Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Tempe Town Lake

"The McCormick Stillman Railroad Park is a 30-acre park in Scottsdale that offers rides, attractions, and tons of family fun. Take a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad or the Allan Herchell 1950s-vintage carousel, and then explore the Scottsdale Railroad Museum and Model Railroad Building. Kids will love to play on the unique playgrounds, Western Town Play Structure, or get ice cream from Hartley’s General Store."

"Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is the most unique park of its kind in the country. The 30 acre park’s centerpiece is the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, a fully functional 15 gauge railroad with scale steam and diesel locomotives and riding stock. No trip to the park is complete without a ride on the 1950-vintage Allan Hershell carousel or a visit to the Scottsdale Railroad Museum."

"Papago is a nice desert park located near the zoo and the botanical gardens in Scottsdale. And it contains buttes that made due to weather (red rocks buttes), a network of trails to hike, fishing lagoons, and picnic shelters (Ramadas) with awesome views like impressive things. So, do not forget to bring your camera to capture the red buttes."

"Take the easy hike to the infamous “hole in the rock” at Papago Park and take in the epic city views. Papago Park, located in south Scottsdale, is known for its short hikes, scenic rock formations and destination-worthy amenities like the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. View this post on Instagram"

"About 8 miles east of downtown, Papago Park is known for its colorful sandstone buttes. There are mountain biking and running trails including the 5K Fitness Trail, Elliot Ramada Loop Trail and Double Butte Loop Trail. The Papago Amphitheater is a nice place to rest or have a picnic."

"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."

"Echo Canyon in Phoenix is no beginner’s trail, but it also makes your hard work worthwhile with the beautiful scenery it offers. With a 1,280-foot ascension, you bet Echo Canyon Trail will give you plenty of photo-worthy visionaries. After all, nothing beats the birds-eye view over the endless mountains."

"A live bull greets you from a pen near the front door, you can take the tin slide to your table, a live Western band plays nightly, and most tables have an outstanding view of the Phoenix skyline and Camelback Mountain."

"Mountains2701 East Squaw Peak Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85016MoreLess Info. Formed about 14 million years ago, Piestewa Peak was long a popular site for mining and raising mountain goats. Today, it is popular with hikers who climb to the 2,608 feet summit, or enjoy the scenic views at the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area and Dreamy Draw Recreation Area."

"Being the 2nd highest point in the Phoenix mountains at 2,610 feet tall, Piestewa Peak features breathtaking beautiful scenery. It is also close enough to the Piestewa Peak Recreation Area in case you need to replenish your energy."

"This farmhouse turned eatery, nestled in the historic Farm at South Mountain, is a love fest both in setting and cuisine. Its rural tranquility offers a lush backdrop for guests as well as chef Dustin Christofolo, whose daily menu of contemporary American farm cuisine includes ingredients harvested at next-door Soil & Seed Garden. Whether clinking glasses of vino at the exclusive Brick Oven Table on the patio or holding hands over a dish of dreamy homemade pasta in front of a crackling fire, Quiessence at The Farm has amore written all over it."

"Enjoy a unique outdoor dining experience while sitting under the canopies of pecan trees amidst an organic-style garden at The Farm at South Mountain. You’ll find multiple farm-to-table experiences, with meals locally sourced with ingredients from the gardens on property at three restaurants: Morning Glory Cafe, The Farm Kitchen, or Quiessence. There’s something invigorating about breakfast outdoors, and the choices at Morning Glory Cafe add to the experience."

"Located at the picturesque Farm at South Mountain, Quiessence takes its farm to table experience seriously. Plan for a long dinner as the perfect dining experience takes up to two hours and is worth every minute. As you walk to the restaurant, be sure to enjoy the Soil to Seed Garden."

"Located in the Lincoln Village Shopping Center, Rancho Pinot Grill is a casual restaurant with cowboy-chic décor that serves New American cuisine in a relaxed, laid-back setting. Established by Chrysa Robertson and Tom Kaufman in 1993, the iconic Valley restaurant serves high-end, seasonal American fare and fine wines from around the world. Inspired by the surrounding desert, the menu features dishes such as grilled quail with polenta, ricotta-stuffed zucchini flowers, spinach fettuccine, ricotta gnocchi, and grilled flatiron steak, as well as appetizers, fresh salads, sides, and desserts."

"Perfect for: Those who like bigger portions of American-Italian food. Rancho Pinot has been a local favorite for over 17 years. Located in South Scottsdale, this restaurant features both American and Italian cuisine."

"The attention to quality here makes this one of the town's most lauded dining spots. The minimalist cowboy decor and almost secret-handshake...Read More"

"This legendary independent bookstore has served the Tempe community since 1974, with thousands of new and used books and unique gifts including ceramics, chimes, chocolates and much more. The popular community gathering place also hosts author events and workshops regularly."

"The Scottsdale-based breakfast, brunch, and lunch eatery has opened its sixth and seventh locations: one in downtown Chandler at Overstreet and one northeast Scottsdale in the Ancala Village shopping area. Over Easy offers classic breakfast items (chicken-fried steak) and in-house creations like the Golden Waffle Dogs — corndog-looking sausage links dipped in vanilla waffle batter. They serve morning cocktails as well."

"The décor at this retro breakfast restaurant is inspired by the fifties. However, their creative menu is inspired by a number of different flavors, as can be seen with their “Basil Melt” or even their jalapeño cheddar biscuits smothered in gravy. View this post on Instagram"

"This is the place to go to for food that brings maximum comfort. Chef Aaron May, originally from Chicago, created Over Easy to bring Midwest diner-style hearty meals to the Valley. There arealso light options like egg white omelets, but the portions are still plentiful."

"This West Valley spot is just as well known for its craft beer selection as it is its coffee, and it's a perfect place to get in some reading, studying, or just good old relaxation. 4860 Litchfield Rd, Litchfield Park (623) 535-9066"

"20811 N Cave Creek Rd Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85024Phone: (602) 610-9655View Menu. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Yolk Cafe (@yolkcafeaz)"