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Free and Cheap in Phoenix

Want to enjoy Phoenix without racking up the bills? Find free things to do in Greater Phoenix, including outdoors activities, museums, and more near you. If you're looking for more, find free events happening now or soon on our events calendar

Free Museum Days

Jump into Phoenix's rich arts and culture scene with free museum admission, offered specific days throughout the month. 

  • Heard Museum: Discover the region's American Indian culture through history and art. Free admission is 6 p.m.–10 p.m. every first Friday of the month (except March), and the third Saturday of the month 11 a.m.–5 p.m., June through August.

  • Phoenix Art Museum: The Southwest's largest collection of classic and contemporary art offers free admission every Wednesday from 3 p.m.– 7 p.m. and the first Friday of the month from 3 p.m.– 9 p.m.

  • Desert Botanical Garden: This must-see Phoenix attraction houses thousands of desert plants on acres of trails. Admission is free all day the second Tuesday of every month.

  • Children's Museum of Phoenix: Kids up to age 10 can crawl, play and create at this imaginative museum for free from 5 p.m.–9 p.m. the first Friday of the month.

  • Penske Racing Museum: Check out this collection of cars, trophies and racing memorabilia chronicling the career of one of the most successful dynasties in all of sports, including a replica of the 1963 Pontiac Catalina which Roger Penske drove to victory in the 1963 Riverside 250. Admission is always free. 

  • Mesa Arts Center: Arizona's largest arts center is located in Phoenix's East Valley city of Mesa. The five art galleries in its Contemporary Arts Museum are always free to browse.

  • Arizona Capitol Museum: Free historical and educational exhibits are housed in the Capitol Building under a dome made from copper, the state's official metal.

  • Arizona State University Art Museum: Don't be fooled by the fact that this museum is housed on ASU campus in Tempe — it's one of the best local museums for contemporary art. Even better is the fact that it's always free to check out. 

Outdoor Activities

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  • Explore the Trails: The city's desert trails cross every corner of the metro area—and they are always free to bike, hike or ride. Download or request a pocket-sized version of our Phoenix Trail Guide for maps and trail picks for every level. Check out our top picks for hikes, biking, running, and more below. 

  • Take a Guided Tour: For just a $6 per-car fee, you can join Maricopa County Parks' guided events and explore the outdoors on wildflower walks, moonlit hikes, scorpion hunts and more.

  • Picnics: Phoenix has an abundance of beautiful parks that are perfect for a picnic. Check out some top spots, as well as nearby spots to pick up food. 

  • Take a Scenic Drive: Hit the open road and see some beautiful views while you're at it. There's some gorgeous scenery to catch on these drives

  • Farmers Markets: See all the delicious foods and artisan goods at Phoenix farmers markets — it's free to walk around, but you may want to bring a couple bucks to splurge on some treats. See when and where the farmers markets take place here

  • Movement in the Courtyard: The Churchill in downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt Row hosts a donation-based fitness class every Saturday at 10 a.m., with a rotation on styles and instructors. 

  • Take a Self-Guided Mural Tour: Downtown Phoenix has a plethora of eye-catching murals, perfect for selfies and photo backgrounds. Check out our favorite murals around town at the moment. 

  • Splash Pads: Cool off with refreshing family fun at splash pads. CityScape, Fountain Park at WestGate City Center, Scottsdale Quarter and Outlets at Anthem are just a few shopping centers with free water features.

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