Free & Fun Things to do in Phoenix

So many fun things to do can be expensive, here is a list of a few of the fun and free things to do in the Phoenix area, just a bit of gas and you’re good to go!

Desert Botanical Garden https://dbg.org/ 1201 N. Galvin Parkway Free on the 2nd Tuesday of every month

Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. An Arizona icon celebrating 80 years in the Valley, the Garden has grown into a compelling attraction and desert conservation pioneer, offering worldly plants, vibrant trails, world-class exhibitions, festive events, fascinating classes and so much more

Papago Park 625 N Galvin Pkwy

Papago Park is one of the most scenic and easily accessible desert areas in the Phoenix metro area. Explore its 1,500 acres filled with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and lagoons. Papago Park is also home to attractions including the “Hole in the Rock” hike, Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo and AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park.

Penske Racing Museum https://www.penskeautomall.com/penske-racing-museum/ 7191 East Chauncey Lane

The Penske Racing Museum showcases an amazing collection of cars, trophies and racing memorabilia chronicling the career of one of the most successful dynasties in all of sports. Penske Racing has over 50 years of racing experience and over 500 major race wins highlighted by 18 Indianapolis 500-mile race victories. On display in the museum are cars detailing the diversity of Penske Racing including a replica of the 1963 Pontiac Catalina which Roger Penske drove to victory in the 1963 Riverside 250. Additionally, a number of Indianapolis 500-mile race winners are on display including the 1985 March Ford driven by Danny Sullivan to win the 1985 Indy 500.

Mesa Arts Center https://www.mesaartscenter.com/ 1 E Main St, Mesa

The Mesa Arts Center is home to four performance theaters — Ikeda Theater, Piper Repertory Theater, Farnsworth Studio Theater and the Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse — and 14 art studios, as well as five exhibition galleries as part of the Mesa Contemporary Arts (MCA) Museum. Arizona’s largest arts center is one of Mesa’s top family-friendly attractions, thanks to its diverse portfolio of life performances, art exhibitions and art classes that educate and entertain visitors of all ages.

Arizona Capital Museum https://azcapitolmuseum.gov 1700 W Washington S

The Arizona Capitol Museum’s iconic copper dome is the centerpiece of Arizona’s state government complex. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and originally dedicated in 1901, the historic Capitol building housed the Arizona Territorial and State Legislature until 1960 and Executive Offices until 1974. The building was then restored and rededicated as the Arizona Capitol Museum, officially opening in 1979. The Museum is a branch of the Arizona Legislative Council. 

Arizona State University Art Museum https://asuartmuseum.org/ 51 E 10th St, Tempe

Designed by Antoine Predock and opened in 1989, the Nelson Fine Arts Center facility is located on ASU’s Tempe campus with three floors of year-round exhibitions that rotate seasonally and the award-winning museum store.

The Brickyard located in downtown Tempe on Mill Avenue houses the Ceramics Research Center, a national and international destination for the study and appreciation of ceramics, and the Brickyard Gallery.