Some of the best days are spent with your family finding new things to do and discovering new places, so we've put together a family-friendly day trip just for you. Grab the kids and head to Downtown Tempe - we'll guide you through the BEST DAY EVER!
Yes, Virginia - there is FREE PARKING in Downtown Tempe! If you are driving into Downtown Tempe and it's a Saturday or Sunday, you'll find free parking in the 201 S. Ash Parking Garage. If it's Sunday, the on-street parking meters are free all day and if Grandma or Grandpa are joining you on this family day trip, tell them to bring along their handicap placard because downtown on-street metered spots are always free for cars with handicap plates/placards.
Free Pass to Discover Downtown Tempe: Now you're ready to embark on a quest that will lead you to some of the best places and hidden treasures in #DowntownTempe. The Discover Downtown Tempe Pass is your FREE, one-touch passport that unlocks new experiences, uncovers exclusive savings and earns you prizes while you shop, dine, drink, and explore Downtown Tempe. Unlock the fun here!
Tall Tales Await: After you've parked and downloaded your free Discover Pass, start your family fun with the Tempe Tales Scavenger Hunt. Find the dozen life-sized jackrabbits hidden around downtown (you'll find the clues here to their locations). This public art project turned scavenger hunt will have your kids hoppin' all around downtown (and use the Discover Pass to check-in next to JASPER and start earning your path to prizes!)
Time for a little Snooze: With all that rabbit hunting by now your family will be starving so grab some breakfast at Snooze on College Avenue for their Signature Pancake Flight of Pineapple Upside Down, Blueberry Danish & Sweet Potato pancakes or choose any three pancake flavors - a really tasty concept that will refuel you for the next adventure on your day trip.
Start the kiln! Your next stop is a true hidden gem in Downtown Tempe. Head over to ASU's Ceramics Research Center at the Brickyard on Mill Avenue. Admission to this museum is free and here you'll see one of the most complete and prestigious ceramics collections in the United States. View the collection and the gift shop.
Time to Shred: After being quiet and careful at the Ceramics Museum, the youngin's may feel like tearing it up outside. Head across Mill Avenue to The Shred Club where you can rent electric skateboards, sit down scooters and one wheels. Cruise around downtown and Tempe Town Lake paths on your own or schedule a guided tour ahead of time. Keep them in mind for summer - they even offer summer camps!
Last stop: Go see Ike. Who would have thought that you'd ever be hungry again after the morning's pancake flight? After shredding, head back to the Brickyard building and grab some sandwiches at Ike's Love & Sandwiches. If your family is hard to please, you'll find over 90 different sandwiches to please everyone in your family. Tip: Order your sandwiches on the Dutch Crunch bread and add some of Ike's "Dirty Sauce".
Enjoy your late lunch in 6th Street Park just around the corner from Ike's - plenty of tables and chairs and shade. If you settle in on the cool grass to take a little nap, we won't tell anyone!