Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Phoenix

"If you love to learn about trains, or you just enjoy riding them, you'll want to check out McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. It features concessions, model railroads, and even miniature train rides. The railroad museum helps you learn about the history of the early transportation that changed the West."

"Fowler McCormick, John D. Rockefeller’s grandson, donated 100 acres from his ranch to the city of Scottsdale. The area was turned into a railroad park, and donations and support from volunteers and the US Marines made the park into what it is now. It officially opened in 1975."

"Boasting breathtaking scenic views of the monumental red sandstone formations, Papago Park truly should not be missed when in Phoenix. Here you can wander around Hole in the Rock and Hunt’s Tomb, a white pyramid at the top of one of the hills here, and a historical formation which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can easily climb the sandstone to get a view of the skyline of Downtown Phoenix, and the rocks also provide a perfect spot in which to bask in the vivid colors of a glorious Arizona sunset."

"You can see a couple of exhibitions at Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park, where Museum Day hours are 10 a.m."

"Situated in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between Arcadia, Phoenix, and the town of Paradise Valley, Camelback Mountain is popular recreation destination for hiking and rock climbing. Named for its shape, which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel, the mountain is home to a diverse range of fauna and flora, including rabbits, snakes, lizards, and a variety of birds. The mountain boasts two popular hiking trails that lead to the summit, as well as much other smaller hiking, mountain biking, and walking trails that can be enjoyed during the summer months."

"Sahuaro Ranch Park is a 17-acre park that features 13 original buildings from an 1880s-era ranch. You can take tours of the main house and walk through the rose garden, orchards, and different outbuildings that the ranchers used over a hundred years ago. See what life was like back then in the Arizona desert and how people got the necessary work done without all the modern technology."

"The finest public park in Glendale is a reminder of the city’s agricultural beginnings. Set up as a commercial operation by the rich Illinois businessman William H. Bartlett in 1886, Sahuaro Ranch was planted with pecan and citrus orchards, and raised cattle, horses and hogs. Bartlett constructed an ensemble of buildings for the workers employed here, many of which are still standing."

"The 17-acre ranch features 13 original historic buildings and structures, a rose garden, barnyard and orchards. Lush grounds include citrus, figs, date palms, olives, apricots, peaches, pecans and grapes. Visitors will see peacocks, chickens and small animals."

"The boulder-strewn, cone-shaped Pinnacle Peak is a popular hiking area in Scottsdale. A moderate, 1.75-mile one-way trail with 1,300 feet of elevation will take you up to the top of Pinnacle Peak, where you'll be treated to amazing views out over northern Scottsdale, including the green fairways of Troon North Golf Club. For those not quite up to the full hike, the views start at about one-third of the way up, and you can turn around when you've had enough."

"Pinnacle Peak Park measures 150 acres and offers daytime and nighttime hikes in Sonoran Desert. The main trail provides a moderate hike of 3.5 miles with rock displays and rock climbing routes. Guided tours include interpretive, wildlife, full moon hikes and astronomy evenings for visitors older than 8 years of age."

"Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park is an ancient archeological site situated in downtown Phoenix near the Sky Harbor International Airport. Left by the Hohokam culture, the site is the largest preserved archeological site in the city and is a National Historic Landmark and Phoenix Point of Pride. Located on the 1,500-year-old archeological site is the Pueblo Grande Museum, which features a variety of galleries which showcase items and artifacts from the prehistoric Hohokam archeological village site."

"Touting itself as Roosevelt Row's favorite bistro, Carly's has a list of rotating draft and bottled craft beer, wine, and signature cocktails. But the best cure for that midsummer, right-out-of-the-car feeling is the classic mojito, a mix of rum, mint, muddled lime, simple syrup, and soda water. The mint and lime hit simultaneously, making it entirely refreshing."

"Nestled along Roosevelt Row, Carly’s is an independent bistro that offers salads, sandwiches, beer and wine along with a side of local art. The kitchen is open until midnight during the week and Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m."

"Located in the heart of central Phoenix, Melrose Kitchen is a family-friendly neighborhood diner that serves breakfast and lunch in a bright, colorful setting with retro decor and a creative ambiance. The Southwest/Mexican-inspired menu features authentic dishes with many flavors and tastes, such as huevos rancheros, country fried steak and eggs, three-egg omelets and egg scrambles, buttermilk pancakes, and Belgian waffles with sweet and savory toppings. Classic breakfast dishes include corned beef and hash, chicken or turkey and eggs, and traditional bacon, eggs, sausage, hash browns, and grits."

"Chef/owner Country Velador’s menu of small-batch, handcrafted confections changes regularly, so there’s always something new to delight sweet-lovers. And with whimsical offerings like Coffee Banoffee with Extra Toffee Pie, S’mores Got Bored!. and Yuzu Pistachio Fudge, it’s easy to see why this Old Town gem has a loyal and fun-loving following."

"Super Chunk is a small-batch, hand-crafted sweets & treats boutique shop that has treats with a modern and unique twist. The executive pastry chef of Cowboy Ciao, Country Velador and her husband, Sergio opened this shop about seven months ago. Her claim to fame is her unique caramel corn!"

"Scoop and Joy in Scottsdale is best known for creating adorable little faces out of candy, cookies, and pretzels on the top of your ice cream (just say yes when they ask if you’d like a surprise!) They serve Lappert’s ice cream from Hawaii plus boba tea, Dole whip, coffee and homemade baked goods; you can also buy pints. Churn — with locations in Gilbert and Phoenix — is a classic ice cream shop with retro vibes."

"Scoop and Joy Lounge rotates its flavors, so you’ll always find something delicious and new. (Don’t worry – the old stand-bys are always there.) They also have boba tea, milkshakes, fruit smoothies and ice cream sandwiches."

"I love their cute ice cream scoops and I love Lappert's ice cream. If you're nearby, you have to stop here!"

"Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center rescues and rehabilitates injured wildlife and releases them back into the wild, and it provides a sanctuary for orphaned animals native to Arizona. The center also provides education on the importance of nature and wildlife, as well as the role they play in our world. The center is home to a range of animals, including black bears, bobcats, coyotes, jaguars, mountain lions, Mexican grey wolves, and porcupines, among others."

"Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a wildlife sanctuary for animals that have lost their homes. The SWCC also rescues animals that were found injured, orphaned, or abandoned. The center helps nurse many of the animals it comes across back to health before returning them to their natural homes."

"Desert Breeze Park has one of three spray pads in Chandler, one of two urban fishing lakes in the city, two playgrounds, four tennis courts and a volleyball court. One of the more popular parks in the East Valley, Desert Breeze Park is 47 acres of fun for the whole family. It has one of three spray pads in Chandler, one of two urban fishing lakes in the city, two playgrounds, four tennis courts and a volleyball court."

"Desert Breeze Park is a lovely destination for people wanting to walk around, play, or host a picnic — so much so that on the weekends it’s always busy!. However, if you take the time to go on a weekday, you’ll find a park that’s serene and open — with plenty of places to fish or sit in the shade!"

"Chaparral Park offers a mix-use location on over 100 acres with fun things to do. Visitors find a multi-use path for walking, lake for boating and fishing, a playground and lighted ball fields. Chaparral Park welcomes locals and visitors to play and houses an aquatic center with pool open in June and July."