth at about 26,800 mph, creating the popular Arizona crater. Barringer Crater is one of the must see places in Arizona.

You are reading “25 Best Places to Visit in Arizona ” Back to Top or More tourism, attractions for couples, food, things to see near me today

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Learn More About Arizona

Take a look at my comprehensive list of things to do in Scottsdale with kids and get additional help to plan your Scottsdale vacation from the experts at Experience Scottsdale.

Headed to Northern Arizona? Youll definitely want to read my Grand Canyon tips!

To explore Americas biggest ghost town, check out my tips for visiting Jerome, Arizona.

Discover the charms of Arizonas territorial capital in my guide to Prescott.

Cool Spots For Selfies

Take a selfie at the LOVE sculpture, by the late artist Robert Indiana, at Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. And of course we have guides to public art in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Or pose on the Tempe Town Lake pedestrian bridge, now known as the Elmore Pedestrian Bridge after James Elmore, ASUs founding dean of architecture.

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Pay Your Respects At The Chapel Of The Holy Cross

Sedona, AZ

Inspired by the Empire State Building, an Arizona rancher and sculptor wanted to construct a large church in its liking. The result is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which was built on a rocky piece of the Coconino National Forest. Finished in 1956, the chapel offers spectacular views, a great story, and gorgeous architecture.

Wildlife World Zoo Aquarium & Safari Park

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If you head to Litchfield Park, you can see a sampling of Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Parks 600 species of animals. The park has a baby animal nursery, amusement park rides, big cat exhibits and a kangaroo walkabout. Some new species include a baby leopard, baby warthogs, jackal pups, jaguar cubs and white lion cubs.The park has more than 600 species and 6,000 animals.

Details: 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park. $41.50, $23 for ages 3-12. 623-935-9453, wildlifeworld.com.

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Spend The Day At The Lake

Nothing says summer quite like a day at the lake. And although this may come as a surprise to some, Phoenix actually has a number of large lakes which are perfect for cooling down on a hot summers day. While many may see Phoenix as a dry ugly desert with endless strip malls, there are still many beautiful areas to escape the man made clutter for some natural recreation. Saguaro Lake, named for the many tall cacti surrounding the shores, is one of the best picks as the scenery is stunning. Saguaro offers endless opportunities for cool summer fun. This lake is perfect for boating, kayaking, fishing, water skiing. Or go the more relaxing route and take a narrated cruise aboard Desert Belle where you can soak in the views & learn more about the lakes history.

Top Swimming Spots In Sedona

Starting at Grasshopper Point, bracketed by small waterfalls and guarded by a clutch of graceful Arizona sycamores, the stream gathers in a blue-green pool 50 feet wide at the base of a terraced cliff. Swimmers can make a straight plummet into the deep blue for one of the first cool-off spots.

Just a few miles north of Grasshopper Point sits one of the Southwests most legendary swimming holes, Slide Rock State Park. Adjacent to a lovely meadow and historic orchard, stone banks throttle the creek into a narrow chute creating a natural water ride. Most summer days youll find kids and grownups alike ping-ponging through the chute or cannonballing into deep gullies of the stream.

Guests can next venture to Crescent Moon Picnic Area, better known as Red Rock Crossing. Catching the iconic image reflected in the water is one of the great photo ops in Arizona, perfect for summer vacation pictures families can remember for years to come.

Rounding out the day of swimming and creekside fun is a visit to Cathedral Rock, considered to be the site of a powerful vortex. Even those that dont come for its spiritual charm find the creekside beaches at the base of Cathedral Rock to be worth the trip regardless.

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Under Par Indoor Golf

Under Par Indoor Golf in Tempe.

Who says you need to brave the summer heat in order to enjoy golf? Under Par in Tempe brings the golf experience inside and you dont even have to walk those 18 holes. There are 12 simulator bays for customers that feature golf simulators for 21 different courses like Augusta and Pebble Beach. But just like regular golf, its not cheap. Hourly rates start at $20 an hour with 20-hour package for $340.

AZ on the Rocks in Scottsdale.

If this list seems a little sports and competition heavy, well, it is. Just because its hot outside, doesnt mean you cant break a sweat and AZ on the Rocks is proof of that. Rock climbing is a full body workout and a great way to stay in shape. This spot in Scottsdale is the largest indoor rock climbing facility in Arizona so youll find the wall thats right for you. There are summer camps and classes to get even better. If rock climbing isnt your thing, theres yoga and weight training. Day passes are $22.50 for kids and $25.75 for adults who need gear.

Location: 16447 N. 91st Street Suite 105

Check Out Chandler’s Pop Up Beer Garden

For those wanting to dine out but who may be uncomfortable eating inside a restaurant, portions of Dr. AJ Chandler Park and some surrounding green areas have transformed into a pop-up beer garden where restaurant customers can bring takeout meals, bring a blanket and enjoy a cold beer.

Details: 3-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and noon-6 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. chandleraz.gov/explore/downtown-chandler.

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Relax In A Local Coffee House

Its hard not to be a coffee drinker today with all the fantastic specialty shops and creative drink specialties seemingly popping up everywhere. Cartel Coffee Lab, with 6 Phoenix area locations, offers the best espresso drinks in the city. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon break sipping your coffee in a cool, air conditioned setting. Cartel is one of those places where you can linger around for a while, whether working, playing an old-fashioned board game, reading, or just chatting the hours away with friends. Visiting one of the areas independent shops over a Starbucks is one of your best bets to beat the heat while still having a great time.

Oasis Water Park At Arizona Grand

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa’s 7-acre Oasis water park, which features an eight-story slide and wave pool, is open. Buy day passes at resortpass.com.

Cabanas and lounge chairs are sanitized throughout the day, and chairs are spaced 6 feet apart. The resort’s FAQ regarding face masks says they are “highly recommended” indoors and when social distancing cannot be maintained. Employees will be wearing face coverings.

Details: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays through May 28 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Monday, May 29-31 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. June 1-Sept. 6. 8000 Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix. From $45 . 877-800-4888, arizonagrandresort.com.

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Arizona Museum Of Natural History

Founded in 1977, this museum is a classic place for families to explore the history and culture of the Southwest. There are more than 60,000 objects of natural history, anthropology, history and art. Kids will find lots to do, from learning about dinosaurs to panning for gold to watching a flash flood flow over a three-story mountain inside the museum.

Details: See website for timed entry and discount ticket prices. On July 1, normal hours and ticket prices resume. Normal hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays. 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa. $12, $8 for students 13 and older with ID, $7 for ages 3-12, free for kids 2 and under. 480-644-2230, arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org.

Childrens Car Seats With Vip Taxi

Pros and Cons of Living in Arizona During Summer

We ask that customers with child seat needs give an advanced notice of at least one hour prior to scheduled ride. Inquire for more immediate needs, and theyll be met based on availability.

INFANT CAR SEAT

Infant car seats fit babies snugly during the first year or so depending on the size of your baby. They face the rear of the car and carry babies up to 35 pounds and 32 inches tall.

TODDLER CAR SEAT

Toddlers convertible car seats can carry children from birth to 40 pounds and up to 50 inches tall.

BOOSTER CAR SEAT

Booster car seats use the cars seat belts and are designed for children ages 4 and older, who weigh at least 40 pounds.

According to AZDOT, Arizona State Law requires a child to use a booster seat if they are under the age of 8 or height under 4 feet 9 inches tall.

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Top 20 Summer Activities In Tempe

Summer fun has officially begun! As Arizona starts to open back up, we have created a list of our top 20 summer activities in Tempe. Check out the list below to help get your summer off to a great start!

1. SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium: Located in Arizona Mills, SEA LIFE is designed to provide a fun, interactive and educational experience for kids . 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 Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282

2. 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 a fun attitude!

Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing: 3105 S. Fair Ln. #100, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 773-6551Class Axe Throwing: 1625 W. University Dr. 122 B, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 676-3386Hotshots Axe Throwing: 1290 N. Scottsdale Rd. #102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 591-9118

4. Shopping: Whether you like to leisurely shop or youre on a mission to find that perfect thing, there are lots of shopping options in Tempe.

Cool Ideas For Summer Fun And Activities In Sedona Arizona Enjoy Swimming Fishing Tubing Biking Hiking Or Just Taking A Snooze Creekside

No matter what your summer agenda involvesswimming, fishing, tubing, biking, hiking, shopping, dining, picnicking or just taking a snooze creekside it waits for you in Sedona, the Most Beautiful Place on Earth.

People flock to the Sedona area for many reasonsmost notably the jaw-dropping scenery. In the summertime, however, many have one thing on their minds: cooling off. Located two hours north of Phoenix, and 30 miles south of the Flagstaff peaks, Sedonas mild four-season climate and high desert terrain assure good year-round weather for vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts.

When it comes to the Sedona expanse, the red rocks are the stars of the show. The sun-kissed buttes are dramatically enhanced by their supporting cast of forests and streams, which completes the visual splendor and feature the primary elements for an old-fashioned cool summer getaway.

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Head Into The Wilderness

The White Mountains communities are ringed by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, more than two million acres of wilderness and recreation – and the center of White Mountains camping.

What kid doesn’t like to sleep in a tent, especially with the promise of no baths and plenty of s’mores? You’ll find many developed and dispersed camping areas, but check ahead with the local ranger districts to see which areas may be closed due to the recent Wallow wildfire.

Take the kids out on a day hike within the national forest. Try the popular, 14-mile West Baldy Trail.

The first few miles are perfect for younger children – traversing over level footing through a lovely meadow. The last few miles might appeal to more athletic hikers – climbing steep switchbacks up to 11,200 feet along the flanks of Mt. Baldy, the heart of the White Mountains.

Things You Probably Didnt Know About Summer In Arizona

You may break a sweat walking to class in August, but by October, its all short sleeves and cool breeze. Real Arizonans know that the heat doesnt hit hard till May, where it stays in full, dehydrating madness until the end of July. Just how hot does it get and is there anything you can do to escape it? Weve got a few cool facts that might help you cool down no guarantees, though!

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Take Advantage Of Summer Resort Deals

Most 4 and 5 star luxury resorts in the Phoenix area offer their best deals during the summer months. Because they cannot fill all the rooms at this time due to the uncomfortably hot weather, this when they begin to roll out enticing promotions. This fantastic deals tend to draw the locals in for a fun & affordable staycation at an otherwise uber expensive resort.

The Arizona Bitmore offers the most incredible summer deal of all. For just 200 bucks, you will receive a full breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner credit each day of your stay. This deal also includes parking, the resort fee, and 20% off the spa. This beautifully landscaped architectural wonder offers lots of shady seating areas to enjoy the serene desert scenery. And most impressive of all, the resort is home to 8 pools! And during the heat of the summer, youll be able to enjoy a water slide, a swim up bar, live pool entertainment, and even Saturday night dive-in movies. Who says you cant have fun outside during a hot Phoenix summer?!

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