Are you looking for fun things to do this summer but want to avoid braving the heat? Here are a few local places to make thoughtful memories without breaking a sweat – at least not from the sun.
STAY ACTIVE.
Octane Raceway
Octane Raceway is the first indoor and outdoor go-cart driving course in the United States. In addition to the raceway, this thrilling complex also offers axe throwing, a full arcade, a restaurant, and a virtual reality experience called Velocity VR. To visit, it is recommended that people book online up to seven days in advance; each racer must also sign a liability waiver and have an annual racing membership ($7).
9119 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 602-302-7223, octaneraceway.com
SkyZone | Various Valley Locations
SkyZone is the world’s first wall-to-wall trampoline park where kids and adults can spend the day jumping around and enjoying themselves on attractions such as the Freestyle Jump, Ultimate Dodgeball, and the Foam Zone. To visit, you can purchase a 90-minute pass, a 120-minute pass, or an all-day pass, ticket prices vary depending on which location you decide to spend the day at. skyzone.com
Escape the Room AZ | Various Valley Locations
Escape the Room AZ is an interactive experience for groups to put their brains to the test. These experiences are exhilarating and challenging, and the relief after a successful escape makes it rewarding. Escape the Room has eight different escape rooms spread between two locations in the Valley. These rooms vary from Jurassic Park and Submarine themes to Spy Agency and Western bank Heist themes. Guests can book tickets online ($41) for the location and escape room of their choosing for groups of two or more. escapetheroom.com
PUT YOUR RIGHT BRAIN TO WORK.
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
This museum allows visitors’ creativity to soar while learning about musical instruments from around the world. Even if you are not a music enthusiast, it is still fun and interesting to experience the sights, sounds, and feelings of the instruments through the museum’s interactive media like the Mechanical Music Gallery where all of the instruments play themselves as you wonder it. General admission ($20), teen ($15) and children’s ($10) tickets are available for purchase online. Kids ages 3 and under are free.
4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 480-478-6000, mim.org
Arizona Science Center
People with curious minds who love to learn and explore will enjoy this museum with a state-of-the-art planetarium and a five-story-high giant-screen theater currently featuring documentaries such as Space: The New Frontier, Jane Goodall – Reasons For Hope, and Blue Whales: Return Of The Giants 3D. Day passes are available online for purchase and include adult tickets ($30), children’s tickets ($20), and senior tickets ($28).
600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-716-2000, www.azscience.org
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighters
To beat the heat, wouldn’t you want to learn about the people who specialize in it? This museum houses five exhibits that are home to firefighting equipment like fire helmets, fire alarm systems, and manual fire engines dating back to 1725. As well as a gallery honoring the lives of firefighters who passed away in the line of duty or displayed daring acts of heroism. Tickets are available online and include the option to purchase adult tickets ($17), senior tickets for ages 62-plus ($15), student tickets for ages 6-17 ($15), and children’s tickets for ages 3 to 5 ($10). Children under 3 enter free.
6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 602- 275-3473, hallofflame.org
LET’S SKATE!
Ice Den | Various Valley Locations
Get ready to bundle up if you plan to spend the day at the Ice Den. This is the perfect way to beat the heat, get super cold, and enjoy the day with your friends and family at the ice skating rink. This year-round, full-service ice-skating rink offers 2-hour skate sessions with 20-minute intermissions on selected dates from June 1st- August 4th. They also include two onsite restaurants, 18 Degrees, a down-to-earth local hangout restaurant where people can relax and have personal experiences that feel like home; and Chilly Bean Cafe, a snack and beverage stand where you can get Cartel Coffee, Coke products, and more. To skate the day away, guests must register online in advance with a $10 fee per skater. Registration opens at noon 2- days before the scheduled session.
icedenscottsdale.com; icedenchandler.com
Great Skate
Families and friend groups will love this roller-skating rink. Not only does it offer adjustable skates and “skate mates” for beginners but it also has an arcade where you can win tickets to exchange for fun souvenirs. To skate, participants must sign up for a slot on the schedule and pay the skating fee, which changes daily depending on the theme or event.
10054 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale, 623-842-1181, unitedskates.com
Mountain America Community Iceplex
The Mountain America Community Iceplex is a staple of the Tempe and Arizona State University community, and it welcomes all skill levels, for people who may not be as agile on the skates, they offer skating lessons as well as public skating and figure skating sessions to show off those new skating moves. The Iceplex requires all guests to register including the option to purchase adult admission for ages 13-54 ( $14), kids for ages 4-12 ($7), seniors for ages 55 and up ($7), and toddlers ages 2-3 enter free. They also offer active military and student discounts ( $7). They then require a signed general waiver and you are ready to get on the ice!
411 S. Packard Drive, Tempe, 602-457-2500, mullettarena.com/macuiceplex
BECOME ONE WITH NATURE.
Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium
This safari-like park is home to Arizona’s largest collection of exotic and endangered animals. Get up close and personal with more than 600 different animal species and enjoy a host of animal encounter shows, attractions, and rides. To escape the heat, visit the air-conditioned aquarium.
16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, 623- 935-9453, wildlifeworld.com
OdySea Aquarium
Odysea is home to majestic sea creatures like sloths, penguins, and sea turtles. Whether you are going down the escalator or washing your hands in the bathroom, you will come across a cute little creature staring at you through the glass. You can purchase aquarium-only tickets, or combo tickets so you can experience all that Arizona’s Boardwalk has to offer including attractions like Butterfly Wonderland, UFO Experience, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. They also offer annual passes to keep the adventure going all year long.
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480- 291-8000, odyseaaquarium.com
Butterfly Wonderland
Spending the day surrounded by butterflies sounds like a dream scenario, right? According to its website, Butterfly Wonderland is “home to the largest Butterfly Conservatory in North America.” Experience thousands of butterfly species flying around as you walk through an astonishing rainforest paradise. They sell conservatory-only tickets, combo tickets to experience other Arizona Boardwalk attractions and annual passes.
9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale,480-800-3000, butterflywonderland.com
