Tempe is named after the Greek Vale of Tempe. Things To Do In Tempe AR, during Arizona’s territorial days, it was known as Hayden’s Ferry. Darrell Dupa, a famous pioneer, proposed the name Tempe in 1879 after comparing a section of the Salt River valley to the Vale of Tempe near Mount Olympus in Greece.
US Airways was based in town until the end of 2013, when it merged with American Airlines and relocated to Fort Worth, Texas. It is the home of Arizona State University and is always bustling with sporting and other events of various kinds. Let’s see what some of these events might be!
25 List of Things To Do In Tempe AR Today
1. Ride a Segway down Tempe Lake.
Tempe Town Lake is a reservoir that occupies a portion of the Salt River’s (currently dry) riverbed as it flows through Tempe. Take a Segway Tours of Scottsdale to learn everything there is to know about the lake at downtown tempe arizona!
Your guides will narrate stories and historical facts as you tour the lake while learning how to navigate this exciting ride. Safety is of the utmost importance, and you will be taught the proper way to maneuver as you paddle along. A fantastic experience for the entire family at asu art museum.
2. Water Park Big Surf
Water Park Big Surf, this watery attraction, which contains 2.5 million gallons of water, has plenty of rafts, boogie boards, and surfboards to enjoy. Children under 48 inches in height are required to wear a complimentary life vest, and all children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult at hayden butte.
The lifeguards are also extremely vigilant. There are some fantastic slides to enjoy, including the spine-tingling Hurricane and Black Hole. Rent a raft for the day and float around at your own pace at mill ave.
3. Gammage Auditorium at ASU
Gammage Auditorium at ASU, this stunning auditorium is thought to be Frank Lloyd Wright’s final public commission, having taken 25 months to complete. It is a popular theater venue for both patrons and touring artists, with comfortable seats, wide aisles, and excellent acoustics.
The three lobby galleries, which feature paintings and photography by local artists, are also worth seeing at tempe az.
Official building tours are also available. Gammage Auditorium also has a café and bar on-site, serving gourmet sandwiches, snacks, and desserts, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Everyone had a good time at tempe tourism!
4. Tempe Center for the Arts
The Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) is a sight to behold! Bring the kids and walk around this Center, which has a roof made of complex geometric folded plates – wow! In fact, the roof has become a city landmark, visible from nearby freeways and the numerous planes that land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport near desert botanical garden.
The grounds are also lovely, complementing the Center’s contemporary and chic interior. The kids will love the fountain overflow that drops into the surrounding pool, creating an awesome climbing wall for them at tempe festival!
5. Karsten Golf Course
Karsten Golf Course, part of Arizona State University, is known for its first-rate upkeep as well as Karsten’s fairly challenging courses with rolling fairways and undulating greens at tempe mission palms.
There are several very reasonable packages available for purchase for the golfing fans in the family, some of which include two rounds of golf with golf car, practice balls, bag tag, one sleeve of Titleist pinnacle golf balls, and a voucher for the café’s tasty breakfast or lunch at arizona mills.
6. Wells Fargo Arena at Arizona State University
The Wells Fargo Arena is a multi-purpose arena with 10,754 seats that not only houses the Sun Devil men’s and women’s volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, and wrestling teams, but also many graduation ceremonies and a variety of shows and concerts at tempe history museum.
This lovely campus is set in a mile-square area surrounded by lovely landscaping. There are also some very interesting museums to visit here, the majority of which are free. Bring the whole family and enjoy some sport, cultural, or musical entertainment – there’s something for everyone at legoland discovery center!
7. Sea Life Arizona
The whole family will have a great time at Sea Life Arizona. Thousands of aquatic creatures live in the 26,000-square-foot interactive aquarium, which also includes a 360-degree ocean tunnel and interactive touch pools!
The aquarium is teeming with amazing sea life, including octopi (for the posh), sharks, and seahorses that swim in the educational aquarium facility. Though it is not the largest aquarium, it can provide a few hours of entertainment and, because it is located within a mall, can easily be combined with some shopping at tempe diablo stadium!
8. Historical Museum
Historical Museum, this is a well-kept facility that is ideal for families because there is plenty to keep your children entertained. The museum contains a wealth of actual information about Tempe’s past, as well as a variety of displays on interesting and thought-provoking topics.
The museum is also surrounded by a lawn where live performances of various music genres are frequently held. There is also an appealing café on the premises where you can get hot and cold refreshments as well as tasty snacks. There is no admission fee at tempe mission palms hotel.
9. Tempe Public Market
Why not spend an enjoyable afternoon at Tempe Marketplace, a veritable cornucopia of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and movie theaters all comfortably sharing 1.3 million square feet of eye-catching retail space.
The skilled architecture incorporates dramatic light and laser elements, unique water features, and outdoor fireplaces, creating a very appealing environment to walk around. While mom and dad go shopping, the kids can go to the movies and then meet up at one of the attractive outdoor dining areas at sonoran desert.
10. Kiwanis Lake and Park
Kiwanis Lake is located in beautiful Kiwanis Park, where many locals enjoy the various attractions available, such as boating, seasonal paddleboat rentals, sports fields, playgrounds, and a recreational center with a wave pool.
There’s even more! There is a small toddler area with a small climbing structure and music makers for the younger members of the family. There are swings and a zip line, as well as a three-story tower with several slides. And, unlike the usual 10 p.m. closure, the park is open until midnight for the romantics in the family. A lovely spot for a romantic stroll after dinner.
11. Marquee Theatre
The Marquee Theatre is a small music venue on Tempe Town’s north side. Finding your way to your seat is a breeze, usually taking a very short time, thanks to its intimate and cozy setting.
The Marquee is a true old-school music venue, with one bar, a large standing area in front of the stage (no seating), and a small merchandise area where bands can sell their merchandise. This is a fantastic venue for music fans, allowing them to see live music at a reasonable price.
12. The Diablo Stadium
The Diablo Stadium complex was built in 1968 and has undergone extensive renovations since then. Drivers will find it easy to find because it overlooks the beautiful Marriott Buttes Resort.
It is also a very popular stadium, hosting a variety of sporting events as well as the Los Angeles baseball team’s spring training home and the Arizona League Tempe Angels’ home field for night games.
I believe that piece of news has piqued the interest of baseball fans. Every seat in the house provides excellent viewing opportunities; just make sure everyone in the family is properly protected from the sometimes scorching Arizona heat!
13. The Arizona Historical Society Museum
This is a new showcase for multimedia and interactive displays about Arizona history and city life. It was recently renamed and now serves as a gathering place for people of all ages, focusing on twentieth and twenty-first-century history.
The family can learn about and enjoy exhibits that will take them on a journey through time, from early settlements to WWII, the postwar growth of desert cities, and an examination of Arizona pop culture.
Enjoy the new Copper Mine Exhibit, which includes a scale model of an Arizona copper mine with interesting facts, mineral and ore displays, and Geology Activity Books for kids. Everyone will have a good time learning!
14. Mill Avenue Neighborhood
Mill Avenue District is a very well-planned, pedestrian friendly locale that is popular with everyone for its constant choice of attractions or simply the option to relax and people-watch if you prefer.
Depending on your age and interests, the area has a great bar scene with a variety of dining options. It is well-known for its fun and peaceful atmosphere, as well as a variety of nice boutiques and retail stores, as well as reliable public transportation to get you there!
You are close enough to the lake to enjoy the many concerts and festivals that are available. There is a genuine sense of community here.
15. Park Papago
No surprise that Papago Park has been designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride! It is a fantastic location for everyone; the stunning red rocks with their various rock formations, as well as the numerous hiking, biking, and running trails, make for a fantastic fun-filled and active day out.
The additional good news is that the wide, paved trails make getting around extra easy for those with limited mobility, ensuring that no one is left out! The surrounding grounds also have some beautiful palms and cacti to admire. Good for everyone, even if you just want to meander around this large park slowly.
16. Pollack Theater
Mr Pollack created the Pollack Theater, a dedicated movie buff who enjoyed sharing his collection of movie artifacts, which are displayed throughout the theater.
Guests of all ages enjoy taking photos with the life-sized celebrity figures that line the lobby walls; in fact, checking out the posters, statues, and displays of movie characters and icons is a real trip down memory lane. It will be a hit with the kids!
There is also a newly renovated snack bar and games area to keep everyone entertained. And, best of all, the films shown here have passed their peak viewing period, which is reflected in the ticket prices!
17. Children’s Museum Halle Heart
Children’s Museum Halle Heart, spend a few hours at this museum with the family’s children to learn about the workings of the circulatory system and how lifestyle choices such as exercise and diet can help keep the heart healthy.
There are also plenty of other interactive options, such as collecting heart-healthy groceries and learning how to call 911 if they recognize heart attack symptoms.
The atmosphere at the museum is very relaxed, with plenty of space to explore the many exhibits. If they wish, the children can then complete a worksheet with information from the museum and receive a small prize.
18. Sleuth Box
At The Sleuth Box, you can put your family’s problem-solving skills to the test! You and the rest of the family have a set amount of time to solve a series of clues and open the sleuth box to begin the search for your answer.
Unlike a book or a movie, you get to be one of the main characters and then collaborate to solve the problem you were assigned. The incredible attention to detail in the room is second to none, as are the clues! This is an excellent family outing because you can bond while attempting to solve the clues presented to you!
19. Phoenix Rock Gym
The Phoenix Rock Gym is a climbing facility and an attraction where you can immerse yourself in the world of climbing like never before! The Rock Gym has thirty-foot-high walls and a large climbing service area.
Don’t worry if your family has never tried rock climbing before; the highly trained staff will teach you all the skills you’ll need to climb safely. There are 56 top ropes in the gym, with everything from easy routes to overhanging arm blasters, faces, cracks, chimneys, and more.
It’s a great place for preteens and teens to burn off some energy while learning some really useful climbing skills. Because there is no café on site, I recommend bringing your own refreshments.
20. Kiwanis Recreation Center
Kiwanis Recreation Center, this stunning 54,000 square foot complex has something for everyone, including a fantastic indoor wave pool, gym, fitness center, amazing tennis center with 15 lighted courts, and dual courts for volleyball and basketball leagues.
There are also a variety of classes available, so it’s worth looking into the Center’s offerings. This is a fantastic place for the family to spend quality time together, perhaps even watching a float-in movie! Because it is sheltered, it is even more enjoyable to play in the pool without getting sunburned!
21. Painting with a Difference
This is an opportunity to take a painting class in a BYOB setting, and it is a very comfortable experience! Bring your favorite bottle of wine (or soft drink if the kids want to join) and enjoy an afternoon of painting with an instructor for a reasonable price.
Painting with a Twist provides all painting supplies, as well as cups and wine openers, and there is a wide range of painting subjects to choose from, including cityscapes and landscapes, abstracts, florals, animals, and many more.
At the end of the class, group photos of your masterpieces are posted on the company’s Facebook page for any aspiring artists!
22. Full Throttle Powersports Tours
This company can provide you with a fantastic family fun day out whether you are a novice, a little experienced, or an advanced rider!
Experience loads of excitement as you power up and down the nearby sand dunes and mountains, as well as through the beautiful desert cacti, on a four-wheeler ATV or dune buggy! And, if you’re more of a water lover than a landlubber, Full Throttle Powersports rents jet skis so you can glide along the waters in safety, knowing the machinery is well-maintained.
23. Arizona Distilling Co
Despite the repeal of prohibition in December 1933, no whiskey was legally produced in the Phoenix metro area until Arizona Distilling Company arrived in 2013!
The company then spent a few years refining techniques and sourcing local grains, with the general (and first) result being Copper City Bourbon, which had been barrel-aged for two years and named after an Arizona brewery that shut down during prohibition.
Since then, the company has expanded into small batch gin and Desert Durum Wheat Whiskey. Why not pay a visit and take a tour led by one of the very welcoming and informative owners? Three 0.5oz pours are included in the one-hour tour.
24. Quilters Ranch
Quilter’s Ranch is a fantastic place to buy all kinds of fabrics, sewing books, patterns, and notions from the shop’s weekly deliveries. Even if you don’t have anything specific in mind, it’s worth dropping in to get inspired as you soak in the colors and environment!
If you stay in town long enough, you might consider taking a sewing class or attending one of Quilter’s Ranch’s many events. Learn a new technique or brush up on your sewing machine maintenance.
25. Changing Hands Bookstores
Presidents, rock stars, diplomats, and Pulitzer Prize-winning authors have all visited this bookstore chain, and Tempe is one of its lucky recipients!
This literary treasure trove receives a constantly changing mix of new, used, and sale books from a variety of sources, including its customers!
Books are sold at competitive prices, and if they are slightly shelf worn, you can probably find some bargains at very low prices, often between 30% and 60% off the original list price. A great way for the family’s readers to spend their time.
FAQs Things To Do In Tempe
Is Tempe, Arizona, worth visiting?
This city has a lot to offer visitors looking for things to do in Tempe and reasons to visit this growing desert community in the Valley of the Sun, from its vibrant college vibe that fosters a great local foodie scene to its walkable downtown, family friendly attractions, arts and culture programming, and 24/7 sunshine.
Is Tempe Town Lake poisonous?
The thousands of gallons of cyclohexanone in the derailed tank cars over Tempe Town Lake are both toxic and flammable, so the fire on Wednesday could have been much worse in terms of dangerous chemicals.
How far is Tempe, Arizona, from the airport?
Tempe to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is 4.01 miles (west) and 5 miles (8.05 kilometers) by car if you take the East Sky Harbor Boulevard route. If you drive nonstop, Tempe and PHX Airport are only 10 minutes apart. This is the shortest route from Tempe, Arizona to Phoenix International Airport.
What is the origin of the name Tempe?
Tempe was established in 1879. The name was suggested by “Lord” Darrell Duppa, an Englishman who helped establish Phoenix. The butte, the wide river, and the nearby expanse of green fields reminded him of the ancient Greek Vale of Tempe.