Tempe (pop. 141,865) is east of Phoenix, and also adjacent to Scottsdale, Mesa and Chandler. Founded in 1872 by Charles Trumbell Hayden, Tempe is now the fifth largest city in Arizona.
The Arizona Historical Society Museum has interactive displays, exhibits and films that describe the history of the state.
Exhibits include agriculture and transportation, prominent individuals who helped to shaped Arizona, and the Wallace and Ladmo Show, one of the longest-running TV shows in history.
The library and archives are available to researchers along with thousands of photos and documents, such as maps and architectural drawings.
Address: The Arizona Historical Society Museum Central Arizona Division, 1300 North College Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States
Phone: 1 (480) 929-9499, Fax: 1 (480) 967-5450
Hours:
10am-4pm; Sun:12pm-4pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Free admission the first Saturday of each month.
Big Surf is a water park with man-made waves in a wave pool and beaches. Hurricane Falls is a speed slide while Captain Cooks Landing is perfect for the younger family members.
The Edna Vihel Center for the Arts exhibits the work of contemporary artists, many of the works are for sale. Visual and performing arts classes are also available to children and adults.
Address: Edna Vihel Center for the Arts, 3340 South Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85281-2812, United States
Phone: 1 (480) 350-5287, Fax: 1 (480) 350-5161
Hours:
8:30am-5pm; Closed: Sun, Sat
Tips: When classes are in session - Hours are:
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday
Fiddlesticks Family Fun Park is 20 acres of recreation for the whole family. Activities include mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, a video arcade, and rides for younger children.
Address: Fiddlesticks Family Fun Park, 1155 West Elliot Road, Tempe, AZ 85284, United States
Phone: 1 (480) 961-0800, Fax: 1 (480) 961-0427
Hours:
10am-10pm; Fri:10am-0am; Sat:10am-0am
Tips: Rate applies to unlimited ride pass or pay per attraction.
The Marquee Theatre (formerly Red River Opry) was built in Southwestern-style architecture. It was built for musical performances but this 1,000 seat theater has played host to a variety of events.
The Niels Petersen House Museum in Tempe was built in 1892 in the Queen Anne and Victorian styles. The exterior features gables, porches, balconies, and bay windows. The interior of the Niels Petersen House includes gold-leaf picture railing, 12-foot ceilings and hand-stenciled wallpaper borders.
Tips: Open during the Danish Christmas Open House (dates will vary).
The Salt River Project History Museum in Tempe has exhibits on the building of Theodore Roosevelt Dam and the canal systems on the Salt River. There is also Hohokam Indian artifacts on display and historic photographs.
The Tempe Historical Museum displays items from the the history of Tempe. The exhibits highlight the prehistoric Hohokam Indians, farmers who settled the community, and Charles Trumbull Hayden, who brought economic growth to the area. There are themed areas, a learning lounge, and kids' place.
Address: Tempe Historical Museum, 809 East Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85282-5205, United States
Phone: 1 (480) 350-5100, Fax: 1 (480) 350-5150
Hours:
10am-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Tips: Facilities: Museum store, research library and community room.
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Arizona State University, Tempe
Tempe, Phoenix
