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Indoor Ideas to Keep Cool

Jul 31, 2025

When it's too hot to handle, Downtown Tempe offers plenty of unique ideas to keep your cool indoors. It’s that time of year when the long, hot days leave you feeling cooped up and craving something to do — without melting. These 11 indoor experiences are all great ways to wind down the Dog Days of Summer, which officially continue through Aug. 11 (although we’re not sure Arizona got the memo):

  1. Located in the heart of Tempe, Candle Chemistry (516 S. Mill Ave.) lets you choose from over 100 fragrance oils – with endless possibilities, from floral to fruity to earthy aromas — to blend your signature scent for a keepsake that is truly one-of-a-kind.
  2. Savor the sounds of live jazz music every Monday event at Café Boa (398 S. Mill Ave.). Handcrafted cuisine and classic hospitality are always on the menu at this culinary delight that has been a cornerstone of the Mill Avenue community for over three decades.
  3. From chef's themed dinners to floral workshops and paint nights, Alter Ego (108 E. University Drive) has a spectacular lineup of summer events.
  4. A summer refresh is just a phone call away. Dazey Aesthetic Collective (522 S. Mill Ave.) offers an array of cosmetic services (by appointment only) but it’s also a great place to set your creative spirit free and make your own custom charm bracelets.
  5. Escape the desert heat with a real-life, interactive adventure designed for groups at United Escapes of America Tempe (414 S. Mill Ave., Suite 112). Test your skills and knowledge while working your way out of a climate-controlled escape room.
  6. Whether you're crafting a custom rug, decorating a phone-case or pouring a keepsake marble figurine, Tutugether (740 S. Mill Ave., Suite 120) provides unlimited materials, expert instructors and full-service finishing, making it a perfect spot for a date night, group party or just a place to hang out indoors.
  7. Pot a plant or get hands-on at one of The Plant Mill's (518 S. Mill Ave.) upcoming summer events, including painting, crafting, earring making and more.
  8. Snakes and Lattes (20 W. Sixth St.) hosts a variety of fan-favorite events —board games, trivia nights, social events and more — all comfortably located indoors, where visitors can also sip or savor delicious drinks and eats.
  9. The only thing hotter than the Arizona heat is Neon Spur (680 S. Mill Ave.), a classic dive bar hot spot where you’ll find line dancing lessons every Wednesday night from 9-10 p.m., along with plenty more country tunes and cold drink specials.
  10. Work with a staff member at Lotions & Potions (420 S. Mill Ave., Suite 105) to create a custom fragrance in the form of a body oil, perfume, lotion or potion of your choosing.
  11. No need to wait for karaoke night when every night is open mic night! 414 Pub & Pizza (414 S. Mill Ave.) is the place to belt out a tune – or sit back and enjoy as others take the stage – every night of the year.

From potting plants to creating a DIY souvenir and candle-making to creating your own scented potion, these cool ideas are the ideal antidote to the dog days of summer. Would you like to talk to one or more of these locally owned Downtown Tempe businesses to get more refreshing tips for chilling out until the heat fades?