Tempe · Maricopa County, AZ
Cheap things to do in Tempe
Scout analyzed 116 Tempe places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.
Places analyzed
116
Matches
24
Typical spend
$20
Typical visit
1.2 hr
Best neighborhoods for cheap day out
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Family
Escapology Escape Rooms Tempe
Escapology is an escape room location ideal for a planned group activity lasting about 1.5 hours, costing around $35-45 per person. It can be paired with a meal out before or after the experience.
Shopping
Literally A Bookshop
This bookshop is a good stop for a quiet solo browse or a quick family outing, typically lasting 30 minutes. Most visits will cost between $0 (browsing) to $30 (one book).
South Tempe
Wijaya House Books Flowers Crafts
This is a quiet bookstore experience, possibly combined with a coffee shop visit nearby. Expect to spend an hour browsing, with potential purchases ranging from small crafts to books.
Superstition Springs
MVMNT CHRISTIAN STORES
This Christian bookstore is a quiet spot for a solo browse or a quick family stop, offering books and related items. Expect to spend an hour and potentially purchase items ranging from a few dollars to thirty.
Dobson Ranch
Mary Immaculate Books & Gifts
A stop for religious books and gifts, potentially as part of a shopping errand. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes browsing; purchases could range from small items to larger gifts.
Food & Drink
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
Hawaiian Bros is a casual spot for a quick, affordable meal, ideal for a family lunch or a solo dinner. Expect to spend 30-45 minutes and $10-$20 per person.
Arts & Culture
Tempe Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge
This pedestrian bridge offers scenic views of Tempe Town Lake, perfect for a free, relaxed walk lasting about 30 minutes. It can be paired with exploring the surrounding lake path or nearby downtown Tempe attractions.
Gililland
Arai Pastry
Arai Pastry is a good spot for a relaxed afternoon stop for a sweet treat or sandwich. Expect to spend 10-25 dollars per person for a quick visit.
Camelback East Village
Heaven’s Closet
Heaven's Closet is a thrift store suitable for a relaxed solo or small group shopping trip. Plan for about an hour and expect to spend $10-$50 per person on clothing finds.
Outdoors
Selleh Park
Selleh Park is a good free option for a relaxed outdoor activity with kids or a dog. Expect to spend about an hour walking around the pond or using the playground, perhaps before or after a casual meal nearby.
Hudson Manor
The Hudson Eatery & Bar
The Hudson is a casual spot for American comfort food, drinks, and watching sports. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for a meal or an afternoon drink, costing around $15-40 per person.
Tempe Gardens
Mochinut Tempe
Mochinut is a good spot for a quick, sweet treat. It can be a brief stop for a snack or dessert, costing around $5-$15 per person.
Superstition
Tempe History Museum
Visit the Tempe History Museum for a free, educational outing focusing on local history. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours exploring exhibits, good for a solo trip or with school-aged children.
Maple-Ash
Ash Avenue Comics & Books
Ash Avenue Comics & Books is good for a solo browse or a relaxed stop before or after a meal nearby, allowing for an hour of exploration. Expect to spend $0 to $25 if picking up a single comic or graphic novel.
Arts & Culture
Tempe Center For The Arts
This is a performing arts venue for seeing a show or visiting a small gallery, often pairing well with dinner before or after. Expect to spend a few hours here, with ticket prices varying widely based on the performance.
Outdoors
Hayden Butte
Hayden Butte is a popular, free hiking spot in Tempe, offering scenic views and a good workout in about an hour. It pairs well with a coffee run or a meal in downtown Tempe before or after your hike.
Outdoors
Tempe Beach Park
This park is suitable for a family outing, offering activities like a splash pad, boating, and athletic fields. Expect to spend 2-4 hours, with costs ranging from free to around $10 for activities like boat rentals.
South Tempe
RigaTony's Authentic Italian Restaurant
RigaTony's is suitable for a relaxed family dinner or a casual date night, offering classic Italian dishes. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $20-40 per person.
Riverside
Cornish Pasty Co
This is a good spot for a casual meal of pasties and drinks, potentially with live music on weekends. Expect to spend around an hour to an hour and a half and $15-35 per person.
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park offers a mixed outdoor and indoor experience, with options for a relaxing stroll around the lake or active time at the wave pool and tennis courts. Plan for a few hours, spending little to nothing for the park itself, or up to $20 if using the indoor facilities.
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Recreation Center
This recreation center and park is suitable for a multi-hour family outing or active solo visit, offering various sports and an indoor wave pool. Expect to spend $5-$20 per person on entry or rentals.
Mitchell Park West
Perfect Pear Bistro
This American bistro offers a casual dining experience, suitable for a meal that lasts about an hour and costs roughly $20-40 per person. It's a good stop for lunch or dinner before or after other activities.
Shopping
Barnes & Noble
Spend an hour or two browsing books and magazines, or grabbing a coffee. This is a good place to unwind after a meal or as a low-cost family outing, typically costing $5-30 per person.
Outdoors
Rio Salado Park
Rio Salado Park is ideal for a 1-2 hour outdoor activity, offering hiking and birdwatching. It's a free, nature-focused stop to pair with a meal or other activities in Tempe.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 116 analyzed Tempe places fit cheap day out.
- 35% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 82% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Playful, Social, Quiet, Adventurous, Scenic.
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