7 Kid-Friendly Ways to Stay Cool in Phoenix, AZ this Summer

Yes, it’s hot but you don’t have to go into hibernation this summer!  There’s plenty to do in the Valley of the Sun even in the summer months and you don’t have to spend a lot to do it.

Indoors and FREE:

Visit the local public library.  Our MOMs especially like the toddler friendly events at the Apache Junction Public Library , the Dobson Ranch Library and Scottsdale Public Library.

The i.d.e.a Museum in Mesa is offering another free admission day on Sunday, May 20th.  Children of all ages are invited to visit the museum from 12pm to 5pm.  The Sonoran Safari exhibition is being featured this season and they have an awesome toddler friendly section.

The Childrens Museum in Phoenix is offering a free admission day the first Friday of most months from 5pm to 9pm.

Visit video game arcades especially with younger kids.  Stay cool in the AC and let your 2 to 4 year-old loose in the arcade.  They will think they are playing the games with you and will have fun with all the buttons and lights.  Dave and Busters is free to visit with the added bonus of the restaurant and bar. ?

Also indoors:

Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center in Chandler is extremely reasonable and offers season passes for families.

Harkins has an awesome summer movie program that costs less than $1.00 per movie for 10 weeks.  Tickets are on sale now at participating locations.

Under 6 can jump for $5 at Xtreme Air.

Go ice skating!  We like the Ice Den in Scottsdale.  5 and under skates for $5 ($3 with own skates).   3 and under skates for free at AZ Ice in Gilbert.

Local Beaches:

Looking for a beach?  Yes, we are in the desert but we do have a few beaches around believe it or not!

You might see some wildlife at Butcher Jones.  If you have a 4×4 vehicle you can go back into the coves where there are more beaches that are less crowded.

Apache Lake has a campground, a marina and a jaw-dropping view.

Hit the beach but stay in the city at Waikiki Beach Wave Pool at Big Surf in Tempe.

Get your pool pass: 

There are some great public pools but did you know that you can get a day pass to the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix?

Day passes are also available at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia.  Enjoy the rooftop pool!

Old Fashion Ice cream parlors:

1950’s style Sugar Bowl has been serving up cool treats in Scottsdale since 1958.  They also have a gift shop and offer birthday parties in their new arcade parlor.

Mary Coyle Ol’ Fashion Ice Cream in Phoenix has been around since 1951.  Get an old fashioned sundae, ice cream soda or the popular authentic banana split!

Homemade Fun:

Get a snow cone maker!   The kids will love making their own snow cones and playing with the different colors and flavors.  You’ll love how easy it is to keep them entertained.

Have an Arizona snowball fight!  Pick your teams, dip these water balls in water and toss!

Make a ‘water piñata’!  Fill a bunch of water balloons, get some string and tie the full balloons to a tree, the covered patio or wherever you have enough room to swing a bat.  The more balloons you hang, the wetter you will be!

Move to a neighborhood with awesome amenities:

Seriously though!  HOA payments are much easier to make when you are enjoying the splash pad and community center at Eastmark, or the sandy beach and clubhouse at Val Vista Lakes or the fishing derby’s and movie in the pool at Dobson Ranch.  Click here to request a list of awesome, family friendly neighborhoods in the greater Phoenix area.

Visit our Calendar for a list of our upcoming summer events!

Photo Credit to Photos by Jessica Nelson