How To Find Free Children's Activities in Phoenix

There are wonderful things to do with kids in the Phoenix rea. Sometimes, though, budget may be an issue. Here are some free activities for children that will make everyone happy.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Most of the day
Here's How:


Go fishing at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. With 125 acres and a huge recreation center, there's always plenty to do there.
Take your kids to the library. All of the area libraries have story times for the younger kids, and programs and events for the older ones.
There are places where you and the kids can take a behind-the-scenes tour, and some of them, like the Stuffington Bear Factory and Cerreta Candy Company are free.
Got skates or a skateboard? The valley now has several skate parks. Novice skaters can watch the more experienced ones practice.
I don't believe a week goes by in this town without some community having a free festival or concert. Bring juice boxes, water and snacks.
Have you always wanted to climb Piestewa Peak? It's fun, pretty and healthy! Not necessarily a summer activity, though. Bring water and light snacks.
Have your kids ever seen petroglyphs? Take a hike at Waterfall Trail in the West Valley.
Home Depot has monthly classes for kids that allow them to build something. They get to wear an apron, learn how to use tools, get free materials, and leave with a masterpiece. Lakeshore Learning Store also offers free project / craft classes for kids.
Take the kids swimming. here are community swimming pools all around the valley. Most charge a very nominal fee. If your kids don't swim yet, many of the area parks now have splash pads or splash playgrounds during the summer.
Every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4 p.m., "Wildflower Kids" enjoy a complimentary cookie, milk and activity at Wildflower Bread Company with locations in Phoenix, Goodyear, Scottsdale, Tempe and Chandler.
Put the bikes in the back of the SUV and drive to a beautiful park, like South Mountain, and go for a family bike ride. If it is too hot for that, just go for a scenic car ride.
Are the kids old enough to sit in the car for awhile? A drive on the Apache Trail is scary and a lot of fun.
The City of Phoenix, and other cities and towns in the Greater Phoenix area, often hold free summer sports clinics for kids, like golf and tennis. Check your city's recreation department and sign them up!
Arrowhead Mall in Glendale, Chandler Fashion Center in Chandler and others have indoor play areas for the little ones. The kids love it! At Superstition Springs Mall in Mesa, there's a carousel that kids (and adults) can ride for a nominal charge. The Westcor Malls all have a Kids Club that meets regularly for both fun and entertainment.
Projects with the kids are entertaining and (shhhh. . .) educational. Make something cool (a kite? a planter?) out of stuff around the house.
Tips:

Every week I blog about the coming week's free activities. Some are fun, some are educational, some are artsy, some are even for adults, but they are all free. Check here for the most recent "Free Things To Do" list.
Take your kids to different neighborhoods around town, so they can experience different sights and people.
Get on mailing lists for nearby libraries, so you can get the events calendars in the mail or by email. These aren't just book discussion programs anymore--the libraries in Arizona are very creative.
Visit the web sites for the various cities and towns of the area and check out their recreation departments. They all have one!
Get a free meal for your kids! Many restaurants in the Valley have a Kids Eat Free program.