Journey to Enjoy Summer in Scottsdale

Summer in Scottsdale is hot. With temperatures in the high 90’s and low 100’s, it doesn’t matter if it’s a dry heat or not—it’s hot. And that means it’s time to head indoors. Here are some suggestions for your visit indoors in this lovely desert city.

Day 1 – McCormick-Stillman Park

McCormick-Stillman Park, a 30-acre park, has trains to ride, a train museum, and a fully restored carousel. Learn all the train-related history you can take in the museum or Model Railroad Building. There are two separate playgrounds, and the railroad-themed playground is fully shaded and has a misting water feature for hot afternoons. There are events through the year, including a fireworks celebration on July 4th. This is a great spot for a family day on a hot afternoon with attractions both outdoors and in.

McCormick-Stillman Park
7301 East Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480-312-2312

Day 2 – Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder, houses modern and contemporary art from around the world. Exhibits are pulled from the worlds of music, literature, art, dance, performance art and film. Spend the afternoon strolling through the museum’s exhibit spaces or attend one of the museum’s lectures or programs. The outdoor courtyard has one of James Turrell’s Skyspaces; it’s worth the trip just to see this beautiful space. It is a great place to visit during summer in Scottsdale (especially since it’s air-conditioned).

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
7374 2nd Street
Scottsdale, AZ
480-874-4666

Day 3 – Musical Instrument Museum

Explore the world of music while viewing the Musical Instrument Museum’s exhibits of musical instruments from around the world. The museum’s galleries focus on five major world regions: Africa and Middle East Gallery, The Asia and Oceania Gallery, the Europe Gallery, the Latin America Gallery and the United States/Canada Gallery. The latter includes Appalachian dulcimers, ukuleles, electric guitars, and the world’s largest sousaphone. The museum great for kids of all ages who like making their own music.

Musical Instrument Museum
4725 Mayo Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ
480-478-6000

Day 4 – Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West

Continue your indoor journey with the Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West, and its exhibits on Western and Native American art, artifacts and cultural treasures. Past exhibits have included authentic Old West cowboy gear, Hopi pottery, bronze western-themed sculptures, Kit Carson’s pistol, and message pouch, and Native Buffalo robes. The museum is conveniently located on the free downtown trolley line, making the museum is accessible from any part of the city.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West
3830 N. Marshall Way Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-686-9539
info@scottsdalemuseumwest.org

Day 5 – Indoor Rock Climbing

Ready for some exercise, but want to stay out of the heat? Head over to one of Scottsdale’s indoor rock climbing facilities. Rock climbing is a fast-growing sport, and this is a great way to keep your climbing skills sharp during the long hot summer in Scottsdale. AZ on the Rocks is the city’s largest indoor climbing facility. Best of all, its 14,000 square feet are air-conditioned. You can take a class, or just jump on up, there are routes for beginners and experienced climbers, kids and adults.

AZ on the Rocks
16447 North 91st Street, Suite 105
Scottsdale, AZ
480-502-9777
contact@azontherocks.com

Day 6 – Escape Rooms

More mental exercise than physical, escape rooms test your problem-solving skills in an enjoyable way. There are several escape room facilities in Scottsdale, each with different themed rooms. Escape the Room has five rooms to choose from, each with its own theme and secrets, including the Jurassic Escape, The Submarine, and the Western Bank Heist. Take your own group, or join one on-site; you will have one hour to find the clues, solve the puzzles and escape the room!

Escape the Room
7017 E Main Street
Scottsdale, AZ
480-524-0393

Day 7 – Casino Day

Play your favorite (indoor) games at the Talking Stick Resort. The casino has over 50 game tables and 800 slot machines; there will be a game or two here that you enjoy playing. Their Arena Poker Room is home to the Arizona State Poker Championships, and there are poker tournaments almost daily. Test your skills at blackjack, pai gow poker, roulette, keno, and a wide variety of slot machines. This is not an activity for the kids, but sometimes the adults need to play by themselves.

Talking Stick Resort
9800 E Talking Stick Way
Scottsdale, AZ
480-850-7777

Great Vacation Rentals for Summer in Scottsdale

The rentals offered by Parsons Villas are perfect for any long summer in Scottsdale, regardless of how hot. Enjoy comfortable accommodations (and plenty of air conditioning) and luxury amenities today: browse our available selections, and book today!