There is only one thing I love more than exploring a new city with my family- doing it for free! Luckily there are plenty of free things to do in Phoenix to keep visitors and locals occupied.
As a local, I have discovered that The Valley of the Sun houses interesting museums, picturesque mountain trails, and unique stores, all of which cost nothing to explore. So I decided to shae the love and give you the inside scoop on some of my family’s favorite free things to do in Phoenix.
25 Free Things To Do in Phoenix with Family
Free Museums
1. Explore the capitol building and learn about Arizona’s rich history at Arizona Capitol Museum. This museum offers Family-Fun Days every Saturday, September through May.
Inside the capitol, families can sit in the desks in the historic House Chamber, touch rocks from Arizona’s mining communities, and see artifacts and art from the state’s beginnings. Outside, in the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, wander between over 30 monuments, remembering the heroes of Arizona.
2. After learning about state history, learn some local history at the Phoenix Police Museum. Discover how law enforcement operated in Phoenix way back in 1881. Children love dressing up as police officers and playing in an old police car. Keep in mind that this museum is closed on Saturday and Sunday and the last entry of the day is 2:30pm.
3. The Phoenix Metro area is made up of of 20 cities and town, each with it’s own contribution to the area, and many have free local history museums.
The Tempe History Museum showcases the city of Tempe through colorful, interactive exhibits. There is a stage kids can perform on using dress-up clothes, a motorcycle and truck to climb on, and a replica of the Arizona State Univeristy stadium for kids to play in.
4. The Chandler Museum offers lots of free programs for families, including art classes for preschoolers, “Play Days” for families, and “In the Exhibits” interactive activities to help kids understand the museum better.
5. And if you love cars, be sure to visit Penske Racing Museum. This museum chronicles an amazing collection of trophies, cars, and memorabilia from over 50 years of racing experience.
6. At the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center, families can learn about the first settlers of Mesa, the historic Mesa Temple, and the beliefs of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
There is a family history center where you can learn about your ancestors and a fun children’s playroom. They also offer free heritage presentations and Sunday evening music recitals.
7. To get more immersed in Arizona history, stop by Historic Sahuaro Ranch in nearby Glendale, Arizona. Experience activities, exhibits, and tours that explain what ranch life was like for families living here in the early 1900’s. After wandering the grounds, enjoy a free tour of the Main house built in 1891.
8. The Wild West also still lives at Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction, Arizona. Although all the attractions here come with a price tag, it is free to explore the town and watch the weekend gun show. Stroll down the boardwalk as you peek in authentic looking buildings and mingle with actors in period clothing.
Note: Although all these museums are free, most appreciate a small donation.
Check out our picks for the Top Things To Do in Arizona to find more family-fun around the state.
Cool Shops That Have Free Activities
9. Bass Pro Shops in Glendale and Mesa have museums-quality taxidermy animals on display and massive aquariums filled with fish. Every day, kids help feed the trout in the trout stream at 1:30 PM. In addition to seasonal family events, Bass Pro hosts Kids Night every Tuesday evening. This involves crafts, popcorn, archery, and more.
10. Scheels in Chandler is a really fun place to explore. It features a giant aquarium, an awesome display of taxidermied animals, and lots of Arizona-themed photo ops, including one where you can be a football player for the Cardinals.
Over by the kids’ clothes, there is a climbing structure playground for younger kids. If you don’t mind spending a dollar per activity, try out the bowling alley, shooting gallery, and full-size Ferris wheel. Before you leave, stop by the candy shop for a free sample of store-made fudge.
Look for amazing deals on family-friendly hotels in Phoenix. As A Booking.com affiliate Trekaroo is thrilled to offer its readers the lowest rates.
Free Stuff to do in Phoenix Outside
11. Take advantage of three seasons of perfect weather with plenty of free hiking around Phoenix. At Papago Park, hike the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock trail and enjoy picturesque views of the city.
12. South Mountain Park is the largest city park in the United States. There are stunning trails for all skill levels and parking is free.
13. My family especially loves the trails of the Superstition Wilderness including Hieroglyphic Trail and Peralta Trail.
14. Tackle a hike on the popular Camelback Mountain. Although the trails here are not too long, the 1,420 foot climb is difficult. But the 360 degree views of the valley are worth it.
15. If you happen to be visiting in that 4th season, hit the numerous free splash pads around town. A couple of our favorites include the ones at Riverview Park in Mesa and Espee Park in Chandler.
Discover great hikes around the Phoenix area by reading our full guide, Best Hikes in Phoenix with Kids.
16. Phoenix was originally an agricultural community. You can experience the old days for free at Schenpf Farms in Queen Creek.
During seasons when they are not hosting events (like the annual Pumpkin & Chili Party), you can walk the grounds, visit the animals, and play on the playgrounds for free. The grounds are open Thursday through Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm. There is also a U-Pick garden where you can purchase fresh produce, and a bakery and country store to pick up a treat or enjoy lunch.
Free Museum Days
17. My kids love the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, but bringing five kids here comes with a hefty price tag. Thankfully, they offer free admission the first Friday of every month from 5 – 9 pm. While here, kids run through a noodle forest, climb inside a flying bathtub, and test the limits of their imagination.
18. The Heard Museum also offers free admission on the first Friday from 5 – 10 pm (excluding March). This museum introduces families to Native American cultures. Children especially love the hands-on activities based on the cultures of different tribes and the play canoe to climb in.
19. Phoenix Art Museum switches general admission to voluntary donations several times a month. These times include every Wednesday from 3- 9 pm and the first Friday of the month from 5 – 8 pm. Be sure to pick up a scavenger hunt at Visitor Services before touring the art galleries.
20. On the second Tuesday of every month, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts Community Day and admission is complimentary. Stroll through the grounds and appreciate the variety of colors and shapes in the desert plants.
21. Fry’s Grocery Stores hosts an annual free weekend at Arizona Science Center around mid-September. In addition for four stories of fun, there will be hands-on demonstrations and activities throughout the weekend. Check their events calendar and plan ahead to attend this event.
Four of these museums made our top 10 list! Discover what else made the Top 10 Things to do in Phoenix with Kids.
Free Community Events
22. Check out Roosevelt Row Arts District during First Friday Art Walk in downtown Phoenix. The first Friday evening of every month visitors are invited to tour galleries, experience the culture of Phoenix, and enjoy the street art in the area. Free shuttle buses conveniently circulate through the area to help get you where you want to be.
23. Downtown Mesa sidewalks come alive with live music and contemporary art on Second Friday. Browse local vendors while dining of cuisine from delicious food trucks. Themes vary monthly but there is always something exciting to see.
24. The Mesa Arts Center frequently hosts free events and performances. These include their annual Mesa Arts Festival, Spring Out To Lunch Concert Series, and Dia de los Muertos Festival. Check their website to see upcoming events.
Find more events with our guide Annual Festivals for Families on Phoenix.
25. Want a free activity that also lets you give back? At Feed My Starving Children in Tempe, children as young as five can help pack meals to send to hungry children around the world.
Start by watching a video that explains the process and importance of the project, then man a station with your family to scoop, measure, and seal food packets while dancing along to upbeat museum and competing against other groups to fill the most boxes. If they have spots available, you can walk into a session, but it is best to reserve your session ahead of time at fmsc.org.
Find More Family Fun in Arizona
- Over 30 of the Best Things to do in Arizona with Kids
- Things to do in Phoenix with Teens
- Fantastic Phoenix Family Resorts
- Amazing Outdoor Activities in Phoenix
- 30 National Parks Near Phoenix
- Awesome Weekend Getaways from Phoenix
- Phoenix Christmas Events
- The Best Parks in Phoenix for Families
- The 10 Best National Parks in Arizona
- The Best State Parks in Arizona
- The Best Things to do in Tucson with Kids
- The 10 Best Resorts in Tucson for Families
- Tucson Christmas Events
- Awesome Resorts with Water Parks in Arizona
- An Epic 10-Day Arizona Road Trip
- 18 Mountain Towns in Arizona to Visit
- The Best Places to see Fall Color in Arizona
- The Best Things to do in Scottsdale with Kids
- 17 Day Trips from Scottsdale
- Fun Things to do with Family in Flagstaff
- The Best Things to do with Kids in Mesa
- Great Things to do in Tempe with Kids
- Things to do in Yuma with Kids
- 10 of the Best Ghost Towns to Visit in Arizona
- Houseboating on Lake Powell
- Guide to the Grand Canyon South Rim
- Guide to the Grand Canyon North Rim
My love for storytelling led me to earn a bachelor's degree in Communications from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2003. In 2008, when my husband’s job required frequent travel, I refused to be left behind. With my toddlers in tow, we set off on adventures, discovering family-friendly attractions and activities along the way. Trekaroo became an invaluable resource for us, helping me navigate travel with young children. Once I gained experience, I felt compelled to share my insights with other families embarking on similar journeys.
As a mother of five, I’ve embraced the joys and challenges of traveling with children of all ages and consider myself an expert in multigenerational travel, large family adventures, and finding the best travel deals.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous tourism organizations, hotels, and travel brands, helping to highlight incredible family-friendly destinations. I’ve worked with local tourism bureaus in Phoenix, New Orleans & Baton Rouge, Denver, Greater Zion, Portland, Oakland, Salt Lake City and many more cities, as well as major travel brands like Margaritaville, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Dark Rome, LEGOLAND California, Walt Disney World, and Great Wolf Lodge. Through these partnerships, I provide firsthand insights and expert recommendations to help families make the most of their travel experiences.
I currently live in Phoenix, Arizona, with my husband and our five kids (ages 10–19). When I’m not traveling, I love hiking, reading, and substitute teaching at my kids’ schools.
- Over 20 Fun Family Activities in Baton Rouge - April 11, 2025
- 7 Family-Friendly Hotels in New Orleans - April 16, 2025
- 25 Free Things To Do in Phoenix - April 30, 2025