Are you searching for fun and adventurous things to do in Phoenix, Arizona? You’re in the right place! I have plenty of ideas whether you’re alone, with friends, or spending a day trip with family. All of these suggestions will make you want to come back to Phoenix over and over again.
Whether you’re a thrill seeker or just enjoying a little adventure in your life, Phoenix is the perfect place for you. With many heart-pumping activities available in the city and surrounding area, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the best adventurous things to do in Phoenix, Arizona! Don’t forget to stop by LGO Bakery for the most amazing pastries!
- Visit the Desert Botanical Garden-The Desert Botanical Garden is an amazing 144-acre oasis in the middle of the desert. With more than 50,000 plants, including 21,000 cacti and succulents, it’s no wonder this is one of the best things to do when visiting Phoenix. The Desert Botanical Garden is home to a variety of exhibits, including a wildflower trail, a children’s garden, and a hummingbird garden. In addition to the amazing displays, the Garden also offers educational programs such as plant walks and talks, gardening classes, and family activities.
- Hike Camelback Mountain-Camelback Mountain is a renowned hiking trail and one of the most beloved outdoor activities in Phoenix, AZ. The summit provides magnificent views of not only the city but also the picturesque desert landscape that surrounds it. There are two principal trails that lead to the summit – Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail; however, both require visitors to be physically fit as they are quite strenuous.
- Attend a show at the Herberger Theater Center-Herberger Theater Center is a haven for the performing arts that houses several theater companies, including the Arizona Theatre Company and the Center Dance Ensemble. It also plays host to numerous events such as dance performances, concerts, and educational programs.
- Visit the Phoenix Zoo-Did you know that the Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest zoos in America and houses over 1,400 animals? The zoo has many different exhibits like an African Savanna, an Arizona Trail, and a Children’s Zoo. They also have educational programs available such as behind-the-scenes tours where you can pet some of the animals!
- See the Musical Instrument Museum-The Musical Instrument Museum is one of a kind not only in Phoenix but worldwide. Housing over 6,500 musical instruments from all around the globe, it boasts the largest collection of its kind anywhere. In addition to an impressive array of exhibits, the museum offers educational programs and live concerts open to visitors.
- Explore Taliesin West-Taliesin West is a National Historic Landmark designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The site was initially built as Wright’s winter home and studio in 1937, and it now houses the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Visitors can take tours of Taliesin West to see firsthand how Wright conceived his unique architectural designs.
- Visit South Mountain Park -At 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park is one of the biggest parks in America. In addition to the 51 miles of hiking trails, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
- Shop at the Phoenix Public Market-If you’re looking for a place to enjoy local food, art, and music, the Phoenix Public Market is the perfect spot. The market is open every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm, and it’s located in the historic Encanto neighborhood.
- Take a scenic drive on the Apache Trail-The Apache Trail is a scenic drive that takes you through the Superstition Mountains. The trail has several stops along the way, where you can see Canyon Lake and the Apache Leap Cliffs. The Apache Trail is popular with hikers, bikers, and picnickers.
- Visit the Pueblo Grande Museum-Located on the site of an ancient Hohokam village, The Pueblo Grande Museum is perfect for those who want to learn more about this unique culture. With exhibits that showcase the history and way of life of the Hohokam people, as well as educational programs such as guided tours, lectures, and hands-on activities, visitors will come away with a new understanding and appreciation for this fascinating culture.
- Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride-Balloon rides are a fantastic way to tour Phoenix and take in scenic views. Most companies offer hour-long rides that take place during cooler morning hours before the sun gets too high in the sky.
- Phoenix Art Museum-The Phoenix Art Museum is the perfect place to enjoy and learn about art. With a collection of over 18,000 pieces of artwork including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs from all around the world, there’s something for everyone to appreciate. The museum also offers docent-led tours and hands-on activities for those who want to deepen their understanding or get creative themselves.
- Golfing-With more than 200 golf courses, Phoenix is a top destination for golfers from all over. Popular courses include the Phoenix Country Club, Camelback Golf Club, and Troon North Golf Club.
- Piestewa Peak-For those who love outstanding views and hiking, Piestewa Peak is the perfect destination. Phoenix’s highest point awaits you at the summit, where you can take in a stunning panorama of the city below. The peak is located within phoenix Mountains Preserve and has several trails leading up to it, making it a favorite spot for hikers too. With gorgeous hiking trails and a breathtaking summit that overlooks the city, Piestewa Peak is one of Phoenix’s most beloved spots. The peak is named in honor of Army Sgt. First Class Lori Piestewa, who lost her life during combat in Iraq in 2003.
- Guided Tour of the Wild West-Phoenix is located in the heart of the Wild West, making it an ideal place to learn about the history and culture of the region. There are several reputable companies that offer guided tours of area attractions, which typically last about two hours. The tours include stops at such places as the Marvelous Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Sedona- all would immensely satisfy your adventure cravings!
- Papago Park-Papago Park is a large city park with plenty of amenities for everyone to enjoy, such as hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a zoo! The Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, and Pueblo Grande Museum are all located within the park.
- Visit the Japanese Friendship Garden-Traditional Japanese elements, such as a teahouse, koi pond, and bonsai collection can be found within the three acres of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Guided tours and hands-on activities are also available to those who want to learn more about this culture.
- Hall of Flame Firefighters Museum-The Hall of Flame Firefighters Museum is more than just a collection of 70 historic fire engines. Our museum also features exhibits that showcase the history of firefighting in the United States, as well as a replica of a 19th-century firehouse. In addition, we offer educational programs such as guided tours and hands-on activities.
- Sonoran Desert Museum-The Sonoran Desert Museum is a natural history museum dedicated to the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. The exhibits at the museum include a desert tortoise habitat, a hummingbird aviary, and a cactus garden. In addition to these exhibits, the museum also offers educational programs such as guided walks and night hikes.
- Downtown Phoenix-Downtown Phoenix is the city’s urban center, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and nightlife options. Downtown Phoenix is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the Arizona Science Center and the Phoenix Museum of History.
- Jeep Tour-Taking a jeep tour is a playful way to explore the Sonoran Desert around Phoenix. This area has many companies that offer jeep tours, which go for about two hours on average. The standard route covers destinations like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Montezuma Castle National Monument.
- Goldfield Ghost Town-Goldfield Ghost Town is an abandoned mining town that has been turned into a tourist attraction. The town features several shops, restaurants, and hotels. Goldfield Ghost Town also offers different tours and events, such as gold panning and gunfight reenactments.
- Taliesin West-The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home and studio, Taliesin West, is now a museum that gives tours of the premises as well as houses the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. The museum also provides educational programs for visitors.
- Lake Pleasant Regional Park-Located in Arizona, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a 10,000-acre space that provides visitors with opportunities to enjoy nature through camping, fishing, and boating. The park also offers educational programs led by knowledgeable guides which include tours and hands-on learning experiences.
- Enchanted Island-If you’re looking for a fun and educational amusement park in the Phoenix metropolitan area, look no further than Enchanted Island. Our park features a variety of rides, games, and attractions. Plus, we offer guided tours and hands-on activities that are perfect for learning more about your favorite animal activities.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there is no shortage of Adventurous Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. Hiking Camelback Mountain and exploring Taliesin West are just a few of the options. With so much to see and do, Phoenix is a great destination for those who love adventure.
Best Things to do in the surrounding Phoenix area:
Visit Art galleries in Old Town Scottsdale.
Watch Wild Horses in Salt River
