• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Affordable Phoenix Art Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Affordable Phoenix Art Museum
© Phoenix Art Museum

2. Affordable Heard Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Affordable Heard Museum
© Heard Museum

3. Shemer Art Center/Museum East Phoenix

Category: Attractions
Shemer Art Center/Museum East Phoenix
© guruXOX/stock.adobe.com

4. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Museum

Category: Activities
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Museum
© Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Museum

5. Fiesta Bowl Museum

Category: Entertainment
Fiesta Bowl Museum
© Michael Flippo/stock.adobe.com

6. Sahuaro Ranch Historical Area in Glendale

Category: Attractions
Sahuaro Ranch Historical Area in Glendale
© eugenesergeev/stock.adobe.com

7. ASU Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
ASU Art Museum
© humannet/stock.adobe.com

8. Phoenix Police Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Phoenix Police Museum
© Phoenix Police Museum

9. Scottsdale Historical Museum

Category: Attractions
Scottsdale Historical Museum
© Scottsdale Historical Museum

10. Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Category: Kids & Family
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
© Children’s Museum of Phoenix

11. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art in Scottsdale

Category: Museums & Culture
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art in Scottsdale
© Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art in Scottsdale

12. Arizona Railway Museum

Category: Kids & Family
Arizona Railway Museum
© Arizona Railway Museum

13. Chandler Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Chandler Museum
© Chandler Museum

14. Affordable Desert Botanical Garden

Category: Activities
Affordable Desert Botanical Garden
© desertsolitaire/stock.adobe.com

15. Maricopa County Parks Guided Events

Category: Entertainment
Maricopa County Parks Guided Events
© adogslifephoto/stock.adobe.com

16. Affordable Mesa Arts Center

Category: Attractions
Affordable Mesa Arts Center
© Mesa Arts Center

17. Gallery - at City Hall, Downtown Phoenix

Category: Museums & Culture
Gallery - at City Hall, Downtown Phoenix
© Suchota/stock.adobe.com

18. Phoenix Public Library

Category: Kids & Family
Phoenix Public Library
© connel_design/stock.adobe.com

19. Arizona Capitol Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Arizona Capitol Museum
© sframe/stock.adobe.com

20. Tempe History Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Tempe History Museum
© Tempe History Museum

21. Roosevelt Row Arts District

Category: Museums & Culture
Roosevelt Row Arts District
© joeycheung/stock.adobe.com

22. Goldfield Gunfighters

Goldfield Gunfighters
© antiksu/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Phoenix and the surrounding area of The Valley of the Sun can be a great area to explore for anyone traveling on a budget.
  • There are a wide array of free attractions and activities that will suit just about any interest.
  • Some attractions are free only on certain days – please check before you go.

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