Phoenix Arizona Things to Do & Attractions

Fun things to do, cool places to visit, and interesting tourist attractions abound in and around Phoenix, Arizona. Explore the ruins of a 1,500-year-old Hohokam village at the Pueblo Grande Museum. Catch a first-rate musical at Gammage Auditorium on the ASU campus.

Walk among an amazing collection of desert plants at the Desert Botanical Garden. Whatever activity you choose to engage in, a grand time will be yours in the Grand Canyon State.

Gammage Auditorium -

If you're into live musical theatre, you'll want to check out the Tempe campus of Arizona State University. That's where you'll find ASU Gammage, one of the world's largest university-based presenters of performing arts. ASU Gammage presents a wide range of shows, such as "Les Miserables," "Billy Elliott," and "Mamma Mia!" www.asugammage.com

Pueblo Grande Museum -

Located at the site of the ruins of a1,500-year-old Hohokam village, the Pueblo Grande Museum has been shedding light on Hohokam culture for more than 70 years. Comprised of 102 acres, the museum features many incredible highlights, including the ruins of an 800-year-old platform mound that is believed to have been used by the ancient peoples for ceremonies or as an administrative center. www.pueblogrande.org

Phoenix Zoo -

The Phoenix Zoo is where you'll come face to face with over 1,300 animals. There are 2.5 miles of walking trails that wind through the grounds, allowing for easy viewing. The zoo, which boasts 200 endangered species, takes part in many Species Survival Plans, which breed and maintain these endangered creatures in captivity. www.phoenixzoo.org

Desert Botanical Garden -

Lovers of desert flora will be floored by what they see at Desert Botanical Garden. Situated in the red buttes of Papago Park, the Garden, which is accredited by the American Association of Museums, features 50 acres of stunning outdoor exhibits. www.dbg.org

Chase Field -

One of the most recent additions to Major League Baseball, the Arizona Diamondback of the National League play their home games at Chase Field. This state-of-the-art stadium has a retractable roof and an outdoor swimming pool. http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=ari

U.S. Airways Center -

Sports galore are in store for you at U.S. Airways Center. Enjoy everything from professional men's basketball (Phoenix Suns) to professional women's basketball (Arizona Rattlers) to professional arena football (Arizona Rattlers). The arena is also where you can catch concerts, such as Rod Stewart and Lil Wayne, and family entertainment like Disney on Ice. www.usairwayscenter.com

Arizona Science Center -

Science fans of all ages will find the Arizona Science Center fascination. There's over 40,000 square-feet of gallery space featuring 300 hands-on exhibits, an IMAX Theater, and the multi-media Dorrance Planetarium. In addition, the Center offers classrooms and a gift shop. www.azscience.org

Phoenix Art Museum -

The largest art museum in the Southwest, the Phoenix Art Museum is known for its stellar international exhibitions and massive permanent collection. The permanent collection features 17,000 works of art, everything from American and Asian to European and Latin American pieces. www.phxart.org

Heard Museum -

Native arts and cultures are on display at the Heard Museum. Learn the stories of American Indian people via innovative programs, world-class exhibitions, and unmatched festivals. The Museum partners with American Indian artists and tribal communities to provide a unique perspective. www.heard.org

Jobing.com Arena -

Sports and entertainment are equally comfortable at Jobing.com Arena. Part of the 223-acre Westgate City Center, the Arena plays host to the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League as well as many fun concerts. Nuclear Cowboyz, Kenny Chesney, and Yanni are just some of the top name acts who grace the Arena's stage. www.jobingarena.com