Phoenix's cooler weather is the perfect excuse to get outside.
You don't have to spend a dime to enjoy it — Phoenix has plenty of free way to spend an afternoon.
From scenic parks and desert trails to free museums, public art and community events, there are plenty of ways to explore the Valley without reaching for your wallet. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, a family-friendly outing or a new spot to explore, you can find something that fits the bill, literally.
The best part? You don’t have to plan an expensive day trip to make the most of the beautiful weather. Sometimes the best adventures are right in your backyard and they cost absolutely nothing.
Here’s all the free things you can do around Phoenix.
What are some things I can do for free in Phoenix?
If you're staying in Phoenix,
there are dozens of free things to keep you busy almost every weekend. Here is a full list.
Free museums
Here are all the free museums or free admission days in metro Phoenix:
- Arizona Capitol Museum.
- Penske Racing Museum.
- Shemer Art Center.
Monthly free admission days
- Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum and Children's Museum of Phoenix: Free every first Friday of the month from 5-8 p.m. Every Wednesday is Pay What You Wish from 3-8 p.m.
- Desert Botanical Garden: Free Community Day every second Tuesday (reservations are recommended).
Free monthly events in Phoenix
Phoenix First Friday is a monthly arts and culture event that brings downtown Phoenix to life with galleries, local artists, live music, food and community activities. Many of the event’s activities and gallery experiences are free.
Not to mention, Phoenix offers various events every week. For a full list of events happening, check out our fall events guide.
Free outdoor places
If you're looking to get outside, try these public parks:
- Hole-in-the-Rock.
- Papago Park.
- South Mountain Park.
- Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
- Dreamy Draw Recreation Area.
- North Mountain.
- Piestewa Peak.
- Dobbins Lookout.
- Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area.
- Tres Rios Wetlands.
- Encanto Park.
Library freebies
A Phoenix library card gets you access to:
- Culture Passes: This offers free admission for two or more museums and attractions, while supplies last. Many locals consider the Culture Pass one of the best money-saving perks in the Valley.
- Free classes.
- Craft nights.
- Movie screenings.
- Board game nights.
- Language clubs.
- Computer classes.
- 3D printing at some branches.
For more free things to do in surrounding cities, check out our full guide.
Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Have fun in Phoenix without spending a dime. Here's everything to do
