FUN THINGS TO DO IN PHOENIX, AZ

Known as the Valley of the Sun, there are plenty of fun things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. From art museums to beautiful hikes to the thrill of the racetrack, this city has it all. Residents and tourists alike love Phoenix for its warm temperatures, stunning desert landscapes and vibrant city life.

Arizona is home to two Universal Technical Institute campuses: UTI Avondale and Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) Phoenix. Whether you’re interested in automotive, diesel, welding, HVACR, aviation or motorcycle, Arizona has the program and campus for you.

At both UTI and MMI, we encourage students to have a balance between work and play. After all, your student experience should be enjoyable! Whether you’re a current Phoenix resident or will be traveling from another state to attend UTI, this guide is for you. Read along as we share some fun things to do in Phoenix when you need a study break.

Papago Park

Papago Park is a desert park that spans more than 1,200 acres. The park is known for its variety of desert plants, picnic areas, hiking trails, small lakes and more. If you want to get a glimpse of the Phoenix desert, this is the place to do so. While you’re exploring, be sure to check out Hole-in-the-Rock — a natural rock formation in the hills with holes large enough to walk through!

Phoenix Zoo

Opened in 1962, the Phoenix Zoo is the largest privately owned, nonprofit zoo in the United States. African lions, bald eagles, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs are some of the many animals that reside here. General admission typically falls within the $25 price range; however the zoo often offers discounts, and you can find great deals online.

Arizona Science Center

In the heart of downtown Phoenix you’ll find the Arizona Science Center — a science museum that is home to more than 350 hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences. The museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from “Forces of Nature” to “Girls in STEM.” Visiting the museum is not only fun, it’s educational!

Chase Field

While you’re in downtown Phoenix, be sure to check out Chase Field. Opened in 1998, the field is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the city’s MLB team. In fact, Chase Field was the first stadium built in the U.S. with a retractable roof over natural grass. Concerts, college sports and other professional sports are just some of the many events that take place here.

Piestewa Peak Park

If you enjoy hiking, you’ll love Piestewa Peak Park. This park offers miles of trails and a beautiful 2,610-foot summit. It’s the perfect place to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather. If you’re looking for free things to do in Phoenix, this is a great option.

Castles N’ Coasters

Castles N’ Coasters is every thrill-seeker’s dream! From its double-loop roller coaster Desert Storm to the log ride Splashdown, this amusement park has it all. One of its most famous attractions is Skydiver, which takes you to extreme heights and drops you nearly 120 feet without warning. The park also has mini-golf and an arcade filled with games.

Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain isn’t for the faint of heart. The mountain was named after its unique shape, which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel. Located between the Arcadia neighborhood and Paradise Valley, it’s a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing.

Turf Paradise

Turf Paradise is a thoroughbred and quarter horse racetrack in the Deer Valley area. The track is open seven days a week, and live race season takes place between October and May. The grandstands offer plenty of multitiered seating both indoors and outdoors, allowing you to get close to the action. Admission prices vary based on the day of the week; however they typically range from free to $5 per person.

Phoenix Art Museum

The Phoenix Art Museum is home to more than 20,000 works of art. At 285,000 square feet, it’s the largest art museum in the southwestern U.S. The galleries feature the works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art and fashion design. Each time you visit the museum, you’ll find something new! Tickets to enter cost between $18 and $23.

Desert Botanical Garden

Located in Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden is a 140-acre garden with more than 50,000 plants. One-third of the plants are native to the area, including collections of agave and cactus. In addition to strolling the gardens, you can attend events that range from night flashlight tours to photography courses.

Canyon Raceway MX Park

Canyon Raceway MX Park is an outdoor track that puts on a variety of car races and classes throughout the year. Both the practice and race schedules, which are updated regularly, can be found on the track’s website.

Phoenix Raceway

Located in Avondale, Phoenix Raceway is a mile-long, low-banked, tri-oval race track. The track opened in 1964 and hosts two NASCAR weekends each year. They have also hosted CART, IndyCar Series, USAC and the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Fans can stay up to speed by regularly checking the track’s website to find out about upcoming events.

Arizona Motorsports Park

Last but certainly not least, Arizona Motorsports Park offers a 2.26-mile, 16-turn, 40-foot-wide road course that can be divided into two subtracks. It’s the largest driving pad of its kind in the Southwest! If you have a love for racing, you’ll feel right at home on this track.

That completes our roundup of fun things to do in Phoenix for students! Enjoy exploring all the city has to offer.

Want to learn more about UTI Avondale or MMI Phoenix? Request more information today.