Arizona Museum of Natural History
The state’s premier museum of cultural and natural history and a must-see for dinosaur lovers, this 80,000-square-foot museum offers visitors a trip to the Southwest’s prehistoric – and more recent – past with a range of exhibits and activities that cover archaeology, paleontology, geology, art and more. A selfie with a life-size dinosaur sculpture “bursting out” of the upper levels of the museum is worth the trip alone. 53 N. Macdonald St., Mesa, 480-644-2230, arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
ASU Art Museum
Founded in 1950, the contemporary museum is located in Antoine Predock’s award-winning Nelson Fine Arts Center on the western edge of the Tempe campus, boasting six expansive galleries and three sculpture courts. Best of all, it is the only major museum in the Valley that is always free. ASU Nelson Fine Arts Center, 51 E. 10th St., Tempe, 480-965-2787, asuartmuseum.asu.edu
ASU Gammage Auditorium
Some of today’s biggest hits straight from Broadway highlight ASU Public Events’ Broadway Across America series. The historical hall was designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Highlights: Some Like It Hot, Feb. 11-16; Wicked, March 4-30; ASU Philharmonia, April 24; and Mamma Mia!, May 27-June 1. 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, 480-965-3434, asugammage.com
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Nestled against the base of Picketpost Mountain, this 392-acre museum of living plants features a system of nature trails that weaves throughout the botanical and demonstration gardens that provide inspiration for home landscapes. The institution is celebrating its centennial in 2024. 37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior, 520-689-2723, btarboretum.org
Chandler Center for the Arts
Quality cultural programming at an affordable price is the hallmark of this venue, which opened in 1989. Highlights: The Nutcracker, Nov. 29-Dec. 8; Stomp, Feb. 7; and The Wizard of Oz, March 14-15. 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org
Chandler Museum
This 10,000-square-foot facility bridges Chandler’s history with its future through a mix of local displays and nationally traveling exhibits. 300 S. Chandler Village Dr., Chandler, 480-782-2717, chandleraz.gov.
Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona
Get up close and personal with history at this combat aviation museum. Walk through a working hangar and watch aircraft mechanics bring muscular engines to life. Climb aboard one of the rarest B-17 bombers in the world or, better yet, book a once-in-a-lifetime flight in an authentic warbird. The gift shop offers unique finds and war memorabilia. 2017 N. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, 480-924-1940, azcaf.org
Hale Centre Theatre
This Gilbert theater provides family-friendly entertainment at an affordable price. Highlights: Holiday Inn, through Nov. 23; A Christmas Carol, Nov. 29-Dec. 24; and Anything Goes, Feb. 14-March 29. 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-1181, haletheatrearizona.com
Historical Downtown Chandler
Art galleries, boutiques and restaurants surround Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, the city’s original town square. The National Historic District also boasts a microbrewery and numerous craft cocktail and wine bars. Arizona Avenue just south of Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, 480-782-3037, visitchandler.com
i.d.e.a. Museum
Interactive activities are a hallmark of this 20,000-square-foot facility, which is designed to inspire children of all ages to experience their world differently through art, creativity and imagination, with an emphasis on science and technology. 150 W. Pepper Pl., Mesa, 480-664-4332, ideamuseum.org
Mesa Arts Center
This versatile arts and entertainment complex offers the finest live entertainment and performances, plus a variety of visual art exhibitions, arts education classes and annual festivals. Highlights: The Fab Four: U.S.A. Meets the Beatles, Nov. 29; Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, Dec. 10-11; and Dear Evan Hansen, Feb. 28-March 2. 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com
Superstition Mountain Museum
Sprawling across 12.5 acres in the shadow of the storied mountains, the nonprofit museum is the keeper and purveyor of colorful tales of bygone days, with exhibits that examine the geology and native culture of the area, plus the legend of the mysterious Lost Dutchman Mine. The Elvis Chapel and Apacheland Barn are highlights. 4087 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, 480-983-4888, superstitionmountainmuseum.org
Tempe Center for the Arts
This lakeside venue boasts two performance halls and a gallery, with local favorites including Arizona Wind Symphony, CONDER/dance, Desert Dance Theatre, Stray Cat Theatre and Tempe Winds gracing its stages. Highlights: Scrooge!, Dec. 7-28; Hayden’s Ferry Chamber Music Presents: Harp and Violin, Feb. 23; and Performance with a View: ASU Community Flute Ensemble, March 25. 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, 480-350-2822, tempecenterforthearts.com
Tempe History Museum
The museum shares the story of Tempe through a variety of media, including artifacts, video presentations and art displays. 809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, 480-350-5100, tempe.gov/museum
