When the temperatures start climbing in the Valley, there are plenty of options for your crew to cool off at Arizona’s place to play, the Talking Stick Entertainment District within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Jam-packed with adventure for family fun, nightlife, arts and culture and golf, here’s the not-to-miss list:
Family Fun: Head to an epic tournament like no other at Medieval Times, schedule a VIF (very important family) bowling event at Mavrix’s VIP lanes or get geared up for an axe throwing competition. Arizona Boardwalk’s OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland and Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs has enough to do for hours of fun. Take the straightaways in electric race karts that reach speeds of 45 mph at Octane Raceway or get ready for infinite fun at Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor waterpark extravaganza.
Nightlife: Talking Stick Resort’s vibrant scene includes nightly entertainment, a thrilling casino floor plus the not-to-miss Release After-Dark Pool Parties with a new 5pm start time. Requiring physical and mental prowess, test your skills at Bam Kazam, the world’s first livecade from the creator of Escape the Room. Talking Stick Resort’s Tash and Orange Sky Restaurant are the must dine restaurants and bars with views and great eats.
Arts & Culture: Explore the Native American influences within the architecture and interior design of the buildings within the Talking Stick Entertainment District and celebrate and discover the two tribes that call Salt River home. The self-guided
Salt River Art Trail features 11 O’odham history inspired steel sculptures, 20 foot tall imagery adorning entryways. Explore the Cultural Center, located in the main lobby of the Talking Stick Resort showcasing a 100 piece collection of Maricopa red clay pottery varying in styles and sizes along with a wide variety of artwork from Salt River Indian Community artists.
USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River: Home to a large piece of the USS Arizona boat house, the Gardens honor the memory of the USS Arizona and those who fought bravely during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Spanning the exact length and width of the USS Arizona, the Gardens is outlined by over 1,500 columns, representing those stationed aboard the Arizona. Time your visit just after sunset, and you’ll be mesmerized by the transformation of the memorial when the columns illuminate, signifying the light of each life lost that fateful day.
Golf: Pick up a club to test your game or just hang out at Imagine 3D Mini-Golf, where you can play 18 holes of indoor glowing 3D mini-golf. Indulge in 18 or 36 at Talking Stick Golf Club, with scenic panoramic views. Sit back and enjoy the climate-controlled hitting bays at TopGolf and get ready to challenge your buddies to a putting contest at Popstroke, the soon to be open, professionally designed putting course with exceptional food and drink.
Find your next adventure at discoversaltriver.com.
