The Top 20 Places around the Valley to Go for Entertainment
By Shannon Willoby
Photography by Eric Fairchild
If you’re looking to have fun in the Valley of the Sun, but think you’ve seen it all, check out North Valley Magazine’s list of the Top 20 Places to Go for Entertainment. It’s filled with family-friendly spots to take the kids, exciting ways to enjoy Arizona’s nightlife, amusement parks, and even some fun activities you may not have heard of before. So if you’re looking to add a little culture to your life, have a fun-filled day, or enjoy a sophisticated night on the town, read on for some fabulous ideas that will have you out enjoying our beautiful weather and all Arizona has to offer.
Castles N’ Coasters
9445 Metro Pkwy. East
Phoenix, AZ 85051
(602) 997-7575
castlesncoasters.com
No matter what you’re planning—a birthday party, a corporate event, an outing with the kids or even a date—Castles N’ Coasters has something for everyone, regardless of age. With eighteen holes of miniature golf, thrilling rides, 18,000 square feet of arcade with over 300 games, and a special section for little kids, Castles N’ Coasters will keep boredom at bay year-round!
The Brickhouse Theatre
1 E. Jackson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 258-7880
thebrickhouse.tv
Located in one of Phoenix’s oldest buildings, the Brickhouse Theatre is the perfect place to support your local arts. Their ever-changing entertainment schedule often includes concerts by local and national bands, art galleries, and fashion shows. Come hungry so you can grab lunch or dinner at the Brickhouse’s very own restaurant, The Chop Shop!
Canal
7144 E. Stetson Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 949-9000
canalaz.com
Let your inner fashionista out at Scottsdale’s newest high-end restaurant and nightspot. Canal, true to its name, features dining overlooking the canal out on the terrace as well as inside next to a fashion runway. The menu consists of sophisticated small plates and entrees; most evening hours include a live DJ and artistic images projected on a huge high-definition screen.
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 252-8848
heard.org
Immerse yourself in traditional and contemporary American Indian art at the Heard Museum. Free guided tours are available daily, and the museum has ten exhibition galleries that showcase permanent and temporary exhibits. Stop in at the Heard Museum Shop to purchase handmade jewelry and pottery, and be sure to grab a bite to eat at Arcadia Farms Café at the Heard.
Scottsdale Culinary Festival
Scottsdale League for the Arts
7309 E. Evans
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 945-7193
scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org
The Scottsdale Culinary Festival, now heading into its thirtieth year, is one of the biggest outdoor parties Arizona has to offer. From April 8 through the 13, the festival will be filled with food, drink, music and, of course, fun! One of their most popular events, the Great Arizona Picnic, will be held April 12–13; it includes food sampling from over fifty restaurants as well as an Absolut Bistro.
Geisha A Go Go
7150 E. 6th Ave.
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
(480) 699-0055
Tired of the ordinary? Head to Geisha a Go Go, Old Town Scottsdale’s only Asian bistro lounge that features Pachinko—Japanese pinball machines—and a signature pink Hello Kitty cocktail. Geisha a Go Go provides an intimate dining experience, with a fifty-two seat dining room, or you can opt to sit at the bar for times when a cocktail is the only thing you’re after. But the most unique part of Geisha a Go Go just might be their private karaoke rooms that come with a 40-inch flat screen television and your own server for the evening.
Westgate City Center
6770 N. Hockey Way, Suite 220
Glendale, AZ 85305
Phone: (623) 772-4000
westgateaz.com
The innovative creators of Westgate City Center made sure visitors wouldn’t have a single reason to leave their entertainment plaza. While you’re there, you’ll be able to see a sporting event, show, or concert at the Jobing.com Arena or at the University of Phoenix Stadium, watch a movie in the new 4,000 seat AMC theater, go shopping, dine at one of many great restaurants, and much more—all in one convenient location!
Dave and Buster’s
21001 N Tatum Blvd., Ste. 44-1400
Phoenix, AZ 85050
(480) 538-8956
daveandbusters.com
Age isn’t an issue at Dave and Buster’s, where over 200 games draw countless kids and kids at heart each day. Classic and interactive games are offered, from skeeball to a rapid whitewater adventure, with you controlling the paddles. For the 21-and-up crowd, Dave and Buster’s offers two bars; and if hunger strikes, there is no need to leave, as there’s also a fully loaded menu with items both adults and children will enjoy.
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 941-1225
dbg.org
Come explore the beauty of desert plants at the Desert Botanical Garden. With fifty acres of outdoor exhibits, including 139 rare, threatened, and endangered plant species, the Garden provides a unique learning experience for all. Contact the Garden for information on their special events, such as their Spring Butterfly Exhibit and garden tours.
Wildlife World Zoo
16501 W. Northern Ave.
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
(623) 935-WILD (9453)
wildlifeworld.com
For close encounters of the exotic animal kind, head to Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park where you can feed giraffes, take an African Safari, and watch baby tigers at play! Plan on spending a few hours at the zoo to ensure that you have enough time to check out all 2,400 animals, Australian boat ride, petting zoo, skyride, carousel, and much more! Helpful hint: Purchase a carton of Hickman eggs, and you’ll find a buy-one-get-one-free coupon on the bottom for Wildlife World Zoo.
The Tempe Improv
930 E University Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 921-9877
symfonee.com
If laughter is the best medicine, a dose of The Tempe Improv is in order! Here, you’ll catch undiscovered and well-known comedy acts in an intimate lounge setting. Huge names such as Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, and Tom Hanks have performed at this club in the past, and upcoming acts include Norm MacDonald and Pablo Francisco. Dinner is available, and the club is open to anyone 18 years old and up.
West Wind Scottsdale 6 Drive-In
8101 McKellips Rd,
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
(480) 949-9451
It’s been over thirty years, and the West Wind Scottsdale 6 Drive-In is still a favorite movie-watching spot for Valley residents. With back-to-back movies, a retro-design snack bar, and affordable prices, it’s easy to see why so many people are forgoing regular theaters in favor of a night spent at their local drive-in. Helpful hint: Save even more money by bringing your own snacks and drinks!
Arizona Science Center
600 E. Washington St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
(602) 716-2000.
azscience.org
If your little one is tired of hearing “Don’t touch that!”, it’s time you took a family field trip to the Arizona Science Center. With more than 300 hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a five-story high IMAX Theater, you and your children will discover just how fun interactive learning can be. Be sure to check out Awesome Atoms, where you can purchase fun and educational items to take home; and don’t miss Titanic—The Artifact Exhibition, where real objects from the Titanic are on display.
Altell Ice Den
9375 E. Bell Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 585-RINK
coyotesice.com
Altell Ice Den is a perfect spot to beat the heat—and to have a lot of fun while you’re at it! Altell is a 120,000-square-foot ice skating center that offers public skating, in addition to hosting practices for many NHL teams, including the Coyotes. You’ll also find a Peter Piper Pizza restaurant/game room, Chilly Bean, and full-service pro shop in Alltel Ice Den.
Rattlers
U·S Airways Center
201 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 514-TDTD (8383)
usairwayscenter.com
azrattlers.com
Missing football season? Head to U·S Airways Center and get your fix of arena football! Season and individual tickets are very reasonable, making this a fun and affordable sport for fans. And don’t forget about the Rattlers cheerleaders—the Sidewinders. You’ll find them on the sidelines of every game, cheering on the players.
Fighter Combat International
Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA)
5865 S. Sossaman Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85212
(480) 279-1881
fightercombat.com
Have you ever wanted to be a Top Gun fighter pilot? Fighter Combat International gives you the chance by letting you take the controls of a high-performance aerobatic airplane equipped with sound, smoke, dual controls, and gunsight. There are various packages to choose from that range from basic to advanced, and you can even get into a midair battle with an adversary—with simulated bullets, of course. That leaves us with just one question: Who will you be for the day—Goose or Maverick?
IMAX Theatre
IMAX Theatre Arizona Mills
5000 Arizona Mills Circle Ste. 667
Tempe, AZ. 85282
(480) 897-IMAX
Watch as sea monsters, dinosaurs, rock stars, whales, and more come to life before your eyes at the IMAX Theatre in Arizona Mills. Movies are between 45 to 60 minutes in length; depending on the film, they will be viewed in either IMAX 2D or 3D. Upcoming movies include Grand Canyon Adventure 3D: River at Risk, Dolphins and Whales 3D, and Shine a Light: The IMAX Experience.
Big Surf-Golfland
1500 N. McClintock
Tempe, Arizona 85281
(480) 947-2477
tempe.golfland.com
If you’re daring, you’ll definitely want to check out the speed rides at Big Surf, including Cyclone, Tahitian Twister, and Avalanche. But if you feel like relaxing in a simulated ocean, check out the wavepool; just don’t forget to rent a raft or inner tube first! Little kids will love Captain Cook’s Landing, where they can splash around in a safe play area with other children. Big Surf also has an arcade, picnic areas, an ice cream parlor, and locker rentals. But don’t grab your swimsuit just yet—Big Surf will be opening to the public on Memorial Day weekend.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
Encanto Park
1202 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 254-1200
enchantedisland.com
Arizona natives are sure to remember riding the carousel at Encanto Park when they were children, but it may come as a surprise that the park is still home to the beloved 50-year-old carousel. Today, Enchanted Island at Encanto Park is a popular amusement park filled with fun rides and attractions geared to children 2–10 years of age. Rides include the C.P. Huntington Train, pedal boats, canoes, bumper boats, Parachute Tower, Dragon Wagon, and Red Baron airplane.
Orpheum Theatre
203 W. Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 534-5600
http://phoenix.gov/STAGES/orpheum.html
Built in 1929 in hopes it would be the most opulent theater Arizona had, the Orpheum Theatre stands today as a beautiful reminder of Arizona’s past. Through the years, the theater has endured many modern renovations, but the architecture was carefully restored to keep its historical value intact. The Orpheum Theatre has 1,364 seats in which one can watch anything from a Broadway play to a classical ballet.