Last updated: 2025-04-22
Tempe’s indoor attractions offer a perfect escape from Arizona’s scorching heat, providing entertainment and education for locals and visitors alike. From interactive museums to immersive experiences, these indoor destinations showcase the region’s diverse cultural and recreational opportunities.
Whether you’re seeking family-friendly adventures or solo exploration, Tempe’s indoor venues deliver engaging experiences that capture the spirit of the Valley of the Sun. Discover unique attractions that blend learning, entertainment, and local charm.
Dive into Tempe’s coolest indoor adventures now!
Featured Indoor Activities in Tempe
- Phoenix Art Museum (Phoenix)
- Harkins Theatres Tempe Marketplace 16
- SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
- FatCats Gilbert (Gilbert)
- Makutu's Island (Chandler)
- Tilt Studio
- Tempe History Museum
- Arizona Model Railroad Museum (Phoenix)
Arizona Model Railroad Museum (Phoenix)
What to Expect
Twelve walkable vintage passenger train cars
Description
Arizona Model Railroad Museum offers an immersive journey through railroad history with twelve accessible passenger cars, including rare vintage trains like Santa Fe coaches, observation cars, and a historic South Carolina business car from 1879. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of meticulously preserved railway equipment spanning multiple eras.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Arizona Model Railroad Museum
FatCats Gilbert (Gilbert)
What to Expect
Multi-activity entertainment complex with bowling and arcade experiences
Description
FatCats Gilbert offers a comprehensive indoor entertainment complex featuring bowling, arcade games, laser tag, and a cinema. Multiple bowling lanes accommodate groups and families, with state-of-the-art scoring systems and comfortable seating. The venue provides diverse entertainment options for all ages, combining interactive gameplay with modern recreational facilities.
Where: Gilbert | More Info: FatCats Gilbert
Harkins Theatres Tempe Marketplace 16
What to Expect
Expansive 16-screen cinema complex with advanced digital projection technology
Description
Modern movie theater featuring 16 screens with state-of-the-art digital projection and sound systems. Offers comfortable stadium seating, digital ticket purchasing, and a wide selection of current Hollywood blockbusters and independent films. Convenient location within Tempe Marketplace provides easy parking and pre/post-movie dining options.
Where: Tempe | More Info: Harkins Theatres Tempe Marketplace 16
Makutu's Island (Chandler)
What to Expect
Four-story interactive play tree with complex climbing network
Description
Multi-level indoor play center featuring a massive tropical-themed tree with extensive climbing structures, tunnels, slides, and interactive play zones. Kids explore intricate multi-story play environments with rope bridges, lookout points, and exciting attractions like the Frog Hopper ride and Inferno Arcade.
Where: Chandler | More Info: Makutu's Island
Phoenix Art Museum (Phoenix)
What to Expect
Comprehensive art collections spanning multiple creative disciplines
Description
Phoenix Art Museum offers diverse contemporary and classic art exhibits featuring rotating collections from international designers and artists. Visitors explore immersive galleries showcasing fashion, photography, and visual arts with engaging exhibitions like Anna Sui's rock-and-roll fashion archive and Richard Avedon's creative works.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Phoenix Art Museum
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
What to Expect
Arizona's only 360-degree ocean tunnel
Description
SEA LIFE Arizona offers an immersive underwater adventure featuring a 360-degree ocean tunnel with 5,000 marine creatures. Visitors can interact with sea stars in touchpools, meet rescued sea turtles, and explore over 30 marine exhibits showcasing diverse aquatic life and conservation efforts.
Where: Tempe | More Info: SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
Tempe History Museum
What to Expect
Comprehensive local history preservation and educational exhibits
Description
Tempe History Museum offers an immersive exploration of local heritage through engaging exhibits and artifacts chronicling the city's evolution. Interactive displays showcase Tempe's cultural development, highlighting significant historical moments and community milestones with detailed archival materials and interpretive presentations.
Where: Tempe | More Info: Tempe History Museum
Tilt Studio
What to Expect
40,000-square-foot multi-level arcade and entertainment complex
Description
Two-story 40,000-square-foot family entertainment center featuring over 150 arcade and video games, laser tag, pinball machines, and virtual reality experiences. Offers party rooms for birthdays and group events, with a mix of modern and retro gaming options that cater to all ages and skill levels.
Where: Tempe | More Info: Tilt Studio
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