Things To Do
Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours Inc.
This abandoned old mining town, which has been refurbished as a tourist attraction, includes a mine tour, rides and shops. Plus it's just really cool to see a piece of AZ history. This little ghost town holds a special place in my heart because the saloon pictured above is the very place my parents were married, and 31 years later I will be doing the same! You'll already be here for the ceremony and reception, so while we're getting ready or taking photos feel free to look around!
Arizona Boardwalk
There are SO many amazing and fun things to do here! The Odysea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, UFO Experience, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Illusions Museum, Pangaea: Land of Dinosaurs, Laser + Mirror Maze, and the Cyber Quest arcade. They are also adding Paradise Earth; the largest indoor rainforest in America, and it should by open by the time the wedding rolls around! You can visit one or multiple of these attractions, and its such a fun, family-friendly place to be!
Grand Canyon
Of course I'm including the incredible Grand Canyon in here. It will probably be a bit chilly come October, but it is definitely still worth it if you have the time and transportation. There are tours that can be booked out of Phoenix, or you can drive yourself up to the South Rim. If you have never been, I highly recommend it. It's an amazing experience and so beautiful and unbelievable to see in person. I didn't include an address because there are a few different locations where you can enter. The website listed here should be able to direct you to the best one for you!
Desert Botanical Garden
What is not to love about a Desert Botanical Garden? This botanical garden spreads over 140 acres and has 50,000 plants on show – making it one of the best places to visit to taste the desert in inner-city Phoenix. The garden is connected by a network of beautiful little hiking trails. You can easily spend a couple of hours walking the Desert Botanical Garden’s grounds, and it is a lovely place to visit in the early morning, or the fall, when it isn't too hot.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
The theme park is family-friendly to its core, offering many games and rides, including a carousel and splash pad. If you have young children accompanying you when you visit Phoenix, keep the Enchanted Island Amusement Park up your sleeve. It is easy to reach and provides really lighthearted, family-friendly fun. If that sounds like what you need, you can just turn up to buy entrance tickets – no online tickets required.
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
The Japanese Friendship Garden is small but mighty. Covering just 3.5 acres, this traditional Japanese garden is one of the most cultural, outdoor spaces and things to do in Phoenix. The garden has a considerable 12-foot waterfall and a beautiful koi pond, and its abundant water features add to its serene atmosphere. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a teahouse and tea garden. The garden opens Tuesday to Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and it costs around $10 to enter. It is one of the most budget-friendly outdoor activities in Phoenix.
Old Town Scottsdale
Nestled within nine walkable neighborhoods you’ll find a unique collection of shops, restaurants, art galleries and nightclubs, as well as contemporary public art installations, world-class museums and historic sites from the late 1880s.
Arizona State Fair Grounds
October is the time of year the State Fair is in town! It's huge and it's fun, and if you're anything like me, you LOVE a good fair.
Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is really fun. They offer a few different trails to wonder down to see and learn more about different animals from around the world. The Africa Trail showcases many of the most popular animals in the world, and some of it’s largest predators. The Arizona Trail is designed to emulate the wildlife and plant life found across the state of Arizona. The Tropics Trail includes the Forest of Uco, a lush rainforest that surrounds visitors along a one-mile walking trail. The Children’s Trail lets children get close to many small animals from around the world, including a petting zoo!
Mill Avenue Shops
There's always something happening on the stretch of Mill Avenue in Tempe that runs from Rio Salado Parkway to the north to University Drive to the south, right next to Arizona State University. By day, people of all ages stroll along the street past tightly packed shops, restaurants, and bars. At night, the vibe gets rowdier as a 20-something crowd comes out to party. You can see a movie at the AMC Centerpoint 11, or snap a photo of Harkins Valley Art, the oldest movie theater in Arizona. Snacks, drinks, and hundreds of games are available at game cafe Snakes & Lattes, and you can sing your heart out every night of the week at 414 Pub Pizza & Karaoke. The website listed here will have information on other happenings in Downtown Tempe; Mill Ave is just the beginning.
Papago Park
Papago Park is just one of many great hiking spots in the Phoenix area. Most of the trails here are generally easy, but just as beautiful
First Friday Roosevelt Row
Since our wedding takes place on the last day of October, which happens to be a Thursday, you might still be around to enjoy the First Friday of November! In downtown Phoenix, Roosevelt Row hosts a showcase of local art every Friday that's not to be missed. On the first Friday of every month, you can participate in one of the country's largest self-guided art walks, with free event shuttles running throughout the city. There will also be live performances, artist spotlights, and other events, as well as the Roosevelt Row markets.