Hours of operation: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Cost: Free
The museum features various exhibits showcasing the history of Tempe.
Joe Shawabkeh walks into Last Rodeo on Mill Avenue.
Independent Newsmedia/Madeline Bates
Mill Avenue
Location: 414 S. Mill Ave.
Hours of operation: Varies
Cost: Varies
With more than 100 local businesses within a half mile, Mill Avenue has something for everyone. From bars and restaurants to apparel brands and the occasional festival, Mill Avenue is a short walk through history and captures the essence of downtown Tempe.
The Hackett House sits west of Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe.
Hours of operation: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
Tempe is full of historical places open to the public that showcase some of Tempe’s first residents and their time in the desert. Take a tour downtown at the Hackett House.
The city of Tempe has both day and night Kayaking classes for all ages and levels. At night, attendees are given glow sticks for their boats to create a Glow Kayak experience. Catch a boat at Tempe Beach Park—550 E Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Beach Park has visitors both night and day for proposals, picnics and cruises for all. Tempe Beach Cruisin’ recently set sail from the marina and can accommodate groups up to 26 with a deposit of $99.
On the other side of the bridge, there are also paddle boats and other watercraft to rent for the day.
For the musical theatre lover, ASU Gammage has shows throughout the year for everything from drama to comedy, musicals and even local talent. Located on the ASU Campus, the Gammage Theater is hard to miss.
Recent Arizona State graduate Sydney Lindon-Lake poses with Sparky at Mountain America Stadium.
ASU’s Mountain America Stadium and Desert Financial Arena host various sporting events year-round, from football to basketball, volleyball and wrestling. Mullett Arena hosts the Sun Devil Hockey team and other ice sports. Parking is available in garages and in lots surrounding the arenas.
Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Cost: Varies
Aside from shopping, Tempe Marketplace also has several water features where play is not only permitted but encouraged. The shopping center also has a movie theater, numerous dining options and activities for all ages and abilities.
Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Varies
For indoor fun head to south Tempe to Arizona Mills Mall where LEGOLand and OdySEA have a joint pass for full-day fun on rides, building LEGO, and even petting sea animals.
For the cinephiles, the Harkins Theater at Arizona Mills has the only full-size IMAX in the Valley, making movies come to life unlike any other theater.
Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 8p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-5p.m. Sunday
Cost: Free, some activities have a small fee
Spanning over 3 stories, but thousands of tales, the Tempe Library has something for readers and thinkers of all ages and abilities. The main floor has resources for adults and teenagers looking for books and educational resources. The basement features a children’s area with reading nooks, play spaces and areas for children to let their imaginations run wild.
Hours of operation: Lap swim from 6-9:30 a.m. and Wave Pool from 1-5 p.m.
Cost—Ranges from $3-7 depending on age and pool
Kiwanis Wave Pool is the largest indoor pool in Tempe with waves up to three feet and water slides for water fun no matter the weather. The pool is open year-round with hours varying by time of year and day of the week. It is closed on Sundays and select holidays.
To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).
Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.
Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.
Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.
Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.
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