One of the reasons why we love living in Phoenix is that there are so many things to do. It’s hard to be bored in a city where you can go hiking in the morning, swimming in the afternoon, and bar-hopping in the evening.

The Valley of the Sun truly offers residents and visitors much fun and entertainment. It’s a metropolis that’s thriving with art and culture, music, and outdoor activities that anyone will enjoy.

The best part is that you don’t even need to spend much on a lot of the fun things to do around here. In some places, you don’t even have to spend anything at all.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend adventure or a chill Thursday night out in the city, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our guide on the best things to do in Phoenix – for free!

Best Free Things to Do in Phoenix

As we mentioned, the city of Phoenix is generous when it comes to free things to do and see. We’ve divided them up into three categories – Arts and Culture, Entertainment, and Outdoor Activities – for your perusal.

Activity	Event Details/Hours Open	Address
	Arts and Culture
1. Go on a self-guided art tour at the First Friday Art Walk.	First Friday of each month, 6PM–10PM	Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue, Downtown Phoenix, AZ 85003
2. See the colorful street murals along Roosevelt Row.	Open 24/7	Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
3. Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesdays at the Phoenix Art Museum	Every Wednesday, 3PM–9PM	1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
4. Explore the exhibition galleries of Heard Museum.	Every first Friday of the month (except March), 4PM–8PM	2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
5. Take the young ones out to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.	Every first Friday of the month, 5PM–9PM	215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
6. Spend the day admiring works of art at the Mesa Arts Center.	Tuesday to Saturday, 12PM–5PM	1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
	Entertainment
7. Watch the Goldfield Gunfighters reenact history.	(November to April) Saturday to Sunday, 12PM–4PM	4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 851194
8. Visit the Ellie and Michael Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Museum.	Monday to Friday, 8:30AM–5PM	7135 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 190 Scottsdale, AZ 85251
9. Catch a free concert at the Chandler Symphony Orchestra.	Varies per event. Check their website here.	250 N Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225
10. Enjoy live music at the Desert Ridge Marketplace.	Monday to Saturday, 11AM–9PM; Sunday, 12PM–6PM	21001 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
	Outdoor Activities
11. Bike around the scenic Tempe Town Lake.	Open 24/7	Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85280
12. Challenge yourself for a run at Papago Park.	Monday to Sunday, 5AM–11PM	Address: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
13. Have a nice picnic at Encanto Park.	Monday to Sunday, 5:30AM–11PM	2605 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
14. Take a historic stroll around Old Town Scottsdale.	Open 24/7	Downtown Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
15. Immerse yourself in the community of Downtown PHX Farmers Market.	(May to September) Saturday, 7:30AM to 11:30AM; (October to April) Saturday, 8AM–1PM	720 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
16. Go on a free guided tour of the Sahuaro Ranch Park.	Monday to Sunday, 6AM–10PM	9802 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302
17. Explore the garden trails of the Desert Botanical Garden.	Every second Tuesday of the month, 8AM–8PM	1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
18. Hike any of the challenging trails on Camelback Mountain.	Monday to Sunday, 6AM–6PM	Echo Canyon Trail, E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Cholla Trail, 5150 N Invergordon Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
19. Join the guided events at Maricopa County Parks & Recreation.	(May to October) Monday to Sunday, 5AM–9PM; (November to April) Monday to Sunday, 6AM–8PM	Varies per event. Check their website here.
20. Cool off at one of Phoenix’s many public pools and water parks.	Varies per pool. Check the schedule here.	Varies per pool. Check the addresses here.

Arts and Culture

1. Go on a self-guided art tour at the First Friday Art Walk.

Image Source: Visit Phoenix

Website: https://artlinkphx.org/first-fridays/

Address: Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue, Downtown Phoenix, AZ 85003

Event Details: First Friday of each month, 6PM–10PM

Founded by a non-profit organization called Artlink, the First Friday Art Walks are pretty much a tradition among Phoenicians by now. And for tourists and newcomers, it’s sort of seen as an initiation rite into the city.

As the name would suggest, it’s a massive art event that happens every first Friday of the month. It draws huge crowds every time, with thousands of people gathering to enjoy the vitality of the city’s art community.

The evening will take you through over 70 galleries and art-related spaces. Several venues also hold art exhibitions during this time.

Among our favorites is the Cahokia SocialTech + ArtSpace. It’s an indegenous-led working space that’s home to various galleries, exhibits, and even workshops.

Another is the Wasted Ink Zine Distro, a unique library and store where you’ll find hundreds of magazines. It also serves as a creative hub for those looking to DIY and self-publish their own zines.

Apart from the galleries, the First Friday Art Walks also host a myriad of food vendors, musicians, and artists of all genres. We consider it to be downtown Phoenix’s signature attraction. 

2. See the colorful street murals along Roosevelt Row.

Image Source: Visit Phoenix

Website: https://rooseveltrow.org/

Address: Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Hours: Open 24/7

We know we’re not alone in saying that there’s something so captivating about street art. Whether it’s a 3D painting on the pavement or a larger-than-life mural, we can’t help but stare and appreciate the artist’s vision.

Roosevelt Row has no shortage of the latter. Along this urban art district, you’re likely to encounter walls upon walls of bright, colorful, and eye-catching murals.

The area is a prime spot for art enthusiasts, simply because it was made to promote a dense and diverse art community. Galleries and art venues line the street; and if you’re lucky, you may even be able to watch an artist at work.

If you need a fresh dose of creativity and a spark of inspiration, this is the place to be. 

3. Enjoy Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesdays at the Phoenix Art Museum

Image Source: Phoenix Art Museum

Website: https://phxart.org/es/pagina-principal/

Address: 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Event Details: Every Wednesday, 3PM–9PM

On Wednesdays, the Phoenix Art Museum holds the Pay-What-You-Wish program. It’s the longest-running community access activity of the establishment which has welcomed millions of visitors.

It’s pretty self-explanatory, but on these days, general admission to the museum is free (except for special exhibitions). Although, donations of any amount are completely welcome and very much appreciated.

The museum is home to over 20,000 works of preserved art. They have a great collection that encompasses historical objects to more modern exhibits.

The curators always keep the exhibitions interesting by changing them around often. The modern section, in particular, is regularly updated so that there’s often something new to see.

Rotating exhibits happen quite often, too. And, themed spaces make the experience much more interesting.

4. Explore the exhibition galleries of Heard Museum.

Image Source: Arcadia News

Website: https://heard.org/

Address: 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Event Details: Every first Friday of the month (except March), 4PM–8PM

Immerse yourself in the American-Indian culture over at the Heard Museum. Every first Friday of the month (except March), admission is free.

Make a day out of it by exploring all 12 exhibition galleries and the outdoor sculpture garden. You can even go on a free guided tour for a well-rounded experience.

The building is deceptively small, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find how well they were able to maximize the space. It seems that there’s always something new to see in every corner.

In our opinion, it’s one of the more thoughtfully-designed museums in the city as it was laid out in a manner that’s easy to understand and appreciate. Their collection of art pieces, jewelry, and historical artifacts are vast and interesting, too.

It’s truly a visually-satisfying way to satiate your curiosity of the Native American culture. Plus, the ambience is just serene and absolutely peaceful.

5. Take the young ones out to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

Image Source: Travel Mamas

Website: https://childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/

Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Event Details: Every first Friday of the month, 5PM–9PM

Imaginative play, interactive exhibits, and more await you and your young ones at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. It’s 3-floors of full-on fun and hands-on activities that are both educational and attention-grabbing.

At the Art Studio, there are ever-changing arrays of art activities that induce creativity. It’s meant to be a creative workshop that stimulates a child’s imagination through the world of art.

Block Mania is another fun activity where kids can enjoy blocks of all shapes, sizes, and colors. It’s been scientifically-proven that blocks are a great way to practice hand-eye coordination, balance, spatial awareness, and patience.

And for the young bookworms, the Reading Loft is a cozy nook where they can dive into hundreds of books. A museum staff member or a guest reader is almost always present for storytime sessions.

A few more exhibits we love are the DramaRama, the Texture Cafe, and The Grand Ballroom. All in all, we really think that they went all-out to give young minds a creative space to explore their senses through art.

Admission is free every first Friday of the month. You may also check out their website calendar for special events that you could join.

6. Spend the day admiring works of art at the Mesa Arts Center.

Image Source: Mesa Arts Center via TripAdvisor.com

Website: https://www.mesaartscenter.com/

Address: 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12PM–5PM

The Mesa Arts Center is a massive performing and visual arts complex that’s home to five galleries. More than that, though, people come here for the live events, exhibitions, workshops, and more.

Admission to the center is always free for the galleries, but concerts vary in rates. Make sure to time your visit around shows that you’d like to see to make the most out of your trip.

You’ll often find contemporary artists and internationally-acclaimed performers here. The genres range from classic broadway shows to dance, and even comedic theater.

Another thing we love about this place is how architecturally-stunning it is. Every corner seems like a work of art and it’s really hard not to be impressed by all the attention-to-detail.

Entertainment

7. Watch the Goldfield Gunfighters reenact history.

Image Source: PHX East Valley

Website: https://www.goldfieldgunfighters.com/home

Address: 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 851194

Event Details: (November to April) Saturday to Sunday, 12PM–4PM

It’s not exactly the Wild, Wild West, but it’s as close as you’ll get to the Old West life. Over at Goldfield Ghost Town, the Goldfield Gunfighters provide a thrilling show featuring an almost authentic old west gun fight.

They’re a dedicated group of volunteers who love showcasing the history of the town. They’re a tough bunch of men and women who aren’t afraid of daring antics in full cowboy and cowgirl characters. 

The show isn’t at all as intimidating as it sounds. The actors make it as interactive as possible – even kids love how energetic they are!

Be careful not to be accused of stealing their treasure, or you might get thrown into jail. The makeshift town jail, of course, where you can snap a few selfies.

After the show, you can take your time exploring Main Street. It’s lined with old shops and historic buildings reminiscent of the 1890s.

8. Visit the Ellie and Michael Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Museum.

Image Source: CK Valenti Designs

Website: https://www.fiestabowl.org/facilities/ziegler-fiesta-bowl-museum/1

Address: 7135 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 190 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30AM–5PM

Fans of college football are bound to have a blast at the Ellie and Michael Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Museum. Here, you can relive some of the best Fiesta Bowl moments through various memorabilia and displays.

The museum is free to the general public and is located at the lobby of the same building where you can find the headquarters of the Fiesta Bowl. 

The museum is divided into four different parts – the game, the volunteers, the pregame festival of events, and the college football’s history. 

You’ll find on display every single one of the 128 FBS team helmets, as well as some of the most prestigious trophies given during the Fiesta Bowl. 

These include the Cactus Bowl, the BCS National Championship, the Heisman and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year awards.

9. Catch a free concert at the Chandler Symphony Orchestra.

Image Source: Chandler Arizona

Website: https://www.chandlersymphony.com/

Address: 250 N Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225

The Chandler Symphony Orchestra’s mission is to provide a series of classical concerts to the general public, performed by professional musicians – all free of charge.

Admirably, the orchestra manages to provide tens of thousands of patrons yearly with world-class entertainment. They showcase professionally-produced Symphonic Concerts, along with Chamber Music concerts and annual holiday Fundraising concerts.

They also regularly collaborate with the Southwest Youth Ballet Theater to perform live music for “The Nutcracker Ballet”.

It’s amazing what the spirit of community can do. Because general admission is free, they’re able to operate through their guests’ generous donations.

And with the quality of performances and service provided by the volunteers, it’s almost difficult to believe that you aren’t paying hundreds of dollars to watch the shows.

Everyone here is just professional and in it for the music – and it shows. Beautiful symphonies, beautiful facilities, and a beautiful experience overall. 

Be sure to check their website for a schedule of events. We also suggest arriving early when you come to visit, as parking space is quite limited.

10. Enjoy live music at the Desert Ridge Marketplace.

Image Source: Desert Ridge Marketplace

Website: https://shopdesertridge.com/

Address: 21001 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11AM–9PM; Sunday, 12PM–6PM

The Desert Ridge Marketplace is a prime shopping and dining destination for most Phoenicians. But, the place is also known to host a series of free live events, concerts, and even fitness classes.

They always update their website on upcoming concerts, so make sure to regularly check up on those. The place evokes a lively ambience, which is why we love spending Friday nights here.

They’ll also typically have more seasonal events such as a pumpkin patch for Halloween and Fashion Week for kids.

Take our word for it: there’s always something to do at this shopping center north of the valley. You won’t even need to spend a dime to have fun. 

Outdoor Activities

11. Bike around the scenic Tempe Town Lake.

Image Source: GoUSA.in

Website: https://www.tempe.gov/lake/

Address: Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85280

Hours: Open 24/7

Because of the city’s year-round sunny weather, it’s almost always a great day for a bike ride. And one of our favorite trails is the Tempe Town Lake Trail.

It’s an easy 11.9-km out-and-back trail that will take you nearly 2 hours to complete, if you’re not really in a rush. It’s popular because of how scenic the lake is, especially when the sun seemingly makes the water sparkle.

The entrance to the path is just north of Curry Road, along the east side of the street. Upon entering, you’ll immediately notice a lot of street murals and paintings.

You’ll pass by tree-lined canals and a disc golf course. Right uphill, you’ll be able to see the buttes of Papago Park and some rolling hills.

Our tip is to ride along the opposite side of Mill Avenue on your way back. This will take you to the pedestrian bridge of the lake and straight to Tempe Beach Park. 

We absolutely love coming here on Sunday mornings. Even though the crowd is relatively thicker on these days, it’s teeming with good energy from people casually strolling the park.

12. Challenge yourself for a run at Papago Park.

Image Source: GJHikes.com

Address: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5AM–11PM

Papago Park is a famous desert park in between Phoenix and Tempe. It’s best known for quick and easy hikes, but it’s also a great place to go running.

There are several trails that you can take on, but we suggest challenging yourself to the 5-km one. It starts north of Curry Road, south of the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden.

We say that it’s challenging because you’ll be running through the desert, passing through paved and unpaved trails. There are also moderate inclines across the hills that’ll have you catching your breath. 

We also think that spring is the best time to come here. You’ll notice a lot of pretty wildflowers bloom during this season.

Because it’s a spacious area, it rarely gets crowded so it’s perfect if you’re the type who loves running alone. Bring a lot of water and lather on some sunscreen!

13. Have a nice picnic at Encanto Park.

Image Source: Nick W. via TripAdvisor.com

Address: 2605 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:30AM–11PM

Encanto Park is a lush oasis located at the heart of Phoenix. It has a lot of fun amenities including a fishing lagoon, a clubhouse, a boathouse, a swimming pool, a sports complex, and two golf courses.

It’s also where you’ll find the Enchanted Island Amusement Park. Admission here starts at $5 per ride.

However, you don’t need to spend a dime to enjoy nature at its finest. The park itself is 222-acres of beautiful flora and fauna.

Because of how serene the place is, a lot of people come here to enjoy reading their books or sit down for a picnic. There are two ramadas available, but you can just pick a spot under one of the many palm trees.

They also have designated picnic areas, if you’d rather stay there. It gets a little crowded on weekends, though.

14. Take a historic stroll around Old Town Scottsdale.

Image Source: Dennis V. via TripAdvisor.com

Website: https://oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/

Address: Downtown Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Hours: Open 24/7

Old Town Scottsdale is a charming area of town that houses antique boutiques, saloons, and art galleries. It’s got that Southwestern flair that one can’t help but be captivated by.

We love coming here just to take in the sights and people watch. There are so many interesting things to see – blacksmiths, colorful souvenir shops, old-style milkshake parlors, and more.

It’s a lively district that truly manifests the Old West-theme. It’s completely walkable, too, and there are so many photo spots that you can pose at.

A lot of festivals, parades, and free events go down these streets, as well. All events are regularly posted on their website, so be sure to stay updated on those.

Among our favorites are the annual Hashknife Pony Express Festival and the Arizona Indian Festival. It’s as if the streets come to life during these times.

15. Immerse yourself in the community of Downtown PHX Farmers Market.

Image Source: Ed Uyeshima via TripAdvisor.com

Website: https://downtownphoenixfarmersmarket.org/

Address: 720 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Event Details: (May to September) Saturday, 7:30AM to 11:30AM; (October to April) Saturday, 8AM–1PM

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. We love farmers markets, absolutely adore the energy and the community spirit around them.

One of our favorites is Downtown PHX Farmers Market. It’s one of the more popular ones and they often host free events for both visitors and vendors.

There’s also usually live music playing in the area, which makes the ambience much more inviting. 

You’ll find a bunch of fresh fruits and veggies here, as well as freshly-baked pastries and bread. Some handcrafted items are available, too, along with beautiful homemade decors.

This particular market is open year-round. It’s run by Community Food Connections, a non-profit organization promoting sustainable and nutritious food chains in the local community.

Even if you end up not buying anything, talking to the local producers and seeing skillfully-crafted goods are fun enough. You can even bring your pets to let them join you on your stroll.

16. Go on a free guided tour of the Sahuaro Ranch Park.

Image Source: Big Red Machine via TripAdvisor.com

Website: https://www.glendaleaz.com/

Address: 9802 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6AM–10PM

The Sahuaro Ranch Park is one of the city’s oldest ranches. It’s a 17-acre historic landmark that features old buildings, a rose garden, and several barnyards and orchards.

The ranch is also called the “Showplace of the Valley” because it’s a preserved historic site that serves as a great reminder of how the early settlers lived. 

Free guided tours are available every half hour. You’ll get to see the main house which was built in 1891, and get detailed stories of what it was like living from the 1800s to the 1930s.

The rose garden in front of the main and guest houses is quite a sight. It dates back to the 1890s and is kept well-maintained to this day.

There are also lots of playgrounds around and picnic areas where you can relax. There are even barbecue pits that you can make use of.

17. Explore the garden trails of the Desert Botanical Garden.

Image Source: Experience Scottsdale

Website: https://dbg.org/

Address: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Event Details: Every second Tuesday of the month, 8AM–8PM

The Desert Botanical Garden is a well-known attraction that offers scenic trails along the desert. Admission to the park is free every second Tuesday of the month.

There are four main trails that you can explore. These are the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail, the Center for Desert Living Trail, the Desert Discovery Loop Trail, and the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail.

Our favorite is the Wildflower Loop Trail. During spring, it’s especially beautiful as you’ll see desert wildflowers and cactus blooming along the trails.

If you’re lucky (and really, really quiet), you might even spot a few hummingbirds living in the garden. 

The garden also hosts several events throughout the year. And, there are often free live music performances that you can watch.

18. Hike any of the challenging trails on Camelback Mountain.

Image Source: Carltonaut’s Travel Tips

Address: Echo Canyon Trail, E McDonald Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85018; Cholla Trail, 5150 N Invergordon Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6AM–6PM

Camelback Mountain is a popular hiking spot in Phoenix for many reasons. To begin with, it’s a mere 20-minute drive from downtown and only takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete.

There are two trails you can hike – the Echo Canyon Trail and the Cholla Trail. Both of which are rated extremely difficult by hiking experts.

The Echo Canyon Trail is known to be a wee bit harder to climb because it poses steeper inclines. The Cholla Trail is less steep, but it is the longer trail among the two.

If you’re a beginner wondering if you can climb the trails, the answer is yes, you can. It doesn’t require any special equipment to climb, but it’s highly-recommended to bring a more experienced hiker with you.

We also recommend bringing a ton of water with you as there are no water-refilling stations along the trail. And wear your best hiking shoes or thick-soled sneakers; there are a lot of sharp rocks that you’ll encounter along the way.

19. Join the guided events at Maricopa County Parks & Recreation.

Image Source: Maricopa County Parks

Website: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/

Park Hours: (May to October) Monday to Sunday, 5AM–9PM; (November to April) Monday to Sunday, 6AM–8PM

Maricopa County Parks & Recreation offers visitors much to do. It’s one of the largest regional park systems in the country that has hundreds of miles of trails, campgrounds, nature centers, and more.

It currently has 12 regional parks in the system. Each one offers unique experiences from horseback riding, to running, hiking, and swimming. 

But one of our favorite things to do is join the guided tours. The events vary all the time, but among the usuals are night mountain bike rides, bird walks, and even vegetable gardening in the desert.

They also hold seasonal events. We’ve heard that Halloween is especially fun here, where they host Halloween hikes and night walks.

Where these are held often changes, too. It’s best to check which ones are offered through their website.

20. Cool off at one of Phoenix’s many public pools and water parks.

Image Source: All About Arizona News

Okay, public pools and water parks in Phoenix aren’t completely free, but we still count them because they may as well be. Most of them have minimal entry fees that range from just $1 to $3.

Among our top picks is the Surprise Aquatic Center in Surprise City. For just $1, you get to enjoy a full-sized pool with whirlpools, slides, a vortex, diving boards, and more.

At the Hamilton Aquatic Center, you’ll be surprised how clean and nice the facilities are for a public pool. It features interactive water features, a water vortex, a current river, and water slides – all for just $3.

So, it’s just a matter of checking out which public pool is nearest to where you live. And if you’re willing to shell out a bit more, there are a ton of water parks in and around the city, too.

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Did we miss out on any fun and free activities in Phoenix? Sound off in the comment section below!