Top 10 Things to Do in Scottsdale in Summer
Top Summer Activities and Attractions in Scottsdale for 2025
Scottsdale summers are undeniably warm, but there’s no shortage of memorable experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for ways to relax in air-conditioned luxury, explore the Sonoran Desert in cooler hours, or splash around with the family, Scottsdale offers a wide variety of activities and attractions that make it an ideal summer destination. Here's a curated list of the top 10 things to do in Scottsdale during the summer months.
Credits: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
1. Rejuvenate at Scottsdale’s Top Spas
Find sanctuary from the summer sun at award-winning resort spas. At Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, indulge in the White Tea Tree and Ginger Body Treatment, a hydrating experience designed to revive sun-drenched skin. Over at Spa Avania at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale, try the Desert Essence Wrap with cactus toning gel followed by a soothing dip in the Celtic mineral pool.
2. Enjoy Indoor Animal Adventures
Beat the heat and engage with aquatic and airborne creatures at OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland, both located at Arizona Boardwalk. OdySea is the Southwest’s largest aquarium, featuring sharks, otters, and penguins. Butterfly Wonderland is home to the largest butterfly conservatory in the U.S., offering a truly immersive tropical environment.
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Location: 9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ
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Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 6 PM
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Admission: Combo passes available online
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Contact: www.odyseaaquarium.com | (480) 291-8000
3. Paddle, Float, or Raft in the Desert
Explore Scottsdale’s surrounding lakes and rivers with Cliff Creek Outfitters. Try stand-up paddleboarding at Saguaro Lake, nestled between the Four Peaks and Superstition Mountains, or join a guided rafting tour along the Lower Salt River.
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Website: www.cliffcreekoutfitters.com
4. Shop in Style at Scottsdale Fashion Square
Spend the afternoon in cool, climate-controlled comfort at Scottsdale Fashion Square, the region’s largest luxury shopping destination. Browse over 200 retailers including Chanel, Dior, and Nordstrom, and enjoy upscale dining at Moxies or FRANCINE. Cap the day with an immersive art exhibit at Wonderspaces Arizona or a luxury film at Harkins Camelview.
5. Take a Creative Indoor Class
Join a hands-on workshop and create your own masterpiece. Enjoy candle pouring at Light + Bark, flower arranging at Cactus Flower, or wall art design at The Merchantile. These interactive experiences are a perfect way to stay cool while getting inspired.
6. Make a Splash
Cool off at local splash pads found at Scottsdale Civic Center and Pima Park, or head to Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter for family-friendly fun. For a resort-style escape, book a day pass at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort, where a 2.5-acre water playground with pools, slides, and beach areas awaits.
7. Experience Old Town After Dark
Scottsdale’s nightlife thrives under the desert stars. Explore the dynamic scene with stops at Cottontail Lounge for handcrafted cocktails, Rusty Spur for live country music, and Bottled Blonde for a high-energy nightclub experience. For a more relaxed pace, stroll the Old Town Scottsdale Wine Trail.
8. Tee Off Early or at Night
Elite golf courses like Troon North, Grayhawk, and Boulders Golf Club offer early morning tee times and heat-mitigation amenities such as cool towels, misted carts, and shaded seating. Want to beat the heat completely? Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills offers fully lit nighttime golf — a rare treat in Arizona.
9. Tour Museums and Landmarks
Escape to air-conditioned culture hubs such as:
- Heard Museum – Focused on American Indian art
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Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West – Celebrates the region’s history
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Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) – Modern and thought-provoking exhibits
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Musical Instrument Museum – Features over 7,500 instruments from around the world
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Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece, best explored via early morning tours
10. Explore the Desert by Night
When temperatures drop, desert landscapes transform. Take a flashlight and stroll through Desert Botanical Garden’s Flashlight Nights. Other nocturnal activities include dive-in movies at luxury resorts such as The Phoenician and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and nighttime off-road tours with Stellar Adventures for stargazing and desert exploration.
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Location: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ
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Time: Flashlight Nights run Saturdays, 7 PM – 10 PM
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Admission: Included with general admission
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Contact: www.dbg.org
