From the article: Best Free Things To Do and See in Greater Phoenix
If someone came to you and wanted to go somewhere or do something in the Greater Phoenix area, but they didn't have any money to spend on it, what would you tell them to do? Where would you tell them to go? What is your favorite free activity or destination in Metro Phoenix? Which Is Your Favorite?
Childrens Museum is Free Plus Bowling
- I loved your article about the SplashPads. The Childrens Museum on 7th Street, Downtown Phoenix is FREE on First Fridays in the Evening. Another goody is at Let's Roll Bowling Alley in Sunnyslope. I stopped in after using the Playground across the street and picked up a flyer telling me how to get Free Bowling for Kids All Summer Long. I will leave it at that. My son is only Two so I didn't really remember any details but I'm sure they would tell you if you called the bowling alley.
- —mhatling
Chandler Airport
- The hanger at the Chandler airport is a great free place to take the kids. Many owners allow the children to look at their planes and occasionally sit in one! There is a little diner there too where you can sit and watch the planes take off.
- —Guest Jlee
hot wheels
- At gilbert and baseline mesa friday nights they set up a hotwheels track for racing not free but I only spent$ 5 for me and my 2 sons to race all night
- —Guest brad
Phoenix Art Museum
- You can visit the Museum on Wednesday evenings between 3pm-9pm for a voluntary donation (which can be $0). Special exhibits may NOT be included (may require separate admission).
- —nastij
Desert Botanical Garden
- Garden admission is free the second Tuesday of every month, from 1-8 p.m. [About.com Phoenix Guide: This info posted January 2011. Check official website for confirmation of special admission days.]
- —nastij
First Friday Art Walk on Grand Avenue
- First Friday's are a great FREE evening to come out and support the arts and artists in the Greater Phoenix down town area. Grand Avenue provides you with a variety of art galleries, eateries and live music. Phoenix Fall Space Gallery/Studio is open from 6:00-10:00pm every First Friday & Third Friday of every month. October 1 is this Friday. FREE EVENT PARKING FREE ADMISSION TO EVERY GALLERY.
- —Guest Denise Fleisch
Best Kid age 1-10 Entertainment
- We love to take our grandkids to Desert Ridge to play in the water spouts. We bring a small lunch cooler with drinks and carrot sticks, apple slices and crackers. We also bring plastic cups for them to play in the water with. There is plenty of comfortable seating and the kids play for hours! If you have a little cash there is a pizza by the slice place close as well as other vendors.
- —Guest Virginia
Concert in the Park
- The Town of Gilbert offers free concerts at Freestone Park on the second Thursday of each month. They get a variety of music styles....very good, free entertainment! Many cities offer similar programs.
- —AZTracy
Area Splash Parks/Spray Pads
- Phoenix area parks are a really great way to spend the afternoon with the kids :)
- —Guest aynjoy
Free Family Public Swim
- Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center on Riggs west of Val Vista has free family swim from 6-8pm on Friday nights. Great way to spend a fun as a family while keeping cool! [Note from About.com Phoenix Guide: This free activity is not year-round and may not be available every summer. Contact them directly for schedule.]
- —Guest gilbertmomof5
Public Gardens
- There are public rose gardens located throughout the Valley maintained by volunteers of the local rose societies. During January and September, free pruning clinics are offered. During April and November the societies host free rose exhibitions. The main gardens are located at Mesa Community College, Encanto Park, Sahuaro Ranch Park, Scottsdale Artists School and the County Extension Office. These gardens are popular for weddings, photography, outings for the handicapped and elderly, and the over-stressed employee needing a nature break.
- —Moroseaz
Hidden Treasure Revealed
- I am amazed at how few people know that there is a free museum at the state capitol. It's not about art or sculputre, so much as the history of Arizona. It usually isn't crowded unless there's a school or camp group. After that, I like to walk around Wesley Bolin park and check out the statues and memorials.
- —francine
