Phoenix, Arizona, is the sixth-largest city in the United States. If you enjoy the sun, this town boasts an average 300 days of sunshine. Whether you are a visitor or a resident, the city of Phoenix has an abundance of interesting activities. The greater Phoenix area has six lakes, more than 190 golf courses and an expansive park system. The city's cultural offerings include various museums, gardens and theaters.
Sports Center
If you are in Phoenix during baseball season, take in a game. The Arizona Diamondbacks, a Major League Baseball team, play their home games at Chase Field. Located in downtown Phoenix, this multipurpose facility is also the venue for other sports such as international soccer matches, monster truck and dirt bike racing. Chase Field is air conditioned for hot Phoenix summers and features a retractable roof used in pleasant weather.
Museums and Gardens
View the 10 exhibition galleries at Phoenix's Heard Museum. Free guided tours are available throughout the day. The museum has a vast collection of American Indian art. Music and dance festivals and various special events are sponsored by the museum. Learn about the Sonoran Desert plants at the Desert Botanical Gardens. More than 55,000 plants thrive in the 145 acres of gardens. Guided tours and adult classes are available. A summer camp for kids kindergarten through sixth grade is held each year.
South Mountain Park
A giant among parks, Phoenix's South Mountain Park has the reputation of being the world's largest municipal recreation area. There are 1,600 acres of land in which to picnic and play. Saddle up a horse and enjoy the scenery amid the 51 miles of trails.
If you are a hiker, there is much to explore. Mount Suppoa, the highest point, is not open to the public. Dobbins Lookout, which reaches 2,330 feet, is as high as you can get on foot. Flora and fauna abound in the preserve. More than 300 plant species grow in the area. Hawks, roadrunners and great horned owls inhabit the park. Rattlesnakes, desert tortoises and lizards are also common to the area.
Zoo and Other Parks
Enjoy the 2.5 miles of walking trails at the Phoenix Zoo. There are approximately 1,200 animals housed at the facility. Family programs are available beginning with hands-on learning for age 6 months and older.
Individuals 18 and over can join the Keeper for a Day program that involves cleaning animal habitats, preparing food and monitoring the well-being of zoo inhabitants.
The city of Phoenix is an ideal place to enjoy the park. Equipped with five dog parks, or off-leash areas, the city is definitely canine friendly. If you are thinking of getting married, there are six park sites ready to book your event.
Other Activities
For stepping out at night, Phoenix has a number of dance clubs and sports bars. Reserve a table at one of the four-star restaurants for a fine dining experience. Individuals seeking rejuvenation can check into one of the many spas for a day of pampering.
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