Let’s face it, Phoenix can be a bit pricey. In fact, the cost of living in the city is slightly higher than the national average. Considering it costs over $5 to order a cappuccino and $6 to get a domestic beer, it’s pretty normal to struggle with credit card-related anxiety. However, there’s plenty of free things to do in Phoenix that won’t cost an arm and a leg. Take a look at our roundup below to discover our favorite activities and plans that don’t have to cost a fortune.
1. Spend the day at the Desert Botanical Garden
This 140-acre garden houses more than 50,000 plant displays! With 4,482 species in the Living Collection and 95,900 herbarium specimens, this desert gem’s extensive collection can be explored by everyone and makes for a fun day out with the whole family. They offer free admission for everyone on the second Tuesday of every month. Children under 2 and active military personnel with ID also get free entry.
📍 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
2. Visit the city’s World War II monuments
This next activity will appeal to all history buffs. From The Main World War II Memorial and the USS Arizona anchor to the The 4th Marine Division memorial and The Navajo Code Talkers Memorial, there is a big number of memorials and monuments in Phoenix commemorating the American lives lost in the Second World War. Explore the history of the ship Americans associate with the start of the war, namely the USS Arizona, and don’t forget to check out the 14-inch gun barrel and the signal mast from the ship.
📍 Downtown
3-6. Go on a peaceful hike
The Phoenix Valley is spoiled for choice when it comes to awesome hiking trails that are free to use. It’s probably one of the average Phoenician’s favorite pastimes, but many tourists add it to their Arizona bucket list as well. Just remember to stay on the trail, bring enough water and have loads of fun.
South Mountain Park
With more than 16,000 acres containing three mountain ranges, the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe, South Mountain Park is not only one of the largest parks in Phoenix, but also one of the most beloved.
⛰️ Trail hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
📍 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
Papago Park
You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy nature in Phoenix. This peaceful gem is located in the heart of the city so you can always pay it a visit on the weekends or after work. It is home to the popular Phoenix Zoo and the stunning Desert Botanical Garden.
⛰️ Trail Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
📍 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Piestewa Peak
The second highest point in the Phoenix Mountains, this trail is quite difficult and steep. However, it offers stunning and diverse desert landscapes.
⛰️ Trail Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
📍 2701 E. Piestewa Peak Dr.
Camelback Mountain
This next location is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Situated only 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, it’s made of two rock formations that resemble the head and back of a camel. The two main trails are rated Extremely Difficult so be mindful of your abilities before starting out.
⛰️ Trail hours: Sunrise to sunset
📍 5700 N Echo Canyon, Phoenix, AZ 85321
7-13. Make the most of the free museum days
Phoenix Art Museum
With a whopping collection of more than 20,000 objects, the Phoenix Art Museum is definitely worth the visit. The museum has different programs to make culture and art accessible to all. They have the Pay-What-You-Wish program on Wednesdays, where General Admission is free, but you’re welcome to donate money to the museum. In addition, First Fridays are held every month, with live music, dance performances, and art-making activities all included with a Free Admission Ticket. However, special exhibitions require a ticket.
📍 1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center
The vibrant Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center was founded in 2019 to display the talent of Latin American artists and promote the Latino presence in Arizona. From art exhibitions to fashion shows, there’s always something entertaining happening at the gallery. It’s the best free thing to do with your friends and admission is always FREE.
📍 147 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Arizona Capitol Museum
Want to learn about the history of Arizona? Well, the Arizona Capitol Museum is the best place to do and it’s free entry for everyone! See the iconic copper dome and more than 20 exhibition areas in the historic building that used to house the Arizona Territorial and State Legislature until 1960.
📍 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is dedicated to the world of American Indian art, which includes traditional artworks, contemporary creations and live events. Check out the HOME: Native People in the Southwest exhibition part of the museum’s permanent collection. There’s free admission on First Fridays from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
📍 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
A visit to this next museum is one of the best free things to do with kids in Phoenix. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix boasts three floors packed with 300 immersive and interactive play areas for kids aged 10 and under. Admission is free on on First Fridays from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
📍 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Arizona Railway Museum
If you’re an avid train lover and love trainspotting, the Arizona Railway Museum is a popular spot you simply cannot miss. Discover the railway’s history and walk through twelve passenger cars. Admission is free for active-duty military and children under two.
📍 330 E Ryan Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286
ASU Art Museum
Located in Tempe, the art museum was created in 1949 and today features three floors of year-round exhibitions. The ASU Art Museum strives to be a museum for all and that mission is best reflected on its entrance fee. Admission is always free.
📍 51 E 10th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
See also: This pop-up Edgar Allan Poe speakeasy is coming to Phoenix for a limited time
14. Have a relaxing picnic
Another popular free activity particularly during the spring and summer months is throwing a picnic in the city’s stunning parks, but the year-round sunshine honestly allows you to enjoy a fun outing any time of the year. Some of our favorite spots are Steele Indian School Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden, Cesar Chavez Park, Civic Space Park and Encanto Park. Why? Because they offer lush landscapes and relaxing bodies of water, a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the busy city.
📍 Various locations across Phoenix
15. Explore the city’s most beautiful murals
We’re drawn to murals and street art because they transform mundane spaces into vibrant canvases that tell stories and evoke emotions. And these murals in Phoenix are a form of self-expression for local artists, conveying cultural, social and at times political messages.
Luckily, colorful street art adorn so many city streets, such as the bold murals of 1½ Street, the Arizona mural on Indian School Road, and the huge nine-story installation depicting James Baldwin in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. It’s definitely one of the most fun free things to do in Phoenix and maybe the most Instagrammable. So, grab your camera and start exploring!
📍 Mostly downtown
16. Browse through bookshelves at the Phoenix Public Library
It started with 14 women who saw the need for the city to have a library back in 1881. Now, the Phoenix Public Library has 16 branch locations, moving over 10 million library items a year. For anyone that wants to read the latest books, research for your final paper and find out more about the world, the library is open to everyone with free access to any library material. Simply find the branch closest to you and get cracking!
📍 Various locations across town
See more: 6 of the best donuts in Phoenix for a hole in one
17. Take a trip to the Wild, Wild West
“Why y’all look like you’ve seen a ghost?” At Goldfield Ghost Town, you can visit an old abandoned mining town just 45 minutes away from Phoenix.
History says that gold was first found in the 1880s in the area during The Apache Wars. The area’s first entrepreneurs immediately took advantage of the prime material and built a town near the mines housing three saloons, a boarding house, a general store, a brewery, a blacksmith shop, a meat market, and a school house. Today, it’s open seven days a week and most of the attractions are free. Embark on a wild, wild adventure and explore the many shops and historic buildings of the Goldfield Ghost Town!
📍 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
18. Flex your funny muscles at a free improv jam
The Bridge Improv theatre offers one of the most thrilling free things to do around and it is located just east of Phoenix. You can participate in a free improv jam every Saturday after the show from 10:00 to 11:00 pm. The way it works is you drop your name in the bucket and it might just get selected to perform scenes.
Additionally, every first Sunday of the month from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, women, female-presenting and non-binary improvisers can also start their own free jam. It’s an inclusive and judgement-free space that respects and honors every identity. If you have the guts to stand in front of an audience, start with a YES and see where that takes you!
📍 937 E Broadway Rd Ste #4, Tempe, AZ 85282
19. Join countless free classes
Focusing on education and learning new crafts is definitely one of the most exciting free things to do in Phoenix. There’s free online HSE prep classes for the ones that want to get back to school and even free gardening classes if you’re starting out with horticulture. What’s more, the Phoenix Public Library offers a wide range of free programs, classes and workshops for every age, including the Quilting Club, Chronic Illness Self-Management Workshop, VITA Volunteer Tax Assistance, writing classes, and a whole bunch of other activities and classes for kids.
📍 Various locations across Phoenix and online
20. Exercise, exercise and exercise
Lastly, the city proudly boasts 33 community and recreation centers and 186 parks that house sports complexes. Whether you prefer the tennis courts in Chesnutt Park and Moon Valley Park, want to hit the playgrounds with your little ones, or join a free 1-hour fitness class with FitLOT, the Phoenix Parks and Rec department has got you covered no matter your preferred sport.
Certainly, a popular choice is Encanto Park because it has a huge sports complex with swimming pools, a lighted softball and multi-purpose football field, pickleball and volleyball courts. Nevertheless, don’t forget the basketball courts in Heroes Park, Tarrington Park in Glendale, Cactus Park in Scottsdale, El Dorado Park, and so many more. There are regular free outdoor morning yoga classes scheduled each week as well so keep an eye on their socials to get the up-to-date info on sports and fitness events.
📍 Various location across Phoenix
There you have it. These exciting and of course, free things to do in Phoenix will keep you entertained aaand they don’t cost a bundle. So, next time you want to organize a fun day out with your family but don’t know how, or are thinking of getting on the exercise train but think you don’t have the budget for it, think again! Phoenix is packed with amazing activities year-round and free of charge!