Phoenix offers a variety of activities for children to enjoy at no cost.
Numerous free children's activities in Phoenix, Arizona, are accessible. Phoenix boasts many free parks, recreational areas, and fun educational venues for kids of all ages. You will find free splash play areas in parks, fishing, boating, and museums in and near Phoenix. The parks in Phoenix are some of the most beautiful in the state with trails in the deserts, mountains, unusual geological formations and scenic paths. Phoenix museums provide free entertainment and education activities in air-conditioned comfort during the summer months.
Arizona Capitol Museum
The Arizona Capitol Museum on West Washington Street in Phoenix is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and closed on State holidays. According to the Capitol Museum website, admission to the Museum is always free and families can take an independent tour of the exhibits or join a group tour. Guides will explain the history of the Museum and the displays. The Arizona Capitol Museum has special displays for the USS Arizona that was sunk at Pearl Harbor and more than 20 permanent exhibits that tell the story of the history of the state. Free parking is available at the Wesley Bolin Plaza off 17th Avenue. There is also a museum store if the adults want to do some souvenir shopping. Free children's activities and exhibits are regularly scheduled. A free event about the inquest following the historic gunfight at the OK Corral is scheduled for October 20, 2010. The Arizona Geological Survey will provide a free event and demonstration about geographic information systems on November 17, 2010. On December 15, 2010, the author Robert Melikian will discuss his books and the architecture of Phoenix. All the events are free and refreshments are provided to all in attendance by the Arizona State Capitol Museum Guild.
Arizona Capitol Museum
1700 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
602-926-3620
lib.az.us/museum
Encanto Park
Encanto Park in Phoenix provides a wide range of free children's activities, such as basketball and racquetball courts, a swimming pool, seasonal paddleboat rentals and a playground. There is also a golf course in the park. Encanto Park is open year-round with no charge for admission to the park, and there is a large, clean and safe picnic area where families with children can enjoy a light meal, clean air and the bright Arizona sunshine. The preferred picnic area is on the lawn around the lagoon of Encanto Lake where families can relax and watch the colorful water birds. Children may want to bring some sports equipment and take advantage of the softball field and tennis courts, and the park is open from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
Encanto Park
2605 N. 15th Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
602-261-8991
phoenix.gov
Mountain Vista Park
On hot days, children will enjoy playing in the huge 40-foot diameter water splashing fountain at Mountain Vista Park. Children can play for free and run through numerous sprays of cool water in the play area. A fun free activity for children is to try to figure out the pattern of water sprayers and guess which one will spray next. The entire play area is covered with a safe skid-free blue and green rubber surface. A delightful display includes a sea turtle, an octopus, a seahorse topped off by dolphins. One of the dolphins at the top of the 10-foot display spouts water from its blowhole. In addition to the water play area, there are basketball courts, volleyball courts as well as a soccer and softball field. The picnic area has clean grills and a playground. The park is open until 11 pm, and the play areas are well lighted and safe.
Mountain Vista Park
13647 S. 50th St.
Phoenix Arizona 85044
602- 262-6111
phoenix.gov
Tags: Capitol Museum, Phoenix Arizona, Arizona Capitol, Arizona Capitol Museum, Encanto Park, children activities, Mountain Vista
