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Free Things To Do in Downtown Phoenix
Curious about budget-friendly activities in downtown Phoenix? Our guide unveils an array of exciting experiences, ensuring you make the most of your visit with free things to do in this bustling city.
From cultural attractions to scenic spots, downtown Phoenix offers no-cost experiences that won’t break the bank! Here’s a list of the affordable and enjoyable adventures awaiting you when you visit!
1. Free Attraction Sites in Phoenix
1. Arizona Capitol Museum
Address: 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Website: https://www.azlibrary.gov/azcm
Contact Details: +1 602-926-3620, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday: 9 AM–4 PM
Entry Fee: Free
The Arizona Capitol Museum is a captivating destination offering free and self-guided tours on weekdays. It’s housed within the Capitol Building and features a copper dome, reflecting the state’s official metal.
This museum traces Arizona’s evolution, spanning mining roots to government intricacies and the history of the USS Arizona. Here, you can also experience a curated blend of technology, hands-on activities, historical artifacts, and educational programs.
| Pro tip: You can combine your museum visit with a picnic in the adjacent Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza. It’s a serene spot, and enjoying a meal amidst the memorials adds a touch of tranquility to your day. |
2. Phoenix Art Museum
Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: https://phxart.org/
Contact Details: +1 602-257-1880,
Operating Hours: Wednesday: 10 AM–9 PM, Thursday & Friday: 10 AM–5 PM, Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
Entry Fee:
- Free admission during PHXArt After Hours – Select Fridays, 5-9 PM
- Free admission during PHXArt Family Fun Days – 4 times a year, select dates at 10 AM-5 PM
- Pay-What-You-Wish – Wednesdays, 3-9 PM
Phoenix Art Museum is an iconic institution and considered as the largest art museum in the Southwestern United States. It provides a diverse visual journey through time with collections embracing American, Asian, European, and Latin American art.
Beyond its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts dynamic traveling displays, including immersive showcases of fashion and photography. Since its establishment in 1959, it has been a cornerstone for exceptional art and cultural events in Phoenix.
| Pro tip: You can take a break in the sculpture garden – a serene oasis in the heart of downtown Phoenix. It’s an excellent spot for a moment of reflection amidst the artistic brilliance. |
3. Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Website: http://www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/
Contact Details: +1 602-253-0501, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 9 AM-4 PM
Entry Fee: Free admission – First Fridays of the month, from 5-9 PM
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is designed for kids, from newborns to 10 years old. Spanning 48,000 square feet, it offers over 300 interactive exhibits and experiences, fostering open-ended creativity, physical activity, and an engaging learning environment.
The museum also provides educational programs and classes, adding an enriching layer to the children’s experience. It’s a unique opportunity for parents to see their little ones discover, play, and create in this imaginative and educational space.
| Pro tip: The museum occasionally has themed days or special activities. You can plan your visit around these to add an extra layer of excitement for the kids. |
4. Heard Museum
Please embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzbmXbDs7Ot/
Address: 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: https://heard.org/
Contact Details: +1 602-252-8840, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
Entry Fee:
- Free admission – during First Fridays, from 4-8 PM, except in March
- Free admission – daily for American Indians with Tribal ID or CIB
- Free admission – children 5 years old and under
Heard Museum is renowned for its dedication to Native American art. As a cultural beacon, it seamlessly weaves indigenous narratives with various artistic themes, offering visitors a first-hand perspective on the rich heritage.
With 12 exhibition galleries and complimentary guided tours, the museum caters to history enthusiasts seeking a captivating journey. The outdoor sculptures and The Courtyard Cafe also add to the allure, offering a tranquil setting for reflection.
| Pro tip: The free guided tours are gems. They offer insights and stories that add a new dimension to the exhibits. |
5. Phoenix Police Museum
Media: Things To Do With Kids in Phoenix & Arizona
Address: Historic City Hall, 17 S 2nd Ave 1st Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Website: https://phoenixpolicemuseum.org/
Contact Details: +1 602-534-7278, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tuesday and Thursday: 9 AM-3 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Phoenix Police Museum offers a unique and informative experience. Here, you can delve into the city’s law enforcement history through a curated collection that includes artifacts, vintage equipment, and captivating displays.
This museum gives you an insight into the city’s policing evolution, from early tools to modern technology shaping today’s law enforcement landscape. Conveniently located near other downtown attractions, it’s also an enriching stop in your city exploration.
| Pro tip: If you’re bringing kids, there are child-friendly sections. They’re not just educational but also entertaining for the little ones. |
6. Japanese Friendship Garden
Address: 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Website: https://www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org/
Contact Details: +1 602-274-8700
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM
Entry Fee: Free admission – every first Friday of the month, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
The Japanese Friendship Garden is a tranquil 3.5-acre oasis that showcases over 50 varieties of plants. As a sister city project with Himeji, Japan, it invites visitors to wander among carefully chosen rock formations, stone footbridges, and lanterns.
The garden isn’t just a scenic retreat; it’s a cultural hub hosting monthly Japanese cultural programs, events, and exhibits. Here, you can relax by the Koi pond with over 300 vibrant fish or join authentic tea ceremonies at the tea house.
| Pro tip: If available, consider joining a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides can share interesting anecdotes and historical insights, enhancing your appreciation of the garden. |
2. Free Outdoor and Indoor Activities in Downtown Phoenix
1. Embark on a self-guided mural tour
Media: Downtown Phoenix Inc.
Downtown Phoenix unfolds as an expansive urban canvas, offering a self-guided mural tour that is both visually captivating and culturally enriching. Each mural tells a unique story, transforming the streets into an open-air gallery for you to explore.
From the provocative James Baldwin mural to the vibrant 1½ Street Mural Project, the city’s walls become a tapestry of diverse expressions. This experience provides not only the perfect backdrop for photos but also a connection to the city’s artistic spirit.
| Pro tip: You can consider renting a city bike for your tour. It’s an eco-friendly way to cover more ground, and some murals are more accessible by bike. |
2. Enjoy SplashPad at CityScape
Address: 1 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: https://www.reddevelopment.com/cityscape/
Contact Details: +1 602-772-3900
Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7 AM–11 PM, Friday & Saturday: 7 AM–12 AM, Sunday: 7 AM–10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
CityScape offers a refreshing oasis for families with its simple yet delightful splash pad and play area. After a day of city exploration or shopping, this splash pad provides the perfect venue for the little ones to cool off and let loose.
A welcome respite from the urban heat, CityScape’s dynamic and vibrant atmosphere extends beyond the splash pad. It has a mix of retail shops, diverse dining options, and entertainment attractions as well.
| Pro tip: You can utilize the seating around the splash pad as a parental hotspot. It offers a prime vantage point to keep an eye on the little ones while still enjoying a moment of relaxation. |
3. Join a donation-based Yoga Class at Kähvi Coffee + Cafe
Address: 214 E Roosevelt St #2, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: https://www.drinkkahvi.com/
Contact Details: +1 602-441-4759, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 7 AM–6 PM
Entry Fee: donation-based
You can elevate your Sunday mornings with a rejuvenating yoga session at Kähvi Coffee + Cafe, located in the heart of Roosevelt Row. The donation-based flow class fosters community and promotes kindness and self-care for both mind and body.
Such an uplifting experience embraces the positive vibes of downtown Phoenix. After the session, you can reward yourself with a delightful latte or a satisfying breakfast at Kähvi, rounding out a perfect morning of holistic well-being in the vibrant urban setting.
| Pro tip: Don’t rush off after class ends. You can take a moment to chat with fellow yogis as you might discover some hidden gems about downtown Phoenix or find a new yoga buddy. |
4. Take a scenic drive to Dobbins Lookout
Media: City of Phoenix, AZ
Address: Phoenix, AZ 85042
Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south-mountain
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 5 AM–7 PM
When you embark on a scenic drive to Dobbins Lookout, the journey itself is as exciting as the destination. The road leading to the lookout transforms from a city artery into Summit Road, guiding you through the twists and turns of South Mountain Park.
As you ascend the mountain, each curve reveals a breathtaking panorama of the city, with cyclists and hikers adding to the lively scenery. At 2,330 feet, Dobbins Lookout awaits, offering an unparalleled vantage point where the Valley unfolds below.
| Pro tip: If time permits, explore some of the trails within South Mountain Park after enjoying the lookout. It’s an added adventure to complement your scenic drive. |
3. Relaxing Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix That Are Cost-free
1. Visit the Margaret T. Hance Park
Address: 67 W Culver St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/parks/alphabetical/h-parks/hance
Contact Details: 1 602-534-2406
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 6 AM–10:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Margaret T. Hance Park, named after Phoenix’s inaugural female mayor, is a vital hub near downtown. This expansive park offers more than just greenery, with attractions like a well-frequented dog park, winding bike paths, and the Phoenix Center for the Arts.
Hosting annual festivals like M3F and the Phoenix Chinese Week Culture and Cuisine Festival, the park is a lively space steeped in local culture. Its recent renovation adds a fresh touch to its allure, inviting visitors to enjoy the revamped atmosphere.
| Pro tip: After the park, venture into Roosevelt Row for some fantastic local eats. It’s a foodie haven with diverse options. |
2. Discover fresh delights at Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market
Address: 720 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: https://downtownphoenixfarmersmarket.org/
Contact Details: +1 602-625-6736, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Saturday: 8 AM–1 PM
Entry Fee: Free
For almost two decades, the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market seamlessly weaves farm-fresh offerings into the urban fabric. The Saturday-morning market connects the community with small-scale farmers and businesses producing wholesome goods.
Here, you can have conversations with farmers, savor local coffee, or grab a quick bite from diverse food trucks. The market emphasizes the importance of supporting local agriculture and relishing fresh, quality products in the heart of the city.
| Pro tip: It’s a great idea to bring your own bags or a sturdy basket. It’s not just practical for carrying your finds but also eco-friendly – a small contribution to sustainability. |
3. Explore the urban oasis of Civic Space Park
Media: Janet Echelman
Address: 424 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/parks/alphabetical/c-parks/civic-space
Contact Details: +1 602-262-7490
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 5 AM–11 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Nestled amidst downtown Phoenix’s towering structures, Civic Space Park may be smaller, but it’s a hub of vibrant activity. It hosts diverse events by Downtown Phoenix Inc. and other organizations, including outdoor movies and food truck gatherings.
Its intimacy draws visitors seeking a more close-knit atmosphere, amplified by the presence of the iconic overhanging sculpture, “Her Secret is Patience.” This park offers a unique blend of urban charm and artistic allure for those exploring downtown Phoenix.
| Pro tip: Before you visit, check out the community events calendar. You might stumble upon a yoga session, live music, or an art exhibition – there’s often something happening. |
4. Have a picnic at Steele Indian School Park
Media: Ian
Address: 300 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/parks/alphabetical/s-parks/steele-indian-school
Contact Details: +1 602-495-0935
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday: 6 AM–10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Situated in the heart of Central Phoenix, Steele Indian School Park offers a venue for a serene retreat. This park has acres of lush greenery that provide the perfect canvas for a leisurely picnic surrounded by nature’s tranquility.
Here, you can explore the massive bird-shaped lake and enjoy the historical nuances of the Circle of Life cistern. On the north side, you can discover recreational delights such as playgrounds, half-court basketball, and sand volleyball courts.
| Pro tip: You may consider bringing binoculars for bird watching. The park’s bird-shaped lake attracts a variety of feathered friends. |
