If you are in Phoenix and enjoy going on easy treks, then Papago Park is the place for you. With its sandstone buttes, marked paths and slight elevation, it is perfect for family hiking trips and there are plenty of easy mountain bike paths. The most notable attraction of the park is the hole in the rock formation, which formed over thousands of years most likely from water erosion. For the more adventurous, visitors can climb the face of the rock for an unparalleled view of Phoenix. Additionally, the park is close to famous attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo.
As the heart of Phoenix's beating art scene, Tempe Center for the Arts is one of the city's primary event venues. The center includes a number of expansive spaces such as the 3500 square-foot (325.16 square-meter) gallery, a 200 seat studio theater and proscenium theater that seats 600. A vibrant schedule of events bring in the best of local and national talent to the stage with many performances suited for the youth. Events like Ballet under the Stars, open air concerts and public art displays are some of the many initiatives taken up by the center to get the community involved in its programs. For more on the services, schedules and facilities, call ahead or check out their website.
After visiting the galleries of the Phoenix Art Museum, drop by the Phoenix Theatre, just next door, to enjoy various performing art events. Considered to be one of the oldest performing arts center in Arizona, Phoenix Theatre leaves no stone unturned in providing top-notch entertainment. The theater's main stage has been host to a plethora of performances like concerts, comedy shows, drama and dance shows bringing in a number of renowned artists and groups. Call ahead or visit their website to know more.
Civic Center Mall is not a shopping mall but a wonderful piece of grassland that covers 20 acres (8.093 hectares) and is famous for hosting cultural events. Gather the gang, pack those sandwiches and head here to soak up some Arizonian sun. The Civic Center Mall shares lime light with Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, The City Hall and Civic Center Library amongst others. An ideal place to spend time outdoors while staying close to most of the city's offerings. Call ahead for rental information.
Head here to visit the prehistoric era and learn about the world as it was more than 65-million years ago. The Arizona Museum of Natural History has done a commendable job in preserving and presenting these creatures, in addition to other exhibits that are dedicated to local anthropology and natural history. The museum takes visitors right back to the time when the earth was formed. Galleries in the museum display replicas and give visitors the opportunity to understand more about the fascinating subject of paleontology. Ongoing exhibitions include Origins, Dinosaur Hall, Paleo Dig Pit, Heritage Wall, Fun with History!, Exploration Station, and many more.
Located in the heart of Apache Junction, Mesa, Barleen Arizona Opry is a dinner theater that combines the two art forms of gastronomy and music to give you an eventful evening that you won't forget. The theater has a talented roster packed with experienced musicians, performing genres from jazz to classic rock. Frequent performers include Billy Aldo, Barbara Barlen, Bobby VanRooy and Johnny Sanchez. The kitchen serves a good range of American dishes that help you enjoy the musical extravaganza even more.