This year is the perfect time to get reacquainted with what’s new in Tempe for the ultimate summer getaway. From indoor pickleball and candle-pouring to night golf and elevated speakeasies, it’s easy to create an incredible weekend itinerary, from morning to night. To sweeten the summer season, local hotels are offering must-grab staycation deals. Here are 10 can’t-miss activities and new attractions in Tempe this summer:
LEARN MORE: Rediscover Tempe with your best summer staycation yet
Pickleball crawl: Brand new, Electric Pickle has nine high-tech courts, Full Swing Golf Simulators, bocce ball, ping pong and an indoor/outdoor restaurant (for pre- and post-game sustenance). For more indoor dinks, The Picklr houses eight indoor courts (with two championship-style courts) to rev up endorphins and burn off boredom.
Bubble Planet play: Arizona Mills’ latest immersive experience isn’t mere child’s play. While children of all ages do love the Bubble Bath Pit — resembling a bubble bath — and Bubble Ocean — featuring a sea of balloons — adults appreciate the Virtual Reality Room and ample opportunities for Instagrammable, TikTok-worthy content grabs throughout Bubble Planet’s 10 unique themed activations.
Botanical Garden after dark: Once the sun goes down, Arizona’s Desert Botanical Garden lights up with Flashlight Nights: Desert After Dark. Every Saturday from June through mid-September, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., guests use flashlights to explore the Garden’s trails under the stars. A favorite addition — scorpion hunts using glowing black lights
ASU Gammage showstoppers: This summer, ASU Gammage is bringing Broadway shows right to your backyard with “Life of Pi,” which runs June 17–22, 2025, and “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” which takes the stage July 22–Aug. 3, 2025.
Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills happenings: After the sun sets, Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills comes alive as Arizona’s first golf course for fully lit night golf. This par-54, all-par-3 layout — illuminated by 78 LED lights — is perfect for a game of golf under the stars (until midnight on weekends).
Bouldering Project Tempe takeover: An entire family can take over Bouldering Project’s 19,000-square-foot, rope-free, air-conditioned climbing wall. The venue hosts Mini Mountaineers for children 18 months to 12 years, allowing the littles to run wild. Adults can enjoy yoga and fitness classes, a cozy coffee kiosk and a dog-friendly courtyard with games and hammocks.
Culdesac and craft: The nation’s first built-from-scratch car-free community, Culdesac Tempe has been trending as a place to visit for connectivity and creativity. In addition to dining and retail, this unique destination houses Brite Candle Co., where visitors can try their hand at candle making or get their hands dirty at Pip Crafts + Clay for pottery classes and handbuilding workshops. During evenings, Culdesac debuts Sip & Stroll, with refreshing beverages, music and indoor shopping in the community plaza and beer garden.
Mountain America Community Iceplex cooldown: Nestled within ASU’s Mullett Arena, public ice-skating awaits with themed sessions like Y2K Pop Music Night, ’80s Music Night and additional select-hour day skating.
Speakeasy evenings: What better way to end a Tempe summer day than with a stop at one of Mill Avenue’s elevated speakeasies? Inside Devil’s Hideaway, Idle Hands is an enchanting cocktail sanctuary serving French‑style cocktails and absinthe blends. A few blocks away, Drop Dead Gorgeous, nestled within Filthy Animal, is a ’70s-inspired disco bar that invites late-night dancing and glam cocktails.
Staycation destinations: After a day of bubble fun, candle pouring, ice-skating and other activities, followed by a speakeasy nightcap, visitors can complete their weekend itinerary with a stay at one of Tempe’s conveniently located hotels. Staycations can be booked through these hotel discount packages: SummerinTempe.com.
To learn more about Tempe’s summer hotspots, hotels, dining offers and more, visit SummerinTempe.com.
