FUN Things to Do in Phoenix Today (and this Weekend!)

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ALSO: PHOENIX Events Today
ALSO: Phoenix DATE Ideas!

These are the local spots, not the chains. These are the undiscovered, the hidden, the fabulous, and the yet to be discovered Best events in Phoenix today! The Event Oracle's crystal ball will share with you the best local hot spots, hidden gems, fabulous theater shows, and fun and unique things to do. In addition to the top things, we also have great ideas for romantic evenings, cultural attractions, great shopping locations, and much more. So, enjoy checking out what 3,000,000 locals love to do in Phoenix, Arizona. Take a look....

BEST THING TO DO...

• Carnival of Illusion

  

  An Intimate Evening of MAGIC, MYSTERY and OOOH LA LA!
  STEP RIGHT UP and get ready to Laugh, Have Fun, and Celebrate a magical night out with Carnival of Illusion! This top-rated attraction is "Revitalizing Magic" by blending their international travel theme with all the charms of a Vaudeville-inspired roadshow. Join the thousands of guests who celebrated with magical Birthdays, Anniversaries, Date Nights, Holidays, and Group and Corporate Events. This is a Must-See for tourists and armchair travelers alike. More than a Great Magic Show, it's Magic, Mystery, and OOOH La La!

  Due to the popularity and intimate nature of this boutique theater, all shows SELL OUT in advance. So, book your seats early. Check show dates and ticket availability for this Magical Theater Show in Phoenix.

Fun Things to Do In the Day...

• Phoenix Zoo

  

  If you're into exotic live animals, the Phoenix Zoo is one of the top five zoos in the nation. The zoo is home to many beautiful animals from around the world and also has many family-oriented programs, educational adventures, and activities for any age. Spend a day with the family at the Phoenix Zoo and make some new non-verbal friends. And if you don't like the friend your with, smear some honey on their back when you visit the bear exhibit. (Just joking! We meant the lion exhibit!)

• Castles-n-Coasters

  

  A fun thing to do in Phoenix for families is Castles-n-Coasters. Your family will have an exciting day riding the coasters and playing miniature (or putt putt) golf. It's a great place for people of all ages as there are small, medium and large coasters, as well as four cool miniature golf courses. Add to that bumper boats, go karts and a tri-level arcade and everyone from the youngest to the oldest will have a great time. Visit their website for holiday and other specials on admissions, arcade cards and passes for unlimited rides.

• Tovrea Castle

  

  Everyone has to explore a castle once in their life and Tovrea Castle is the easiest way to do it without buying a plane ticket. Not only will you explore the castle, but find adventure in the Carraro Cactus Garden. With the castle sitting at the top of the hill, you'll have unobstructed views of the 44 acres of beautiful desert landscape. You'll enjoy the beauty of the desert as you literally walk through history upon the hill at Tovrea Castle. Warning: Touring the property with armor is not recommended. Tour sizes are limited and generally sell out months in advance. Visit their website to enter their ticket lottery.

• Wildlife Zoo, Aquarium, and Safari

  

  To see exotic animals from around the world, head to the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park. The title says it all. Here, you'll find Arizona's largest collection of exotic animals-- from large birds to wild cats. Unlike most zoos, this zoo offers an open natural environment so don't style your hair with albino alligator bait! The safari park recently expanded with three new rhinos, baboons, hyenas, and many more fun and exotic creatures. To add to the fun are a bunch of rides including an African Safari train, a log flume ride and a skyride that gives you that bird's eye view of the park.

• Enchanted Island

  

  Enchanted Island Amusement Park is a popular family attraction, which is home to the famous Encanto Carousel. Whether you're enjoying the historic Carousel or cooling off in the splash zone, you'll have a fun day at the amusement park. While you're there, don't forget to check out the lagoon and arcade and bring your sunscreen!

• McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

  

  Train lovers will delight at this lovely park, making for a fun day visiting all 30-acres of railroad themed offerings, including a ride on the narrow gauge Paradise and Pacific Railroad. Visit the railroad museum, check out the model railways and let the kids work off some of the ever-present energy at the playground. There's even a miniature western town play structure that is super popular with the kids.

• Arizona-Horses Ranch

  Get a taste of the Wild West at the South Ponderosa Stables. You'll connect with nature as you tour the desert by horseback and even prove it to your friends if you dare not to bathe. With more than 50 miles of trails to explore, your guided tour will show you everything there is to see in the desert on horseback. Saddle up and have fun pardner!

  

Big Attraction Things to Do...

• Chase Field

  

  One of the biggest attractions in Phoenix is Chase Field, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Whether you're a diehard baseball fan or just want to spend a day with the family, Chase Field has some ideas for you... Watch a game, tour the stadium, or get a bite to eat. There's also a swimming pool for those summer nights when it's too hot to watch the game.

• State Farm Stadium

  The newly renamed stadium has a retractable roof over the field. That's right, just in case it snows in Phoenix, they can close the roof! This stadium is well known for hosting many top sporting events and even a Super Bowl. Sports fan will love checking out the different games and events at the stadium or catch a tour to learn more about the stadium.

  

• Wrigley Mansion

  

  Wrigley isn't just a piece of gum, it's also a mansion where they used to live and entertain the rich and famous. In fact, they sold so much gum they built mansions all over the country. This landmark Phoenix over-the-top "house" hosts many social and special events and offers fine dining for a romantic evening and a great view. And if that floats your boat, Wrigley Mansion is a private club with a minimal annual entrance fee.

• Heritage Square

  

  Heritage Square and Science Park lets you travel back to the 1800s to experience the look and feel of life in Phoenix before 1900. Visit the Rosson house, a Victorian mansion museum, and take a guided tour. There are other houses in this old-timey city block to visit as well as restaurants and events to check out. There is also a lovely rose garden on the property so you can stop and smell the roses!

• Desert Botanical Garden

  

  The Desert Botanicals Gardens brings the beauty of the desert to you. With a number of amazing exhibitions to preserve and protect the desert's beauty, you'll come to view the desert in a new light (and hopefully NOT a prickly one.) The garden is a great place to relax and reconnect with nature. While you're there, you'll also see local shows and performances with a beautiful desert backdrop.

Things to Do in Phoenix this Weekend...

• The Up-Close Close-Up Show!

  

  Calling all Magic lovers! Carnival of Illusion Theater partners with the Downtown Renaissance Hotel to create the hottest ticket in Phoenix. Get ready for 90 minutes of high-octane magic, comedy, and FUN. For this up-close mind-adventure, the magician performs inches away under the scrutiny of 4 exclusive rows of only 66 lucky guests. You won't believe your eyes! Experience top sleight-of-hand artists from Penn and Teller's Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, America’s Got Talent, the Vegas Strip, and MORE to the trendy Renaissance Hotel for this interactive evening... AND everyone will agree, the incredibly discounted rate of $10 for VIP parking downtown Phoenix IS Magic!

• Musical Instrument Museum

  

  With many diverse things to do in Phoenix, you'll enjoy the Musical Instrument Museum as a fun and educational indoor attraction. Not only will you have the chance to catch a live musical performance but have an educational experience as you tour the large museum. You'll see an array of international instruments as well as instrument construction and sociology. It's a great place to learn how others around the world experience and share their music.

• Taliesin West

  

  Visit the winter home of the iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Like everyone else who discovered and loved the warm Arizona winters, he decided to build a desert home and school of architecture in 1937. The buildings embody many of his artistic philosophies. Frank Lloyd Wright spent his winters attending to the little details that make this place special, with its custom furniture, music pavilion and drafting studio. To visit, several guided tour choices are offered.

• Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix

  

  If you're looking for a relaxing day in Phoenix, head to the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. Enjoy nature and relieve day-to-day stress as you walk through the three and a half acre garden. As you explore the sculptured landscape, you'll come across an amazing half acre Koi pond. Be sure to stop by the Japanese Tea House for afternoon tea and beautiful surroundings. Come and check out morning Tai Chi classes or some of the other special events like Ikebana demonstrations or Japanese tea ceremony.

Fun Cafe Things to Do...

• Royal Coffee Bar

  Royal Coffee Bar isn't just well known for its excellent coffee, but it's delicious food too. The fresh roasted and handmade coffees are the perfect compliment to the excellent menu options. Plus, the coffeehouse is located in a beautiful old building, allowing you to savor Phoenix's rich architectural history as well as the aroma. And yes! the Biltmore Fashion Park location is still open. Hurrah!

  

• Lux Central

  Not your average coffee shop, Luxe is great for pastries and also is host to breakfast, lunch, dinner, beer, and cocktails! Known for being a bit of a hipster hangout, this popular spot attracts all ages and can be fun for people watching. There are several rooms and a patio, each with a slightly different vibe, so whether you just need to do a bit of online surfing, or you and your gang are there for a meal and some friendly banter, this central coffee shop is always buzzing.

  

• Hidden Track Cafe

  This cafe and bodega also seconds as a natural wine bar, so what's not to like? They offer up interesting foods, splendid coffee and a central location in downtown Phoenix. They like to accomodate small groups for special events like book clubs or social meet-ups.

  

Historical and Cultural Things to Do...

• Heard Museum

  

  The Heard Museum is the big museum to learn about American Indian Arts in Phoenix. Established in 1929, the museum is home to a diverse collection of exhibitions and traveling events for an interesting few hours or even an entire day. You'll also enjoy the museum's festivals and excellent learning opportunities.

• Phoenix Art Museum

  

  The Phoenix Art Museum is more than just a museum. It's also home to great entertainment, the Art Museum Café, and a beautiful gift shop. Yet the Phoenix Art Museum is best known for their modern art collection from international masters. You'll tour exhibitions from around the world and the best art and culture Phoenix has to offer.

• Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library

  

  Do you have a bit of Irish in you? Find your family roots with genealogy research. Or visit on the first Friday of each month for their First Friday event featuring a new Irish artist each month, as well as music and community. This cultural center also offers a large variety of music classes focusing on Celtic music and themes, as well as language, dance and drama classes. The center is open for pre-scheduled tours.

• S'edav Va'aki Museum

  The village of S'edav Va'aki was settled around AD 500, and was occupied for over 1000 years. After AD 1400, the population declined and the people relocated to smaller villages. The Akimel O’Odham, descendants of the people who lived at S'edav Va'aki, still live and thrive in the Phoenix area.​​ This culturally significant site honors the people that thrived here for hundreds of years, and includes a platform mound and ballcourt. Visit the museum to learn about the the people of this "large town", how they lived and made this place their home.

  

• Hall of Flame Fire Museum

  

  This museum is a wonderful testament to the bravery of the men and women that have fought fires and saved lives. The museum, which had its start in Wisconsin, exhibits historical firefighting apparatus, apparel, artwork, firemarks, vehicles and more. The Hall of Heroes is a touching homage to those who have lost their lives while serving in this noble profession, and also those who have recieved awards for their heroism.

Expand Your Kids Minds While Having Fun

• Arizona Museum of Natural History

  

  Visit exhibits like Dinosaur Mountain and the Paleo Dig Pit at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Located in Mesa, this museum is for anyone that loves dinosaurs, fossils, and ancient cultures. Explore the sciences of archeology and paleontology, and delve into the ancient history of the area, long before it was even a desert. The exhibits will have kids, teens and adults alike craning their necks to look up at monster skeletal remains and reproductions of ancient creatures.

• Children's Museum of Phoenix

  If you're looking for things to do in Phoenix with kids, head to the Children's Museum of Phoenix for an educational day touring interactive exhibits. With an emphasis on childhood education, the museum is an exciting place for children to learn through play for school readiness and turn learning into fun at the Children's Museum of Phoenix.

• Arizona Science Center

  

  The Arizona Science Center is a fun place to spend the day with the entire family as there are a number of fun attractions in addition to the abundance of exhibits. Tour the exhibits, then head to the planetarium or catch a movie at the IMAX theater. Afterward, grab a bite to eat or check out their full calendar of events for even more fun family things to do. Pre-purchased timed ticket entry is encouraged.

• The Coder School

  Are your kids budding computer geeks? The Coder School is coming to Gilbert, and it provides kids an excellent opportunity to expand their love of all things internet. Kids will be given lots of opportunity to work at their own speed and explore the areas they enjoy most. From the basics of web building to writing your own apps and games, the Coder School takes kids on a binary journey. There are after-school programs with code coaching, as well as coding camps for kids. Your kids will have the opportunity to explore ideas, get creative, and have fun.

  

• Crayola Experience

  

  Have you ever wanted to star in your own coloring page, or name a Crayola Crayon with your own perfect color. How about billygoat blue or Riding Hood red? Crayola Experience is where the magic of Crayola comes to life! There is lots to see and do with 20,000 square feet of attractions. Everyone gets to play at Crayola Experience. Bring all the budding artists in the family for an interactive fun-filled time.

Fun Theater Things to Do...

• Magic, Mystery & Oooh La La

  
  

  Theatre, drama, magic and fun! You are in for an adventure when you get on board for an evening with Carnival of Illusion. This old-world and up-close magical parlour experience has just the right amount of ooohs and aaahs, audience participation and fun times. Join Susan Eyed and Roland Sarlot for an evening adventure into the world of prestidigitation, Magic, Mystery & Oooh La La!

• Mesa Arts Center

  

  This award winning complex has everything an art lover could want. There are four venues for a variety of performances, as well as five art galleries. And if you want to further your art education, there are plenty of workshops and classes you can take. To top it off there are special events and shows galore! This is a one-stop-shop for the arts in Mesa and is only a hop skip and a jump from the central Phoenix area.

• Tempe Center for the Arts

  Tempe is a charming place and its arts center has tons of charisma to go along with it. Situated in a picturesque location on the Tempe Town Lake, you will find free parking and a variety of shows and events throughout the year. Local artists and arts groups such as the Tempe Symphony Orchestra are highlighted, along with an open mic night for those budding performers.

  

• Arizona Theatre Company

  

  This professional theatre company has been bringing top-notch theatre to Arizona for over 50 years now. With two cities (Tucson and Phoenix), and a full season of classics, musicals, and new works, you will be sure to be treated to some outstanding theatre. Many of the performers and directors have been seen in film, television and on Broadway.

• Arizona Opera

  

  Like the Arizona Theatre Company, Arizona Opera offers up a full season of opera in two cities, both Tucson and Phoenix. There are three to five productions per year, with shows at the Phoenix Symphony Hall and the Tucson Convention Center Music Hall. Arizona Opera incorporates both local and international talent. Join them for a once a month free lunch recital or come early for a pre-show lecture.

• Great Arizona Puppet Theatre

  

  This wonderful theatre is devoted to all things puppets and is for both children and adults alike. Housed in a lovingly restored old church, the venue includes a birthday party room, gift shop, and puppet library. Shows for children occur mostly in the mornings and afternoons, with adult shows on Friday and Saturday nights. With over 60 shows in the repertoire and all types of puppets, there is always something fresh for the kids to see and kids under 2 are free with the purchase of another child ticket. Most shows are Thursday through Sunday.

• Phoenix Theatre Company

  One of Phoenix's longest running theatre companies, the Phoenix Theatre Company started in the 1920s as the Phoenix Players and continues today to bring large and small-scale productions to the stage. Amongst the familiar titles like Little Shop of Horrors and Mamma Mia!, is a new works festival that brings fresh, talented writing to the stage. Their community outreach includes a program that brings theatre to sick kids in hospitals for some much-needed entertainment.

  

• Southwest Shakespeare Company

  

  Yes, there is Shakespeare and more Shakespeare, but add to that other classic works and various historically and culturally important venues, and you have inspired theatre. There is even Shakespeare carefully recrafted and shortened for young audiences, so they can start early in learning to enjoy the rich language and literature of the classics.

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Fun Things to Do Near Phoenix, Arizona...

• An Evening of Old-World Magic

  
  

  Enter another age. . .the age of vaudevillian entertainment and parlour magic. Join Carnival of Illusion in one of their FOUR theaters for an evening of Old-World Magic, where the impossible happens right before your eyes! It's fun, exciting and surprisingly mind-boggling. The amazing duo of Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed will have you laughing out loud and gasping all in one breathe. It's not your run-of-the-mill night out and you might just find yourself choosing a card. . . any card. . . or up on stage helping to bring the magic to life!

• Arcosanti

  

  Arcosanti is a 40-year project featuring ecological urban desert living. The forward-thinking urban laboratory focuses on water conservation, renewable resources, architecture, environmental crisis, and other desert living topics. You'll find many educational programs, classes, and workshops as well as some cool and trippy architecture. Taking a tour is required for day visitors, and for those booking an overnight stay in one of their unique guestrooms, the grounds and architecture are open for exploration.

• Tempe Town Lake

  This two mile long lake was created by damming a portion of the Salt River and adding water. It has quickly become a popular spot for all types of boating and even fishing. Get yourself a boating permit, or skip the hassle of owning your own and just rent a boat for the day. The park also has ramadas, playgrounds and a splash park for the kids. Try your hand a catching fish as the lake is stocked with a variety of species including catfish, trout, bass, sunfish, and tilapia, or simply take a stroll, skate or ride around the lake's perimeter.

  

• Goldfield Ghost Town

  

  There's a lot more than ghosts to be found in Goldfield today. Every kind of old-west attraction you might want in a town that once brought people from far and wide to work the goldmine, can be found for you to enjoy in Goldfield. Tour the mine, ride the train, watch a gunfight re-enactment. There really is a little bit of everything for the wild west fan. You won't have to travel far outside of Phoenix to find Goldfield, which was founded in the 1890s and has died several times, only to be revived. . . not by gold, but by the almighty tourist dollar.

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Fun Desert Sports Things to Do...

• Hot Air Expeditions

  

  You haven't seen Phoenix until you've seen it from a bird's eye view! Get carried away in a hot air balloon as you sore through the sky for a thrilling balloon ride over Phoenix and scream so the people below can hear you. As you take in the fresh air, you'll have excellent views of the desert and Valley of the Sun if you can stop screaming enough to enjoy them. (Is that why they give you a free glass of champagne?)

• Octane Raceway

  

  If you have a need for speed, head to Octane Raceway. The raceway is the place to add a little thrill into your day with go-karts, rock climbing, racing, and so much more. The indoor facility is the perfect place to spend the day with the family, especially during the hot summers, and scare the heck out of your mother with all that speeeed!

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Well, that's a huge list of many Things to Do in Phoenix today but if you also want to check out even more things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, visit our list of BEST EVENTS IN PHOENIX TODAY. Be sure to come back soon as our list is constantly updated. Whether it's nightlife, theater, outdoors, or the arts, we want you to have the list of the fun things to do in Phoenix, AZ. Thanks for visiting!