10 fun outdoor activities around Phoenix for summer

It’s officially summertime, and aside from Vitamin D being a necessity for important bodily functions, there’s no better place to be during the summer than enjoying the sunshine. Don’t let the Phoenix heat drive you inside; these activities make it easy to have fun in the sun.  

What to do outside around Phoenix this summer

1. Desert Botanical Gardens Flashlight Tours

Experience the Arizona desert after dark with a self-paced flashlight tour through the Desert Botanical Gardens. Perfect for the whole family or a romantic evening, you can explore the wildlife and desert night shimmer in a way you never have before. Don’t forget to bring your flashlight!

Where: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway

When: Thursdays and Saturdays 7-9:30pm through September 2

2. Top Golf in Scottsdale or Gilbert

The ultimate place to hang with friends and partake in some friendly competition, Top Golf serves up cocktails and food alongside more than 100 climate-controlled hitting bays. Don’t worry if you’re not headed for the Master’s; Top Golf is all about the social scene. With on-site bars and restaurants, a rooftop terrace with a fire pit, more than 200 HDTVs and free Wifi, you’ll find it easy to spend a day at this fun-filled spot with locations in Scottsdale and Gilbert.  

Where: Scottsdale 9500 E. Talking Stick Way Gilbert 689 S. SanTan Village Pkwy Scottsdale

3. Salt River Tubing

The easiest way to escape the summer heat but stay outdoors is to head to Salt River. Salt River Tubing makes floating the river a breeze. They provide the necessary floating equipment, shuttle rides, and free parking. Keep an eye out for the wild horses as you float by the mountains and through the desert. The river averages 68 degrees, year-round–the perfect temperature to keep your mind sane and your body happy.

Where: 9200 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ

When: Monday through Friday, 9am-6:30pm

4. Spa and Pool Access at the Resorts

Cool off and enjoy the amenities at one of Phoenix’s luxury resorts. They’re the perfect places to grab a day-pass since there’s something to keep everyone entertained. You can grab a cabana at the Omni Resort & Spa, pool hop around the JW Marriott’s 5 pools, hit up Tequila Tuesday at The Saguaro or head to the heart of the entertainment district at the Scottsdale Hotel. Whether you’re looking to swim with your friends, have a date-day, or keep the kids busy for a few hours, when summer hits, the resorts are calling.

Where: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia 4949 E Lincoln Dr, Scottsdale, AZ  

JW Marriott 5350 East Marriott Drive · Phoenix, AZ  

The Saguaro 4000 North Drinkwater Blvd Scottsdale, AZ  

Scottsdale Hotel 7277 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ

5. Golf Resort Summer Rates

The only thing better than spending a day on the course is doing it at a discounted price. Grab your clubs and hit the links early to take advantage of discounted summer golf rates. Great deals can be found at more than 10 golf courses in and around Phoenix. Some places even throw in drink and food specials. Don’t forget a hat, some sunblock, and lots of water.

6. Escape to Flagstaff

A quick 1.5 hour drive from Phoenix, and you’ll find cooler weather and variety of summer activities to fill your day in Flagstaff. You can catch live music, family fun, and romance while taking in the stunning scenery of northern Arizona at Arizona Snowbowl.  Be sure to take the Scenic Chairlift ride to get a bird’s eye view of the city. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, then head to the Extreme Flagstaff Adventure Course and challenge yourself to 10-17 different obstacle courses and zip line features.

Where: Arizona Snowbowl 9300 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ

When: Open every day from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, 10am – 4pm

Extreme Flagstaff Adventure Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, AZ

7. Escape to Sedona

If you’re looking to get your summer exercise in without the dread of the scorching Phoenix heat, then take a day trip to Sedona, located just 1.5 hours outside of the city. With beautiful rock formations and a variety of trails to choose from, Sedona is an ideal place for a hike. Although you’ll have cooler weather in Sedona, don’t forget to pack extra water for yourself, your family, and your pets.

8. Camping

Weekend getaways are meant for summer, and there’s no greater feeling than sleeping under the stars during a perfect summer evening. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, this is a great way to escape the busy city and reconnect with nature. Don’t forget to book early and grab your bug repellant!

9. Water Parks

With the average summer temperature reaching well over 100 degrees, there’s a reason that Arizona is filled with water parks. They are the perfect way to keep your body cool and your days filled with excitement. If you plan on spending a majority of your summer at the park, consider opting for a season pass at Wet & Wild, Golfland Funsplash, Arizona Grand Resort Oasis Water Park, or Big Surf Waterpark. Avoid the crowds by heading to the parks mid-week.

Where: Wet & Wild Phoenix 4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale, AZ

When: 10am-8pm

Where: Golfland Funsplash 155 W. Hampton Ave Mesa, AZ

When: 10am-11pm Where: Arizona Grand Resort Oasis Water Park 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway Phoenix, AZ

Where: Big Surf Waterpark 1500 N. McClintock Dr./Hayden Rd. Tempe, AZ

 10. First Fridays in Downtown Phoenix

Celebrate the first Friday of each month with art walks, food trucks, and street vendors in downtown Phoenix. A great place to kick off the weekend, download a digital map from the First Fridays website, and enjoy a lovely evening of culture, food, and good times. For convenience, consider taking the light rail to the Roosevelt and Central station and walking from there, or park at the Artlink Trolley Hub at the Arizona Center (trolley riders receive a validation for the first 2 hours). Your first stop will be Roosevelt Row.

If the high Phoenix temperatures have you wanting to run inside for air-conditioning, think again. There are plenty of ways to stay cool in the sun while still enjoying the outdoors in and around Phoenix. Grab the family and some friends, and take advantage of the summer activities happening throughout the day and evening in Phoenix.