If you haven't looked at the forecast yet, let this be your warning, it's going to be HOT heading into the weekend.
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Temperatures are forecasted to exceed 110 degrees. Yikes! You can view the forecast here.
When it gets that hot in Arizona, there's not a whole lot you can do (or want to do) outside and staying stuck inside can be boring or chaotic.
So, we're giving you both -- things you can do inside, but outside and away from your house!
MAP: 100 community pools, splash pads around the Valley
Scroll down for 10 adult- and kid-friendly ideas!
Ice skating
Unless you live in northern Arizona, winter isn't something we deal with on a regular basis in the Valley. But, it doesn't sound so bad when that temperature starts pushing above 105 degrees. Why not enjoy a winter activity in the summer and go ice skating? There are a bunch of ice skating rinks in the Valley that offer public skating, some even offer skating lessons.
AZ Ice has locations in Arcadia, Gilbert and Peoria. Ice Den has locations in Chandler and Scottsdale.
AZ Ice - Arcadia, Gilbert, Peoria
Ice Den - Chandler, Scottsdale
(Remember February 2013? That day the Valley was covered in graupel, but it looked like snow)
Butterfly Wonderland
At Butterfly Wonderland you can see the process of how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly right before you eyes. Then step into a large atrium rainforest and watch as over 3,000 butterflies flutter from plant to plant...or perhaps from plant to your shoulder. Besides butterflies, you can also see insects native to Arizona's desert, like scorpions, spiders, and honey bees. Or check out some underwater life at the Rivers of Amazon exhibit.
IF YOU GO:
Butterfly Wonderland
9500 E. Via de Venture, Scottsdale AZ 85256
www.butterflywonderland.com
Legoland Discovery Center Arizona
Legoland is one of the newest kid-friendly attractions in the Valley. It's located within Arizona Mills Mall in Tempe. This giant area has two thrill rides, a 4-D theatre that shows Lego movies, hundreds of Legos for kids to build whatever they want, and a cafe for an afternoon snack. There is also the Legoland Master Model Builder who can give you tips and tricks in designing that next great invention.
IF YOU GO:
Legoland Discovery Center
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, suite 135, Tempe, AZ 85282
www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona
Sea Life Aquarium
Sea Life Aquarium is located just across from Legoland. While it's located in a mall, as soon as you dive in you forget where you are. Instead, you're checking out the different marine life that's on display. There's Ziva, a rescued green sea turtle, a Black Tip Reef Shark, sea horses and clown fish to name a few. There's also a touch pond where you can touch starfish and other creatures.
IF YOU GO:
Sea Life Aquarium
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe, AZ 85282
www.visitsealife.com/arizona
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Have a future paleontologist in the family? Then head over to the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Feast your eyes on the remains of the massive dinosaurs that once walked the Earth (or swam) millions of years ago, or go dig and find some fossils of your own. If you're curious about Arizona, you can learn about that, too.
IF YOU GO:
Arizona Museum of Natural History
53 N. Macdonald, Mesa AZ 85201
www.arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
Children's Museum of Phoenix
The Children's Museum of Phoenix is located in downtown Phoenix in the old Monroe School. It's a hands-on museum designed for the little ones from birth to 10. Here the kids can play and touch everything. They can be creative in the Art Studio, build in BlockMania! and climb through the Climber. You can beat the heat while the kids still learn.
IF YOU GO:
Children's Museum of Phoenix
215 N. 7th Street, Phoenix AZ 85034
www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
Challenger Space Center
The Challenger Space Center is home to over $1 million in interactive technology all about space and the exploration of our solar system. So, it's certainly an out-of-this-world activity right here in the Valley. There are real satellite models, landing gear from Space Shuttle Discovery STS-121. During the summer, they have special programs, including stargazing.
IF YOU GO:
Challenger Space Center
21170 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria AZ 85282
www.azchallenger.org
Musical Instrument Museum
The MIM is another special museum that Arizona gets to brag about. It features musical instruments and history from around the world. On top of that, it also has evening concerts with the best music makers of our time. For families, they offer classes that allow children to have fun and play while learning about international music.
IF YOU GO:
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix AZ 85050
www.mim.org
Arizona Science Center
The Arizona Science Center provides three floors of interactive displays. You can learn how airplanes are designed, walk through a giant stomach to learn about the digestive system, and see how the digital world has changed how we communicate. It's also worth checking out the films at the IMAX theatre and any special exhibitions.
IF YOU GO:
Arizona Science Center
600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85004
www.azscience.org
I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream.
This probably should have topped the list, but who can say no to ice cream on a hot day? There have been a bunch of new ice cream spots that have opened in the Valley, such as Creamistry and The Baked Bear in Scottsdale.
Last year, we asked you to tell us your favorite yogurt/ice cream places in the Valley. See who topped the A-List back then.
More and more and more:
As always, these lists are not necessarily exhaustive. But hopefully its a starting spot.
Below are a few other places that are air conditioned and fun:
- Main Event (Avondale, Tempe): Bowling, laser tag, arcade games and a ropes course. They also have food and a bar for the adults. So, fun at any age.
- Uptown Alley is another a;;-in-one place that has laser tag, bowling, games, a lounge and billiards.
- Indoor rock climbing: You'll break a sweat for sure, but it's inside and away from the some. Plus, if you haven't done it before, it's harder than it looks, but a lot of fun. Some places to check out: Phoenix Rock Gym, AZ on the Rocks andClimbmax.
- The gym: You can work out if you want or you can hit the pool.
- Go-Karts: Turn up the heat, but in a good way (and away from the sun). K1 Speed, Octane Raceway and Phoenix Indoor Karting are a few options.
