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(Photo by mixstar)

The Money Life Network has been running a series called “Frugal things To Do In …” that features frugal things to do in various cities. I thought I would contribute with frugal things to do in Phoenix, Arizona.

Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the United States. I’ve lived here since 1972. There are many things to do in the Phoenix area. Most things I list are under $10.00 for an adult.

Main Attractions

The Phoenix Zoo, recently voted one of the top five zoos for kids, is over 125 acres with approximately 1200 animals on exhibit. Open every day except Christmas, the zoo’s admission is $14.00 for adults, $9.00 for seniors (age 60+), and $6.00 for children (3-12). The zoo is currently running a summer season special (through September 30th) of one free child admission with one paid adult.

Near the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden is home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world. It’s open 362 days a year (it’s not open July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Admission is $10.00 for adults, $9.00 for seniors, $5.00 for students (13-18 and college with ID), and $4.00 for children (3-12).

Museums

The Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix features Native American arts and crafts. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $9.00 for seniors (65+), $5.00 for students (with a valid student ID), and $3.00 for children (6-12). Native Americans are admitted free.

The Phoenix Art Museum has a collection of over 17,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, modern and contemporary, Western American art, and fashion design. The museum is closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors and full-time students (with ID), and $4.00 for children (ages 6-17).

The Arizona Science Center has over 40,000 square-feet of gallery space with over 300 hands-on exhibits. Admission is $9.00 for adults and $7.00 for everyone else.

The Pioneer Living History Village recreates Arizona’s territorial days on this 85-acre piece of land north of Phoenix. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (60+), and $5.00 for students (6-18).

The Phoenix Museum of History traces the city’s history from 1860 to 1940. Admission is $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, $4.00 for students, $4.00 for military, and $3.00 for children (7-12).

Hiking and Backpacking

Piestewa Peak features a 1.2 mile trail with a gain of over 1200 feet. Piestewa Peak is named after Lori Piestewa, the first American Indian woman soldier killed in an American war. Free.

Camelback Mountain features trails that range from easy to strenuous. Free.

At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve is the nation’s largest municipal park. The park features 51 miles of primary trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking for all ability levels. Free.

Sports

The Phoenix area is home to five major league sports teams. Tickets to sporting events can be expensive, but I’ll try to highlight the more frugal options.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are the local major league baseball team. The 2001 Diamondbacks were the fastest expansion franchise ever to win both a pennant and a World Series (4th season), after being founded in 1998. You can purchase Outfield Reserve tickets in the upper level for $5.00. Ticket info and schedule.

The Arizona Cardinals are the local national football league team. Single game tickets are not cheap with the lowest price being $50.00. Ticket info and schedule.

The Phoenix Suns are the local national basketball association team. Western Conference champs in 1976 and 1993, the Suns continue their winning ways. Cheaper tickets run from $10.00 to $25.00. Ticket info and schedule.

The Phoenix Mercury are the local women’s national basketball association team. The Mercury are the 2007 WNBA champions. Single game tickets are as low as $10.00. Ticket info and schedule.

The Phoenix Coyotes are the local national hockey league team. The Coyotes are coached by hockey star Wayne Gretzky. Tickets start as low as $9.00. Ticket info and schedule.

Come visit us in Phoenix!

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