As temperatures heat up in Phoenix, families crave engaging summer activities that combine fun with learning. Fortunately, Phoenix’s museum scene offers the perfect escape from the scorching sun, providing interactive experiences that spark curiosity and encourage creative expression.
I had an abundance of PTO at work one summer, so I took a day off every other week to spend time with my kids. Imagine a day spent wandering through the cool galleries of Phoenix’s renowned museums, each visit building upon the knowledge gained from the last. By carefully planning your itinerary, you can ensure a seamless progression of learning and discovery, enhancing your understanding of the world around you with each stop. But beyond simply absorbing information, museum visits provide opportunities for family bonding and meaningful conversations. Encourage your loved ones to engage with exhibits through games, scavenger hunts, and thought-provoking discussions, fostering connections that will last long after the summer ends.
So, as temperatures rise outside, step into the cool embrace of Phoenix’s museums and embark on a journey of exploration and connection. With each visit, you’ll not only beat the heat but also create cherished memories and enriching experiences for the whole family.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
I like the idea of starting off the summer by exploring the history of our world. And what better way to do that than by starting 4.5 billion years ago? The Arizona Museum of Natural History offers a fantastic tour that takes visitors through the origins of the universe and the historical cultures of Arizona. This is a great way to get a taste of what to expect from the other museums listed below.
If you’re visiting with small children, don’t forget to check out the Exploration Station. In this area, interactive learning is created through play, which will enhance their curiosity for the rest of the museum. Dinosaur Hall is another must-see exhibit, where everyone feels small in the presence of life-size dinosaur bones.
My personal favorite exhibit is the Ologies section, which introduces visitors to the behind-the-scenes work of anthropology and paleontology. It’s a great way to show young ones the possibilities of various careers.
If you want to continue your exploration of Arizona history, I recommend checking out some of these other museums:
- Heard Museum in central Phoenix is a great option for those who are interested in expanding their appreciation of the art and culture of the Indigenous peoples in the area.
- The Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum is another excellent place to visit, as it highlights the history of the native peoples of the region. It also showcases a collection of memorabilia from the many western movies and television shows filmed in the area. On a hot day, be sure to stop by the ice cream parlor for a cool treat.
Arizona Science Center
I have visited this museum in Phoenix more than any other and I find their permanent exhibitions interesting for people of all ages. Additionally, their temporary exhibits are worth checking out as they offer a unique experience every time. During one of their past exhibits, I was able to get a close look at various artifacts from Pompeii. The experience was so captivating that it made me add the archeological site to the top of my travel bucket list. You never know what kind of inspiration you might get from a visit to a museum!
At the time of this writing, the museum is hosting a solar eclipse viewing which sounds fascinating. If you have young children and want to give them an opportunity to explore more, the museum offers a 5-day camp for kids in grades 1-6 where interactive lessons are taught through various hands-on challenges and activities.
If you are interested in space exploration and astronomy, you should definitely check out the Earth & Space Expedition Center in Paradise Valley. This museum was previously the Challenger Space Center located in Peoria but was transferred to its current location in 2020. The museum has a lot of interactive activities that allow visitors to explore space further. They also offer seasonal space camps for kids in grades Pre-K-8.
Phoenix Art Museum
If you’re planning a visit to the art museum, don’t miss out on the special temporary exhibitions, in addition to the permanent collection. Currently, the museum is showcasing a display on the evolution of Barbie, as well as an exhibition on the history of the Power of Pink. These exhibits will be on display until July of 2024, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit early in the summer season. In the past, the museum has featured displays of costumes from popular movies, as well as an exhibit on cars and skateboards from regional artists of the Southwest. Kids of all ages will love the Fireflies Infinity Mirror room, an ongoing interactive installation on the first floor.
The museum has also hosted Creative Saturdays in the past, which allow visitors to participate in interactive lessons through art activities, games, and story time. If you’re interested, be sure to check with the museum beforehand, as these events may not be available every Saturday. Additionally, if you’re looking to add a little extra fun to your visit, ask the desk about the themed scavenger hunt of the day.
After you visit the museum with kids, you can create family crafts and activities inspired by some of the exhibits. This is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of creative expression and incorporate some of the themes explored during your visit. For example, if you visited the Power of Pink exhibit, you could have your kids create a statue with pink clay or a painting using only shades of pink. Once they’ve finished, have them explain their artwork to you and why they made the artistic decisions they did.
Finally, after you visit the museum, head north on Central Ave to grab a treat at one of my favorite spots, JL Patisserie, and take the opportunity to discuss the art of culinary design on display in the bakery.
Musical Instrument Museum
You don’t need to be a musician to appreciate this museum. Even though I have zero musical abilities, it is still one of my favorite places. As an anthropology scholar, the museum’s Geographic Galleries are my top pick. They showcase instruments from all corners of the globe, and with the audio tour, you can hear them being played in their original context. Be aware that this is a large museum, so if you are visiting with little ones, it’s best to decide in advance which exhibits you want to see the most and start there. Small children may get tired before you’ve made it all the way through.
The Experience Gallery is a must-visit early on, where visitors can interact with various instruments displayed throughout the museum. I’ve taken my kids here multiple times, and it’s always a wonder to see them apply the musical skills they already know to new instruments. It’s a great place to encourage musical curiosity and creative expression. The museum hosts music classes for young kids throughout the week, as well as concerts occasionally on the weekends.
Once you’re done exploring, you can grab a bite at ComicX, which is a fun Comic Book themed restaurant.
Offbeat Summer Adventures
Phoenix can be extremely hot during the summer months, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. However, many places in the area are worth exploring when we’re gifted with a day of cooler temperatures.
The Botanical Gardens
This is an amazing place in Phoenix to experience the natural beauty of Arizona up close. During spring, visitors can witness the vibrant display of butterflies as they pollinate the flowering plants. The gardens open as early as 7am and close as late as 8pm, making visits during cooler hours highly recommended, even though they might be more crowded. For children aged 8 through 16, the garden offers summer camps where they can learn various skills, from desert survival to nature photography.
The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
On this .25 mile self-guided easy walk, which allows visitors an up-close look at the native rock art, as well as desert plants and animals. This is a great option on a cooler day, but I recommend starting the visit with a walk through the trail, so you can then cool off as you walk through the museum exhibits.
The Grand Canyon and Bearizona
If you have a few days to spare, I highly recommend taking a trip up north to the Grand Canyon to escape the city heat. It’s surprising how many Arizonians have never visited this world-renowned destination. I would advise against hiking into the canyon if you have young kids, but you can still enjoy the Trail of Time, a flat two-mile hike along the rim that starts from the Geology Museum. This walk provides interesting insights into the geological history of the canyon. To incorporate some interactive lessons into your visit, check out the Park Services Junior Ranger program ahead of time. If you plan on staying overnight, Williams is a good option and you can make the most of your trip with a stop at Bearizona. This drive-through wildlife park is a huge hit with families.
Lesser-Known Places to Visit During the Summer
While popular museums tend to draw larger crowds, lesser-known indoor museums can provide a more intimate experience. Fewer visitors can mean quieter galleries and more opportunities to take your time and explore the exhibits. Additionally, these museums often cater to specific interests and niche topics. This can be a great way to expand your knowledge on a particular subject or artist, or simply discover something new and interesting.
The Martin Auto Museum
Located in North Phoenix, this auto museum opened its doors in 2022. When my son was younger, he was a huge fan of cars and would have loved to visit the museum to see the classic cars and hot rods on display. In addition to the exhibits, children can enjoy playing racing games or taking a ride on the carousel.
Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright had a vision to encourage people to connect with nature and appreciate art through his architectural designs. Taliesin West in Phoenix perfectly embodies this idea and is a must-visit place. The museum offers various programs that introduce visitors to design concepts. For instance, the “Minecraft Done Wright” program, which will be available in July 2024, would have been an excellent option for my son when he was younger.
Museum of Illusions
Visit this immersive museum in Scottsdale to experience a unique and interactive art display that is sure to spark conversations and amaze visitors. This museum offers a range of fascinating exhibits that allow you to see things from a different perspective. You can also snap some fun and memorable photos that are unlike anything you’ll find at other museums in the valley.
Tips for Engaging Kids and Teens
Although the summer temperatures in Phoenix can be overwhelming, there are still plenty of things to do. While planning your summer days, you might want to consider visiting the Children’s Museum, but this isn’t the only option. Introducing children and teenagers to various museums will help them develop an appreciation for the art, culture and history of our region. This also provides parents with an opportunity to combine learning with fun and expand conversations. To make the most of your museum visit, it’s a good idea to come prepared with questions and games specific to the museum you are visiting.
Scavenger Hunt: Prepare a list of items that each person will search for, or choose a single item for each person to look for (for example, Mom searches for birds while the kid searches for dogs). The person who finds the most items wins.
I Spy: Describe something in the room and let the other find it. Be sure to take turns!
Tell a Story: This is a fun activity that my family still enjoys, even as the kids have grown up. We admire a piece of artwork and then take turns contributing to a story that we create around it.
Let the Summer Adventures Begin!
As the summer heat bears down on Phoenix, families seek refuge in engaging activities that blend fun with learning. Luckily, Phoenix’s museum scene offers a cool escape from the sun, brimming with interactive experiences that ignite curiosity and foster creative expression.
Picture a day spent exploring the diverse galleries of Phoenix’s renowned museums, each visit building upon the knowledge gained from the last. By carefully planning your itinerary, you can ensure a seamless progression of learning and discovery, enriching your understanding of the world with each stop.
But museum visits offer more than just absorbing information—they provide opportunities for family bonding and meaningful conversations. Encourage loved ones to engage with exhibits through games, scavenger hunts, and thought-provoking discussions, fostering connections that will endure long after the summer ends.
So, as temperatures soar outside, step into the welcoming embrace of Phoenix’s museums and embark on a journey of exploration and connection. With each visit, you’ll not only beat the heat but also create cherished memories and enriching experiences for the whole family. Be sure to take a few pictures along the way to capture those moments!
From delving into museum exhibits to engaging in summer activities, fostering creative expression, and promoting interactive learning, Phoenix’s museums offer endless opportunities for family fun and enrichment. So gather your loved ones, pack your curiosity, and set out on a summer adventure that promises to inspire, educate, and delight.
Share insight to your favorite Phoenix museum in the comments below!
While the author generated the ideas and research, portions of this article were improved using Grammarly and ChatGPT.
