Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona: Outdoor Adventures, Dining and Arts

Phoenix Art Museum

Founded in 1959, the Phoenix Art Museum has been a favorite institution of modern art and learning for over 55 years, and it is the largest art museum in the Southwestern United States today. The museum houses a variety of permanent collections that span several different genres, including American, Asian, European, and Latin American art, as well as traveling fashion and photography exhibitions.

The museums presents a range of vibrant festivals and live performances, educational programs, and art films throughout the year that aim to enlighten, inspire, and stimulate an interest in the arts. One of the top Phoenix attractions, the museum also houses an interactive children’s gallery for future artists. Relax in the beautifully landscaped Dorrance Sculpture Garden, dine at the Museum's fine dining restaurant Palette, or shop at the Modern Museum Store.

1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, Phone: 602-257-1880

Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is the world’s only global musical instrument museum, and it features an impressive collection of more than 15,000 musical instruments and artifacts from around the world. Instruments are displayed in high-end displays that are enhanced by state-of-the-art audio and video technologies, allowing visitors to hear and observe the instruments being played in their original contexts.

If you are looking for best things to do in Phoenix for music lovers, this is a great place to visit. Visitors can view instruments from iconic musicians such as Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Carlos Santana in the Artists Gallery, as well as multiple displays showcasing different types of ethnic, folk, and tribal music. The Museum also features an interactive “Experience Gallery,” where visitors can play a variety of instruments from around the world and experience the magic of music for themselves.

4725 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ, Phone: 480-478-6000

Phoenix Zoo

Home to roaring Sumatran tigers, awe-inspiring Asian elephants, and towering Savannah giraffes, the Phoenix Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions. One of the nation’s largest privately owned zoos, the animal park features over 1,400 animals, including more than 30 different endangered species from around the world. The zoo also has a number of breeding programs for various species.

Fascinating habitats and exhibits include the Africa Trail, which boasts African wild dogs, African lions, white rhino, and Arabian Oryx and the Tropics Trail, which is packed with Asian elephants, giant tortoises, iguanas and ring-tailed lemurs. Enjoy daily animals encounters in the Monkey Village or the Red Barn, get soaked at the Leapin’ Lagoon, or experience the wild in 4-D at the state-of-the-art theater.

455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Arizona, Phone: 602-286-3800

Heard Museum

Founded in 1929 by Dwight and Maie Heard, the Heard Museum is one of the top Phoenix tourist attractions and aims to educate and promote greater understanding of the indigenous peoples of the Americas, particularly American Indian tribes and other cultures of the Southwest. In order to accomplish this goal, the museum exhibits focus on their arts, heritage, and way of life.

The Museum uses their extensive range of unrivaled collections, innovative programs, world-class exhibitions, and vibrant festivals to respectfully and accurately portray Native arts and cultures and showcase personal perspectives of this ancient and historical culture. A visit to the Heard Museum includes a journey through 12 exhibition galleries, a beautifully manicured outdoor sculpture garden, a contemporary art gallery, and trading-post style shopping store, a lively café, and free guided tours.

2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, Phone: 602-252-8840

Arizona Science Center

Located in downtown Phoenix in the Heritage and Science Park, the Arizona Science Center is a world-renowned center and institution of learning that emphasizes exploration, innovation, and collaboration of the sciences. Established in 1980, the Center has grown to become one of the city’s most popular attractions, welcoming over half a million guests annually. The Center features a variety of hands-on and interactive exhibits, displays, and exploratory experiences spread over 164,000 square feet of space.

The Center appeals to visitors of all ages, and the fantastic to-the-moon and beyond presentation in the Dorrance Planetarium is particularly popular. If you are wondering what to do in Phoenix with kids, this is a great place to visit. The Center also offers a range of educational and community outreach programs, classes and camps, fields trips, and immersive shows in the 5-story state-of-the-art IMAX theater.

600 E. Washington St, Phoenix, Arizona, Phone: 602-716-2000

Taste it Tours

Taste it Tours ventures to some of the city’s best culinary establishments and introduce visitors to the local food scene on a neighborhood level, giving them a chance to try some of the best bites in town. Owned and run by local Scottsdalian Jessica Combest, each tour visits 4-5 hidden gems that highlight the Downtown Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale’s favorite culinary hotspots, revealing the city as a food mecca in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.

Tours also delve into the heritage of the city, showcasing its rich history and beautiful architecture, as well as the finest culinary and cultural establishments. Expert guides will ensure you feel right at home. Tours include signature cocktail (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) pairings in the regular price of the ticket, plenty of tasty food samplings, and unique culinary insights (480-274-3569).

Chase Field Private Tours

Home to Arizona's first Major League Baseball team and 2001 World Champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field is an impressive sports stadium with a unique retractable roof that hosts a variety of major sporting and other large-scale events. Covering 1,300,000 square feet with six different levels, the field can be configured to accommodate a range of sports other than baseball, including football, soccer, and basketball.

The best way to really get to know this incredible structure is by taking a private guided tour, which includes the following highlights – the Rotunda with World Series Trophy, the pool in right-center field, the picnic pavilion and private suites, the Press Box, a visit to field-level, the dugout and the batting tunnel, and the visitor’s clubhouse. Tours are offered year-round and last approximately 45 minutes.

The Vig Fillmore (Downtown Phoenix)

The Vig has an inviting outdoor patio, a modern bar and lounge accompanied by a full kitchen. The restaurant serves a menu of New American cuisine along with a comprehensive list of cocktails and beers and substantial wine list.

The Vig also offers an array of entertainment from large-screen televisions showing the latest games to bocce on the outdoor bocce ball court and live music of all genres throughout the week.

Fillmore: 606 N. 4th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003, Phone: 602-254-2242

Children's Museum of Phoenix

The Children's Museum of Phoenix is a fun-filled wonderland of imagination, inspiration, and creativity for children up to the age of 10. The Museum is filled with over 300 interactive, hands-on, touch-and-tell and exploratory exhibits, displays, and other experiences. These exhibits are spread over three floors and 48,000 square feet of space in the historic Monroe School Building in downtown Phoenix.

Designed to arouse curiosity, engage minds and muscles, and encourage discovery, the museum boasts a variety of exhibits, some of which include “Art Studio- Creative Expression,” “Book Loft,” “Building Big,” and “Desert Delights.” The museum also offers a diverse range of educational programs and classes that cover areas from math and science to yoga and art.

215 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, Phone: 602-253-0501

Little Miss BBQ, Phoenix, Arizona

Little Miss BBQ is a quirky eatery with a retro vibe that specializes in Central Texas-style barbecue, smoked meat dishes, and traditional sides. Smoked and slow-cooked over Arizona oak and pecan wood and served meat market-style, freshly grilled meats and homemade sausages are weighed and brought out on butcher paper with pickles, onions, and homemade white bread.

Meats on the menu include brisket, pork spare ribs and pulled pork, turkey breast, pastrami, and house made sausage, with sides of jalapeño cheddar grits, potato salad, coleslaw, and beans adding the finishing touch.

4301 E. University Dr., Phoenix, Arizona, Phone: 602-437-1177