10 Things to Do in Phoenix in Summer

Looking for something exciting and refreshing to do this summer? Believe it or not, Phoenix has you covered. From the adrenaline rush of white water rafting on the Salt River, to relaxing in a spa, to the tranquility of a Japanese tea garden, to the adventure of the mysterious Bat Cave, to the Phoenix Comic-Com, there's everything to do in the city!

It's hard to define the best things to do in Phoenix this season, but here's a top 12 things to see and do this summer in the land of the Apaches.

Rafting on the Salt River is one of the summer adventures that attracts the most visitors. The lower stretch of the river, known as The Lower Salt River, is ideal for rafting, especially for beginners, as the current is not very strong. But if you're up for something more challenging, The Upper Salt River is for you.

Along the way, you'll appreciate the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. This tributary is home to a variety of species, including river otters, bald eagles, foxes and ospreys.

For rafting, as well as kayaking, you can either bring your own equipment or be guided by an expert when booking your rafting experience, in which case everything you need for the activity will be provided.

Details of interest

• Address: 9200 N. Bush Highway in Mesa.
• Price: from €154 per person.

Phoenix is not only the ideal place for sportsmen, but also art enthusiasts will find interesting places to visit. Did you know that the MIM is the largest musical instrument museum in the world? Yes, as you read it. Here you find artistic representation from at least 200 countries.

When you buy your ticket for the Museum of Musical Instruments you enter an incredible performance space with 300 seats and exceptional acoustics. The museum features nearly 8,000 musical artefacts from around the world, and to facilitate the experience, visitors can use an audio guide available in several languages, including Spanish.

The invitation is to learn about the musical traditions of different regions and their evolution over time. For any music lover, this is an unforgettable experience you won't want to miss.

Details of interest

• Address: 4725 East Mayo Blvd.
• Price: from 22 € per person.
• Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00-17:00 hours.

I promise I wasn't trying to make a joke about the heat in Phoenix during the summer, the truth is that the Hall of Flame Museum is one of the best museums in Phoenix to visit during the summer as it offers a refreshing refuge from the high temperatures while learning about the often unsung work of firefighters.

Your ticket to the Hall of Flame Museum gives you access to the largest collection of firefighting equipment in the world. Here you'll find a collection of antique fire vehicles, historical artifacts and interactive exhibits that follow a timeline of fire control since 1725.

In addition, the museum hosts special events and educational programs for the whole family, especially during the summer. So, whether you're a fire enthusiast, want to escape the heat or are just curious, a visit to the Hall of Flame Museum is an educational and entertaining experience.

Details of interest

• Address: 6101 E Van Buren Street.
• Price: from €19 per person.
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Every summer millions of people join the Grimh family for one of the best day trips in Phoenix: the tour of Canyon Lake and the surrounding area aboard an iconic steamboat, the Dolly Steamboat.

This cruise can be enjoyed day or night. The lake offers a picturesque landscape full of wildlife to discover. It has been an Arizona tradition since 1987. Each trip 142 people follow the Apache Trail and visit the ghost town of Goldfield, Fish Creek Hill in the Superstition Mountains and Tortilla Flat northeast of Apache Junction.

Details of interest

• Address: 16802 AZ-88, Tortilla Flat.
• Price: from €154 per person.

We know that the most popular Comic-Con takes place in San Diego during the summer, but this event has become a tradition that transcends barriers and more and more cities are joining the world's largest Geek gathering. In Phoenix, it was initially known as Phoenix Comic Fest, but its Phoenix accent turned it into the Phoenix Fan Fusion.

This comic convention is a sure bet for things to do in Phoenix with kids Entire families dress up in costumes, some of the comic book celebrities attend, famous speakers and designers add authenticity to the event. The Phoenix Fan Fusion is non-stop fun!

When does the event take place? Since 2002 it has been held in July, just as the school holidays begin. Join over 100,000 fans who gather every year.

Details of interest

• Address: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N 3rd St., Phoenix.
• Price: from €50 per person.
• Hours: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. Check their website for the schedule of activities and presentations so you don't miss out on your favourites.

When summer arrives, baseball fever is in the air in Phoenix, and it's game season is in full swing. It's your chance to enjoy live baseball! How can you resist watching a game at Arizona Diamondbacks Stadium?

Summer is the season when some of the most important games of the Major League Baseball regular season are played. And Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, like the D-backs, are in top form and competing intensely to secure their place in the playoffs.

After buying your tickets to the Arizona Diamondbacks stadium, you can take part in an unforgettable experience while cheering on the Diamondbacks at their home, Chase Field. On the other hand, you can also take advantage of the special seasonal events. Concerts are the order of the day here during school holidays.

Details of interest

• Address: 401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix.
• Price: from €27 per person.

Combine Phoenix Zoo 's regular exciting experiences such as the safari cruise, camel ride, joining the elephant tour, dinosaurs in the desert, or visiting the shy anteater, among many others; with the activity of the summer: horseback riding.

If you take your little ones in early summer, specifically in July, children aged 7-13 can ride horses in pairs, while their parents cheer them on. In addition, for the younger ones, aged 3-6, there are also guided activities. With the majestic animals as a backdrop, children will probably experience their first encounter with horses while learning about wildlife in a fun and interactive way.

This is an entertaining activity that allows children to enjoy the zoo from a different perspective. The invitation is to buy your tickets to the Phoenix Zoo so you don't miss out on this summer adventure for the whole family.

Details of interest

• Address: 455 North Galvin Parkway
• Price: from €35 per person.
• Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 - 13:00 hours.

The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix offers a refuge from the summer heat. This authentic tea garden is located in the centre of the city, providing a tranquil experience away from the desert landscape.

Throughout its 14 hectares you'll find lush plants, some 300 koi fish, a 15-foot waterfall, stone walkways, lanterns and a tea house that offers traditional tea ceremonies. It's a great place to spend an afternoon when passing through Phoenix in 2 days or more.

This garden was created in 1987 through a collaboration between Phoenix and Himeji, its Japanese sister city. If you are in the mood for relaxing activities such as tea ceremonies, craft workshops, tai chi classes and summer jazz nights, make a point of visiting the Japanese Friendship Garden.

Interesting details

• Address: 1125 N. 3rd Avenue.
• Price: from €9 per person.
• Hours: Summer hours: Tuesday-Thursday 08:00-12:00 and Friday-Sunday 08:00-12:00 and 17:00-19:30.

In Phoenix, visiting a water park is one of the best ways to enjoy the summer, and you have many options, here are some of the best:

• The Arizona Grand Resort & Spa a water park that combines fun and relaxation in its "Oasis" with eight-story waterslides, wave pool, spray fountain and hot tub.
• Hurricane Harbor Phoenix, the Six Flags of the Valley of the Sun, with its tornado, banana blaster and 15 other attractions, is a kid's sensation.
• The Golfland Sunsplash which offers a 2 for 1 water park for kids. Here you will find the "Golfand", with traditional rides and attractions for fun out of the water. While the "Sunsplash" is the place to take to the water with its 'Master Blaster Water Coaster'.

These venues offer endless fun for all ages, from thrilling slides to relaxation areas. In addition to the water rides, you'll find restaurants and lounge areas for a full day of entertainment. Cool off from the summer heat at these Phoenix water parks and enjoy the thrill in the sun.

Details of interest

• Address: Depends on the park of your choice.
• Price: from €53 per person.

Phoenix is famous for being home to some of the best spas in the United States, where you can enjoy warm stone massages, salt scrubs and rejuvenating treatments. It's the perfect destination for a day of pampering during the summer. Take the opportunity to pamper yourself with a spa treatment in the middle of desert landscapes.

When the summer holidays arrive, immersing yourself in an oasis of tranquillity and wellbeing is a real treat, and the range of options in the Valley of the Sun are extensive. One of the most outstanding places is the Boulders Resort, which has a spa of some 10,000 m2. In its facilities, apart from the conventional spa services, you can also play golf and follow some hiking trails.

Another alternative is the Spa at Camelback Inn, whose maxim is the use of desert botanicals such as cactus flower and prickly pear cactus. And these are not the only ones, other centres such as Canyon Ranch Tucson, the transformation spa, are part of the list of recommendations for travellers and residents.

Details of interest

• Address: depends on the spa chosen.
• Price: varies from spa to spa.

Although summer visitors recommend bringing water and a hat because of the temperatures, they also consider this place a must-visit because of the seasonal activities on offer such as torch cactus tours, summer camps, culinary demonstrations and outdoor concert series.

At the Desert Botanical Garden they know that this is the holiday season and present a variety of experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

On the other hand, travellers are often pleasantly surprised to discover that this garden is home to a wide variety of cacti, trees and flowers from all over the world - more than 50,000 species! The contrast between the vibrant colours of the garden and the cinnamon of the Sonoran Desert mountains makes for a beautiful landscape.

In addition, there are several hiking trails, such as the Plants and Peoples of the Sonoran Desert and the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop, which allows you to enjoy the natural wonders of the region, just as the early settlers did.

Details of interest

• Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008.
• Price: from €27 per person.

Every year, from May to October, between 10,000 and 20,000 bats migrate to southern Mexico and stop in Phoenix to roost. During the day they roost in the Phoenix Bat Cave, and at night they fill the sky and go insect hunting.

Bat watching from this spot is a fascinating summer experience. Adults and children participate in excursions to this area to see these small mammals gliding through the air while listening to their screeches and chirps. They don't seem to fear humans, so don't be surprised if they fly close to you.

The bat cave is a hidden gem in Phoenix. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted signs in the area to educate the public about these creatures and encourage calm behaviour when observing them.

Details of interest

• Address: 3698-3694 E Colter St, Phoenix. Northwest of 40th and Camelback, near Chelsea's Kitchen, at the north end of the Arizona Canal Trail.
• Price: free.