Fun Things to Do in Phoenix

Unusual Attraction Things to Do...

Carnival of Illusion - Create a priceless memory with loved ones as the national recipients for "Excellence in Magic" transport you on a magical journey around the world in a fun, up close, Vaudeville-inspired illusion show! Great for date nights, birthdays, anniversaries and special nights out. Upgrade your fun with EXCLUSIVE FRONT ROW PARLOUR SEATS. (Of course we might be a bit cheeky recommending this but the show has been super popular with hundreds of sold out shows.)

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix - The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is a peaceful way to spend the day. Take a stroll through the 3.5 acre landscape and enjoy a cup of tea in the Japanese Tea House. While you're there, don't forget to check out the 5/8 acre Koi pond.

Musical Instruments Museum - This modern museum is much more than a huge collection introducing visitors to the magnanimous array of cultural music making. It's a educational platform introducing the musical arts of the world to our community through recorded and live music.

Coffee House Things to Do...

Fiddler’s Dream Coffeehouse - If you’re in North Phoenix, be sure to check out Fiddler’s Dream Coffeehouse for the latest small-venue musical environment. Enjoy the fully acoustic atmosphere, while getting a bite to eat.

Mama Java's Coffeehouse - Looking for a warm and inviting place to relax? Head to Mama Java's Coffeehouse, where the experienced baristas brew a variety of coffees to bring people together. Sip your coffee, and enjoy the art work displayed in the coffeehouse usually with live musical entertainment.

Royal Coffee Bar - If you're in downtown Phoenix, head over to the Royal Coffee Bar to experience tantalizing tastes. Enjoy a cup of fresh roasted and brewed coffee with special laces of Velvet. Housed in an old building, the coffeehouse offers great tastes and a feel for Phoenix's history.

Arts, Culture, Museums Things to Do...

Desert Botanical Garden - The Desert Botanical Garden hosts a variety of exhibits and research designed to protect and preserve the desert's natural beauty. The Desert Botanical Garden is a great place to connect with nature, or enjoy one of the many shows and performances offered at the breathtaking location.

Heard Museum - If you're interested in the American Indian arts, the Heard Museum is the place for you! Founded in 1929, the museum offers a vast collection of exhibitions, festivals and learning opportunities.

Phoenix Art Museum - Interested in getting a taste of Phoenix's art and cultural community? Then, the Phoenix Art Museum is the place to go! This family friendly museum boasts international exhibitions, entertainment, the Art Museum Cafe and even shopping.

Children's Museum of Phoenix - With the use of hands-on interactive exhibits, children discover learning is fun at the Children's Museum of Phoenix. The museum emphasizes on childhood education and school-readiness with a number of learning through play activities. If you're looking for something fun and education to do with your children, head to the Children's Museum of Phoenix.

Arizona Science Center - The Arizona Science Center is a great place to take the family to enjoy the various attractions the center offers, including an IMAX theater, planetarium, exhibitions galore and great food. With a full Calendar of Events, you can always find something fun at the Arizona Science Center.

Day Time Things to Do...

Phoenix Zoo - Visit one of the top five zoos in the nation for children - the Phoenix Zoo! Not only does the zoo home animals from around the world, but offers family programs, special activities and educational adventures as well. The Phoenix Zoo is a great place to spend the day with the family.

Ponderosa Livery & Boarding Stables - If you’re looking to get closer to nature, check out the Ponderosa Livery & Boarding Stables, where you can explore the desert on horseback. With over 50 miles of trails, the Ponderosa Livery Stables will offer you a guided tour you just can’t afford to miss.

Enchanted Island Amusement Park - Enjoy a fun day with the family at the Enchanted Island Amusement Park. Take the historic Encanto Carousel, or enjoy a pedal-boat trip across the lagoon. Stay cool in the splash-zone or head over to the arcade for more family fun.

Tovrea Castle - Visit the Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden in east-central Phoenix. The castle sits atop a cactus-covered hill and is surrounded by 44 acres of beautiful desert landscape. Take a tour of the castle to get a piece of Phoenix history, and enjoy nature’s beauty in the process.

Castles-n-Coasters - Castles-n-Coasters is a great place for family fun and thrills, whether you’re a coaster expert or beginner. Enjoy sky high roller coasters, miniature golf and new adventures around every corner.

Cool Shopping Things to Do...

Frances Vintage - Frances Vintage offers handpicked new and vintage clothing for women, babies and kids. This one-of-a-kind store is perfect for anyone into vintage styles, jewelry and novelty art.

Kierland Commons - If you like shopping and being outdoors, you have to check out Kierland Commons. Not only is there breakout shopping, but some of the Valley’s best restaurants too. Shop till you drop, and then kick back with ice cream by one of the many water fountains. Or, hit the streets after hours to enjoy the bar scenes and entertainment.

Biltmore Fashion Park - No trip to Phoenix is complete without experiencing Biltmore Fashion Park. Shop in luxury as you stroll the lush lawns and shaded walkways. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, stop by one of the many relaxing restaurants, or enjoy the special programs offered in the park.

Major Attraction Things to Do...

Chase Field - Chase Field, where the Arizona Diamondbacks play, isn’t just a great place for diehard baseball fans, but the entire family as well. Even if you aren’t into watching a game, take a tour of the stadium, or get a bite to eat. Then, head over to the field’s swimming pool.

University of Phoenix Stadium - The University of Phoenix Stadium is unlike any other stadium in North America, with a retractable roof and field. Home of Super Bowl XLII and many other monumental sporting events, the stadium offers tours, exciting sporting events and more.

Wrigley Mansion - If you enjoy your chewing gum, you have to stop by the Wrigley Mansion. This breathtaking landmark is available for fine dining, and social and special events. Although the zoning restrictions cause the mansion to maintain a private club status, the $10 annual fee is well worth the cost to experience the history of the museum. Plus, the fee is fully donated to charity!

A Bit Out of Town Things to Do...

Apache Greyhound Park - Just outside of Phoenix in Apache Junction, you can visit the Apache Greyhound Park. Enjoy the race tracks, featuring purebred greyhounds, or have a fresh pizza and a cold beer.

Asarco Mineral Discovery Center - If you're interested in the copper and mining industry in the state, head over to the Asarco Mineral Discovery Center. The center offers an award-winning exhibit center, video theater, cactus garden and picnic area. The center will also take you on mining tours and Southwestern arts & crafts by local artisans, silver, copper and Native American jewelry.

Desert Sports Things to Do...

Arizona Outdoor Fun - Looking for a little fun in the sun? Arizona Outdoor Fun offers amazing outdoor activities, plus, guided and unguided tours as well. Find out what the desert has to offer by learning from the best.

Octane Raceway - Love going fast? Then, the Octane Raceway is the place for you. Enjoy go-karts, wall climbing, racing and more. The indoor kart facility offers fun for the entire family at reasonable prices.

Check out our list for Fun Things to do in Scottsdale