I have lived my whole life in Tempe, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. As a teen in Tempe, I’m often looking for opportunities to have fun and spend time with my friends, and Tempe holds many places I have created great memories with friends of mine. I encourage you to go out and make your own. So, if you're looking for things to do with a teenager while visiting Tempe, I've made life a little easier for you with a list of solid options.

As You Wish 

200 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 
If you enjoy painting ceramics, then this is the place for you. Ever since I was just a little kid, I would come to As You Wish to pick a small ceramic statue of my choosing and paint it with some of the hundreds of store-provided paints. And that’s not even the best part; when you’ve finished you can return a few days later once the statue has been fired and you see your creation in its full glory, and you can keep it as a custom-made trinket. Just one more thing you can do in Tempe Marketplace! 

Bahama Buck’s 

1006 E. Warner Rd., Ste. 101, Tempe AZ 85284 
When summers are hot and I crave something sweet, I beg my mom to take me to Bahama Buck’s to enjoy a watermelon and strawberry Hawaiian Ice. They have a huge variety of flavors and besides Hawaiian ice, they also sell smoothies, sodas and more. You can sit with your friends and enjoy the tropical atmosphere while eating the best Hawaiian ice around.  

If you’re ever in town, be sure to check some of these spots out. If you’re visiting family, taking a vacation, no matter the occasion, there’s something in Tempe for everyone. Grab a friend or two and have some fun! 

From cocktails to smoothies, find out which refreshing sips made our list of the best summer thirst quenchers.

Summer in Tempe is best experienced with a few savvy hacks: Pool time is essential, early morning hikes are a non-negotiable and you must have something refreshing to sip on. Thanks to these unwritten rules for the summer season, Tempe's beverage purveyors are continually raising the bar on cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, teas and just about every other frosty beverage selection. So much so, that we couldn't fit them all into one list ... also check out our craft cocktails, margaritas and frozen treats blogs for even more summer delights.

In the meantime, prepare to indulge your tastebuds, because the summer drinks that made our must-try list have beat the competition — as well as the heat — to earn top honors.

Summer Cocktails

Alter Ego & Alibi at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown
108 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-612-7871

Alter Ego offers inventive hand-crafted summer cocktails like the Alter Mi-Tai and the Copper City Crush; both are refreshing and give you all of the summer feels. Sip on your cocktail while enjoying their gorgeous interior space, or order from the rooftop lounge, Alibi.

Terra Tempe Kitchen & Spirits at The Westin Tempe
11 E. 7th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-8885

Terra Tempe, located at The Westin Tempe Hotel, is the perfect summer hangout spot. Their bar features a wide array of signature nature-infused craft cocktails, local Arizona breweries and an unexpectedly generous wine list. This summer, try the refreshing Saguaro Sunset (carpano botanic, desert pear, demerara and pineapple).

Lucero Rooftop Restaurant + Bar at Omni Temp Hotel at ASU
7 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-794-8600

This sky-high bar and restaurant, Lucero, features bold design that emulates the starry night sky. The rooftop destination provides the ideal vantage point to witness iconic sunsets while sipping craft cocktails, including the vibrant prickly pear margarita (Espolòn blanco tequila, Cointreau, Monin desert pear, fresh lime). Don't miss the cocktail programs at Salt + Gila, Neighborhood Services and Library Rules (all located within the hotel as well).

Bar Louie at Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, #1220, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-658-1660

Known for its contemporary casual dining bar experience and signature martinis, Bar Louie at Tempe Marketplace is a must for summertime cocktails. The Diva and Louie’s Cosmo are among the house favorites, while their margaritas, sangrias and mojitos are nothing short of exceptional.

Dave & Buster's at Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-281-8456

Eat, Drink, and escape the heat at Tempe’s very own big kid’s playground, Dave & Buster’s, located at Tempe Marketplace. Try one of the new drinks from their in-house mixologist, like the Strawberry Watermelon Frosé or the creamy Lemonade. Enjoy your adult beverage while playing old-school arcade games such as Pop-A-Shot, Pac-Man and Skeeball.

Ghost Ranch
1006 E. Warner Road, #102-103, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-474-4328

Hands down, the best summer drink has to go to the Prickly Pear Frosé Rita from Ghost Ranch! The staff would describe it as "a frozen margarita that fell in love with a glass of cold rosé and had the most perfect, well-balanced, cocktail baby." I mean, after that description, how could you not try it?!

Society
920 E. University Drive, Suite 204, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-550-7801

Tempe's upscale restaurant, Society, is a place to dine and drink cocktails all summer long. Open from 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. every night, Society has plenty of cocktails that are out of this world. Try the Jamaican Me Frisky drink with Myers Dark Rum, Re'al Coconut, Pineapple and Lime. Don't let your night stop there; head down to Tempe Improv, located below the restaurant, for a night full of laughs and more cool drinks.

Summer Drinks

Bahama Buck's
1006 E. Warner Road, #101, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-777-9482

Head on over to Bahama Buck’s, where you can relax and connect with friends while you experience a little piece of paradise. Bahama Buck’s, located on the northeast corner of South Rural Rd. and Warner Rd., knows the exact science of creating irresistible frozen treats. They have their flavors down pat, from their “Sno” creations to their Island Smoothies. Try their Piña Colada Sno; it’s out of this world and makes you feel like you’re on a real island vacation. New this year, try their Sno Pop made with your favorite childhood popping candy. Feel free to bring your pup, as they also serve Pup Sno, an unflavored SnoBall with whipped cream for your furry friends.

Joe’s Italian Ice
2019 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-907-7077

Joe’s Italian Ice brings Philly-style frozen treats to Tempe. Each specialty treat is crafted to perfection with real fruit from California farms and ice cream straight from a dairy in Philadelphia. They offer nearly 100 different unique Italian ice flavors, from Strawberries ‘n Cream to Peanut Butter Cup; you can even combine your choice of soft-serve ice cream with it.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe
8707 S. Priest Drive, #108, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-496-4200

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, located on Priest Drive and Warner Road, offers fresh, natural-quality smoothies perfect for summertime. Made with bold, flavorful food, Tropical Smoothie Café only makes its smoothies with real fruit and vegetables. Ask for a superfood or supercharged smoothie to stay on track with your diet, or if it’s the weekend and you are looking to let your hair down, choose one of their Indulgent Smoothies. All options can be paired with supplements or add-ins for an added benefit.

Original ChopShop
222 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-307-9336

Along with their healthy cuisine, Original ChopShop Co. also offers some of the best pressed juices in the Valley that will be sure to quench your summer thirst. Cool off from the summer heat with the Cool Down summer drink! This beverage keeps it light with watermelon, pineapple, apple, lime and ginger. We also recommend trying the Hydrator, made with cucumber, pineapple, lemon, coconut water and aloe vera juice; it will keep you hydrated and refreshed through the summer months.

Mango Rabbit
1250 E. Apache Blvd., #112, Tempe, AZ | 480-912-6283

With tons of cool and unique summer drinks like smoothies, slushes, teas and Boba drinks, Mango Rabbit should be at the top of your list. All items are over the top, made-to-order, and fully customizable. Before placing your order, we suggest you pick out your summer drink solely based on their Instagram feed, as their menu items are something you have to see to believe.

Daily Jam
310 S. Mill Ave., #A101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-9288

Known for its breakfast, brunch and lunch, Daily Jam is also a spectacular option for refreshing smoothies. Try their PB&J smoothie that tastes like you're devouring a PB&J sandwich...just in smoothie form! Add chocolate or vanilla protein powder for extra substance. Pro tip: Order your drinks (alcoholic or not) from the indoor/outdoor bar instead of the counter for a shorter wait time. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sparky's Old Town Creamery
510 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-921-6228

Downtown Tempe's mainstay, Sparky's Old Town Creamery, has kept Tempe refreshed and delighted every summer since the '90s. Known for churning fresh ice cream daily on Mill Avenue, Sparky's features delicious Hawaiian shaved ice made from real Hawaiian shaved ice products leaving you with something you might only expect to get when on island time. If shaved ice isn't your thing, try one of their milkshakes made with any flavor of ice cream and pair it with one of their mix-ins. 

No summer day is complete without these sweet and frosty flavors.

Each summer, we set out on a quest to find, savor and share the coolest treats in Tempe. Icy, frosty or frozen, these summer treats pair perfectly with adventuring or relaxing on a sunny Arizona day. Tempe’s favorite frozen delights range from flavorful frosty bites and cool smoothies to icy cocktails and decadent frozen treats — all of which are sure to chill you from the inside out. Whether you enjoy innovative flavors or the classics, Tempe has the perfect frozen treats for you.

1. Frozen Yogurt

Aloha Yogurt
219 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-289-5238

Aloha Yogurt features 12 flavors each day, including tart, dairy-free and no-sugar-added options. Pair your choice of yogurt with as many or as few toppings as your tastebuds prefer — they have 45 to choose from, after all. Additionally, froyo sammies pair homemade cookie dough bookending froyo and toppings (cereal flavors, cookies and cream, Reese's, etc.) or seasonal froyo tacos feature such flavors as Thin Mints, red velvet cake. Have your four-legged friend in tow? Try the “dog-urt” from the dog-friendly menu.

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
1128 E. Baseline Road, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-307-6037

There is always something new to try at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. Their innovative research and development team works diligently to roll out new flavors and unique items, including Menchie’s custom frozen yogurt cakes. Menchie’s offers something for everyone, including nonfat, no sugar added, gluten-free frozen dessert options to satisfy everyone’s taste.

Mojo Yogurt
Tempe Marketplace | 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-6493

With more than 28 fresh and tempting flavors, Mojo Yogurt at Tempe Marketplace triggers something inside you that makes you want to smile. Mojo is about producing positive energy that creates a healthy state of body and mind. This self-serve concept offers regular and rotating flavors, as well as smoothies, gelato, Italian Ice and non-dairy offerings.

2. Ice Cream

Crispy Cones
420 S. Mill Ave., Suite 106, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-881-1548

From Shark Tank to Mill Avenue, Crispy Cones is a sweet treat — famous in European countries — that features a fresh dough cone that's grilled rotisserie-style and covered with cinnamon + sugar or a specialty powder. Select your cone, choose from the spread options, gourmet soft-serve ice cream flavors, fresh fruit and variety of delicious toppings for your own custom creation.

Green New American Vegetarian 
2240 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-941-9003

Green is a 100% vegan restaurant serving delicious comfort foods — but don't skip the soft serve. Widely known by dairy-avoidant dessert seekers, this frozen homemade vegan soy "tSoft tServe" is officially known as the tSoynami. Order chocolate, vanilla or twist all on its own, or opt for one of the creative combinations — most of which involve mixing in such vegan delights as cakes, cookies, chocolate, peanut butter or cereal. Gluten-free options are available.

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream at Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85288 | 480-894-3262

Conveniently located right next to the splash pad at Tempe Marketplace, this walk-up window serves up some of the best handmade scoops around from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. From old-fashioned favorites to innovative creations, the menu here features cool treats of all varieties. Ice cream sandwiches, handle pops, cones, pints (and even dog treats) are the perfect addition to whatever splashing, strolling or shopping your visit to Tempe Marketplace has in store.

Insomnia Cookies
116 E. University Drive, Suite 104, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-795-3693 

Need a quick cookie and ice cream fix? Insomnia offers ice cream pairings for their delicious, warm cookies. Order from their “Wiches” menu for ice cream sandwich heaven. Choose between an icing filling or scoops of ice cream between their classic, deluxe or gluten-free cookie options. For a lighter treat, enjoy a scoop of ice cream over one cookie or all by itself. And for a "sharable" snack, try the dippers!

Mango Rabbit
1250 E. Apache Blvd., #112, Tempe, AZ | 480-912-6283

This hidden gem is located along the Apache Boulevard “Spice Trail,” specializes in Asian and Asian-inspired drinks, desserts and snacks. The must-have, however, is the bubble waffle, which includes two scoops of ice cream, chocolate cookies, two Pocky sticks, a crown of berries, whipped cream and edible gold flakes. No matter your flavor preference, your order is guaranteed to be a beautiful masterpiece and absolutely photogenic.

Slickables
699 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-409-4591

Head to Slickables to create your very own customized cookie + ice cream combo. Just choose your favorite cookies and which flavor of ice cream you'd like stuffed in the middle ... the possible combinations are endless. No matter which you choose, your taste buds will be happy with these frozen desserts — and so will your wallet with their affordable prices. Fudgy brownies, caramel blondies and homestyle milkshakes are also available.

Sparky's Old Town Creamery
510 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-921-6228

Ice cream sandwiches are just one of the many offerings at this iconic ice cream shop. Sparky’s Old Town Creamery has over 20 flavors of ice cream and sorbet, including a free mix-in. They even make their ice cream in small batches on-site, so everything is always fresh. If you’re in the mood for something icy, Sparky’s also has delicious Hawaiian shaved ice and smoothies, too.

Sweet Republic Artisan Ice Cream
410 N. Scottsdale Road., Suite 105, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-292-8557

Sweet Republic is known for its exceptional artisan ice cream. They start with their milk and cream from independent Arizona dairy farms and add all handmade ingredients; they even make their own cookies! All of these components make for the ultimate ice cream sandwich. Each of which includes two chocolate chip cookies sandwiched around ice cream of your choice: Salted Caramel Swirl, Chocolate, Brownie Fudge Swirl or Vanilla Bean.

3. Shaved Ice

Bahama Buck's
1006 E. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-777-9482

Take your tastebuds on a tropical vacation. Bahama Buck's offers island-inspired shaved ice (Sno) that you can smother with one of their endless possibilities of flavors. They also serve smoothies, lemonade, flavored sodas and "Frostalattes," an iced and blended drink made with their Kona Coffee blend. Trying everything on this menu will definitely take all summer!

Joe’s Italian Ice
2019 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-907-7077

Joe’s Italian Ice brings Philly-style frozen treats to Tempe. Each specialty treat is crafted to perfection with real fruit from California farms and ice cream straight from a dairy in Philadelphia. They offer nearly 100 unique Italian ice flavors, from Strawberries ‘n Cream to Peanut Butter Cup. You can even combine your choice of soft-serve ice cream with it.

4. Frozen Libations

Blanco Cocina + Cantina at NOVUS Place
717 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-366-3717

Of course, Blanco Cocina + Cantina's arrival in Tempe has been a buzz about tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, queso and cheese crisps — all with a fresh twist on Sonoran-style cuisine. And the margarita lineup is otherworldly. Cruise right down to the blended section of the menu and you'll find frozen margaritas available in classic, spiced mango and coconut agave varieties. Bonus: Frozen Palomas come in classic grapefruit, guava and passionfruit, or blackberry and pomegranate.

Fat Tuesday
680 S. Mill Ave., #106, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-967-3917

Fat Tuesday is home to over 20 frozen beverage offerings straight from Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Where to start? The world-famous frozen Daiquiri, of course. There are tons of flavors to choose from, but my go-to daiquiris have to be the Creamsicle and the Screaming Coyote; both are a slice of summertime heaven. You can even order 25 ounces of your favorite frosty daiquiri — that’s 14 inches of flavor!.

Ghost Ranch
1006 E. Warner Road, #102-103, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-474-4328

Hands down, the best summer drink goes to the Prickly Pear Frozé' Rita from Ghost Ranch. The staff would describe it as "a frozen margarita that fell in love with a glass of cold rosé and had the most perfect, well-balanced, cocktail baby." I mean, after that description, how could you not try it?!