Summer Is Coming - 9 Ways To Stay Cool in Arizona This Summer
The Amy Jones Group
It's warming up in The Valley and summer is on it's way! What are your plans for summer break? Looking for fun events, activities or places to go on the weekends to stay cool with your family? Here are 9 family fun activities for you to enjoy.
1. Monsoons
Monsoons - With Summer on the way, Arizona can warm up pretty fast! Luckily, we have monsoon season to give our desert and hot pavement some relief. These storms may also bring in giant dust walls and added humidity, but they sure are a sight to see! From beautiful sunsets, to striking lightning shows across the night sky, our monsoons always give us something to talk about and look forward to.
Track when the next monsoon is coming!
2. Night Hikes
Night Hikes - Not all trails in Arizona are meant for night hiking. But the ones that are are totally worth checking out! Some local Night Hike Trails include:
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
Park Hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Distance: 2.9 miles round trip
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Average Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
South Mountain Regional Park
Park Hours: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Open until 11 pm)
Distance: 9 miles round trip
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Average Time: 5 hours
Night Hike Trails:
3. Salt River Tubing
Salt River Tubing - Make sure to tube down the salt river at least once this summer! Float down the river with friends and family, but don’t forget the sunscreen!
Salt River Tubing Website -
4. Movie Theaters
Movie Theaters - A summer favorite! An easy way to beat the heat and still get out of the house. There are always a great selection of movies playing at the theatre during the summer time. With kiddos out of school, there are many movie theatres with play areas and even bowling! Fun for everyone!
Fat Cats - A Gilbert Favorite! Get your tickets here:
5. Lake Trips
Lake Trips - Nothing is better than getting up early in the morning and loading up snacks, drinks, sunscreen and towels for a trip to one of our beautiful Arizona lakes. Even if you do not have a boat, chances are a friend or family member does! So pack up and head out with friends and family to cool off at the lake!
Find the perfect lake for your adventure today:
6. Head North
Head North - Luckily, you can find all different kinds of weather all in one state! The snow up north might be melting, but you can still find a cool breeze on a camping trip or cabin stay. Beat the heat and get outdoors on off road vehicles, go fishing or hike many of the available trails! Don’t forget that many parks and campsites require a permit and fishing license if you plan on fishing.
7. BBQs & Pool Parties
BBQs & Pool Parties - Arizona is one of only a few states where almost every backyard has a pool! No need to cover our pools in the winter-time here. They might need to be covered during monsoon season, but freezing water is definitely not the problem! All you need to worry about is what to grill or bring to your favorite BBQ.
No pool? No Problem! Here are a few local spots:
8. Cheap Staycations
Cheap Staycations - Looking to get out of the house, but you already took your summer vacation to the beach? Arizona has many resorts with discounted rates over the summer-time. Our resorts have water parks, lazy rivers, multiple pools with waterfalls and refreshing drinks that make you feel like you’re out of town!
Check out groupon for this season’s upcoming deals:
9. Summer Camp
Summer Camp - If your kiddos are getting restless and the above activities aren’t enough, it might be time for summer camp! Arizona has a lot of options for summer camps to keep kids active, burning off energy and staying off of those ipads and video games.
Check out your options here: