While most people think of summer as the season for picnics, pool parties, and outdoor adventures, those of us living in Arizona know better. Basically, life is flipped in AZ. You’re inside in the summer and outside in the winter.
So if you’re planning a visit or you’re a local wondering what to do when it’s so hot you can fry an egg on the pavement, let me offer you some of our favorite summer activities in Arizona—the inside edition.
Quote of the day: “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.” Henry David Thoreau
This idea is brought to you by my fabulous blogging group, Where Bloggers Live. The prompt is “My 5 Favorite Things About Summer.”
Since our summers are a lot like winter in other places, where you escape to the inside. Just like our snowbird friends stay indoors to avoid ice and sleet, we desert dwellers escape indoors to avoid, well… baking.
It is a dry heat, but you certainly don’t want to be hiking when it is 110 degrees.
Granted if you want some unique places to visit in the state, I’ve talked about those too.
So for the sake of sharing, here are our go-to spots, and you can bet they’re not only packed with culture and style—but they’re also blessedly air-conditioned.
As much as I love my site, Jodie’s Touch of Style, I really enjoy putting together my daily emails. I consider my emails an extension of my blog that is chock-full of positive inspiration that one friend calls a “Variety Show.”
I include articles, videos, and posts that strike my fancy, and since I have no siblings to share with, I share them with you.
1. Phoenix Art Museum – More Than Just Pretty Pictures
First stop on our cool tour of summer activities in Arizona is the Phoenix Art Museum. Now, don’t think this is just a place to walk around and look at paintings. This museum knows how to make art interactive.
One of our absolute favorites is the “Object of the Month” lecture series. It’s exactly what it sounds like—an in-depth analysis that lasts 30 minutes.
It’s not a boring history class. The docents make the items come alive with stories, symbolism, and the insider scoop of what was going on in the time the art was made.
And speaking of docents, if you’ve never taken a guided tour, you’re missing out. These folks are walking encyclopedias (for you younger folk, they are human Googles). They share fun facts, historical context, and the perspective of looking at art so differently.
Cost: The tours and the object of the month lecture are included with your admission. Local libraries offer a cultural pass for a free visit.
2. The Heard Museum – Indigenous Art
Next on our list is a place that is unique to Phoenix: the Heard Museum. This is where art, history, and indigenous culture come together in a beautifully respectful and modern way.
The Heard offers “Curator Talks” throughout the year that are incredibly insightful. These are 30-minute talks that give a deep dive into the artwork and creative process for featured exhibits.
There are also docent tours available of the entire museum if you are looking for more of a longer-lasting day activity.
Don’t forget to visit the delicious restaurant on site.
Cost: The tours and Curator talks are included with your admission. Local libraries offer a cultural pass for a free visit.
3. Maricopa Library Events
Okay, libraries aren’t just for quiet reading anymore. Our local Maricopa Library system has turned into a full-on hub for indoor summer fun. They host an incredible variety of talks and events, and most of them are completely free!
One week we were laughing at a magician pulling scarves from his bag, and before that we were listening to a fascinating presentation on how Disney was influenced by Arizona.
Who knew?! It turns out Walt Disney was inspired by our desert landscapes, Native American lore, and the Wild West—and if that doesn’t make you proud to be in Arizona, I don’t know what does.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the programs we’ve attended at our libraries around the area.
-We’ve seen the movie “Wings”-the 1st movie to win an Academy Award
-Irish music presented by a duo playing a flute and a guitar
-Flamenco dancing presentation with history and dancing
-The pros and cons of popular organizational trends
-Demonstration of Native American cooking
-History of card games
Cost: All of the events we’ve attended have been free, but advance registration is required for some.
4. Scottsdale Stories – History with Sass
Every June, Scottsdale celebrates its birthday. Leave it to this stylish city to turn a birthday into a whole series of events, including Scottsdale Stories. These aren’t your typical dry historical lectures. These are juicy, entertaining talks that dish on everything from bizarre crimes to local legends.
It’s history, but with personality. In fact, we’ve become groupies of the gentleman who puts these together, and we follow him around to his other talks in the valley.
5. Summer Shopping – Treasure Hunting
Finally, let’s talk about the kind of cardio we can get behind: shopping. If you’ve been around, then you know my entire crew loves thrifting. Heck, we’ve even incorporated thrifting challenges into our calendar of summer activities in Arizona.
Remember the one where we were stylists for each other? Or the scavenger hunt?
Not everyone loves shopping, but if you reframe it as a game or workout activity, then you are making it fun and functional.
Final Thoughts: Make Summer Activities in Arizona Work For You
So while the rest of the country is running around in parks or sweating through music festivals, we desert dwellers have discovered a better way to enjoy the season—with culture and air conditioning.
This goes to show there are plenty of summer activities in Arizona that don’t involve a sunburn.
And remember, it’s not about escaping summer—it’s about redefining it.
Where Bloggers Live
What is Where Bloggers Live? It’s kind of like HGTV’s “Celebrities at Home,” but…Bloggers! Who doesn’t like to peek behind the scenes and hear all about the personal backstories and interesting details? The best part of this group is that I learn something new from everyone’s different perspectives.
FYI, we don’t all post at the same time since we all have different schedules and live in different parts of the country.
Bettye at Fashion Schlub
Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks
Em at Dust and Doghair
Iris at Iris’ Original Ramblings
Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie at Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After
Sally at Within a World of My Own
The Series
We’ve been doing this fun series for over 5 years now.
Want to explore some of the old prompts? Feel free to visit any that might strike your fancy.
Messy & Odd Side-by-Side Refrigerator Organization
My Money Mismanagement
Seasons of your Life
Better health when bored at night
Vacation-Palm Springs
Things I Can’t Live Without
Eco-Friendly Practices
Favorite post –Happy 5 Years
Bedtime Routine
3 Favorite Gifts
Detox your wardrobe
Date night ideas in Phoenix
Spring Cleaning-Laundry Style
180 Degree Journey
What’s In My Bag
Thank You
I hope I thank you enough because your support allows me to continue this journey which I LOVE!!!
Supporting a blog can be easy and free. Just visiting my pages, clicking my links (especially for small businesses and sponsored posts), and sharing the things you like on your social media make a huge difference. Spreading the word is how I can reach more wonderful people like you!
Or feel free to “buy me a coffee” which is a monetary way to tell me that you enjoy reading my blog.
Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
