National Arizona Day kicks off the first day of summer. Desert dwellers know this is the time of year that the only way to beat the heat is to head North, engage in watersports, or stay indoors. Below are some ideas to help you stay cool!
- Get out of Town
Located about 80 miles outside of Flagstaff, Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of Arizona’s most spectacular destinations. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 associated tribes, the Grand Canyon has something for everyone – hiking, camping, river rafting, horseback riding, fishing – even helicopter tours.
Flagstaff itself is also a great mountain town offering about 10 degrees cooler temperatures than the Valley during the summer months. Hang out around town or explore surrounding attractions including Walnut Canyon National Monument, Arizona Snowbowl, and Lowell Observatory.
To the northeast is the White Mountains, where you can indulge in more hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as golfing, kayaking, mountain biking, and more.
- Leisure at the Lake
There are numerous lakes in and around Arizona to help you relax and stay cool this summer. Two lakes closest to the Valley include Lake Pleasant and Bartlett Lake.
Unique to Lake Pleasant is Paqua Park at Scorpion Bay Marina. With a water obstacle course and H2-Whoa water slide, kids seven years and older can cool off while being active. The outdoor recreation area offers fishing, motorized boat rentals and camping as well.
Bartlett Lake was the first reservoir that was built on the Verde River and allows activities like fishing and boating. Surrounded by lush fields and open space, it’s a great place to camp as well.
- Air Conditioned Activities
One of the best ways to stay cool in the Valley is to explore the arts and culture at local museums. From history, natural history and Native American history to art, science, musical instruments and space, there are dozens of museums to choose from.
Paradise Valley Community College and the Maricopa County Community College District offer a Culture Pass Program, giving students free access to local museums.
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Help Keep the Community Safe and Hydrated
For those less fortunate, staying safe and hydrated as the temperatures rise can be challenging. Consider donating water to your local shelters, such as the Phoenix Rescue Mission, which launched its Code:Red campaign for the 11th year. Local municipalities also partner to bring relief to the streets.