Your guide to the coolest indoor adventures in Tempe this season.
Each summer, Tempe’s wide variety indoor activities and attractions beckon all ages in search of the coolest things to do. Whether you’re exploring with the family, planning a date night, looking for the perfect spot for a group meet-up or an adventure-seeking traveler looking for an immersive experience during your stay, this guide to Tempe’s coolest indoor activities is loaded with summer itinerary inspiration.
From museums and concerts to DIY art studios and heart-pumping hobbies, here are Tempe’s top spots to check out during the summer months.
Catch a wave at Kiwanis Wave Pool
Kiwanis Wave Pool does not disappoint when it comes to water fun. This climate-controlled pool features 3-foot waves in various patterns and features a 122-foot-long spiral water slide. Rafts and tube rentals are also available. The Wave Pool is open for the season — 1 to 5 p.m. — every Saturday in April, Saturdays and Sundays in May, and every day waves begin on Monday, June 1. For additional information, call 480-350-5201, ext. 2.
6111 S. All America Way, Tempe, AZ | 480-350-5201
Visit Arizona Mills
You can easily spend the entire day at this indoor mall. Home to a mile of retail stores and outlets, Arizona Mills is also a hotspot for entertainment, including these experiences:
Bubble Planet
Open since February, Bubble Planet is a voyage through fantastical, pastel landscapes that are designed to appeal to all five senses. Jump from one immersive space to the next — experiencing every variety of bubbles imaginable — and don’t miss the unique photo ops. Plan for this experience to last 60 to 90 minutes.
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 625, Tempe, AZ
Tilt Studio
This entertainment oasis invites the entire family to experience more than 150 arcade and video games, as well as laser tag and virtual reality experiences. When it’s time to refuel, head upstairs for a mouthwatering menu of American cuisine, including salads, pizza, wings and other snacks. Be sure to ask about current specials that combine dining and gaming for a package deal.
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 669, Tempe, AZ | 480-648-1222
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona
This ultimate indoor playground invites families with children aged 3 to 10 to explore a world of creativity and color by getting hands-on with the thousands of LEGO bricks in themed build-and-play areas with the endless possibilities. Check out replicas of landmarks from throughout the Grand Canyon State built with 1 million LEGO BRICKS, take interactive adventures, watch movies at the LEGO 4-D cinema and build LEGO creations with master builders. A LEGO store and café are also onsite.
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 135, Tempe, AZ | 480-565-7072
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
Get up close and personal with thousands of aquatic creatures at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium. Located at Arizona Mills, this 26,000-square-foot aquarium features interactive touch pools and a 360-degree tunnel that allow visitors to come face-to-face with the under-the-sea animals, including sharks and rescued sea turtles. There are more than 30 display tanks with 5,000 sea creatures, including seahorses, sharks, rays, tropical fish and more.
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 145, Tempe, AZ | 480-565-7072
Explore Tempe Marketplace
While Tempe Marketplace is an outdoor mall, you’ll find dozens of of ways for the entire family to keep cool and entertained in and around this shopping oasis. In addition to the retail stores, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and more, you’ll also find:
Dave & Busters
This gaming haven always has something new and exciting to offer, including more than 150 arcade and tabletop games and virtual reality experiences. Find a perch at one of the sports bar’s many TVs on game day or sip your way through happy hour and late-night happy hour — both of which pair perfectly with seasonal menus and specials.
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ | 480-281-8456
Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace
Open year-round and daily until 11 p.m., the Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace is the ideal family-friendly spot for children to splash, play and cool off outdoors. Check the events calendar for special themed events.
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ | 480-966-9338
Escapology Tempe
Inside every room, you’ll find a narrative filled with suspense and surprises. Creatively designed themes test your wit and teamwork skills in eight different escape room themes, including two that are equipped with “kid mode.” Can you solve the mystery and escape in 60 minutes?
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 1029, Tempe, AZ | 480-894-5204
Try out a new hobby
Arizona Bouldering Project
Tempe’s new indoor rock-climbing gym is a multi-use facility that offers both open gym and programming centered around 19,000 square feet of indoor climbing walls and boulders — as well as a fitness center, yoga studio and more — and all skill levels are welcome.
2626 S. Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-716-9014
Phoenix Rock Gym
Experience the vertical world of climbing as never before – indoors at the Phoenix Rock Gym. Explore the thirty-foot high walls with over 15,000 sq. ft. of climbing surface.
1353 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-921-8322
Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills
While not an indoor activity, this golf course has the designation of being Arizona’s only fully lighted 18-hole, day/night golf course and practice facility — so golfing after sunset is now a reality in Tempe. Beyond the 18-hole executive golf course and practice facility, you’ll also find Glenrosa Restaurant and a variety of special events taking place here too.
1415 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ | 480-530-9880
Main Event Entertainment
For anyone undecided on what kind of adventure to embark on, Main Event says, “No problem.” Here, you can choose from 26 high-quality recreational bowling lanes, laser tag, mini golf, a gravity high ropes course, billiards and shuffleboard tables and more than 125 interactive games. As for the tempting array of food and beverage offerings, the larger-than-life family feasts, pizzas and appetizers are perfect for sharing. There are also elevated greens, sandwiches, burgers and a craft cocktail program for the perfect date night.
8545 S. Emerald Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-753-1200
Snakes & Lattes Tempe
Analog enthusiasts will delight in Snakes & Latte’s library of more than 900 board games, ranging from classics to newcomers, for all ages. This cozy, open concept invites you to bring your friends and family to tuck into a booth or table and relive the magic that only a shared board game experience can offer. Kick things up a notch with selections from the espresso or cocktail bars. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, the classic sides, fresh salads, tasty burgers and elevated entrees are sure to tempt your taste buds. Loser buys?
20 W. 6th St., Tempe, AZ | 480-361-6644
Bring the crew for a group activity
Electric Pickle
The first-ever Electric Pickle has landed in Tempe. This concept combines the ultra-trendy sport of pickleball with a globally inspired restaurant, multiple bars and an outdoor entertainment space for all ages. While the nine state-of-the-art pickleball courts as well as bocce ball or cornhole, cozy fire pits and live-music stage outdoors, private cabanas and other shade areas are a popular year-round. Inside the two-story restaurant, you’ll Full Swing Golf Simulators a pro shop, two full-service bars and plenty of seating options.
8688 S. Emerald Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-520-4000
The Picklr Tempe
For the no-nonsense pickleballers out there, The Picklr offers eight indoor courts, a pro shop, players lounge, AI coaching — player assessment technology to produce or update your Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) — and all the other bells and whistles you’d expect from a dedicated pickleball gym.
1315 W. Elliot Road, Tempe, AZ | 480-739-2370
Inferno Escape Room
What can you expect at this escape room? It’s a live-action game and you are the hero! You’ll have to use teamwork and communication to solve clues and puzzles before 60 minutes is up. Each room has its own theme and objective. Reservations are private and are only for you and your friends and family — you won’t be matched up with anyone else.
2155 E. University Drive, #210, Tempe, AZ | 480-567-0190
United Escapes of America
The time is now to test your skills at United Escapes of America in Downtown Tempe. You will have the choice to stop a compromised train from crashing, break out from a jail cell or try to uncover a hidden inheritance that your grandparents left behind. Each theme has its own storyline, puzzles and a series of problems to solve.
414 S. Mill Ave., Suite 112, Tempe, AZ | 480-744-6469
Recess
In the massive space that was formerly home to Lumberjaxes, Recess is a new indoor/outdoor concept where “grown-up playtime meets your favorite schoolyard vibes.” Choose from axe throwing, The Game Show Experience, Spike Ball, Tetherball, Four Square, Molkky, Bull Chipper, Yard Pong, Subsoccer and more. Staying on theme, this menu celebrates “cafeteria classics,” which include pizza, adult lunchables, friend PB&J sticks, a cereal flight and pop-tart ice cream sandwiches, to name a few irresistible throwbacks. And the cocktail and mocktail program rounds out this perfect throwback experience. Be sure to make your reservations in advance.
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 2105, Tempe, AZ | 480-773-6551
Take a walk on the cool, calm and creative side
As You Wish at Tempe Marketplace
Located within the District at Tempe Marketplace, As You Wish is a place where you can discover imaginative possibilities. At As You Wish, you pick out a piece of pottery and decorate it as you please with store-provided paints. Classes are available for special projects for adults and kids.
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ | 480-557-9100
Brite Candle Co.
Whether you’re a clean linen enthusiast or more of a worn leather scent connoisseur, here you’re invited to embrace the therapeutic power of creating and take home a one-of-a-kind new candle. This new custom candle pouring bar offers a selection of more than 20 fragrances, up to three to blend in your choice of vessel. Just be sure to book a one-hour candle-making session in advance, and then let your inner mixologist take the wheel.
2016 E. Wildermuth Ave., Unit 1118, Tempe, AZ
Soap Des Jour
Located at Tempe Marketplace, Soap Des Jour invites you to capture the essence of the Sonoran Desert, create your new signature scent or just explore new scent combinations with a pouring class, by creating a custom soap or both.
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 1070, Tempe, AZ | 480-966-0701
Changing Hands Bookstore
Changing Hands Bookstore is one of the best independent bookstores around. It has a wonderful selection of children’s toys and books. Check out their event calendar for online events.
6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-730-0205
Crafty Tomato
Crafty Tomato is Tempe’s newest hands-on DIY studio that welcomes all ages. This creative space invites you to try your hand at painting, sculpture and clay projects and more.
1250 E. Apache Blvd., #106, Tempe, AZ | 480-264-3817
Hammer and Stain
Have you ever wanted to transform unfinished wood into a wall worthy piece of art? Just a session here and get crafty by creating your own trendy wood signs using personalized stencils, paints and stains — all provided during the workshop. Additional workshops range from resin pouring and quilting to apparel creations and more.
7420 S. Rural Road, Suite B4, Tempe, AZ | 602-726-9794
PIP Crafts + Clay
New to Culdesac Tempe, PIP Crafts + Clay is a big space that’s most noticeably home to a collection of potter’s wheels. So, creating your own masterpiece is just beginner or intermediate wheel-throwing class away. But don’t miss the other craft programming that takes place here — or the quirky, funky, sassy goodies in the retail space.
2011 E. Apache Blvd., Suite 147, Tempe, AZ | 480-616-0004
Tutugether
This super-trendy new DIY crafting studio — located on Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe — invites you to try your hand at rug tufting, paint pouring, decoden art and more. Unleash your imagination, experiment with colors, and craft unique masterpieces that reflect your unique style.
740 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ | 480-699-4849
Wijaya House Books, Flowers & Crafts
Whether you swing by Wijaya House for books or bouquets, the recipient of this gesture is in for a treat. This cozy corner of South Tempe is part retailer, part vibey retreat and part a community meetup space. Browse shelves of books, as well as a variety of gift ideas — or just find a nook for a coffee break on your next shopping day.
1706 E. Warner Road, #1, Tempe, AZ | 480-437-4401
Grab the hottest tickets in town
Marquee Theatre
As one of Tempe’s top live performance venues, more 150 musical acts take the stage at Marquee Theatre With each year. And you can expect some of the biggest names in the music industry to descend on Tempe throughout the summer months too. Tickets are available in person, online, or by phone.
730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ | 480-829-0607
Mullett Arena
One bucket list item that may seem peculiar to find in the desert, is Tempe’s new ASU multipurpose ice arena, Mullett Arena. Home to ASU men’s hockey (fall-spring) and the NBA G League’s Valley Suns (winter-spring), this venue also hosts concerts, conferences, youth competitions and more throughout the summer. Also located here, the Mountain America Community Iceplex hosts a variety of skating opportunities that are open to the public all summer long.
411 S. Packard Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-564-3497
Sunbar Tempe
Located in the heart of Mill Avenue, Sunbar is a equal parts vibey outdoor patio and indoor EDM dance floor. The bar and grill open for brunch, lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday, and is best known for $0.01 (yes, one cent) champagne bottles with the purchase of any entree. But after the sun goes down, the DJs heat up. Check out the upcoming events and plan to make your way to the dance floor.
24 W. 5th St., Tempe, AZ | 480-687-8409
Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre
Tickle your funny bone all summer long by heading over to the legendary Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre. Tempe Improv brings some of the hottest talents from around the country and puts them center stage right here in Tempe.
930 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-921-9877
Yucca Tap Room
One of Tempe’s longest-running music venues, Yucca Tap Room has showcased live music in an intimate setting for over 50 years. Located in Danelle Plaza, this Tempe landmark is known for booking a mix of local and national acts in all genres. And the rotating taps and pizza by Vinyl Pie are deserving of an encore!
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ | 480-967-4777
Immerse yourself in arts & culture
ASU Art Museum
Plan a visit to the ASU Art Museum this summer. Located on the ASU Tempe Campus, ASU Art Museum features rotating exhibits with national and international contemporary artists. The Museum houses the largest collection of Cuban art in the U.S. and an award-winning print collection. Museum admission is always free.
51 E. 10th St., Tempe, AZ | 480-965-2787
ASU Gammage
Treat yourself to a Broadway show at ASU Gammage. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, ASU Gammage is a beautiful landmark in Tempe and a terrific place to see a performance. The 2025-2026 season wraps with “Disney’s Beauty and The Beast” from June 24 to July 3. The 2026-2027 season kicks off with “The Phantom of the Opera” from Sept. 16 to Oct. 4 — followed by a lineup of equally impressive combination of acclaimed favorites and the best comedies to cross a Broadway stage.
1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, AZ | 480-965-3434
Hall of Flame Fire Museum
Explore the history of firefighting through exhibits that include restored fire trucks, fire gear and more. The collection, which dates back as far as 1725, includes items from around the world. The museum is also home to the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, a gallery dedicated to honoring firefighters who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The children’s play area and a real fire truck for hands-on learning are big hits with the little ones.
6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ | 602-275-3473
Tempe Center for the Arts
Plan a visit to The Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA), located on the south bank of Tempe Town Lake. Home to Stray Cat Theatre and Arizona Theatre Company, this stunning arts center features a 600-seat theater, a 200-seat studio theater and a beautiful gallery space with rotating, themed exhibits. Check out TCA’s calendar of events for the latest programming.
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ | 480-350-2822
Tempe History Museum
The past, present and future converge at the Tempe History Museum, which offers a glimpse into the evolution of the city through collections, exhibits and programs and curated gallery space. Featured exhibits rotate and the museum also hosts a variety of events and programming by season. Visitors will be pleased to find new and exciting experiences around every turn, including a changing gallery space and live musical performances throughout the summer.
809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ | 480-350-5100
