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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Central City

Fun activities with outdoor space

Moving through the day in an open-air environment keeps things feeling light. Having space to breathe makes every activity more enjoyable.

Based on 887 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Walter Studios image 1
Walter Studios image 2
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Live music venue

Live music venue offers an intimate, artsy setting with incredibly good acoustics and a sleek, modern design reminiscent of an art gallery. Multiple rooms and bars create unique hideaways that invite exploration, while the atmosphere shifts from relaxing lounge to funky dance club on weekend nights.

Weekend nights offer a funky dance club vibe with a fun atmosphere. Staff keep the space safe and welcoming while maintaining a professional but lively energy.

Outdoor space offers plenty of seating with options both indoors and on the patio. The area is comfortable for hanging out between events.

People are saying

"It felt so up close and intimate, like we were 2 feet from the bass drums."

"Exploring the cool rooms and nooks is a fun activity here."

"The inviting outdoor space has beautiful, thoughtful art and decorations."

Good to know

1

There is ample parking available just south of the property.

2

Walter Studios hosts events and serves lunch and cocktails.

3

On weekends, expect live shows and themed nights.

02
Mayan Hookah lounge image 1

Hookah lounge offers an authentic atmosphere with chill vibes and smooth music. Outdoor seating provides beautiful city views and comfortable heating. Food features juicy, flavorful burgers and a wide selection of shisha flavors.

A very clean and fun environment sets the tone. The owner actively ensures everyone has a fun night, keeping the atmosphere lively throughout.

Outdoor seating offers great views of downtown with a relaxing atmosphere and perfect heating for comfort. The patio provides a nice spot to enjoy a mild, flavorful hookah on a beautiful afternoon.

People are saying

"The Night Lounge food is incredible, fresh, and flavorful."

"I loved the outdoor seating and the city views."

"The atmosphere here is so fun and lively."

Good to know

1

The lounge hosts themed events with famous DJs on weekends.

2

There is a $15 cover charge for entry on event nights.

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all bills.

03
Childrenโ€™s Museum of Phoenix image 1

Three-story building offers interactive themed rooms with a huge indoor climbing structure and a giant treehouse maze. Atmosphere feels friendly and bustling, with spaces for all ages including quiet baby corners. Crowds are lively but manageable, creating an engaging family environment.

Many imaginative play spaces keep kids engaged and entertained. Activities suit toddlers through older children, making it a spot for fun and education for the whole family.

Outdoor garden fills with soapy foam several feet high during foam Saturdays. Kids play freely in the foam, and the garden also offers a collection of really cool books.

People are saying

"It's so fun and kid friendly with tons of activities for all ages."

"This children's museum is so interactive and fun for kids."

"It's a fun place with interactive rooms for kids of all ages."

Good to know

1

Free admission is available on the first Friday of each month from 5 PM to 9 PM.

2

The museum closes at 4 PM daily.

3

Reservations are required for special events, which may not be clearly stated online.

04
Walter Where?House image 1

Event venue combines art cars, performance art, and immersive exhibits with a large open space for dancing and socializing. Atmosphere feels friendly and inviting, with a mix of funky art and music creating a unique, cool vibe. Visitors find it a comfortable place to express themselves and enjoy creative community events.

Great staff and hosts create a lively atmosphere for fun parties. Ever-changing immersive exhibits and art installations make dancing and exploring especially enjoyable.

Good drinks and a taco truck sit outside in the back. Plenty of parking exists if arriving early. Food is often enjoyed outdoors.

People are saying

"It's a fun urban playground where art, music, and creativity collide."

"It's a cool venue with amazing art and places to explore."

"The outdoor space is an urban playground filled with art and creative hangout spots."

Good to know

1

Admission for events can be as high as $50, so budget accordingly.

2

The venue hosts a variety of themed events, including Halloween and Bloom.

3

Expect a lively crowd and deep thumpy DJ sets at dance parties.

05
OLLA OLLA CREPES image 1

Creperie offers a spacious, colorful setting filled with local art and sculptures. The atmosphere stays welcoming and relaxed with live music and community events enhancing the vibe. It supports local artists and youth through workshops and performances, creating a unique blend of food and culture.

Making bento cakes offers a ton of fun with positive vibes throughout the class. Creative activities like this keep the energy lively and enjoyable.

Live music plays on the patio during some weekends. Bands perform outside the store, creating a lively outdoor vibe. The space feels warm and inviting even when it's toasty outside.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the food and live music at the crepes place."

"I had so much fun taking a cake decorating class!"

"I love the live music they have on the patio."

Good to know

1

OLLA OLLA CREPES is open until midnight.

2

You need to bring your jar back on your 2nd visit for a discount on your next shake.

3

They offer community events and host local bands.

06
Arizona Capitol Museum image 1
Local history museum

Historic state Capitol building offers timeless architecture with a grand copper dome and a stunning main rotunda featuring a huge chandelier. Grounds include sculpture and memorial gardens that create a peaceful, picturesque setting. The atmosphere is calm and educational, with interesting exhibits like a detailed HO scale model train layout and unique art installations.

Lots of fun history fills the museum, making it interesting for all ages. The guided model train tour adds an extra layer of enjoyment, and quirky facts like the statue choice from a Sears catalog keep things engaging.

Beautifully constructed monuments and a meaningful memorial stand outside. Outdoor exhibits and shaded seating with trees offer spots to relax and learn.

People are saying

"Visiting these historical sites is peaceful, educational, and completely free."

"I learned so much about Arizona's history here."

"It's a fun experience learning history, especially about Arizona statehood."

Good to know

1

Admission is free for all visitors.

2

The museum offers free parking in the adjacent Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza.

3

Guided tours are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

07
Gracie's Tax Bar image 1

Dive bar with a laid-back vibe and diverse crowd offers a spacious outdoor patio featuring misters and vintage furniture. Entertainment includes DJs, movie projections, and a rare operational vintage photo booth. Food and drink stand out with unique bar snacks and Fernet on tap.

Energy stays lively and casual with a retro grunge atmosphere. A vintage photo booth and board games add to the fun vibe.

A spacious smoking patio features vintage furniture and offers a relaxed vibe. The outdoor area includes misters that keep it cool even in summer, with perfect lighting and decor inside and out.

People are saying

"This bar is one of my all-time favorite spots."

"The outdoor patio is decorated and lit perfectly."

"It's a fun, casual bar with a lively, colorful crowd."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a hassle on busy nights; consider using the church lot nearby.

2

Gracie's hosts weekly live music and creative events, making each visit unique.

3

Expect a long line on weekends; arrive early to secure a spot.

08
Rosson House Museum at The Square PHX image 1

Victorian-style house from the late 1800s showcases intricate woodwork and a pointed tower roof in a peaceful Heritage Square setting with brick walkways and green lawns. Guided tours offer an engaging, educational experience with period-appropriate room staging and historical insights. The site combines well-preserved architecture with accessible outdoor seating and nearby parking.

Tours offer a fun and educational experience with a knowledgeable guide sharing interesting facts about early Phoenix. The Rosson House Museum tour combines history with engaging storytelling.

Outdoor seating at a small cafรฉ and bar offers views of the historic Victorian architecture. The area around the Victorian home provides a free, pleasant spot to hang out and enjoy the surroundings.

People are saying

"The historical sites tours were fun and educational."

"The outdoor space is peaceful with green lawns and shaded sitting areas."

"The tour guide was so knowledgeable and friendly, sharing fun facts."

Good to know

1

Tickets can be purchased online or at the visitor center.

2

Tours are available on the hour, so arrive early to secure your spot.

3

Adult tickets cost $15, while children's tickets are $9 during special events.

09
The Van Buren image 1
Live music venue

Open floor venue with intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics offers clear views and close proximity to the stage. Retro decor and multiple bars create a fun, lively vibe without feeling crowded. Spacious layout includes a balcony and outdoor patio, balancing large capacity with a comfortable concert experience.

Theme nights create a fun vibe that stands out. Staff add to the great atmosphere. Every show offers a fun experience.

An outside patio offers a spot to step away from the crowd. Bars sit close to the stage, blending indoor energy with easy outdoor access.

People are saying

"I had an amazing night at the live shows here."

"I always had a blast and found it to be a fun concert venue."

"The outdoor patio space here is awesome."

Good to know

1

Parking costs around $40 and is often a block away from the venue.

2

The venue is primarily standing room only, with limited seating available.

3

No re-entry is allowed, but there is an outdoor area for vaping.

10
Egyptian Motor Hotel BW Signature Collection image 1

Retro motor hotel with unique, artsy decor and spacious, comfortable rooms creates a chill but exciting atmosphere. Outdoor area features a pool, fire pit, and live music, fostering a lively social vibe. Entertainment and colorful design elements add to the distinctive, nostalgic experience.

Renovated from an older motel, it offers a fun, hip, and comfortable vibe. The spot includes a modern Mexican restaurant that adds to the lively atmosphere.

Live DJ sets energize the outdoor sitting area. Fire pits, pools, and cozy seating areas create a unique and inviting vibe right outside the door.

People are saying

"This hotel feels like a fun, trendy spot with unique art."

"The rooms have a really cute, retro vibe with unique decor."

"The decor here is so quirky and fun, it really adds personality."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $15 per night at the motor lodge.

2

The hotel hosts live events regularly, so check the schedule ahead of time.

3

Bingo night in the courtyard is a fun event, often with themed dress.

11
Phoenix Park 'n Swap image 1

Open-air market with plenty of shade and colorful booths creates a family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors browse a wide variety of items from clothes to tools while enjoying casual food and drinks. The vibe stays cool and lively, making it easy to explore and shop.

Open-air ambiance creates a fun, easy browsing experience. Walking around and eating snacks adds to the all-day enjoyment.

More space and a cooler feel under the canopy stand out in this outdoor market. It blends historic stores with a swap meet vibe, offering a better experience than other local outdoor swap meets.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and the prices fair."

"I had so much fun exploring all the cool items and great deals here."

"I found lots of varieties of items at the outdoor swap meet."

Good to know

1

The entrance fee is $3 per person.

2

Expect high prices for food and drinks at the market.

3

Most vendors sell new items or cheap imports.

12
Arizona Center image 1
Shopping mall

Spacious shopping center combines elegant outdoor spaces with quiet indoor areas featuring water features and statues. Atmosphere stays peaceful and family friendly, with a mix of eclectic shops and restaurants. Parking is convenient, and the place feels clean and well maintained despite low foot traffic.

Family First Fridays draw large crowds and create a lively atmosphere. The Story Walk offers an engaging way to explore, and the area stays clean and fun for all ages.

Spacious outdoor areas offer plenty of seating for eating and relaxing. The space includes a mini roller rink and spots for enjoying food, dessert, and drinks in the open air.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the outdoor space with plenty of seating for relaxing."

"I enjoyed the good food and the nice selection to choose from."

"I found so much fun here, especially the roller skating."

Good to know

1

Parking is available off 5th street, but it can be expensive.

2

The restrooms in the shopping center are always clean and stocked.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during events like First Fridays with vendors and food trucks.

13
Celebrity Theatre image 1
Live music venue

Round stage rotates during performances, creating a 360-degree view from every seat. Intimate, historic atmosphere enhances connection to music icons. Multiple bars and a well-designed lounge offer easy access to drinks without missing the show.

Shows offer a fun experience despite old, quirky venue and uncomfortable seating. Staff are friendly and helpful, adding to the overall fun atmosphere.

A very large indoor and outdoor area offers plenty of space to hang out and enjoy drinks. The downstairs bar features ample outdoor patio seating, and a mint outside gives away free edibles and pre-rolls.

People are saying

"The theater's intimate setting makes everyone feel close to the action."

"I found the shows here to be lots of fun."

"You can hang out in the ample outdoor patio seating."

Good to know

1

Parking can be chaotic, expect long wait times during busy events.

2

The venue has a strict purse policy; measure bags before arrival.

3

The theater lacks air conditioning, which can be uncomfortable in heat.

14
Arizona Financial Theatre image 1
Performing arts theater

Performing arts theater with intimate yet spacious seating and excellent acoustics offers clear views from every seat. The atmosphere balances modern comfort with a cozy vibe, supported by accessible amenities including a lounge and smoking patio.

Smaller venue offers a fun atmosphere with excellent music and great vibes. Staff stays kind and helpful, making concerts and fights enjoyable.

A smoking patio sits on the second floor west side, offering a lit and accessible outdoor space. It helps with getting fresh air and managing anxiety or nicotine needs during visits.

People are saying

"It's a great little venue for concerts."

"The cushion seating is really comfortable."

"The smoking patio upstairs was the best part."

Good to know

1

Parking is available across the street, but can be difficult to access during events.

2

The theatre is not ADA compliant, which may affect accessibility for some guests.

3

Security checks are organized, but expect delays during busy events.

15
Warehouse215 image 1
Event venue

Warehouse215 combines rustic architecture with grand acoustics to create an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Exposed brick and wood beams give it a warehouse feel that supports both small gatherings and large events. The venue offers multiple bars and lounging areas, enhancing a relaxed and cool vibe.

A candlelight orchestra concert creates a beautiful and fun evening atmosphere. Music and lighting combine for a unique experience.

People are saying

"I thought the venue looked really cool."

"I loved all the outdoor space; it was really nice."

"I had a great experience at the fun candlelight orchestra concert."

Good to know

1

Warehouse215 is a large space suitable for events, accommodating up to 800 people.

2

Valet parking is available, but retrieval can take up to 90 minutes.

3

Parking costs $20 if not purchased in advance, which can be a problem.

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