There are several reasons why the city of Phoenix was named after the mythical bird of fire, and features a metropolitan area lovingly referred to as the “Valley of the Sun.” The sixth largest city in the United States, Phoenix is known for its oppressive summers, which often reach temperatures in excess of 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This distinction prompts many would-be tourists to find a less clarion destination. If you’re taking the plunge and visiting Phoenix in the summer, here are a few of the best ways to beat the heat, which generally involves finding fun destinations exquisitely cooled by a properly-functioning air conditioner.
Amusement Parks
Summer is amusement park season, and the fine developers of the greater Phoenix region wisely realized that parents wouldn’t be too keen on dragging their kids from the bumper cars to the snack bar in 100 degree temperatures. For this reason, many of Phoenix’s best amusement parks and kid-friendly distractions are housed in massive, gloriously-air conditioned venues. Amongst them is Jambo Park, which features 3, indoor amusement park-style rides along with a pirate-inspired laser tag arena and an 18-hole miniature golf course.
Another popular option is Jumpstreet, which is basically a massive collaboration of indoor trampolines. If you’re ready to actually sit down for a few minutes, while allowing the kids to jump out all that extra energy and sugar, don’t hesitate to find a comfortable seat in Jumpstreet and relax.
Shopping
No vacation is complete without perusing the vacation-version of your favorite store. Luckily for you, Phoenix is the home to a number of malls, which once again allow you to beat the heat while stimulating the local economy. Amongst the most notable is the Westgate City Center, which aside from housing some of your favorite stores, also features 3,500 parking spots, live music and an annual film festival.
The Desert Sky Mall brings a new meaning to the term “one-stop shopping.” Aside from the regular fare, including major department stores, quaint smaller stores and a fully-stocked food court, the Desert Sky Mall also boasts something often overlooked in many other American malls: a dentist’s office!
Museums
Plan a visit to Phoenix’s many art and science museums, when you’re ready to exercise your cultural muscles. The Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix is home to over 300 interactive children’s exhibits housed in seven distinct zones. Permanent exhibits allow kids to learn alternative ways to produce energy – including algae – and the “Many Hands Make a Home Exhibit,” which allows children a hands-on look at how a house is constructed.
The Heard Museum provides a unique cultural history of the Phoenix area, most notably it’s first, Native American occupants. The museum was founded by benefactors Dwight and Maie Bartlett Heard and is located conveniently in downtown Phoenix.
Public Pools and Waterparks
Ask any child, and they will gladly tell you the most efficient, and fun, way to beat the heat is by jumping into a pool or zipping down a massive plastic water slide. Luckily for your family, Phoenix is home to a massive amount of public pools and waterparks. The biggest being “Wet n’ Wild” which is opened during the weekends throughout the summer. A recent addition to the park, Wet n’ Wild junior was constructed with smaller children in mind.
Tiny Typhoon is one of the newest rides, and it slowly and safely spins kids down a massive funnel into the flowing water below. When it comes to public pools, you’re best bet is to ask the desk clerk or any friends and relatives residing in Phoenix about the best watering holes in the city. If you’re lucky, your relative might even have a backyard pool for you to enjoy without all the foot traffic!
When visiting Phoenix during the summer, it’s integral to keep your family safe. This means wearing sunscreen at all times, thinking twice before touching objects outdoors that may be hot and most importantly, drinking plenty of water. If you’re outdoors and begin to feel lightheaded, don’t hesitate to stop what you’re doing and rest inside a comfortably air-conditioned establishment until you begin to feel better.
Lisa Jackson is a proud Phoenix resident and knows all the best things to do in Phoenix while keeping her cool. Her favorite summertime activity is to sit inside and enjoy a good book and a tall glass of lemonade.
