Mesa is a beautiful spot in Arizona with lots of fun ways to spend the day. Forget the board games in the house and head out on an adventure with these top 10 fun family things to do this weekend.
- Arizona Museum of Natural History
- I.D.E.A. Museum
- Pioneer Park
- Salt River Tubing
- Riverview Park
- Organ Stop Pizza
- Downtown Mesa
- Mountain Regional Park
- Horseback Riding
- Golfland and Sunsplash
With so many activities celebrating the natural wonder that is Mesa, Arizona, there’s no reason to stay bored over the weekend! The rest of this article will walk you through each of these options to determine which one is best for you.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Arizona’s Museum of Natural History is a statewide treasure, and with constant programs and events, the museum is a great place for kids, too. Inside, you’ll find collections on archaeology, geology, natural history, and paleontology, with over 58,000 items held for the state of Arizona.
Whether it’s an anthropological journey into the native cultures of western North America or a journey back in time 75 million years—you decide your adventure at this incredible museum!
I.D.E.A. Museum
The I.D.E.A. Museum features attractions and exhibits for kids of all ages and encourages them to design, imagine, and build their very own projects. With over 40 artworks featuring 15 different artists, the I.D.E.A. museum is a great environment for learning.
You can also be your own architect and do the following in I.D.E.A.’s specially designed areas:
- Build a fort in the atrium
- Visit the world of Minecraft in the green screen room
- Design your own architectural model in the Make a Model room
Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park is a great recreational activity for the whole family, featuring slides, swings, a massive playground, and a zero-depth splash pad for young-uns.
The 9000 square feet of playground makes this park a great place to spread out and let your kids run wild in the massive play area, and you can break for lunch under the shaded picnic ramada. Or stop by the food truck/food court area to grab some grub and visit the historic train and monuments nearby.
Salt River Tubing
Salt River Tubing is a great way to enjoy an afternoon on the water. Available for up to 5 hour float adventures, river tubing is a spectacular option to get outside and enjoy Arizona’s natural beautiful landscape, and at just over $20 a person, it’s not too taxing on the wallet either.
Just be sure your kids are at least 8 years old and above 4 feet. Be sure to stay hydrated in the tube, wear sunscreen, and put on a hat to beat the heat!
Riverview Park
Riverview Park is a great place to spend an afternoon, blending a beautiful natural landscape with fun-filled play areas and splash pads.
Kitted out with a 50-foot-tall climbing tower and a 60-foot long mesh rope structure, the park isn’t short on kid-friendly adventures.
Shaded picnic areas with tables make the experience even better, offering a great place to spend lunch. And at the low, low price of free, Riverview Park is a must-see experience for visitors to Mesa.
Organ Stop Pizza
Did someone say pizza? A local gem, Organ Stop Pizza is a truly unique experience that blends good music and good food. It plays home to the largest Wurlitzer theater organ in the world, an organ that’s played nightly in the restaurant. A landmark attraction, Organ Stop Pizza is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience that the family won’t soon forget.
Downtown Mesa
Downtown Mesa is home to a vibrant cultural landscape that you have to see to believe. Discover public art, experience the local cuisine, and listen to live music.
Whatever your tastes, there’s no denying that Downtown Mesa’s got soul. Hosting a myriad of different events every year for the whole family, this isn’t a place you want to miss when spending time in Mesa.
Mountain Regional Park
With lots of great hiking trails for beginners, Usery Mountain Regional Park is a spending place to get outside and see the rugged natural landscape of Arizona. Great for barbeque grills, this park spans over 3600 acres and offers camping, archery, and nearly 30 miles of trails to cater to any adventurous family.
This is a truly wild spot showcasing the Arizona wilderness, so be sure to come prepared to spend the day admiring the tremendous sights of mountains and prairies.
Horseback Riding
Another way to enjoy the natural trails that make Arizona so beautiful is through horseback riding. With locations all around Mesa, horseback riding is one of those activities that you have to try at least once in your life, and pairing the majesty of riding on a horse with the natural wonder of the Arizona landscape makes for a splendid way to spend the day.
Golfland and Sunsplash
Let out your wild side at Golfland and Sunsplash, two adjacent amusement parks featuring—you guessed it—mini golf and a splash park. Golfland features go karting, arcade games, and bumper boats on an exclusive lake.
Similarly, during the summer, guests can experience Sunsplash, an amusement park with 30 different water themed rides, as well as a wave pool.
Test your limits on Thunder Bay, Sidewinder, the Cauldron, and Double Dare. Challenge your family in the activity pool to a game of basketball or attempt to cross the lily pads without falling.
Once you’re tuckered out for the day, take a cruise on the 800-foot-long lazy river on a free inner tube to soak up the sun.
With pizza from King’s Kitchen and snacks from the Oasis Snack Bar, you don’t have to worry about keeping everyone well-fed at Golfland and Sunsplash.
Conclusion
Mesa, Arizona is a beautiful place with hot, hot summers, but don’t let that discourage you from getting out and seeing the sights of Arizona’s natural beauty.
Head to Mountain Regional Park and hit the trails or expand your mind at the I.D.E.A. Museum. Whatever suits your family’s interests, there’s always something to do over the weekend in Mesa.
