Yes, we know it can get hot in Arizona during the summer, but that doesn’t mean the fun stops! From cool golf sessions to refreshing water activities, there’s plenty to keep you entertained as the summer season winds down. Here are our recommendations on some must-do activities to enjoy before the season ends.
Swing Into Summer Golf
Scottsdale is home to some of the best golf courses in the country, and summer offers a unique opportunity to enjoy these courses at a fraction of the cost. Many courses offer earlier tee times to help you avoid the midday heat, and some even offer iced and scented hand towels to help cool you down. Additionally, you can find great deals on green fees, golf packages, and even luxury accommodations at nearby resorts. Courses like Troon North Golf Club and TPC Scottsdale are renowned for their challenging layouts and stunning desert landscapes.
For a unique twist, try your hand at night golf. Experience the thrill of playing under the night sky with glow-in-the-dark balls and illuminated courses. Grass Clippings offers a unique night golf experience where you can play under the stars, making for a fun and memorable outing. Their courses are set up with LED lights, and you can enjoy a different perspective on your favorite game. Another option is Continental Golf Club, located in Scottsdale. They host Glow Golf events where you can play in the dark with glowing golf balls and lit-up fairways. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the game without the daytime heat, and the atmosphere is lively and entertaining.
Night Golf at Grass Clippings
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream
When the temperatures soar, there’s nothing better than cooling down with a delicious scoop of ice cream. Arizona boasts an array of ice cream shops offering delectable treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic flavors to unique creations, there’s something for everyone.
Local shops like Sweet Republic and Churn are beloved for their artisanal ice cream, handmade with the freshest ingredients. Sweet Republic is known for creative flavors like Honey Blue Cheese and Black Sesame, while Churn offers a nostalgic vibe with classic flavors and homemade cookies. Jeni’s Ice Creams is a classic favorite located at the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, where you can stop by for a scoop made-from-scratch to give yourself a tasty break while exploring the neighborhood. But our top pick would be Sugar Bowl, a charming and iconic ice cream parlor in Old Town Scottsdale. Serving up delightful ice cream treats since 1958, this retro ice cream parlor offers a wide range of sundaes, milkshakes, and floats, all in a whimsical setting that will transport you back in time.
Sugar Bowl in Old Town Scottsdale
Some exciting news in the ice cream scene, is the news of Salt & Straw, a nation-wide favorite, opening its first location in Arizona. Known for its adventurous flavor combinations and commitment to quality ingredients, Salt & Straw is bringing its innovative and mouthwatering flavors like Honey Lavender to the desert. Their ice cream is made in small batches, ensuring every scoop is perfect!
Ice cream by Salt & Straw
Make a Splash: Water Fun Adventures
Escape the heat by diving into some refreshing water activities. Many mistake Arizona for a dusty and dry desert, but actually there are plenty of options for water-based fun, whether you’re looking to relax by the pool or enjoy thrilling water sports at the lakes. You could experience high-end resorts and their amenities without booking an overnight stay with ResortPass. The day pass opens up at door to a myriad of options—from luxurious pools with cabanas, swim-up bars, to lazy rivers—providing the perfect way to cool off. Even better, GoodNight Stay guests can get passes with a 10% discount. Make sure to inquire for the discount code if you are a guest—you do NOT want to pass on this opportunity!
For family-friendly adventures, Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor water park that offers a wide range of water slides, wave pools, and splash zones. It’s perfect for families looking for a fun day out, and the indoor setting ensures you can enjoy the water activities without worrying about the sun.
Floating obstacles at Paqua Park
For those seeking more thrilling water experiences, check out Paqua Park, a floating water park located at Lake Pleasant, less than an hour away from Scottsdale. If you’re up to explore the open water even further, Pleasant Water Sports provides everything from jet ski rentals to paddle-boarding on Lake Pleasant, ensuring an action-packed day under the sun.
Pamper Yourself: Spa Days
Scottsdale is home to some of the best spas in the country, offering a range of treatments designed to help you relax and rejuvenate. The Spa at Camelback Inn is renowned for its luxurious treatments and stunning views of Camelback Mountain. Similarly, the Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers personalized wellness programs, including massages, facials, and fitness classes. For a modern twist on traditional spa services, CLOVR Life Spa offers a variety of treatments that blend relaxation with a social atmosphere. From massages to facials, CLOVR provides a unique spa experience that’s both rejuvenating and fun.
The Spa at Camelback Inn
If you’re feeling too hot to go out even for a spa session, we have solutions for you! We have partnered with Revitalize Mobile IV Hydration, who brings hydration therapy right to your door, offering a range of IV treatments to help you feel your best. Another one of GoodNight Stay’s proud partners, Pure Knead Massage, can bring in-home massage services directly to your GoodNight Stay vacation rental, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing massage without having to go anywhere!
Soak Up the Sun with Summer-Only Events
As summer draws to a close, Arizona comes alive with a variety of unique events that you won’t want to miss. These summer-only events offer a fantastic way to enjoy the last of the season’s festivities and make some unforgettable memories.
Arizona’s largest aquarium, the OdySea Aquarium, hosts Summer Games, a fun-filled event where you can participate in various activities while exploring marine life. The aquarium features interactive exhibits, a 3D movie experience, and unique events tailored to both kids and adults.
The OdySea Aquarium
Or a truly unique Arizona-summer-only event is the Saturday Starlight train hosted by Verde Canyon Railroad. On Saturday nights until September 14th, 2024, guests can travel through the canyons under the stars. Just imagine—the twinkling stars, the grandiose canyon landscapes, the rhythmical engine of the train, all under the luminous glow of the moon-kissed skies.
The Desert Botanical Garden is another treasure trove of summer activities. On select evenings, the garden hosts Flashlight Nights, where you can explore the trails under the stars with a flashlight in hand. These nights feature a range of activities, including live music, animal encounters, and interactive exhibits, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages. On August 16th and September 20th, the garden is hosting Sonoran Sippin’, where you can sip on refreshing beverages, listen to live music, and take in the stunning desert landscape. These events provide a perfect way to unwind and appreciate the unique flora of the Sonoran Desert. Don’t forget to take advantage of the garden’s Hot Summer Deals, which offer discounted admission and special promotions throughout the summer. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the garden without breaking the bank!
Sonoran Sippin’ at The Desert Botanical Garden
Make the Most of Your Arizona Summer with GoodNight Stay
Don’t let the summer heat deter you from having an amazing time in Arizona. With these fun summer activities and events, you can make the most of the remaining summer days. Whether you’re golfing, indulging in ice cream, splashing around in water parks, relaxing at a spa, or attending special events, Arizona offers endless opportunities for enjoyment. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy their summer vacation, including families trying to end the season with a bang before the children’s school year starts again.
To make things even better, book a home with GoodNight Stay—we have special discounts going on that will not disappoint! On top of our already low summer rates, our Summer Sale offers an additional 15% off reservations for summer dates before 8/31/24, while our Labor Day Sale offers an additional 20% off reservations between 8/29/24 – 9/3/24 for select Arizona homes. Enjoy all the comforts of home with the convenience of our well-appointed vacation rentals. So, grab your sunscreen, stay hydrated, and make the most of the summer season with GoodNight Stay!
