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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown Mesa's best

Fun activities

The afternoon is wide open and the city streets are calling for something to do.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Arizona Museum of Natural History image 1
Arizona Museum of Natural History image 2
Arizona Museum of Natural History image 3
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Natural history museum

Museum features life-size dinosaur skeletons and an interactive gold panning zone for hands-on fun. Nostalgic atmosphere welcomes families with children to explore fossils and native art. Clean, accessible spaces blend older design with engaging play areas.

Hands-on activities like panning for gold offer interactive fun. Exhibits include fossils, native art, and interactive displays that engage all ages.

People are saying

"I loved the dinosaur exhibits and all the fossils."

"It's a great kid-friendly place, especially for dinosaur lovers."

"It's a blast for kids with awesome hands-on activities."

Good to know

1

Kids under three get free admission, making it family-friendly.

2

The museum lacks a designated eating area, so plan snacks accordingly.

3

Getting there early is recommended to avoid crowds, especially in outdoor areas.

02
Mad Candy image 1
Candy store

Whimsical candy store offers Instagram-worthy photo spots and a Willy Wonka-inspired wonderland vibe. Extensive candy selection includes rare and specialty flavors. Fun decorations and an awesome mural make birthday parties darling and playful.

Decorations cover every inch with fun details and many photo-ops. Parking behind the building offers a chance to see an awesome mural. Birthday parties there feel darling and fun.

People are saying

"I found the candy selection unique, with nostalgic classics and extreme sour options I loved the pickle flavors."

"It's a fun, whimsical place with unique candy and decorations."

"You'll find so many unique candies and nostalgic classics here."

Good to know

1

Mad Candy has a huge variety of candies, including sugar-free and vegan options.

2

Parking is available in the lot behind the building, featuring a fun mural.

3

Prices at Mad Candy are generally lower than most stores in the area.

03
The Neighborhood Comedy Theatre image 1
Performing arts theater

Small theater offers family-friendly comedy with natural audience interaction. Cozy space includes The Sacred Pint bar, making it a community hub. Shows bring lots of laughs and feature local talent for a fun, spontaneous vibe.

Shows feature audience interaction that stays fun without putting anyone on stage. Performances bring lots of laughs and create a very enjoyable atmosphere.

People are saying

"This local spot has a warm, welcoming, and passionate atmosphere."

"It's a great place to learn improv and make friends."

"I found the night out to be fun and enjoyable."

Good to know

1

The open mic event takes place every Sunday at 4 PM.

2

Competitive comedy shows occur on Saturday nights, showcasing local talent.

3

Some shows feature clean, family-friendly comedy with no cursing.

04
Level 1 Arcade Bar image 1
Video arcade

Multi-level arcade bar blends retro games with a full bar and extensive beer selection. Chill yet lively vibe suits casual hangouts and date nights. Upstairs features well-maintained pinball machines and dart tournaments add a fun, competitive edge.

Arcade games offer a lively way to pass time, paired with fun cocktails to enjoy. Dart tournaments add a competitive edge, making it a spot where everyone can relax and have fun.

People are saying

"It's packed with nostalgia, playing old school arcade games feels like being a kid again."

"I loved the classic arcade games and pinball machines here."

"It's a great spot for date nights with old school arcade games."

Good to know

1

Dart tournaments are held regularly, providing fun for both players and spectators.

2

Pinball tournaments take place on Wednesdays, attracting enthusiasts.

3

The arcade requires cash for tokens to play games.

05
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum image 1

Small art museum offers modern architecture and a quiet atmosphere. Frequent exhibit changes showcase local and national artists. Surrounding gardens add to the welcoming vibe and make visits fun and engaging.

Regular updates keep exhibits fresh and interesting. The museum is small but offers a fun experience that makes walking through it enjoyable.

People are saying

"The art exhibits here are free to visit."

"The contemporary exhibits here are always thought-provoking and beautifully curated."

"I found the experience to be so much fun."

Good to know

1

The museum offers free admission, making it accessible to everyone.

2

Exhibits change every couple of months, so check back often for new art.

3

There is plenty of free parking available behind the museum.

06
Outcast Doughnuts image 1

Bright colorful decor and pink plush couches create a fun, chill vibe. Retro Nintendo games and an 80-inch projector playing Mario Kart keep guests entertained. Unique handmade doughnuts pair perfectly with a cute bar offering beer, cocktails, and mimosa flights for a lively experience.

A big projector plays Mario Kart, making it a hit for kids. Beer flights paired with mini donuts add a fun twist for all ages. The mix of sweet and savory cronuts creates a lively and enjoyable vibe.

People are saying

"These croissant donuts are flaky and delicious."

"It's a cool place with a great vibe."

"The donuts here are mindblowingly good and creatively made."

Good to know

1

Free coffee and donuts for the first 50 customers from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

2

The road is closed for an event, limiting access to the store.

3

They offer a wide variety of creative doughnut options.

07
Old Brick House Market image 1

Cozy vintage market offers beautifully restored furniture and a lively atmosphere for fun exploring. Unique pieces inspire creative decorating ideas while quality and variety keep visits enjoyable.

Walking through time creates a unique and fun experience. The market offers a lively atmosphere that makes exploring enjoyable.

People are saying

"I found the market to be very vintage and charming."

"I found it to be a fun place to roam and explore."

"I found the market's displays beautifully curated and inspiring."

Good to know

1

The market features a variety of antiques and decorative items for home decor.

2

Expect to find unique vintage pieces among the curated displays.

3

The market is known for its creative decorating ideas and beautifully arranged displays.

08
Mesa Arts Center image 1

Small venue with great acoustics offers an elegant space for live shows and community classes. Affordable glass blowing classes and family festivals add fun and creativity. Comfortable seating and excellent views make every visit inviting.

Affordable and fun art classes like glass blowing let people create unique items. The venue hosts family-friendly festivals, fun shows, and group walks, making it a lively spot for various activities.

People are saying

"The staff at the Performing Arts venue were so helpful and cheerful."

"The art galleries here have thought-provoking and contemporary pieces."

"I found the shadow walk and art classes to be great fun."

Good to know

1

Parking is available across the street from the main entrance and is free.

2

I found plenty of ADA seating available at Mesa Arts Center.

3

I attended the ballet Cinderella performed by the World Ballet Company.

09
Ikeda Theater image 1
Performing arts theater

Modern theater boasts excellent acoustics and comfortable seating with legroom and drink holders. Lively events like tournament gaming and classic movie nights create a fun atmosphere. Friendly staff and wheelchair accessibility ensure a welcoming experience for all.

Watching tournament gamers and classic movies with superfans creates a lively atmosphere. The staff are personable and add to the fun vibe throughout various events.

People are saying

"The theater for performing arts is absolutely gorgeous."

"The seats were comfortable with plenty of leg room."

"It's so fun watching movies with superfans who clap and say lines along."

Good to know

1

Parking garage is one block away and costs $10.

2

Arrive early to secure parking in the nearby garage.

3

The theater has comfortable seating with no bad views.

10
Mesa Amphitheatre image 1
Amphitheater

Outdoor amphitheater offers intimate setting with tiered grassy seating and clear sound. Live music and shows feature engaging performers like Lovejoy, creating a lively atmosphere. Space allows both sitting and standing for a comfortable vibe.

Evenings feature live music and fun shows with engaging performers like Lovejoy. The venue offers a unique atmosphere that keeps events lively and entertaining.

People are saying

"It's a great place for live shows with a small, intimate feel."

"It's a great outdoor space with ample room to spread out."

"I found it to be a unique and fun venue for a show."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $10 cash at the venue's parking lot.

2

Arrive early to secure parking as it fills up quickly.

3

Only one water bottle is allowed per person, and caps must be removed.

11
The Rosetta Room image 1
Event venue

Small venue with a low stage offers an intimate setting for live music. Excellent sound system delivers clear, loud audio that fills the space. Warm, lively atmosphere keeps energy high and creates a fun experience with chill areas to relax.

Live music sounds intimate and clear thanks to the sound system. The atmosphere creates a fun experience that keeps energy high.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here are small and intimate."

"I found plenty of parking available nearby."

"I had so much fun, it was a great time!"

Good to know

1

The Rosetta Room has a capacity of 400 for events and concerts.

2

Free parking is available east of the venue in an open lot.

3

Tobacco products are not permitted inside the venue.

12
Alchemy 48 image 1

Basement speakeasy offers a 1920s prohibition vibe with purple velvet walls and unique lighting. Signature cocktails like feathered Peacocks bring creative mixology to life. Live jazz and kitschy decor create a lively spot for fun and hanging out.

Fun vibes come from the kitschy decor and feathered Peacocks cocktails. Popular music plays with a fun twist, making it a lively spot for drinks and hanging out.

People are saying

"It's a cool place with a super comfortable atmosphere and couches."

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

"Finding the secret door downstairs was a really fun activity."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, especially for live music events.

2

Expect a wait of at least one hour during peak times.

3

The venue hosts live jazz performances every Saturday night at 7pm.

13
Nile Theater image 1
Performing arts theater

Historic theater offers intimate stages with fantastic acoustics for a close, energetic vibe. Live bands create intense shows in a packed, two-level space. Coffee shop and bar provide casual spots to relax before or after fun events.

Cramped space creates a close-knit vibe that makes shows feel more intense. Live bands play regularly, and security stays attentive without interrupting the fun.

People are saying

"I plan to return for more shows; it's a great place for performing arts."

"This local spot is a fantastic venue for unique and local bands."

"This place is a fun venue for awesome times and crazy fun."

Good to know

1

Parking fills up quickly, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The venue is not wheelchair accessible, which may affect some visitors.

3

Expect high temperatures inside, especially during summer events.

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