10 Things to do This Weekend in Phoenix: Family Edition
With a packed lineup of summer fun to keep the whole family cool and entertained, the dog days of summer have nothing on the weekend of July 12 to July 14.
Friday:
State Farm Stadium Tour
Arizona Cardinals fans and Fiesta Bowl enthusiasts alike will be psyched to gain unparalleled access into State Farm Stadium on a guided tour that takes visitors to the press box, a private loft, the NFL visiting team locker room, and the stadium floor. Tickets cost $9 for adults and $7 for children. Tours are held Wednesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Jaw-some July at OdySea Aquarium
Does Shark Week have your whole family glued to the TV this July? Buy tickets to OdySea Aquarium’s Jaw-some July to see more than 50 sharks of 14 different species in action. The aquarium has a packed lineup of interactive activities, including a behind-the-scenes shark feeding tour, a screening of a new Shark Week episode on the Discovery Channel, and shark-themed crafts. Jaw-some July lasts from July 5 to July 28, and tickets can be purchased online.
Second Friday Night Out
Change up your usual Friday night routine at historic downtown Mesa’s Second Friday Night Out. There will be more than 50 artists, live music, food vendors, contests with prizes, and shops and restaurants open late. July’s theme is Gamers’ Dilemma, complete with vintage video game competitions and a trivial pursuit contest.
Saturday:
Experience France at the MIM
Instead of booking a plane ticket to France to celebrate Bastille Day, just purchase a ticket to the Musical Instrument Museum. In honor of the holiday, the museum has curated a schedule of special activities that celebrate French culture, including musical performances, lectures, a screening of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” crafts and more. The festivities are included in the price of museum admission, and the full schedule of activities can be found online.
Winter in July at the Phoenix Zoo
Forget monsoon season—this Saturday experience a snowstorm at the Phoenix Zoo’s winter wonderland. The park will have nearly 50 tons of snow as well as wet and wild play areas for kids to splash around in. You won’t want to miss your favorite animals enjoying some icy treats from 7 to 11 a.m.
Roadside USA at The i.d.e.a. Museum
Summers were made for road trips, but you don’t need to pack up the family station wagon to take one this weekend. The i.d.e.a. Museum brings the classic road trip experience to you in its latest exhibition: “Roadside USA.” Planned activities include crafting a journal, making maps, driving a motor home and changing a tire. Journey through popular road trip destinations and sites off the beaten trail without having to leave your zip code.
Phoenix Public Market
Nothing beats fresh food and produce, and the Phoenix Public Market makes it easy for the whole family to enjoy shopping local. The Open Air Market features more than 80 vendors, ranging from artisan craftsmen to local farmers. The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon, and so save room for breakfast.
Sunday:
H20asis at CityScape
Don’t let triple-digit temperatures keep you cooped up inside—head to CityScape in Downtown Phoenix for two days of cool family fun. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the outdoor shopping center will house eight giant inflatable waterslides and a foam machine. All activities are free with a suggested $5 minimum cash donation that benefits the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA.
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social at Rosson House Museum
Phoenix architecture is best defined by mid-century ranch style homes, but in the heart of Heritage Square lies a true anomaly: the Rosson House. Spend Sunday afternoon exploring the Victorian mansion on a guided tour before enjoying an old fashioned ice cream sundae at The Bungalow next door. Relax on the lawn or partake in a game of croquet. The experience costs $15 and begins at 1 p.m. For a truly immersive experience, costumes are encouraged.
Free Family Sunday at the Phoenix Art Museum
Explore the July theme of “Opposites” with free admission to the Phoenix Art Museum from noon to 5 p.m. Visitors of all ages can participate in scavenger hunts, art-making, story time, and hands-on activities. If you have time, enjoy discounted admission to the special engagement exhibition “Agnes Pelton: Desert Transcendentalist” while you’re there.
