Phoenix is a sunny, low humid city in the southwest part of Arizona Desert, with lots of wild west style attractions and Mexican food. Some might recall; there is not much to do when it comes to a desert lifestyle, but it’s quite the opposite in Phoenix. It is no different than the other big smokes. It’s less than two hours drive from Tonto National Forest, an expansive area of cactus desert, forested mountains and rivers, with campgrounds and recreation.

It’s no secret that Phoenix is a popular vacation destination, with year-round warm weather and outdoor activities. But having come to this haven of golfing courses, you realize you don’t like playing golf, and now you just feel silly. You’re stuck in a big city in the desert, and you don’t know where to go for fun. Don’t worry! There are tons of fun things to do in Phoenix that don’t require a caddy. Here are 10 of the best picks for Phoenix attractions:

Arizona Science Center

Full of colorful hands-on activities, the science center in downtown Phoenix is just as much fun for adults as it is for the kids. A range of exciting exhibits run the gamut from biology to geology, and there’s an outdoor area to play with water fountains. The center also has an IMAX theater and a planetarium, so plan for at least one full afternoon here.

Chase Field

Right in the heart of downtown, this stadium is the home playing field of Phoenix’s baseball team the Diamondbacks. It’s big, loud, and all kinds of fun. If you’re lucky enough to travel here during baseball season, be sure to catch a game. (And if you’re too early, you can catch a spring training game at one of the several smaller baseball stadiums around the Valley.)

First Fridays

This celebration of local artists has been held the first Friday of each month for 16 years. The self-guided tour and the shuttle service are free, with over 70 galleries and studios opening their doors for the evening. You’ll get to see a lot of high art, and maybe pick up a piece to take home. There are similar events in the neighboring towns of Scottsdale and Mesa, in case you miss the First Fridays main event. Scottsdale’s Art Walk happens every Thursday night, and Mesa holds theirs on the second Friday each month.

Ro Ho En

Phoenix pays tribute to their sister city of Himeji, Japan, with a traditional strolling garden. Over 3 acres of tranquil Walking Paths wrap around a lake fed by a waterfall, full of beautiful koi fish. Make sure you purchase some fish food from the ticket office/gift shop, and watch the koi getup close and personal with you. There’s also a traditionally-structured tea house with a tea garden, although it’s only opened once a month by trained docents. If you’d like to participate in a traditional tea ceremony, call ahead to find out dates and make your reservation.

Phoenix Zoo & Desert Botanical Garden

These neighboring attractions have an intense dedication to preserving local wildlife and habitats. The zoo has a vast preserve for native animals and plants in addition to their impressive enclosures for non-native habitats. The Botanical Gardens have beautiful walking paths, and often have installations of glass sculpture from acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly. There are monthly free admission opportunities.

Schnepf Farms

This family-owned and -operated working farm puts on fun events and activities year round. Visitors can pick their organic veggies, get tours, and take home fresh fruit preserves from the on-site bakery and market. They have a Peach Blossom Celebration every year. If you make it for autumn or winter, you can participate in a variety of holiday activities including hay rides, pumpkin parties, and a magical winter wonderland. They are located about 45 minutes southeast from downtown Phoenix.

South Mountain Park

There are many places in the Phoenix area for hiking and mountain biking, but South Mountain’s desert preserve covers a wide area and offers quite a few options. There are easy walking paths and harder climbs, making it enjoyable for people in a range of fitness levels. You’ll be able to get great panoramic views of the city from several hill peaks. There’s plenty of free parking, but you’ll have to get there early on the weekends if you want to take advantage of it.

Tempe Beach Park

Just north of the Arizona State University campus is the park at Tempe Town Lake. Throughout the year, this venue holds fantastic musical, cultural, and culinary events, like Ballet Under the Stars and Phoenix’s Oktoberfest celebration. It’s also a beautiful place to stroll by the water and just take in the sunshine. There are paddle boats and kayaks available to rent if you’re feeling adventurous. Parking can be difficult in this part of town, so look into your options for taking a Light Rail car to get here.

Scottsdale Trolley Tours

A free tour by trolley through the town of Scottsdale, from the historic district full of art galleries and vibrant nightlife to the modern areas with upscale hotels and shops, awaits you. You’ll probably want to stay and explore after the tour, to see some of the interesting sculptures and historic buildings. Don’t forget to stop in and get a sweet treat at the Sugar Bowl, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that’s a town landmark.

Rawhide

Rawhide presents an authentic western town, where you can experience what life was like for early settlers in the “wild west.” You can watch a blacksmith at work or see a re-created gunfight, and there’s live music at the working saloon. It’s an entertaining look at the area’s history, with reconstructed covered wagons and re-enactors dressed out in full cowboy gear.

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