15 Completely Free Things to Do in Phoenix

Fun doesn’t have to cost a thing.

Life feels more expensive than ever , but that does n’t mean you have to give up your hope of having a social life . Phoenix has muckle of no - costthings to do — from breathtaking hike trail to pay - what - you - can nights at renowned museum and free concert there ’s no famine of bully activities to enjoy while keep your hard - gain cash . To get you start , here ’s our top choice for entirely free thing to do around the metropolis .

Hike Camelback Mountain

Arizona ’s most iconic hike is a must - try for outdoor enthusiasts , offering stunning prospect of Phoenix and Scottsdale . The mountain has two passably difficult trails , Echo Canyon which is a steep 1.23 - mile hike , and Cholla which is 1.42 miles . Both offer their own challenge while providing a similar look at the Valley ’s desert scene and wildlife .

Visit your local art museum

If you love art , there are plenty of opportunities to see great pieces for free around the Valley . In Tempe , you’re able to visit the ASU Art Museum for free any time . In Scottsdale , you may see cutting bound modern art at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for free on Thursdays , or every 2nd Saturday of the month . Then , check out the Phoenix Art Museum ’s extensive collection for free on Wednesdays and First Fridays .

Explore the botanical garden

Weekday admission to the Desert Botanical Garden will typically set you back $ 24.95 , but visit on the 2nd Tuesday of the month and entry is free . Stroll through the garden ’s 140 - Akka property to see thousands of desert cacti , flowers , and other aboriginal plants for an unforgettable outdoor risky venture .

Learn state history at the Arizona Capitol Museum

familiarise yourself with Arizona ’s history — from its excavation roots to its government complex body part and the USS Arizona — during a free , ego - guided spell of the talkative Arizona Capitol Museum , which is open to the public weekday .

Peruse some of downtown Phoenix’s best local art on First Friday

See business district Phoenix fare to sprightliness on the first Friday of every month for the First Friday Art Walk , which has become one of the declamatory of its kind in the nation . heading are heart-to-heart for visitors , many museums extend free admission , musicians play on the streets , and nutrient hand truck are parked and look for hungry patrons .

Watch the sunset through the Hole in the Rock at Papago Park

The iconic Hole in the Rock is the perfect space to watch one of Arizona ’s renowned sundown . Take a short , easy hike up to the careen establishment and enjoy the views of the setting sun over the Valley of the Sun for a memorable ( and barren ! ) even out .

Visit a farmers market

Make your weekly market misstep more gratifying by pick up farm new produce at one of the Valley ’s many farmers marketplace . They ’re spread all across the Phoenix Metro domain , so it ’s likely there ’s one right in your neck of the woods , whether you ’re in business district Chandler or Carefree . Our ducky is the Uptown Farmers market , which has a smorgasbord of vender , a vast parking destiny , and unbelievable breakfast burritos courtesy of Sergio ’s Kitchen .

Cycle around Tempe Town Lake

There are lots of ways to enjoy Tempe Town Lake , but for a playfulness and free afternoon we recommend taking the scenic and easy 2.5 - mile wheel ride around the glimmering , man - made lake to love the public art , views of the metropolis and the vivacious bombination of the nearby college campus .

Find Scottsdale’s iconic public art pieces

While going to a local artwork museum is great , there ’s something thrilling about doing a scavenger Holman Hunt around the city to line up out of sight deeds of art , and downtown Scottsdale has tons to find . Some , like the giant ‘ One - Eyed Jack ’ rabbit carving , are easy to line up , while others , like the Copper Falls sculpture , might take a knifelike eye to spot .

Catch a free concert at Desert Ridge Marketplace

While Desert Ridge Marketplace is known as an outdoor mall with big shopping , its outdoor leg is also a fantastic place to relish live music by local artists like Remi Goode and Matt Kahler on select weekend night .

Take a nature walk at McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Want to enjoy the mantrap of the desert without a grueling hiking ? Embark from the McDowell Sonoran Preserve ’s Gateway Trailhead and take a leisurely , half - international mile walk of life along the Bajada Nature Trail for a quick and loose outing .

See some of the world’s fastest cars at Penske Racing Museum

Love racing ? Or just need to see some impressive vehicles ? sail through years of racing history at this museum , which is abode to several Indianapolis 500 winning cars , as well as the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship make headway car .

Visit the experimental town of Arcosanti

Just an hour from Phoenix ’s urban center center is an architectural gem and the observational city of Arcosanti . The city , which began grammatical construction in the 1970s , was signify to serve as a model of a new kind of urban center planning with an emphasis on sustainable computer architecture . Today , you’re able to visit the city for spare , and even check out the gift shop , which is jazz for its bronze bells . For a full ( but not all free ) experience , you may take a tour of duty or even rest the night .

Take a scenic drive to Dobbins Lookout

For one of the best views of downtown Phoenix and its surrounding mountains , take a drive up to Dobbins Lookout . While you ’ll want to die your car once you go far , this is a font where the ( rise gratuitous ! ) journey is almost as enjoyable as the destination with a pleasant driving force through South Mountain Park .

Flow through a complimentary yoga class at Mountain Shadows Resort

Yoga classes can be dear , so it ’s well deserving take advantage of complimentary Monday evening classes at the luxe Mountain Shadows Resort — peculiarly when they ’re on the lawn with breathtaking view of Camelback Mountain .

Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale