Museums in Phoenix to visit on a hot day

When it is too hot to be outside in Phoenix, a museum is a good plan. The directory lists museums in Phoenix for science, art, music, American Indian art, firefighting history and Arizona's Territorial past, each with a phone number. Most are indoors and air-conditioned, but check each museum's hours and tickets before you go.

How do you choose a museum?

Match the museum to who is coming with you.

• Who is going? Young kids usually do best with hands-on exhibits. Teens and adults may like music, art or history.
• How long do you have? Big museums can fill half a day. Smaller ones take an hour or two.
• Inside or outside? Most are indoors, but one on the list is an open-air village, so it needs a different plan in summer.
• Is there food? Some museums have a cafe, and some do not. Ask before you go, especially with kids.
• Are there events or classes? Some list concerts, camps, field trips and live events, which can change what a visit looks like.
• What does it cost? Ask about ticket prices, discounts and any free days. Call or check the museum's own site, because prices and hours change.

Which museums are in Phoenix?

These are real listings from the directory. Phone numbers are shown on each one.

The list includes Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix, which lists interactive exhibits, a planetarium dome and a giant-screen film theater. Heard Museum shows American Indian art in 12 galleries and lists a museum shop and a cafe. Musical Instrument Museum in north Phoenix has galleries of instruments from around the world, plus concerts and classes.

What other museums are there?

The directory also lists an art museum in downtown Phoenix with changing exhibitions and education programs, and a Phoenix museum of firefighting history with motorized and horse-drawn apparatus. It lists an open-air living history museum on 90 acres in north Phoenix, near Anthem, showing Territorial Arizona from 1863 to 1912.

Because the living history museum is outside, pick a cooler morning or a cooler month, bring water and a hat, and call ahead to check its hours.

How do you plan a museum day in Phoenix?

1. Go when it opens. Museums are quieter in the morning, and you will have the whole day ahead of you.
2. Pick one or two, not five. Kids tire out. It is better to see one museum well.
3. Check parking and entrances. Park in shade or a garage if you can. A car left in the sun gets very hot in summer.
4. Bring a light layer. Museums are often cool inside, and the contrast with the outside heat is big.
5. Add a meal. Plan lunch before or after, or look for a cafe on site.
6. Look for summer camps or field trips. Several museums list them, so ask if you have school-age kids.

Questions people ask

What are good indoor things to do in Phoenix when it is hot?

Museums are a reliable choice. Science, art, music and history museums are all in the directory, and most are indoors. You can also use the trip planner to put together a full day.

Are there museums in Phoenix for kids?

Yes. Arizona Science Center lists camps, field trips and interactive exhibits. Ask any museum you are considering about programs and exhibits for your child's age.

Do Phoenix museums have events?

Some do. Listings mention concerts, classes, live events and First Fridays at an art museum downtown. Call or check the museum's own site for dates and tickets, since schedules change.

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