ATTRACTIONS

AMUSEMENT Fat Cats 4321 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert, 480.498.3325; 5846 E. Longbow Parkway, Mesa, 480.498.3323; 20660 E. Riggs Road, Queen Creek, 480.841.6044, fatcatsfun.com

Kids — and adults — will enjoy this mainstay that offers traditional and nighttime bowling, arcade, glow golf and movies.

iFly Indoor Skydiving 9206 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.712.4359, iflyworld.com

Why jump out of a perfectly good airplane when you can get the same skydiving experience from the ground. iFly is sure to get your adrenaline flowing without worrying about a parachute not opening.

Jake’s Unlimited 1830 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, 480.926.7499, jakesunlimited.com

Jake’s Unlimited is a one-stop entertainment destination offering rides, attractions, games and the ultimate sports viewing experience for college football bowl games. Inside the 90,000-square-foot venue, there are more than 50 55-inch TV screens, two massive 144-inch TVs, a “High Score” dining room featuring stadium-style seating and TVs, and two full-service bars offering signature cocktails and beers on tap.

Main Event Entertainment 8545 S. Emerald Drive, Tempe, 480.753.1200 1735 S. Santan Village Parkway, Gilbert, 480.462.2200 10315 W. McDowell Road, Avondale, 623.936.5300, mainevent.com

If you’re looking to entertain the entire family, look no further. Main Event Entertainment offers something for everyone in its massive facility, which features games, bowling, dining, bars and special events.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.312.2312, therailroadpark.com

Take a ride on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad, an antique carousel or visit the historical railroad exhibit. Rides operate from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free; rides are $1.

Phoenix Raceway 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale, 866.408.7223, phoenixraceway.com Phoenix Raceway is a 1-mile, low-banked

tri-oval racetrack that hosts two NASCAR race weekends annually. Opened in 1964, ISM Raceway has hosted the IndyCar Series,

OCTANE RACEWAY

CART, USAC and Rolex Sports Car Series. The events routinely attract more than 67,000 race fanatics, many of whom camp at the site.

Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center 16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 520.568.3456, ak-chincircle.com

With bowling, arcade, laser tag, movies, restaurants, an ice cream parlor and bars under one roof, what else can you ask for? The Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center offers upscale event spaces and multifaceted event options, sophisticated menus, full-service bars and cutting-edge audio-visual systems.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, 9051 E. Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.291.7555, medievaltimes.com

A dinner theater event like no other. Medieval Times includes a two-hour jousting tournament paired with a four-course meal. Be ready to get your hands dirty — utensils aren’t included.

Great Wolf Lodge 7333 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.948.9653, greatwolf.com

The Great Wolf Lodge debuted in fall 2019 in Arizona with its expansive resort/waterpark in Scottsdale, within walking distance of Salt River Fields. The resort features an indoor water park, mini golf, arcade and eight dining options all under one roof.

Topgolf 9500 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.240.2402; 1689 S. Santan Village

Parkway, Gilbert, 480.240.1282; 6101 N. 99th Avenue, Glendale, 623.218.2243, topgolf.com Topgolf is the home of competitive golf games for all ages in climate-controlled bays. Other great experiences offered at Topgolf include golf simulators, video games and food like the delectable doughnuts with syringes loaded with filling.

ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS Butterfly Wonderland 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.800.3000, butterflywonderland.com

Experience the Butterfly Emergence Gallery, where metamorphoses occur in real time, and the Conservatory, a magnificent, lush rainforest pavilion where thousands of butterflies from around the world fly freely. Other interactive displays include the Honeybee Extravaganza, Spineless Giants, a stingray and shark observation pool with daily feedings in the Tropical Waters of the World exhibit, the Butterfly Treasures gift shop and the café.

OdySea Aquarium 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.291.8000, odyseaaquarium.com

Penguins, otters, sea lions and more than 500 other species of marine life call the OdySea Aquarium home along Loop 101 near Scottsdale. The 2-million-gallon aquarium, which cost more than $100 million, is among the largest in the United States.

Phoenix Zoo 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602.286.3800, phoenixzoo.org

The Phoenix Zoo was voted one of the top five zoos for kids in the country, but there’s something for everyone within its 125 acres and 1,200 animals. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; for Zoolights, which sees the grounds illuminated with holiday lights, hours are 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. The pricing for one person is $20, for one member it’s $16 and children 2 years and under are free.

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park 16501 W. Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park, 623.935.9453, wildlifeworld.com.

The West Valley’s premiere zoo features rare animals, including albino alligators and

white tigers. With more than 600 species and 6,000 animals on display, there are always new arrivals at park. Other babies on display include a baboon, spider monkey, flamingos, penguins and several hoofed animal species, including wildebeests and other youngsters throughout the 100-acre park. Admission is $44.50 for adults 13 and older; $25.50 for children 3 to 12; and free for those 2 and younger. Prices do not include tax.

LIVE ACTION GAMING Octane Raceway 9119 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 602.302.7223, octaneraceway.com

Octane Raceway is the perfect place for an adrenaline rush. The 1/3-mile track is the only full-time indoor/outdoor track in the United States, so come and give it a try. All drivers younger than age 18 must have a parent or guardian present or waiver with permission.

MUSEUMS Arizona Science Center 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.716.2000, azscience.org

The Arizona Science Center gives a hands-on lesson in fun. Equipped with a planetarium, IMAX Theatre and a variety of scientific exhibits, the center is a huge hit with children. But the child in everyone will enjoy the over 300 interactive displays on biotechnology, human psychology, magnetism and a whole host of other captivating topics. Hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call for admission charge. The film and planetarium are extra.

Commemorative Air Force Museum 2017 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa, 480.924.1940, azcaf.org

One of Phoenix’s top-rated attractions, the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum is home to war artifacts and hundreds of exhibits. The friendly, knowledgeable docents will bring to life tales of combat heroes who overcame tremendous obstacles to serve our country. Watch aircraft mechanics at work and book a ride on one of the museum’s seven flying warbirds. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Heard Museum 2301 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.252.8840, heard.org

World famous for having one the most extensive and fascinating collections of Native American art, the Heard Museum has been a Phoenix landmark for more than 75 years. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $20 for adults, $17 for

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM

seniors and $9 for children and students with a college I.D.

Musical Instrument Museum 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.478.6000, mim.org

The Musical Instrument Museum is the biggest museum in the world of its type with a collection of more than 15,000 musical instruments. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, admission is $20 for adults, $15 for teens and $10 for children. Check out the acoustically perfect concert hall, too.

Phoenix Art Museum 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.257.1222, phxart.org

Open since 1959, the Phoenix Art Museum was expanded to 203,000 square feet in 2006. The museum’s collection includes 18,000 works of art from around the world. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. Visit the website for ticket prices.

Pima Air & Space Museum 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, 520.574.0462, pimaair.org

The Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the world’s largest aviation museums, and here at home, it’s the largest nongovernmentfunded facility of its kind in the United States. It boasts a collection of more than 350 aircraft and spacecraft, including military, commercial and civil aviation. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekly.

ARENAS/STADIUMS Chase Field 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, dbacks.com.

Chase Field is more than the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. It’s a multiuse facility that has hosted or will host the Royal Rumble, ‘N Sync, Kenny Chesney, Billy Joel and the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

Gila River Arena 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena.com.

Gila River Arena, home of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose facility located at Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue. The arena anchors the 223-acre, $1 billion development Westgate Entertainment District. See the website for permitted items.

Footprint Center 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, footprintcenter.com

Centrally located in downtown Phoenix’s Legends Entertainment District, the venue is home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. See the website for permitted items.

State Farm Stadium 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, statefarmstadium.com

Home to the Arizona Cardinals, the annual Fiesta Bowl and numerous other sports and entertainment events and activities, State Farm Stadium incorporates the first retractable natural grass playing surface in North America and the first completely retractable roof operating at an incline. The stadium’s exterior skin of shimmering metal panels reflects the shifting desert light while 21 vertical glass walled slots incorporated into the building exterior offer fans inside the stadium outstanding views of the desert horizon. See the website for permitted items.

PERFORMANCE/CONCERTS ASU Gammage 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com

Distinctively designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, ASU Gammage is the largest universitybased art presenter in the country. It hosts several Broadway plays and musicals as well as smaller productions.

Arizona Federal Theatre 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, arizonafederaltheatre.com

Arizona Federal Theatre is a 5,000-seat

venue located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. It marries the classic theater style with the pulsating excitement of modern arena technologies. The theater’s state-ofthe art music and sound systems are perfect for concerts, comedy performances as well as theater and family friendly shows. See the website for permitted items.

Crescent Ballroom 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com

This ultra-cool concert venue is also an active bar in the front, filled with an artsy crowd that sips local brews and jams on tasty homemade burritos.

Handlebar J 7116 E. Becker Lane, Scottsdale, 480.948.0110, handlebarj.com

One can’t leave Arizona without taking in a bit of country music. Bands play routinely throughout the week.

Marquee Theatre 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com

Located 1 mile north of ASU in Tempe, the Marquee Theatre has housed performances by Nine Inch Nails, Muse, Kings of Leon, The Black Keys, A Perfect Circle, Godsmack, Fall Out Boy, Prince, Social Distortion, Eric Church and Greta Van Fleet,

ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, 520.883.2702, desertmuseum.org

This natural history museum, zoo and botanical garden has been heralded as one of the top zoological sites in the world. Guests can wander throughout the 98-acre park and see 1,200 varieties of plants and 300 species of desert animals. The mostly outdoor museum exhibits re-create the natural landscape of the Sonoran Desert Region. Museum officials say guests can see more than 300 animal species and 1,200 types of plants. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Call for admission prices.

Rhythm Room 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.612.4981, rhythmroom.com

Perhaps not the most elegant of music clubs in the area, but the Rhythm Room hosts some of the most popular blues and jazz acts in the country.

COMEDY CB Live Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 602.910.5161, cblive.com

CB Live is unique, separated into two sides by a retractable, soundproof sky wall. On one side is a restaurant “in the round” — a full-service eatery, bar and hotspot with a 270-degree view of the stage, which features nightly entertainment from local bands, acoustic acts and DJs. The kitchen is always open and features chef-driven comfort food favorites with a healthy twist from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays, including a kid’s menu. On the other end is the live side, a, state-of-the-art music, comedy and multiuse venue with the latest in lighting and video technology. See the website for detailed hours of the week.

Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy High Street, 5350 E. High Street, Suite 105, Phoenix, 480.420.3553, az.houseofcomedy.net

Live from Phoenix, Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy showcases some of the top acts in comedy. Visiting comedians have appeared hundreds of times on national and international television, and are widely regarded as groundbreaking and talented artists.

Stand Up Live CityScape, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.6100, phoenix.standuplive.com

The buzzworthy comedy showcase features big-name national acts, specialty drinks and global food. Check out the adjacent Copper Blues before or after shows.

Stir Crazy Comedy Club Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Suite E206, Glendale, 623.565.8667, stircrazycomedyclub.com

Stir Crazy Comedy Club is an intimate venue with a classy lounge feel in the heart of Westgate Entertainment District above Whiskey Rose.

Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre Cornerstone, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.9877, tempeimprov.com

Comedians generate laughs in this dinner theater setting with a full menu, bar service and a VIP area.

Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniature 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson, 520.881.0606, theminitimemachine.org

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures’ collection of miniatures includes over 500 antique and contemporary dollhouses and roomboxes, while special exhibitions highlight the breadth and diversity of the art of miniatures.

Pima Air and Space Museum 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, 520.974.0462, pimaair.org

Fans of flight will enjoy strolling through this museum, which is one of the world’s largest nongovernment-funded aerospace museums. The Pima Air and Space Museum sits on 80 acres and features over 350 historic aircraft, from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner. Since its May 1976 opening, the museum has grown and today encompasses six indoor exhibit hangars, with three dedicated to WWII. It has also been the home to the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame since 1991. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with the last admission being at 3 p.m. Call for admission prices.

TUCSON ATTRACTIONS Reid Park Zoo 3400 E. Zoo Court, Tucson, 520.791.3204, reidparkzoo.org

Founded in 1967, the Reid Park Zoo is a 24-acre city-owned and -operated nonprofit zoo located within Reid Park in midtown Tucson. Featuring more than 500 animals, the zoo was unofficially established in 1965 by Gene Reid, the parks and recreation director at the time. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Call for admission prices.

Tucson Museum of Art 140 N. Main Avenue, Tucson, 520.624.2333, tucsonmuseumofart.org

Spend a day Downtown at Tucson Museum of Art. Stroll through exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, Native American art, Latin American art, and art of the American West. Treat yourself to lunch, dessert, or a refreshing drink at Café a la C’Art. Listed as one of the top ten museum restaurants in the U.S. by Food & Wine Magazine. Browse the Museum Store for a wide selection of locally made jewelry and art, accessories, home goods, books, cards, toys and creative gifts.