Unless you’re positioned directly under a mister covered in shade, or submerged in a body of water, Phoenix in July makes most people want to hunker down and just hibernate until fall.
Fortunately, Downtown Phoenix has plenty of cool activities to keep you active, even during the hottest months of the year.
Phoenix DinoCon
This dinosaur fan convention features the designer behind Jurassic Park’s Tyrannosaurus rex, in addition to other great panelists, demonstrations and dino-themed exhibitors. All the fun goes down indoors at the Phoenix Center for the Arts August 2.
Downtown Museums
The Arizona Science Center, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Rosson House Museum and Phoenix Art Museum all have one thing in common: they’re nice and cool inside. In an effort to preserve the wonderful art, architecture and treasures found inside, each museum is carefully climate-controlled and ready to be explored in comfort. Downtown’s museums also have great summer programming for kids, so check the event and exhibition listings and ask about free or discounted days, which most museums offer. It’s a great way to get the whole family out of the house.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Baseball and summer go hand-in-hand. With a steel retractable roof and high-powered air conditioning system, being at Chase Field is like watching a live game from the comfort of a movie theater. With tickets starting as just $9, there’s no reason to miss a game.
Surfing on Central
Grab a towel and head Downtown for some body boarding at CityScape. Surfing on Central is now open, with an introductory offer of $10 for 30 minutes. Inquire at the “Surf Shack” inside Chloe’s Corner and feel the rush of surfing in the desert!
Flamenco Por La Vida
Every Saturday night Crescent Ballroom hosts Flamenco Por La Vida, a free show in the intimate lounge area, featuring the beautiful and traditional art form of southern Spain. Passionate Latin music, the pounding rhythm of step patterns and an ice-cold beer; what could be better on a warm summer night?
Phoenix Mercury
These ladies are on fire this season, with their seventh straight victory on Sunday against L.A., they’re well on their way to becoming the best team in the WNBA. Tickets start at $12, the drinks are cold and the indoor U.S. Airways Center is the perfect place to watch an Arizona team dominate the competition.
Civic Space Park Splash Pad
Splash pads are a great way to cool the kids off, especially young ones who can’t swim yet. Add in some colored lights in the evening, lots of shade trees during the day, proximity to the light rail, and this attraction is sure to make the whole family happy. Come on the second or fourth Friday night of the month for “Fridays in the Park,” which features games, movies, music, poetry and more! Hours are 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, but the city changes the hours depending on park events, so call ahead of time 602- 262-6412.
Pool Party at LUSTRE Rooftop Garden
Cool off every Saturday and Sunday with live DJs, cornhole, table tennis, a photo booth and great food and drinks from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.