Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix

Best Summer Activities for Seniors in Phoenix, AZ

The summer months bring hot and dry weather in Phoenix, but you can beat the heat with an abundance of opportunities to explore attractions in and around the city while staying cool. Phoenix is an attractive retirement destination for older adults who love a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities — and for their family and friends who come to visit! We’ve put together a list of 10 activities for seniors in Phoenix in the summer.

  1. Visit the Arizona Science Center.

Explore four levels of hands-on science exhibits plus a 360-degree planetarium experience featuring constellations of the night sky and a five-story giant-screen theater. The Arizona Science Center provides an amazing window into the world of science and imagination.

  1. Plan a magical visit to Butterfly Wonderland.

Enjoy an enchanting experience at America’s largest butterfly pavilion. Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale features a conservatory with 3,000 butterflies flitting around in the indoor space. You’ll see butterflies up close (and perhaps even have one land on you)! Learn how butterflies live and watch them hatch out of their cocoons in a butterfly emergence gallery. Also check out the 3D theater, gift shop and café while you’re there.

  1. Find your groove at the Musical Instrument Museum.

Explore a world of music with interactive exhibits and fun for all ages. Walk through the museum on a self-guided tour wearing headphones to bring you closer to the music and the stories behind it. The Musical Instrument Museum also offers special programs for seniors, including guided gallery tours and music-making workshops.

  1. Draw inspiration from the Phoenix Art Museum.

As the largest art museum in the Southwest, the Phoenix Art Museum is home to more than 20,000 objects in nine collection areas. Explore modern and contemporary art, photography, and fashion design. Plus, experience the Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room, one of the museum’s most beloved permanent art installations.

  1. Go for a scenic drive on the Apache Trail.

When temperatures rise in Phoenix, taking a scenic drive is a great way to enjoy the beautiful desert landscapes without breaking a sweat. The Apache Trail Scenic Byway is a 40-mile scenic byway section of Arizona Highway 88 that weaves through the Superstition Mountains. Enjoy impressive views of old growth desert and area lakes and canyons along the route.

  1. Learn about American Indian culture at the Heard Museum.

The Heard Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of American Indian art in the U.S. Learn about cultural artifacts and explore exhibit galleries focused on tribes of the Southwest, including a contemporary gallery with works from the finest contemporary American Indian artists. Complete your visit with a stop at the museum shop, a trading post-style shop featuring Navajo folk art, textiles, pottery, jewelry and more.

  1. Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride. 

Take in spectacular views of the Sonoran desert and surrounding mountain vistas when you take flight in a hot air balloon ride over Phoenix. Sunrise flights are offered year-round and locations vary by operator. Check out Rainbow Ryders or Hot Air Expeditions to plan your next adventure in the sky.

  1. Tour the caves at Kartchner Caverns State Park.

Head underground for a cool experience at Kartchner Caverns State Park, where you can take a half-mile tour of stunning caves and delicate rock formations.

  1. Cool off at the ice skating rink.

Ice skating on a hot summer’s day might sound strange, but Indoor ice skating rinks provide a refreshing retreat from the Arizona heat. Check out AZ Ice for public skating times at rinks in Arcadia, Gilbert and Peoria.

  1. Experience Flashlight Nights at Desert Botanical Garden.

Bring your own flashlight and explore the desert’s night-blooming plants and nocturnal animals in the Desert Botanical Garden. Check out a nighttime farmers market, live performances and other fun activities.

 

Start Your Next Adventure at Sagewood

If you’re looking for the perfect retirement spot to enjoy an active lifestyle year-round, you’ll love Sagewood’s pristine natural location. With a robust calendar of activities for seniors on campus, you’ll never run out of things to do. Plus, it’s easy to take advantage of the many attractions in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area.

Want to learn more about our Phoenix, Arizona, independent living community? Join other active seniors and contact us to schedule your tour today!