We all have moments where we are either short on cash, on a budget or simply can’t afford going out sometimes. Often, some of us use it as an excuse to stay in and avoid adventuring outside.
Truth is, you don’t always need money to have fun and enjoy what your city has to offer. There is always something to do as long as you are willing to find it and do it.
I lived in Tempe for a little over a year and I put together a list of 10 free things you can do for free in Tempe, Arizona.
Hike “A” Mountain
A mountain, also refereed to as Tempe Butte is located in the heart of Tempe, nearby Arizona State university campus, right next to the football stadium. This easy short hike up the mountain is very rewarding.
It is one of my favorite spots in Tempe to watch airplanes flying by. You are so high up that it feels like you can touch them. The top of A mountain also offers a 360 degrees view of downtown area, Tempe town lake and corporate buildings by the lake like state farm.
It is also a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.
Go For a Walk in Tempe Town Lake
The lake with Tempe’s skyline in the back is absolutely beautiful, with a small nice marina. The lake is vibrant with life as a lot of water activities take place there: kayaking, paddle boarding, rowing and sailing classes.
Throughout the year, a lot of events take place in Tempe Beach Park. The fiesta bowl, Oktoberfest or the 4th of July are all a good opportunity to enjoy the lake.
Taking a walk, watching the sunset and airplanes landing from the marina is one of my absolute favorite activities in Tempe.
Visit Tempe Festival Of The Arts
This festival as among the best in the nation and yes it is FREE to the public. This year, the festival is taking place December 6 – 8, 2019 | 10a – 5:30p daily
More information can be found here https://www.tempefestivalofthearts.com/ So, why not enjoy free art work from hundreds of artists from around the world.
Visit Tempe History Museum
The museum offers free events and exhibitions to the public. A good opportunity to learn about Tempe’s past and engage with the local community.
The exact address is: 809 E. Southern Ave Tempe, Arizona 85282
Visit Papago Park
I loooove Papago park and I can’t get enough of it. It is very diverse and has a lot to offer.
Papago park is technically located between the city of Phoenix and Tempe but hey it still counts. It covers 1000+ acres opened to the public to indulge in.
Here are free things to enjoy in Papago park:
- Check out Hole in The Rock
- Go for a picnic Click here to learn how I planned my picnic to papago park
- Grab your yoga mat and stretch
- Go for a bike ride around the park
Visit ASU Art Museum
The ASUAM is a Museum located on ASU’s main campus in Tempe. It is open to the public and is focused on contemporary art as well as historic arts from the southwest.
Tour Desert Botanical Garden
The admission to Desert Botanical Garden can be quite expensive BUUT I have a little secret for you….The entry is FREE the second Tuesday of every month…. I know right…. THANK YOU 😀
This is a great opportunity to learn a whole lot about more than 50 000 plants from the dry desert of the southwest.
Watch a movie at ASU
When I lived in Tempe, it was always easy to find free movie screenings at the university. Most of them where international movies or documentaries followed by open Q&A sessions, which I enjoyed very much. I relied mainly on Facebook events near me option to find them.
ASU has also a program called “Movies on the field”, find out more by visiting their website Here
Explore Tempe Market Place
Tempe market place is an outdoor shopping center with a lot of brands, restaurants and stores. I know those are not free, BUT…
you can enjoy free live live music every Saturday evening or take your kids to enjoy the splash pad everyday from 7 am to 11 pm.
Discover Yoga for the people
This is more of a personal preference but there is this yoga studio near ASU called “Yoga for the people” The concept is for people to attend for free and donate if they like the class. It has a very good vibe to it.
The exact address is: 117 E 5th St #101, Tempe, AZ 85281
This is my selection for free things to do in Tempe. Do you know of any other free activities.
If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments section below.
Thank you!