What to do and see in Mesa, Arizona (AZ): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

Imagine immersing yourself into a real life video game. Escape Adventure is a reality based escape game for individuals, families, friends and colleagues. The premise of the adventure is that a team is locked in a themed room with only 60 minutes to escape. Teams must work together in search of hidden objects, clues, codes, riddles and puzzles to solve an assortment of challenges to escape.

There is no better way to enjoy the cool water, escape the summer heat, and marvel at the beautiful wilderness that is the Tonto National Forest than to go kayaking on the water! As you paddle below thousand-foot cliffs keep your eyes open for the native wildlife. These sit-on-top kayaks are very stable and easy to maneuver; after a fifteen-minute orientation, even beginners are ready to go! SLR’s tubing experience on the Lower Salt River provides a fun, refreshing, and scenic float that families and outdoors-lovers can enjoy; it is the perfect vantage point to take in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Ten Major League Baseball teams hold their spring training in Arizona.

The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the premier natural history museum in Arizona. It is dedicated to inspire wonder, respect, and understanding for the natural and cultural history of the Southwest. Explore Arizona and the Southwest from the creation of the earth 4.5 Billion years ago to the present. See the origins of life on earth, meteorites and minerals. In Dinosaur Hall, discover some of the biggest dinosaurs that ever lived, and on Dinosaur Mountain see how some appeared and sounded in a natural context. In a Walk through Time, explore ancient Arizona's Paleozoic Seas, Triassic Petrified Forest, monsters of the Cretaceous Seas, and the first animals to fly. "Rulers of the Prehistoric Skies", our newest exhibit, presents the amazing diversity of Pterosaurs, the flying reptiles of the Mesozoic. Neither dinosaurs nor birds, Pterosaurs ruled the skies from about 225 to 65 million years ago.

Phoenix Comedy, Comedy Classes, Corporate Entertainment | Jester'Z Improv Comedy is the best comedy show in Phoenix. Providing entertainment since 2001!

The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum is one of Phoenix’s top-rated attractions. You can learn how airplanes were used throughout the history of combat and feel the radial engines on our Warbirds rumble as they come to life. Our museum is home to authentic war artifacts and hundreds of exhibits that chronicle the stories of people who rose to meet extraordinary challenges. Climb aboard one of the rarest B-17 Bombers in the world, “Sentimental Journey,” or better yet, book a once-in-a-lifetime ride on any of our seven flying WWII airplanes. Our friendly, knowledgeable docents will bring to life the tales of combat heroes like the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Air Service Pilots who overcame tremendous obstacles to serve our country. Watch aircraft mechanics at work and then stop by our PX Museum Gift Store for unique gifts and war memorabilia. As an educational non-profit 501(c)3, we are a great place for children to learn about the history that has shaped the United States.

Designed by landscape architect LeRoy Brady, the Desert Southwest's largest rose garden, where nearly 8000 rose bushes bloom in the desert. Take time to smell the roses by taking a stroll through The Garden and view its tremendous number of vibrant colors, flower forms and growth habits. The terrace areas of the East and West gardens can be reserved for intimate settings such as weddings, music ensembles, theatrical readings, and art displays. Tours are also available.

The Mesa Arts Center mission is to inspire people through engaging arts experiences that are diverse, accessible, and relevant. Owned and operated by the City of Mesa, Arizona’s largest arts center is recognized as an international award-winning venue. The unique and architecturally stunning facility is home to four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 art studios and an artist cooperative gallery.

Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been cruising the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. Relax in air-conditioned comfort on one of her 90 minute narrated cruises and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls and dramatic desert vistas. This is the perfect spot for both Arizona residents and out-of-town guests. Private charters are also available for an unforgettable wedding, birthday, anniversary or office party. Whatever you choose, The Desert Belle is a unique way to enjoy all the beauty that Arizona has to offer.