Fun Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix While Social Distancing
by Victor Valdivia
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Just because we’re socially distancing, doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. As a DTPHX Ambassador I’ve got my eye on the street to help locals and visitors alike find something fun to do despite the pandemic.
Whether you’re looking for a special adventure for Father’s Day, or just need to Spread Your Wings outside the house with friends, there’s still plenty of safe things to do in Downtown Phoenix. And you can even earn free DTPHX bird merch in the process!
Photo: Taylor Bishop
If you’ve ever had the urge to throw a sharp metal object at a wooden target, now’s your chance. Urban Axes has always made the safety of its guests a top priority, and it’s no exception during the pandemic. To keep everyone safe, capacity is reduced to 25 percent, masks are required for staff and guests, and there are physical distancing requirements. Advanced online booking is required during the pandemic.
Available for bookings: Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m.-9; Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Photo: Heard Museum
For more than 90 years, the Heard Museum has been welcoming visitors from around the world into its galleries and sculpture gardens to experience the beauty and power of American Indian art, history and culture. The museum leadership believe that now, more than ever, art is needed for its ability to lift people up, and to give them hope, comfort and strength. Heard Museum is taking numerous precautions to ensure the safety of staff and guests. If you don’t feel comfortable going in person at this time, you can always learn online or shop their online store.
Hours: Closed Monday; Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Members only early entry Saturday and Sunday fro 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
Photo from November 2019. Victoria the T-Rex is extending her visit! The exhibit is now on display through the end of 2020. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
While the Arizona Science Center’s health and safety practices have been cited as best-in-class by health experts, the museum chose to close to help stop the spread of COVID19. However, for those with children at home, Arizona Science Center is now offering Camp Innovation — modified, virtual versions of its traditional summer camps. Spark your child’s curiosity in science through hands-on interactive programs that incorporate learning through fun and relevant themes including forensics, space, and bioengineering. The virtual camps were guided by the recommendations from the American Camp Association, as well as state, city, and county public health officials. More information.
Daily hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed on Tuesdays
(Photo: Stand Up Live – Phoenix)
Laughter is the best medicine. So, get a dose of the good stuff and laugh your worries away at Stand Up Live. Upcoming shows include Carlos Mencia, Josh Wolf and Olan Rogers. Comedy clubs may be the place for trifling topics, but Stand Up Live takes the health of its guests and staff seriously. Limited occupancy, disposable menus, increased cleaning, temperature checks and required face masks for staff are just a few of the safety precautions in place. For a full list of upcoming shows and safety protocols, visit the website.
Call hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Sunday from 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Walk-up hours (if shows scheduled): Wednesday at 5 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m.; Sunday at 12 p.m.
Epic Escape Game entrance is on the northwest corner of Central Avenue and Adams Street, nestled between Dunkin Donuts and Tom Yum Thai. (Photo: Taylor Bishop)
Escape the stress of the pandemic for 60 minutes, and instead, get locked in an adventure room using clues to figure out how to escape. Although it’s in the heart of downtown, The Epic Escape Game is pretty hidden — all that you can see from the street is a blue door that leads you up a staircase to the adventure waiting inside. Guests are required to wear a mask to enter the building. Rooms are sanitized before and after each group. Visit their website for more info.
Hours: Friday to Tuesday from 1-9 p.m.
These businesses and institutions are part of our Spread Your Wings “Buy & Fly” program that offers a free Downtown Phoenix tote, shirt or hat for shopping downtown. Remember to keep your receipts to earn free DTPHX Merch. Learn how you can earn.
The safety of the Downtown Phoenix community is our top priority: Don’t forget to wear your mask, maintain physical distance when possible, and wash your hands frequently.
Victor Valdivia is a proud Phoenix native and has lived in Central Phoenix for most of his life. Victor is huge sports fan and has been attending Diamondbacks games for as long as he can remember. He’s passionate about local Phoenix history, and loves sharing his knowledge with visitors and residents alike. When he’s not out and about making Downtown Phoenix an even more inviting place, you can probably catch him hanging out at one of your favorite DTPHX hangouts because he loves them all. Fun fact: Victor has a tattoo of the Arizona state flag in the shape of Arizona on his right arm. Learn more about the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors.