What To Do in Arizona
Indoor Attractions — Beat the Heat!
OdySea Aquarium
The Southwest’s largest aquarium, featuring over 30,000 animals across impressive themed exhibits. Entirely indoors and air-conditioned — perfect for August. All ages will enjoy the sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and interactive touch pools.
Butterfly Wonderland
America’s largest indoor butterfly conservatory, located right next to OdySea Aquarium. Walk through a lush rainforest conservatory surrounded by thousands of free-flying butterflies. Also features a 3D movie theater, reptile exhibit, and rainforest birds.
Musical Instrument Museum
A one-of-a-kind museum celebrating music from every culture around the world. Each exhibit lets you hear instruments being played from their home country. The hands-on Experience Gallery lets visitors of all ages play unique instruments — a truly uplifting experience for the whole family.
Arizona Science Center
Five floors of hands-on science exhibits, a giant-screen theater, and a planetarium. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the interactive displays on space, technology, and the natural world. A great full-day destination that is entirely indoors.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Over one million LEGO bricks, themed rides, a 4-D cinema, and creative build-and-play areas spread across 40,000 square feet. A fantastic choice for families with younger children. Located inside Arizona Mills mall so you can also shop or dine nearby.
Crayola Experience
Right here in Chandler! A colorful hands-on attraction where kids and families can name their own crayons, create spin art, sculpt with Model Magic, and transform drawings into digital animations. Fun for all ages and completely indoors.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
One of the top children’s museums in the nation, designed for children up to age 10. Features imaginative hands-on exhibits encouraging creativity, learning, and play. A wonderful environment that inspires curiosity and wonder in young minds.
Heard Museum
A world-renowned museum dedicated to the art and culture of Native American peoples of the Southwest. Beautiful galleries showcasing pottery, jewelry, textiles, and contemporary art. An enriching celebration of indigenous heritage and history.
Pueblo Grande Museum
Built on a 1,500-year-old Hohokam archaeological site, this museum offers a fascinating look at an ancient civilization. Features an accessible outdoor trail through prehistoric ruins alongside indoor galleries with artifacts. Best visited early morning in August.
Chandler Museum
Located just minutes from the hotel, the Chandler Museum tells the history of the city through rotating exhibits and a permanent collection. Admission is completely free, making it a great option for a relaxed morning visit with the family.
Day Trips Worth the Drive
Tips for August Day Trips
- Depart early — aim to leave by 6:00-7:00 AM to reach outdoor sites before peak heat.
- Bring plenty of water — at least 1 liter per person per hour of outdoor activity.
- Wear light clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen (SPF 50+).
- Plan to be back indoors or at the hotel by early afternoon.
Grand Canyon National Park
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World — a breathtaking testament to the majesty of God’s creation. No reservation needed. Walk the Rim Trail for stunning views without strenuous hiking. See the full guide below for everything you need to know before you go.
Sedona
Famous for its stunning red rock formations and peaceful atmosphere. Sedona features art galleries, boutique shops, and scenic drives that require no hiking at all. Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village is a beautiful, walkable cultural center. Cooler than Phoenix by about 10 degrees F.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
A living cave system that stays at a cool 70 degrees F year-round — a welcome escape from August heat! One of the most pristine cave systems in the world, with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours are required and must be booked well in advance as they sell out quickly.
Grand Canyon — Complete Visitor Guide
Everything you need to know before making the trip
Getting There from the Hotel
- Total drive: approximately 3.5 hours (225 miles)
- Take I-10 West to I-17 North toward Flagstaff
- From Flagstaff, take US-180 North to AZ-64 North into the park
- Depart the hotel no later than 6:00 AM to arrive before the heat and crowds
- GPS: “Grand Canyon South Entrance Station” or “Grand Canyon Village, AZ”
Entrance Fees (2026)
- Private vehicle (up to all passengers): $35 — valid for 7 consecutive days
- Motorcycle: $30
- Individual (on foot or bicycle): $20 per person
- America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 — covers entrance for all occupants
- Cash is no longer accepted — credit/debit cards only
- No advance reservation or timed entry is required
August Weather at the Rim
- South Rim elevation is 7,000 ft — noticeably cooler than Phoenix (about 85-90 degrees F at the rim)
- August is monsoon season — expect dramatic skies and possible afternoon thunderstorms after 2 PM
- Morning visits (7-11 AM) offer the best weather and lighting for photos
- Bring a light jacket — temperatures can drop quickly if storms roll in
Best Things to See and Do
- Mather Point: The most iconic viewpoint, just steps from the Visitor Center — stunning panoramic views of the canyon
- Yavapai Point: Features a geology museum and 180-degree views — great for learning about the canyon’s formation
- The Rim Trail: A mostly flat, paved 13-mile trail along the canyon edge — walk as little or as much as you like. Accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Shuttle buses run along the trail so you can hop on and off.
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center: Start here — excellent exhibits, ranger talks, and an air-conditioned IMAX theater showing a canyon film (great midday escape from the heat)
- Desert View Watchtower: A 70-foot stone tower at the east end of the park with sweeping canyon views — less crowded than the main Village area
Practical Tips
- Arrive before 9:30 AM — entrance lines can reach 2 hours between 9:30 AM and 4 PM in summer
- Free shuttle buses operate throughout the South Rim — no need to drive between viewpoints once inside
- Bring more water than you think you need — dehydration is the most common emergency at the canyon
- Do NOT attempt to hike down into the canyon in August — inner canyon temperatures exceed 120 degrees F and it is extremely dangerous
- Dining is available at the El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge inside the park
- Cell service is very limited inside the park — download offline maps before you go
Shopping and Family-Friendly Dining
Chandler Fashion Center
A large, fully air-conditioned indoor mall located just minutes from the hotel. Features over 180 stores and a food court with a wide variety of dining options. A convenient and comfortable way to spend a few hours, especially during the hottest part of the day.
San Tan Village
A beautiful open-air lifestyle shopping center with a mix of popular stores and restaurants. Many locations are air-conditioned. A great spot for a relaxed afternoon of shopping and dining with the family.
Arizona Mills
Arizona’s largest outlet and value retail center with over 180 stores — all indoors and air-conditioned. Located near LEGOLAND Discovery Center, making it easy to combine both in one trip. Great for bargain shopping with the whole family.