The Arizona Science Center provides exploration, education, and entertainment for all ages. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Heritage and Science Park, the Science Center is a unique landmark designed by renowned architect Antoine Predock. The combination of ramps, hallways, galleries, and terraces in this 140,000-square-foot building creates an intriguing environment of investigation and discovery. The center contains four levels of exciting “hands-on” exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a five-story-high giant screen theater. The exhibits and galleries are designed to educate and entertain kids of all ages—from pre-K to gray! Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the Science Center is within walking distance to nearby attractions such as Heritage Square, the Phoenix Convention Center, Talking Stick Resort Arena, Chase Field, the Arizona Center, and more.
The tradition, culture, and history of 22 regional American Indian tribes converge in the Heard Museum’s immersive exhibits and authentic art shop. Through art and cultural objects, the museum’s ongoing exhibits tell the stories of native people of the Southwest, from early history to powerful memories of boarding schools.
Since it opened in 1959, the Phoenix Art Museum has become the largest art museum in the southwestern United States, providing access to visual arts and educational programs in Arizona. In the past fifty years, millions have visited the museum to view the over four-hundred national and international exhibitions it has hosted. These are shown alongside the Phoenix Art Museum’s collection, which has grown to over seventeen-thousand objects of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, photography, and fashion design. The museum hosts photography exhibitions through its landmark partnership with The University of Arizona’s Center for Creative Photography in Tucson. Visitors can also enjoy the interactive PhxArtKids gallery and the lush Dorrance Sculpture Garden. Free admission on Wednesdays from 3–9pm.
The one-of-a-kind Musical Instrument Museum invites visitors of all ages to explore a global collection of more than 6,600 instruments collected from around 200 of the world’s countries and territories—and try their hand at playing a few. Got a Taylor Swift fan in the family? They’ll love her exhibit in the Artist Gallery.
Home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, come check them out as they host the St. Louis Cardinals on 23–24 Sept. at 6:40 p.m.
Roosevelt Row is downtown Phoenix’s walkable arts district, home to art galleries and studio spaces, restaurants, bars, and boutique shops in a landscape dotted by colorful street art.
Pueblo Grande Museum is an archaeological site once inhabited by the Hohokam culture, just east of downtown Phoenix, next to Sky Harbor International Airport. It’s a National Historic Landmark and Phoenix Point of Pride accessible by the Sky Train and the light rail. Part of the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department since 1929, it’s the largest preserved archaeological site in Phoenix. A fully accessible 2/3-mile trail takes you through a prehistoric Hohokam archaeological site with a platform mound, ball court, and replicated houses. Three galleries display artifacts and information on the Hohokam and village site and a hands-on children’s gallery. Purchase Native American gifts, art, and jewelry at the museum store. Closed Sundays and Mondays.