Last Updated
Phoenix, Arizona is an absolutely gorgeous city that offers a vast variety of things to do as well as beautiful surrounding deserts. One thing that those deserts mean, however, is that temperatures soar in the summer months. This doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do without braving the heat, though. This list looks at seven off-the-beaten-path indoor things to do in Phoenix to stay cool and have fun.
1. Explore The Arizona Science Center
Here’s a great option for those looking for a way to stay out of the heat with kids! The Arizona Science Center is home to a wide variety of changing exhibits that are not only educational but also designed to get children curious about the world around them in fun ways. Some of the permanent exhibits include All About Me, aimed to teach children about the human body, and Forces of Nature aimed to teach children about the natural world. Tickets to the Arizona Science are available online or in person.
2. Experience An Immersive Art Installation
Head over to the Phoenix Art Museum to see a stunning art installation. The piece, “Fireflies” (also known as “YOU WHO ARE GETTING OBLITERATED IN THE DANCING SWARM OF FIREFLIES”) is a 2005 piece created by Yayoi Kusama. The exhibit consists of a room decorated with mirrors and led lights, creating the appearance of an ethereal, firefly-filled space. While you’re there, the museum is also home to countless other pieces of art that are more than worth checking out. Tickets to the Phoenix Art Museum are available online. While advance tickets are not required, they are recommended.
3. Explore Curious Nature
If you’re looking for a quirky outing, head over to Curious Nature. This curiosity shop features a wide variety of oddball wares, including taxidermied specimens, geodes, and even books looking at the history of occult practices. In addition to offering items to purchase, though, Curious Nature also offers several pretty unique classes and events. Examples include a tea leaf reading class and a still life art night.
4. Discover A Secret Bar At Ziggy’s Pizza Shop
Despite what the name implies, pizza isn’t the reason this shop is worth checking out. Well, it is one of the reasons – Ziggy’s does offer some delicious pizza. If you head to the back of the store, though, you’ll find a surprising twist hidden behind the door of a seemingly normal walk-in freezer. The door leads to an 80s-themed speakeasy that features arcade games. The bar, The Stardust Pinbar, is open during the same hours as Ziggy’s, but only offers food and games prior to 5 pm.
5. Grab Coffee At The Teapot
Enjoy a cup of coffee in a unique setting – a charming 1906 home. The historic home has been restored, and nowadays functions as an event venue and coffee shop. This is both a great place for grabbing a morning (or afternoon) coffee and for those looking to plan an event such as a baby shower, birthday party, or other events.
6. Bowl At Cham Pang Lanes
Bowling alleys might bring to mind images of fading carpet and overpriced beverages, but Cham Pang Lanes offers an entirely different, fun twist on the experience. Featuring artsy decor, a chandelier made of disco balls, and a cocktail bar, Cham Pang Lanes is a great modern twist on a classic pastime. In addition to bowling, the establishment also features pinball games. Bowling lanes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
7. Grab A Meal At Hanny’s
This restaurant has a rich, interesting history as well as several seemingly anachronistic modern-day features. Hanny’s was originally a men’s clothing store. The retail shop has long since shut down, instead being replaced by a restaurant of the same name. The uniqueness doesn’t stop there, though. Hanny’s has many additional quirks. To start with, the interior of the restaurant has undergone minimal renovation since its days as a department store and still features many grand name signs inside. There’s also an eccentric art exhibit that feels like it should be at odds with the otherwise sophisticated feel of the restaurant – a collection of antique dolls in the basement. Finally, the upstairs level is cloaked in neon lights and features a hidden bar.
Read More:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19
Top 10 Places To Visit In Northern Arizona
Top 10 Museums You Don’t Want To Miss While Visiting Arizona
Read More:
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans Starting At $10 Per Week
How To Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
↓ Join Our Community ↓
The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com