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Let's do the math on a Phoenix summer.
From June through September, the average high temperature hovers around 106°F. That means approximately 120 days where outdoor play requires strategic timing, industrial-strength sunscreen, and enough water to hydrate a small army.
For parents, it also means 120 days of answering the dreaded question: "What are we doing today?"
But here's the good news: surviving summer doesn't mean surrendering to boredom. With a GetOut membership, you can turn those scorching afternoons into air-conditioned adventures—without blowing your budget.
Here are 13 indoor activities that will keep your kids entertained and your sanity intact.
Creative Play & Building Zones
1. LEGOLAND Discovery Center - Arizona (Tempe)
Located inside the Arizona Mills mall, this is ground zero for the under-10 set. It is not just a play place; it is a brick-filled universe where imagination runs wild. Your GetOut pass grants you access to a world where kids can zap skeletons on the Kingdom Quest Laser Rider, watch their creations come to life in the 4D Cinema, and explore MINILAND, which features local Arizona landmarks built entirely from LEGO bricks.
The soft play areas are perfect for toddlers, while older kids will spend hours at the construction zones, building towers meant to withstand simulated earthquakes. The best part? It is entirely indoors, and adults can't enter without a child, ensuring the environment stays safe and focused on family fun.
2. The Rush Fun Park (Avondale/Chandler)
If your kids have energy levels that seem to defy the laws of physics, channel that power at The Rush Fun Park. This is a massive indoor playground featuring ninja warrior courses, towering slides, and obstacle courses designed for maximum exertion. It is the perfect spot for a birthday party or a weekend afternoon when the heat index makes outdoor sports impossible.
Splash & Sea Exploration (Without the Sunburn)
3. SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium (Tpe)
You don't need a wetsuit to explore the ocean depths in the middle of the desert. SEA LIFE Arizona offers an underwater journey that feels miles away from the arid Sonoran landscape. Your family can walk through a 360-degree ocean tunnel, coming face-to-fin with sharks, rescued sea turtles, and colorful schools of fish.
One of the biggest hits for little ones is the interactive touch pool, where they can gently feel a sea star or a sticky anemone. It is educational, mesmerizing, and—most importantly—completely climate-controlled. *Pro Tip: GetOut often offers an add-on to bundle LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE for even more value, granting you 2x visits per year to both.*
Indoor Sports & Active Play
4. Phoenix Rock Gym (Tempe)
Don't let the word "gym" fool you—Phoenix Rock Gym is an adventure playground for kids and teens. With towering top-rope walls and a dedicated bouldering area, it caters to all skill levels. First-timers receive thorough safety briefings from friendly staff, ensuring everyone feels comfortable.
It is a fantastic place for building confidence. There is a specific thrill a child gets when they ring the bell at the top of a 40-foot wall. One young reviewer described climbing there "like a spider climbing up the wall," and noted it was her "favorite place in the entire world". Plus, with afternoon and evening hours during the week, it is a great after-school option to escape the lingering evening heat.
5. Alta Boulders - Chandler
For families who prefer the problem-solving aspect of climbing, Alta Boulders in Chandler is the spot. This 20,000-square-foot facility is dedicated to bouldering—climbing without ropes over thick, safe mats. With 17 walls and climbs ranging from V0 to V12, there is a route for every age and ability.
It is part climbing gym, part fitness center, and 100% fun. The atmosphere encourages kids to try, fail, and try again, teaching perseverance in a way that feels like play.
6. KTR - Chandler & KTR - Scottsdale
If your kids watch "American Ninja Warrior" and immediately start trying to swing from the ceiling fans, get them to KTR (Kids That Rip). These are not your average trampoline parks. KTR facilities feature a massive obstacle course for parkour, 45-foot zip lines, trampolines, tumble tracks, and scooter/skate parks with gentle hills for beginners and half-pipes for the pros.
One parent noted that KTR is "different and more exciting than your normal trampoline park" because of the technical aerial moves and ninja warrior elements. Another huge win for parents? The mezzanine seating offers plenty of plugs and Wi-Fi, so you can watch your kids from above while catching up on emails.
7. Uptown Jungle Fun Park (Phoenix)
Located at 32nd Street and Shea, Uptown Jungle is a 13,000-square-foot indoor playground packed with wall-to-wall activities. Think giant slides, an air floor for safe tumbling, a massive obstacle course, and a "Ball Blaster Arena" for glow-in-the-dark dodgeball.
They even have a dedicated Toddler Area, making it a viable option for families with a wide age range. Local parents rave about the accommodating staff and the variety of things to do, noting that the zip line is a particular favorite.
Family Entertainment Centers (Bowling, Games & More)
8. Fat Cats - Gilbert & Fat Cats - Mesa
Fat Cats is the ultimate "something for everyone" destination. With locations in Gilbert and Mesa, these venues combine bowling alleys, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, and massive arcades under one roof. The mini-golf course features a captivating pirate theme that glows under black lights, making for a fun visual experience that feels nothing like the standard putt-putt course.
It is a great spot for family date nights. Parents love the food options (pizza and fruit platters are hits with the kids), and the service is frequently praised for being friendly and accommodating during birthday parties.
9. Mavrix (Scottsdale)
Located near the Loop 101, Mavrix offers elevated family entertainment. This isn't your alley's dusty bowling alley. It is a sleek, immersive venue where you can bowl on blacklight lanes, battle in a multi-level laser tag arena, and explore a huge interactive arcade.
This spot really shines for families with tweens and teens who might think they are "too old" for the playground. The atmosphere is energetic and cool, but the staff remains attentive to younger guests, making everyone feel welcome.
10. Golfland Sunsplash (Mesa)
While Golfland Sunsplash is famous for its outdoor water park, it is also a haven for indoor fun. On days when you want to avoid the sun entirely (or during the cooler months when the water park is closed), the complex offers extensive indoor attractions.
Challenge the family to a round on one of their themed mini-golf courses or retreat to the massive arcade to win tickets for prizes. It is the perfect backup plan for a day when the weather can't make up its mind—or when you just need a break from reapplying sunscreen every 20 minutes.
Unique & Quirky Indoor Stops
11. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Wait, a luxury resort? Yes. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a destination in itself, and with GetOut, you have access to explore its grandeur. While the pools are the main summer attraction, the resort offers plenty of indoor exploration value.
The sprawling Spanish colonial-style architecture features stunning indoor plazas and lobbies perfect for a "fancy" walk. It is a great place to take kids for a hot chocolate or lemonade, letting them feel like VIPs for an afternoon. It introduces them to the idea that "fun" can also mean appreciating beautiful spaces.
12. Bowlins The Thing Museum
Is it quirky? Yes. Is it memorable? Absolutely. Bowlins The Thing Museum is one of those off-beat Arizona stops that fascinates kids. It is a collection of oddities, artifacts, and interesting "things" that will spark conversations and curiosity. It is a short, sweet, and air-conditioned break from the ordinary, proving that adventure doesn't always require a theme park.
13. Flag Tag AZ
Looking for something truly different? Flag Tag AZ offers an indoor active game that combines the strategy of tag with the athleticism of flag football. It is a high-energy, safe, and screen-free way for kids to burn off energy while working as a team. It is a fantastic option for playdates or group outings where kids need a structured but fun activity.
How to Make the Most of Your Summer with GetOut
Still wondering if it is worth it? Here is the math: For $64.95 for an entire year, you get access to over 59 venues. That is less than the cost of a single day at a water park. You aren't just buying a pass; you are buying the freedom to leave the house without guilt.
- The "Add-On" Advantage: Look for the option to add LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE to your pass for a small upcharge, which upgrades those visits to 2x per year.
- It's Risk-Free: GetOut offers a full refund for unused passes up to 60 days from the purchase date. You can try it out for the summer, and if you don't use it, you are covered.
- How It Works:
- Get Your Pass: Purchase your GetOut membership and create an account.
- Choose Your Venue: Open the app, browse the attractions, and pick where you want to go.
- Present The Pass: Show your phone at the counter for instant entry.
Conclusion
Summer in Phoenix doesn't have to mean survival mode. With a GetOut membership, it can mean adventure mode. From climbing walls in Tempe to exploring the ocean in Scottsdale, the Valley is full of air-conditioned gems waiting to be discovered.
Don't let another scorching weekend slip away staring at the walls. Grab your GetOut pass today and start planning your family's coolest summer yet.
Ready to escape the heat? Head over to GetOut to grab your pass. Don't forget to use code GRANDOPENING at checkout for an extra $10 off.