Arizona Free Entertainment: 50+ Things to Do Without Spending
B.R. Welch
April 8, 2025
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Free Fun Across Arizona
Arizona offers exceptional free entertainment year-round, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences.
Outdoor Adventures (Always Free)
Nature's playground:
- Hiking: Camelback, South Mountain, Papago Park, McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- Tempe Town Lake walking/biking path
- Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area
- Desert Botanical Garden free admission (second Tuesday)
- Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch (Gilbert)
- Dreamy Draw Recreation Area
Free Museum Days
Mark your calendar:
- Phoenix Art Museum: Free Wednesday evenings, first Friday
- Heard Museum: First Friday evenings
- Musical Instrument Museum: Free for Arizona teachers
- Arizona Science Center: Target free first Sundays
- Tempe History Museum: Always free
- Mesa Historical Museum: Always free
Community Events
Regular free happenings:
- First Friday Roosevelt Row art walk
- Third Friday Scottsdale ArtWalk
- Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market (free to browse)
- Library author events and book clubs
- Community center fitness classes
- City park concert series (seasonal)
Free Classes and Learning
Expand your mind:
- Home Depot DIY workshops
- Apple Store classes
- Library computer and language classes
- REI outdoor skills workshops
- Yoga in the Park events
Kid-Friendly Freebies
Family fun:
- Splash pads throughout Valley (seasonal)
- Library story times and activities
- Bass Pro Shops activities
- Pet store animal encounters
- Playground hopping at city parks