Best Free Things To Do and See in Greater Phoenix

A drive on the Apache Trail is one of the most scenic drives near the Phoenix area. This well-traveled road affords visitors an incredible view of canyons, geologic formations, desert plants and trees, desert and lake views, and wildflowers in season.

Best time to do it: when it isn't raining or very windy, probably not on the hottest days of the year unless you have a lot of confidence in your car's maintenance and you don't mind getting out for the scenic stops.

We have quite a variety of museums that offer free admission, some of which are free all the time and some that have special days of the week or the month where you are welcome to visit without paying an admission charge.

Best time to do it: all year long. It's indoors and air conditioned.

Splash pads and splash parks are popping up all over the metro Phoenix area. With five months of summer, it's no wonder that splash playgrounds are one of the most requested amenities of the various Parks and Recreation Departments around the Valley of the Sun. The public swimming pools usually charge a nominal charge to get in, less than two bucks. Some of these pools have great features, like waves and slides.

Best time to do it: May through September

Open studios tours are a good way to experience art and artists. Every first Friday evening of each month you can take a free self-guided tour of downtown Phoenix galleries, studios and art spaces.

Best time to do it: any first Friday of the month when being outdoors in the evening is pleasant enough to walk around.

Every Thursday night, every night of the year (except Thanksgiving), for the past 30 years, many of the more than 100 art galleries in downtown Scottsdale have opened their doors to art lovers, art lover wannabes and people watchers during Scottsdale ArtWalk. See the video!

Best time to do it: any Thursday (except Thanksgiving) when being outdoors in the evening is pleasant enough to walk around.

Hiking is a popular activity here, and there are plenty of places where you can do it for free. One of them is right in the middle of Phoenix. Surrounded by freeways, and neighborhoods and resorts you will find Camelback Mountain, one of the most popular destinations for a hike in Phoenix. looking for something a bit easier where you can take the kids? Waterfall Trail on the west side of town is my favorite.

South Mountain Park has been mentioned as the largest city park in the world. At nearly 17,000 acres it certainly covers a lot of ground, although it isn't a park in the sense of grass, and playgrounds, and lakes, and ducks, as one might think. South Mountain Park is a desert mountain preserve. I took pictures!

Best time to do it: If you are walking, hiking or biking enjoy this park when it isn't too hot. In the summer, that means very early in the morning.

I couldn't find one free golf course in the Phoenix area, but I know about the next best thing! You might not know it by the name Karsten Manufacturing, but PING Golf is the name by which Karsten Manufacturing Corporation is known worldwide. You can take a tour of the manufacturing facility and see how PING golf clubs are made.

Best time to do it: Most of the tour is indoors. During the busy season (October through April) they are often booked months in advance. Reservations are required.

You can take a free guided trolley tour of downtown Scottsdale, Arizona. The Scottsdale Trolley Tour introduces you to downtown Scottsdale districts, history and trivia.