10 Ways to Stay Cool This Summer in Phoenix
Phoenix can get pretty unbearably hot during the summers, but we have an idea or two or ten of how you can cool off on those hot days. But don’t forget to not touch the metal of your seatbelt, steering wheel, or stick shift before cooling off your car! We can’t actually help you with that except for maybe wearing gloves in the middle of the summer? Just do what you have to do to get yourself to a cooler place such as one of these soul saving establishments:
1. Water Parks
Whether you have kids or want to let you inner kid out, waterparks are certainly one of the most enjoyable and popular ways to cool off in Phoenix. From waterslides, lazy rivers and big wave pools to water playgrounds for the little ones, these water parks are a great way to cool off for everyone. If you’re visiting and know you’ll want to go to a waterpark, stay at the Arizona Grand Resort. It has a 7 acre waterpark on the property that is reserved for guests only consisting of water slides, a lazy river, and pool side cabanas, a giant wave pool and adult beverages.
- Wet and Wild
- Golf Splash
- Big Surf
- Oasis
- Kiwanis Water Park
- Arizona Grand Resort
2. Shopping
Scottsdale boasts some of the best shopping in the country. Most of the malls in Phoenix and Scottsdale have an indoor/outdoor layout, which gives shoppers the feeling that they are still enjoying being outdoors even when they’re at a mall. Indoors are heavily air conditioned and water misters line the walkways outdoors. You’ll find that no matter where you are in Phoenix during the summer, most places make use of AC and misters.
- Scottsdale Fashion Square
- Scottsdale Quarter
- Biltmore
- Arizona Center
3. Dive-in Movies
Or any movie theater for that matter! But attending a dive-in movie is a fun, casual way to cool off and experience something that is very Phoenix. Not many other places around the country are hot enough to hang out and watch a movie from after sunset. These resorts that offer movies in the pool offer poolside food and drinks as well. It really doesn’t get better than this!
- The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
- Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort
- Spa at Gainey Ranch
- The Phoenician
- Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
4. Resort Pool Parties
These resort pool parties are basically “the thing to do” to keep cool in the summer if enjoy clubbing, being really social, people watching or day drinking. It’s basically like being in a bar, but during the day, by or in a pool, with it totally being socially acceptable to start drinking alcoholic beverages at 9am (because it’s a fruit juice or tropical drink, right?), and with less clothing. People who attend these things are typically ok with showing off what they’ve got. You won’t find many (if any) modest, t-shirt over the bathing suit wearing moms from the Midwest here. Make no mistake, these parties will keep you cool temperature-wise, but that’s about all we can promise as far as “cool” goes. Take that however you want.
- Clarendon
- Talking Stick
- W Scottsdale
- Valley Ho
- Lustre Bar at Hotel Palomar
- The Saguaro
5. Museums
You’re never too old to learn something new! Museums in Arizona are a fantastic way for you and your whole family to stay out of the heat and engage with fun, new information. The Arizona Science Center is gear more towards children, but the activities are hands-on and we bet a nickel that adults will learn something new. (Don’t be afraid to let that inner kid out!) Sheerer Art Center is a unique facility that provides classes on art and skills you never knew even existed. And if you’ve ever liked listening to music ever in your life, then you have to check out the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale. There’s nothing else quite like it.Arizona Science Cente
Challenger Space Center Arizona
Shemer Art Center
Phoenix Art Museum
Scottsdale Modern Art Museum
Musical Instrument Museum
6. Rock Climbing
Climbing gyms are a fantastic way to get indoor exercise away from the heat. Sure you could find a gym or go to the exercise room in your hotel, but a rock gym is actually fun. You can be social, go with the whole family, or even by yourself. And even if you can’t go climb outside in the heat, a rock gym gives you the feeling that you are either preparing yourself for the next rock climbing adventure, you’re getting fit, or you just simply having an awesome experience. Plus, it always feels extra earned to reward yourself with a cold beer or ice cream cone afterwards.
- AZ on the Rocks
- Phoenix Rock Gym
- Ape Index
- Black Rock Climbing
- Focus Climbing Center
- Climbmax Gym
7. Casinos
Casinos in Arizona are located on Native American Reservations, but many of them are actually really close to Metro Phoenix. Talking Stick is less than a 10 minute drive from Old Town Scottsdale. Poker, slot machines, drinks, buffets, entertainment and life music are all part of casino experience. Sure, it’s no Las Vegas (though that’s only a 4.5 hour drive from Phoenix), but you’ll find that these casinos are quite nice with full amenities.
- Casino Arizona
- Talking Stick Resort
- Farrah’s Ak-Chin
- Fort McDowell Casino
- Lone Butte Casino
- Vee Quiva
- Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
8. Burton Barr Central Library
This library is the ultimate escape for local Phoenicians. This architecturally unique, 280,000 square foot, 5-story building is located in central Phoenix (just a few blocks north of downtown) and it popular because of it’s book collection, it’s spaciousness and its welcoming atmosphere that just begs you to just plant yourself there for hours and escape to another place (where it’s cooler, of course!) This library is naturally bright with giant glass window walls making it easy to read for hours. Don’t forget to check out the Rare Book room with over 3,400 books that you’ll likely not find anywhere else.
9. Butterfly Wonderland
Step inside the largest indoor rainforest atrium in the United States. More than 3,000 butterflies from around the world flutter among the lush tropical plants and flowers, landing for just long enough to capture the perfect photograph. The flowers, trees and plants within the atrium have been chosen precisely for the butterfly species within. Butterfly Wonderland truly is one of the most amazing butterfly conservatories not only in the country, but also in the world. Butterly Wonderland features a 3D theater with butterflies jumping off the screen; a honey bee observatory where you can see bees making honey right in front of you; fresh water aquariums with sea life from the Amazon like African Cichlids, Amazon Pacu fish and other colorful exotic fish including friendly stingrays you can touch. And of course, there’s the Insects of the Desert exhibit. You’re in Arizona. You’ll certainly want to see some scorpions and Tarantulas!
10. Patio Bars
There’s nothing like sitting on the patio having a cold beverage on a warm day. Fortunately, almost every business in Phoenix and Scottsdale that has patio seating also provide shade and misters! Phoenicians don’t love the idea of seasons. We just want to be outside year round. So in the winter there are heaters on the patios. In the summer, it’s all about the shade, fans and misters. The best part about patios is that your pup can come cool off with you as well!
- The Vig
- Pedal Haus
- The Yard
- Ocotillo
- El Chorro
- Timo Wine Bar
- Different Point of View
- The Windsor
- The Montauk
- OSHO
