Tempe, Arizona
Things to do.
Parks, museums, family days and nights out in Tempe, plus the Valley icons a short drive away. Something for tonight and something for the weekend.
Outdoors
Downtown Tempe
Tempe Town Lake
Arizona's 2nd-most-visited attraction: kayaks, SUPs, electric boats and 50+ events a year.
Phoenix / Around the Valley
Camelback Mountain
The Valley's signature summit hike, 2,704 feet over the Sonoran Desert.
North Valley / Around the Valley
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
The Valley's big blue playground: boating, kayaking and desert coves up north.
Arts & culture
Downtown Tempe
Tempe Center for the Arts
Lakeside theater and galleries with skyline views.
Papago Park
Arizona Heritage Center
Arizona's story told through interactive exhibits.
Tempe
Tempe History Museum
The city's story, from its Native ancestors to now. Free.
Papago Park / Around the Valley
Desert Botanical Garden
50,000 desert plants and rotating shows like the Chihuly glass. Free the 2nd Tuesday monthly.
Phoenix / Around the Valley
Musical Instrument Museum
4,000+ instruments from every country on earth, routinely called the Valley's best museum.
Family fun
Downtown Tempe
Tempe Beach Park
The lakeside lawn where the Valley's biggest festivals land.
Tempe Center for the Arts
Childsplay
Tempe's professional theater company for children.
Tempe
Singh Meadows
A hidden gem: food, a farmers market and lawn games on open grass.
Papago Park / Around the Valley
Phoenix Zoo
Arizona's beloved nonprofit zoo, wild since 1962.
Downtown Phoenix / Around the Valley
Arizona Science Center
Hands-on STEM, a planetarium and a five-story screen downtown.
Nightlife & events
Downtown Tempe
Mill Avenue District
ASU's front porch: patios, bars, music and shops.
Hours and prices change. Confirm with each spot before you head out. Looking for a bite after? Where to eat in Tempe.
Never wonder what to do.
The Tempe weekly rounds up what is happening, what is new and what is worth your weekend. Every Friday morning.
