A friend recently visited the Phoenix Art Museum – with kids! And they enjoyed it! This summer, as we all struggle with high gas prices and high grocery bills, check out all the FREE stuff to do around the Valley (find out about regular hours and prices in Get Out on Thursdays or our Events Calendar).Free free to e-mail or add comments about places I’ve missed.
Phoenix Art Museum, free Tuesdays after 3 p.m. Scottsdale Art Walk, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Many galleries open their doors. Main Street and Marshall WayMesa Contemporary Arts, free on Thursdays
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, free on Thursdays
Mesa Historical Museum, free on Second Saturday of the month
Tempe Splash Playground, Tempe Town Lake (Before I returned to work full time, my kids and I frequented this place just about weekly in the summer.)
San Tan Village, Children’s Play Area (I haven’t been here, but I understand it’s kiddo-friendly.)
Chandler Spray Pads and Splash Park: Chuparosa Park, Desert Breeze Park, Espee Park
Several public pools offer free swims once a month or during special events. Call for details. Or check out the Tribune’s project on public pools .