Free Things to Do in Tempe, AZ

Tempe, Arizona, located just south of Phoenix, is known for being a vibrant college town and having scenic desert landscapes and a lively arts scene. Budget-conscious travelers will find plenty of free activities in Tempe, that let you experience the city without breaking the bank. Keep the extreme summer heat in mind when planning your Tempe visit. While the indoor activities can be enjoyed year round, some of the outdoor activities, such as hikes, may not be possible in summer, or only very early in the mornings or late evenings. Here are the best free things to do in Tempe, AZ, ranging from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions.

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Free Things to Do in Tempe, AZ Contents

• Outdoor Activities
  • Hike Up “A” Mountain (Hayden Butte Preserve)
  • Explore Tempe Town Lake
  • Walk Through Papago Park
  • Explore South Mountain Park and Preserve
  • Visit the Desert Botanical Garden on Free Days
  • Go Birdwatching at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area
• Downtown & Arts
  • Visit ASU and its Museums
  • Stroll Through Downtown Tempe & Mill Avenue
  • Visit the Tempe Public Art Collection and Tempe Center for the Arts
  • Attend a Free Festival or Event
  • Visit the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River

1. Hike Up “A” Mountain (Hayden Butte Preserve)

“A” Mountain is a short but rewarding hike with panoramic views of downtown Tempe, Tempe Town Lake, and the surrounding desert. The trail starts near Tempe Town Lake, Arizona State University (ASU), and Downtown Tempe, making this very convenient. The trail is less than a mile round-trip but offers a decent elevation gain. It is a great, quick workout with scenic views at the top.

Go at sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures and stunning colors over the valley. There is no shade, so be sure to bring along a hat, sunscreen, and water.

“A” Mountain Hayden Butte Trail facts:

• Distance: 0.7 miles roundtrip (1.1 km)
• Elevation gain: 278 ft. (85 m)
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Pets: Dogs must be leashed at all times
• Alltrails link

2. Explore Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake is a hub for outdoor recreation. Walking or biking along the lake’s scenic pathways is completely free. The paved path is 5 miles (8 km) around, and you can extend your walk or ride on the paths that go well beyond the lake. The Tempe Beach Park area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnicking, or just enjoying the peaceful waterfront setting. If you don’t have your own bike, HOCR has rentals available. While not free, they are relatively low cost, $15/day or if you’re a student, $10 for a month (with 60 minutes included per day).

Boating on the lake is not free, though some options are lower cost. If you bring your own boat, you do need to get a permit from the City of Tempe. They have daily ($10) or annual watercraft permit options. Even paddle boards and kayaks require a permit. There are also plenty of boat rental options at the lake to choose from. You’ll see quite a few rowers on the lake, which is one of the reasons we spend quite a bit of time in Phoenix in winter. The City of Tempe (Town Lake Rowing) and Rio Salado Rowing Club offer lessons for those who’d like to give this a try.

Another relaxing outdoor escape is Kiwanis Park, one of Tempe’s largest green spaces. With a peaceful lake, picnic areas, and walking trails, it’s a great spot for a low-key afternoon of unwinding in nature.

3. Walk Through Papago Park

While Papago Park is technically in Phoenix, it is just minutes away from Tempe and offers stunning red rock formations and easy hiking trails. The iconic Hole-in-the-Rock Trail is a must-visit, especially at sunset. The stunning views of the city skyline make the short 0.3 mile (0.5 km) hike worthwhile. The park’s trails are free and cater to a variety of skill levels, making it an excellent spot for a nature escape without spending a dime. The Desert Botanical Garden is just across the park, making it easy to combine a hike on Papago’s trails with a visit to the botanic gardens.

It’s also easy to combine a visit to Papago Park with Tempe Town Lake, with this top rated e-bike tour.

4. Explore South Mountain Park and Preserve

Just south of Tempe, South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. It features miles of hiking and biking trails, which are well worth exploring. The Dobbins Lookout point provides some of the best views in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Entry to the park and access to the trails are completely free. These trails are dog friendly, though dogs must be on a leash.

A few other great hiking areas to consider that are free and close by are Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak Park. If you aren’t comfortable hiking in this desert environment alone, we’d recommend taking this top rated customizable private hiking tour.

5. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden on Free Days

While the Desert Botanical Garden typically requires an entrance fee, they do offer free admission days on the second Tuesday of every month. Check their website for upcoming dates where you can explore the stunning desert landscapes, cacti, and native plant species without spending anything. We’ve visited Tempe and Phoenix frequently, and the Desert Botanical Garden is always on our list of places to visit. Our kids enjoy not on the plants, but also the art exhibited in the garden. Around the holidays, the garden is lit up at night for the holidays.

Pro tip: If you’d like to visit on free days, be sure to reserve your free entry tickets on the Desert Botanical Garden website (you’ll need to select the day as well as a time slot for entry).

If you are looking for a great place to eat, Gertrude’s Restaurant, located in the park, is one of our favorite spots to eat in the area. This of course isn’t free, but you’ll have nice views of the gardens, and you’ll feel miles away from the city.

6. Go Birdwatching at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area

The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area is a beautiful riparian preserve just outside of Downtown Tempe. where you can spot local birds and wildlife. Even for those not interested in bird watching, it’s a peaceful place for a walk or a quiet break from the city.

7. Visit ASU and its Museums

Tempe is centered around Arizona State University (ASU), and residents and visitors benefit from ASU’s wide range of free public events. There’s always something happening on campus, whether it’s guest lectures and film screenings or live music and art festivals. The ASU Gammage theater and ASU School of Music often host free performances open to the public.

The ASU Art Museum, with its free admission, is a hidden gem with a large collection of contemporary and modern art. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions featuring local and international artists. The museum also hosts free events and educational programs throughout the year. Don’t miss the museum on your trip to Tempe! ASU Art Museum’s ceramics collection is displayed separately at the Ceramics Research Center, which is also worth a visit..

The Lunar Exploration Museum and Mars Space Flight Facility at ASU is a must-visit for space enthusiasts. The facility is home to NASA-led research on Mars and the Moon. The museum offers free public tours showcasing high-resolution images from Mars rovers and lunar missions.

8. Stroll Through Downtown Tempe & Mill Avenue

Head over to Mill Avenue to explore the heart of Tempe’s social scene. We’d suggest parking your car and walking or biking through Downtown Tempe. Or, to take public transport, Tempe’s streetcar is an option, though not free. Mills Avenue is lined with historic buildings, street art, local restaurants and cafés, and unique shops. Even if you’re not shopping or dining, the lively atmosphere and frequent street performances make it a great place to explore on foot. Keep an eye out for free events, pop-up markets, and live music performances.

Pro tip: If you decide to enjoy brunch while walking around downtown, our family’s favorite brunch spot is Snakes & Lattes. In addition to the great food, they are the largest board game café in the state.

Downtown Tempe is rich with history, featuring historic buildings, old train depots, and landmarks like the Hayden Flour Mill. Take a self-guided walking tour and learn about Tempe’s past through plaques and preserved architecture.

For those interested in learning more about Tempe’s history, the Tempe History Museum is a fantastic free attraction. Donations are accepted to offset the museum’s costs. Their exhibits cover everything from the city’s early Native American inhabitants to its development into a modern college town. It’s an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

9. Visit the Tempe Public Art Collection & Tempe Center for the Arts

Tempe has a strong commitment to public art, which shines through with murals, sculptures, and interactive installations throughout the city. A self-guided walking tour is a fun way to explore the colorful mosaic benches at Tempe Beach Park, the striking metal sculptures along Tempe Town Lake, and more.

The Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) is a stunning architectural landmark with stunning views of Tempe Town Lake. They do have ticketed performances requiring a fee. In addition, the TCA frequently hosts free art exhibitions, live music events, and community programs. Wander in on your walk around Tempe Town Lake and see what’s happening. Their free “Return of the Force” exhibit will be at TCA through May 18, 2025. We’re looking forward to their next exhibit the next time we’re in Tempe.

10. Attend a Free Festival or Event

Tempe hosts a variety of free festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the best include:

• Tempe Festival of the Arts (Spring & Fall) – A massive outdoor arts and crafts festival with live music.
• Aloha Festival (March) – A celebration of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture with performances and food.
• 4th of July at Tempe Beach Park – A free Independence Day celebration with fireworks.

11. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River

Located near Tempe (in Scottsdale) at Salt River Fields, the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens honors the sailors and Marines who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The garden features pieces of the original USS Arizona shipwreck, a moving light installation, the boat house relic, and reflective spaces for visitors to pay their respects. It’s a powerful tribute and an important historical site to visit. Sunset is an ideal time to visit.

Pro tip: Combine a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens at Salt River with a visit to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. The baseball fields are the spring training home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

Final Thoughts on Free Things to Do in Tempe AZ

Exploring Tempe and its surroundings on a budget is easier than you think. There is an abundance of free outdoor activities to enjoy, cultural experiences, and local attractions. Whether you’re hiking up “A” Mountain, wandering through Papago Park, or discovering art on ASU’s campus, you can find plenty of ways to enjoy the city without spending a dime.

Have you explored any of these free attractions in Tempe? Let us know your favorites in the comments!

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