Best places to play indoors in Phoenix when it's hot, rainy: Go-karts, trampolines, more
Playing outside during the Phoenix summer monsoon is not always a great option.
Some days it's just too hot. Other days bring rain, lightning and dust storms. Luckily, there are many indoor recreation and entertainment centers around the Valley that will keep you and your family cool this summer.
From trampoline parks to puppet shows to paintball, there are plenty of activities to choose from for just about any age group and interest under the sun.
Here are our 15 picks of cool indoor activities in metro Phoenix during summer — or any time of year.
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American Paintball Coliseum
This indoor paintball field gives thrill-seekers age 10 and up the opportunity to “maneuver their way around an obstacle filled arena as they duck and dodge oncoming paintballs,” according to the website. Guests can bring their own equipment or rent some. Reservations are encouraged. Other activities include airsoft guns and laser tag.
Details: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. 2915 E. Washington St., Phoenix. Prices vary by activity. 602-275-5285, https://www.americanpaintballcoliseum.com.
Octane Raceway
At Octane Raceway, guests can zip around the indoor-outdoor racetrack on electric karts. There is no age minimum requirement, but drivers must be at least 4 feet 6 inches tall to participate, according to the website. Drivers younger than 18 need a signed waiver from a parent or guardian. Octane Raceway also has the Velocity VR virtual reality game, ax-throwing and an arcade.
Details: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-midnight Fridays; 10 a.m.-midnight Saturdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays. 9119 E. Talking Stick Way, on the Salt River-Pima Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. Price and age requirements vary. 602-302-7223, https://www.octaneraceway.com.
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Phoenix Rock Gym
If you want to strengthen your climbing skills and stay out of the heat, try the indoor walls at the Phoenix Rock Gym. The 17,000-square-foot climbing space has 30-foot walls with 56 top ropes — “everything from easy cruisin’ routes to overhanging arm blasters,” according to the website. No experience necessary; gear rentals available.
Details: 3-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Aztech Court, 1353 E. University Drive, Tempe. $20 for a day pass with gear; $17 for kids 11 and younger. Memberships are available. 480-921-8322, https://phoenixrockgym.com.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
At Sky Zone Trampoline Park, children of all ages can experience the momentary feeling of flight. In addition to wall-to-wall trampoline action, Sky Zone offers guests a parkour area, ultimate dodgeball, a ninja warrior course, a foam pit and the opportunity to slam dunk basketballs, according to the Sky Zone Phoenix website.
Details: Locations in Laveen, Scottsdale and Peoria. Check the website for addresses and pricing options. https://www.skyzone.com.
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OdySea Aquarium
More than just a chance to see colorful fish, sharks, penguins and stingrays up close, Odysea Aquarium offers an “educational, interactive and entertaining” experience, according to its website. The 200,000-square-foot aquarium has a tide touch pool, revolving aquarium, SeaTREK underwater walking, penguin interactions, behind-the-scenes shark tours and Q&A sessions with animal care specialists. Some activities have an additional charge.
Details: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays-Wednesdays and Fridays-Saturdays; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays. 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. $41.95; $31.95 for ages 2-12; combo tickets and annual passes are available online. 480-291-8000, https://www.odyseaaquarium.com.
Crayola Experience
This crayon-themed destination is a vibrant experience for the whole family. Children are encouraged to roam freely and participate in activities like naming and wrapping their own crayons, embarking on a 4-D coloring adventure and more, according to the Crayola Experience website.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd. $21.99 for age 3 and up. 602-581-5370, https://www.crayolaexperience.com/chandler.
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Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs
We can't return to the time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, but the Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs exhibit at OdySea in the Desert makes it easy. There are more than 80 lifelike dinosaurs scattered about, with habit recreations to match, according to the Pangaea website. Activities include fossil excavations, an adventure arcade, a dino building station and a magnet wall.
Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. $19.95; $17.95 for ages 2-12; additional ticket options available online. 480-362-3466,
https://pangaealandofthedinosaurs.com.
OdySea Laser + Mirror Maze
If you have ever dreamed of navigating your way around lasers like a spy or finding a rare butterfly in the heart of a rainforest, the OdySea Laser and Mirror Maze might be your perfect indoor summer activity. The mirror maze is a leisurely experience; the laser maze involves a more active approach. Some of the prime objectives in the laser maze are beating the clock or earning the highest score you can within a limited amount of time.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. $11 for a mirror maze all-day pass; $14 for a mirror maze day pass with one laser walkthrough. 480-270-6200, http://www.odyseamirrormaze.com.
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Great Arizona Puppet Theater
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater will present five shows this summer: "Old MacDonald," "Rumpelstiltskin," "The Three Wishes," "The Three Little Pigs" and "The Frog Prince." The season runs through Sept. 11; see each show's run dates on the website.
Details: Shows are Fridays-Sundays. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. $12; $8 for children. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or over the phone. 602-262-2050, https://www.azpuppets.org.
Butterfly Wonderland
Thousands of butterflies from all over the world adorn the glass walls of the conservatory, where 70 species “meet for the first time, sip nectar from beautiful flowers, bask in the brilliant Arizona sunshine and dance the day away,” according to the Butterfly Wonderland website. Colorful koi fish and tropical finches also call this place home. Attractions include a butterfly emergence gallery, 3D theater, rainforest reptile exhibit, an edible insects station and more.
Details: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily. $25.95 ($18.95 for ages 2-12) when purchased online in advance; see the website for other pricing options. 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale. 480-800-3000, https://butterflywonderland.com/the-experience/#2.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
The emphasis here is on building to your heart's — and imagination's — content. Attractions include the DUPLO Farm, Lego Factory Tour, Great Lego Race VR Experience, LEGO City Play Zone, Dino Explorer, LEGO Racers: Build and Test, Merlin’s Apprentice Ride, MiniLand, LEGO 4D Cinema and the Kingdom Quest Ride.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. Arizona Mills, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe. From $24.99 for age 2 and older. 480-565-7089, https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona.
Makutu's Island
This multilevel island-themed indoor playground has “towering trees, climbs, mysterious caves, a bungee jump, a 35-foot slide, a zip track, an arcade, a café and a special toddler zone,” according to the website. Kids can play on the Blue Fantasy Tree, Pirates Cove and Palm Slide, as well as tunnels and caves.
Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. 6919 W. Ray Road, Chandler. $19.76 plus tax for ages 1-17; free admission for one adult per child; $5.24 plus tax for each extra adult. 480-344-3741, https://www.makutusisland.com.
Jake’s Unlimited
Bumper cars, carnival games, a bowling alley, an arcade, VR attractions, laser tag and amusement park rides are among the activities included in the admission price. Unlimited food and drinks also are included. See the whole range of package prices and amenities on the website.
Details: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. 1830 E. Baseline Road, Mesa. $15-$65; children 3 and younger get in free. 480-926-7499, https://www.jakesunlimited.com.
Gravity ExtremeZone
Trampoline bungee jumping, a drop slide, indoor zipline course, VR station and other harness-centric activities are the attractions that “will help your kids to unearth their hidden power and resilience” at this indoor entertainment center, according to the Gravity Extreme Zone website. The footwear required depends on the activity; check online for information.
Details: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays. 190 S. Kyrene Road, Chandler. A la carte prices are $6.99-$24.99; family and party packages are available. 480-757-5411, https://gravityextremezone.com.
Skateland Mesa
Children of all ages can enjoy skating indoors under a kaleidoscope of lights with “all your favorite jams,” according to the Skateland Mesa website. Classic roller skates, inline skates and wrist guards can be rented and skate lessons are available. There also are an arcade, a prize shop and a café. Public skating time slots are offered daily; some themed events may have an additional admission price. The rink also hosts an arcade, a prize shop, and a café.
Details: Hours vary; see the schedule online. 7 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. $8.50 for regular admission (may vary for themed events); $4.50 for skate rental. 480-833-7775, www.unitedskates.com/skateland-mesa.
Reach features reporter Amaris Encinas at amaris.encinas@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @amarisencinas.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best things to do indoors with kids in Phoenix this summer
