12 Cool Things to Do in AZ in the Summer

Great places to have fun and stay cool

by Natalie June Reilly

The dog days of summer are upon us, and it’s often a challenge to keep cool in the Valley during these hot months. But there’s no need to stay cooped up inside. There are a number of “cool” entertainment options that can make the record-high temperatures in Arizona more bearable for you and your family—all at affordable prices. So, before you melt away, take advantage of some of the coolest adventures Arizona has to offer; with a list like this, it just might turn out to be one of your “hottest” summers yet!

1. MARY COYLE’S OLD FASHIONED ICE CREAM PARLOR

Mary Coyle’s Ice Cream Parlor is a unique blast from the past and Phoenix’s “First Family of Ice Cream” since 1951. With over 60 signature flavors—all made in house—you won’t know which sweet confection to dive into first. You may want to cool down with one of the house favorites—Cherry Snow—a mountain of cherry ice cream avalanched with marvelous marshmallow topping, coconut shavings, whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top.

The Coyles have created an old-fashioned, Norman Rockwell-esque experience reminiscent of a 1950s diner. It can be a sweet utopia for family fun or a throwback to date night in the ‘50s where you and your steady can squeeze into a booth to have a cheeseburger, ice cream soda and some old-time rock-n-roll. Save up for the calories—it’s an experience you won’t regret!

5521 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix
602.604.1765
www.marycoyle.net

2. CHALLENGER SPACE CENTER

Parents and children are over the moon for the Challenger Space Center, offering several summer camp programs designed in association with the Smithsonian Institute and using NASA educational materials to teach students. Each day is specifically created with age-appropriate activities to create an atmosphere of discovery and adventure.

Younger astronauts have a choice of programs: Astro Tots, Let’s Fly through the Sky, Living in Space, Mercury, Ice Worlds and Planets, Let’s Get Moon Crazy, Space & Underwater Exploration and It’s Totally Cosmic. For tween and teen astronauts, the choices are CSI—Apollo and Astronomical Discoveries. The space explorers of tomorrow are the students of today!

623.322.2001
www.azchallenger.com

3. HARKINS THEATRES

Whether you dream of escaping into a romantic chick flick with your girlfriends, an animated adventure with your kids or simply long to save the world from deadly alien attacks with your very own swashbuckling boyfriend by your side, Harkins Theatres has just the scene for you—popcorn included!

Celebrating 75 years in Arizona, Harkins is the largest family owned theater chain in the country and the premier movie exhibitor in the western U.S., operating over 400 screens. Featuring a larger selection of film, snacks and innovative amenities to moviegoers since 1933, Harkins Theatres is renowned for its commitment to offering the ultimate movie going experience.

This summer offers parents recession-free prices to keep kids entertained. Season tickets for Harkins Theatres’ popular 10-week Summer Movie Fun program are available at great prices. Parents simply purchase season tickets and select the day and theater that works best. The fun begins
Monday, May 25 and runs through Friday, July 31 in theaters across the Valley. This summer’s roster of movies includes “Space Chimps,” “Nim’s Island” and several other kids’ favorites.

Summer Movie Fun hotline: 800.601.4SMF
www.harkinstheatres.com

4.DAVE & BUSTERS AT DESERT RIDGE MARKET PLACE

People come to a party for one thing: fun. This summer, the party’s at Dave & Busters—the place to gather with an “eat, drink and play” atmosphere that invites people of all ages to get out of the summer sun for good food and great times. Whether you’re throwing a large corporate event or a gathering with a few close friends, your guests are in luck because the entertainment options at Dave & Busters are endless.

With over 68,000 square feet of fun that includes bowling alleys, billiards, barrooms, meeting space, dining rooms, party rooms and midway games, it’s like an indoor carnival for the soul! Fun at Dave & Buster’s means dining on great food, grabbing a drink with friends and winning big. Best of all, once you’ve been to Dave & Busters, the fun stays with you.

21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 44-1400, Phoenix
480.538.8956
www.daveandbusters.com

5. GOLFLAND FAMILY FUN CENTERS

Whether you’re cooling off in the wave pool or just relaxing on a chaise lounge, Big Surf and Golfland/Sunsplash waterparks are always a great way to cool off. With affordable pricing and a safe, family-friendly atmosphere, everyone will find something fun to do. America’s first waterpark, Big Surf is celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer. Big Surf’s Waikiki Beach wavepool is the original wavepool, and with 2.5 million gallons of water, it still produces some great waves. After body-surfing, rafting or boogie boarding, you can relax on the grass beach under a palm umbrella.

For a little excitement, Sunsplash features some of the most spectacular rides this side of the Mississippi. Or, if you prefer to just relax, you can float languidly down the Endless River, an 800-foot lazy river you can enjoy alone or with the whole family. Here in the Valley, the summer nights still see some pretty high temperatures. Night Splash includes all of the fun the parks have to offer for just $15—without the blazing sun!

For fun day or night, Golfland is a true family entertainment center with three 18-hole miniature golf courses, indoor laser tag, bumper boats, go-carts and an arcade with over 200 of the hottest video games available.

www.golfland.com

6. AS YOU WISH POTTERY PAINTING PLACE

Color your summer happy! As You Wish Pottery Painting Place has bright, festive studios located throughout the Valley that are perfect for escaping the summer heat and exhibiting your artistic talents when celebrating birthdays, bridal showers, anniversaries or any other special occasion. As You Wish is also offering a great summer camp program for kids.

Paint yourself into one of the coolest corners in Arizona this summer by visiting any one of their many Valley locations in Desert Ridge, Ahwatukee, Mesa Grande, Deer Valley or Tempe.

www.asyouwishpottery.com

7. DIAMONDBACK BASEBALL

Take your family out to the ballgame! The Diamondbacks offer special kids prices at 12 concession stands throughout Chase Field. Parents can purchase a hot dog, corn dog, popcorn, small soda or milk for their child for just $1.50 each. Most ticket prices range from $5 to $70, and 26,000 seats are priced at $15 or less for non-premier games with 5,000 additional seats available for $5.

The All-You-Can-Eat section, starting at $25 per game, includes a game ticket on the Insight Diamond Level and unlimited hot dogs, chips, popcorn, peanuts, soda and water. It’ll be a grand slam of a good time!

602.514.8400
www.dbacks.com
Tickets also available at the Chase Field ticket office.

8. MORMON LAKE LODGE

Relaxation awaits you in one of the cozy cabins nestled in the cool Ponderosa Pines. Choose from a variety of cabins ranging from $50 to $185 per night. With its close proximity to Flagstaff, Mormon Lake Lodge is a great place from which to explore Northern Arizona’s most popular attractions.

Coconino National Forest’s fresh air, beautiful mountains and stately pines beckon you to come explore. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the wide range of activities and adventures with friends and family: mountain bike and ATV rentals, horseback riding, free trout fishing for kids, rodeos, an open-pit steakhouse and saloon, and an RV camp and campground.

928.354.2227
www.mormonlakelodge.com

9. WESTERN HERITAGE TRAIL

If the Valley heat has you looking for a friendlier altitude, head for the Western Heritage Trail and take a panoramic journey where you’ll see nature’s hidden treasures as well as a genuine glimpse of the Old West. But Partner, hold onto your hat! What begins as a leisurely drive along Historic US 89 through the charming desert cities of Surprise and Wickenberg quickly turns into a breathtaking climb up Yarnell Hill, one of the most awesome stretches of highway in Arizona, soaring 2500 feet up the side of Table Top Mountain in a scant four miles.

At the top is Yarnell: a quaint, friendly village nestled in a gently sloping dell sandwiched between two towering ridges of the Weaver Mountains. Visitors will enjoy browsing through unique boutiques and eclectic antique shops.

Three miles up the road, amid the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pines, is the mile-high city of Prescott, which boasts unlimited recreational opportunities and a wealth of history and culture preserved from its earlier territorial days. Enjoy Old West ambiance with a stroll down historic Whiskey Row or a visit to The Sharlot Hall Museum.

Traversing ancient dwellings, abandoned ghost towns, historic forts, diverse museums, award winning wineries, sparkling lakes and spectacular vistas, Western Heritage Trail provides a jam-packed day trip or fun-filled weekend getaway on the road less traveled in Arizona.

www.visit-westernheritagetrail.com

10. ALLTEL ICEDEN

Looking for a cool icebreaker this summer? Alltel Ice Den is a 120,000 square foot, state-of-the-art, twin ice skating rink and entertainment facility located in Scottsdale. The Ice Den is home to the Coyotes Adult Hockey League and offers numerous figure skating, learn-to-skate classes, birthday party rooms, public skating events, sports and other great programs for skaters of all ages.

The Ice Den also features the Mountainside Fitness Platinum Club—once the training facility for our very own Phoenix Coyotes, it includes the corporate headquarters for BrightSpot Media, a BNC National Bank branch, a full-service pro shop, the Chilly Bean Café, free wi-fi and much more!

Indoor temperatures reach a frosty 52°, so don’t forget to bring your parka!

9375 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale
480.585.7465
www.coyotesice.com

11. PHOENIX MERCURY

Tipping off the 13th season on June 6 playing San Antonio, the Phoenix Mercury have high hopes for returning to the playoffs this season after winning Phoenix’s first professional basketball title in 2007. Families can enjoy games during the steaming summer months at air-conditioned US Airways Center, where world-class athletes including WNBA All-Stars and gold medalists Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter will go toe-to-toe with other stars from around the league.

Mercury games feature one of the WNBA’s premier dance teams—the Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad—as well as the kid’s zone where children can run through inflatable jungle gyms and obstacle courses. Kids are also invited onto the court after the game to shoot free throws. Lower-level season tickets for all 17 home games start at just $10 each. Games run from June through September, including 10 weekend games.

602.252.WNBA
www.phoenixmercury.com

12. PINK JEEP TOURS—SEDONA

If you’re looking for a little off-road Adventure—think pink! Pink Jeep Tours has been providing the most talked about off-road adventures in Arizona since 1960. As the premier off-road tour company in the Southwest, Pink Jeep Tours offers a variety of tour choices whether visitors are seeking rugged adventure, Native American history and culture, nature, geology or grand panoramic vistas.

From family vacations to corporate retreats, Pink Jeep Tours and its knowledgeable guides help visitors see Sedona up close and personal. With customization available for special occasions such as team building, family excursions, picnic lunches or catering an event, Pink Jeep Tours strives to create a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

800.873.3662
www.pinkjeep.com

Natalie June Reilly is a freelance writer and author of “My Stick Family, Helping Children Cope with Divorce.” You can contact Natalie at girlwriter68@hotmail.com.