Tempe · Maricopa County, AZ

Outdoors in Tempe

Scout analyzed 118 Tempe places and surfaced the ones that actually fit outdoors.

Places analyzed

118

Matches

15

Typical spend

$0

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Best neighborhoods for outdoors

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

Scout-verified spots

Selleh Park

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.

OutdoorsAnimalsRelaxed
4.7$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Hayden Butte

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.

OutdoorsSportsViews
4.7$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Kiwanis Park

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.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
4.6$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Rio Salado Park

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.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
4.6$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Tempe Beach Park

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.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
4.6$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Salt River Walking Path

Mesa Grande

Salt River Walking Path

The Salt River Walking Path is good for a free, active outing, possibly paired with a picnic. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, enjoying a walk or run along the river.

OutdoorsViewsWellness
4.5$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Clark Park

Outdoors

Clark Park

Clark Park is a free outdoor space suitable for families or solo visits, often paired with other nearby activities. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for a casual walk or some play time.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed
4.2$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
The Rose Garden At MCC

Outdoors

The Rose Garden At MCC

The Rose Garden at MCC is a free outdoor activity, good for a relaxed hour-long stroll, particularly in cooler weather. It's a nice complement to a meal or a stop on a longer driving tour.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed
$0 typical1 hr visiteasy parking
San Tan Mountain Regional Park

Outdoors

San Tan Mountain Regional Park

This regional park is excellent for a half-day or full-day outdoor activity, offering hiking and biking trails through the desert landscape. It's a low-cost option for families or solo adventurers looking to connect with nature, often paired with a picnic lunch.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$7–$10 typical3 hr visiteasy parking
The Cloud at Kiwanis Park

Kiwanis Park

The Cloud at Kiwanis Park

The Cloud at Kiwanis Park is a free outdoor play area, ideal for a morning or afternoon with kids. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, possibly with a small expense for snacks or nearby park amenities.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Optimist Park

South Tempe

Optimist Park

Optimist Park is a good free spot for families with young children to play or for a solo relaxed outdoor moment. Plan for an hour or two, especially in cooler weather, as it offers open space and playground equipment.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed
$0 typical1 hr visiteasy parking
Mary and Moses Green Park

South Tempe

Mary and Moses Green Park

Mary and Moses Green Park is a good free option for a casual outdoor activity, suitable for families or solo walks. Plan for 1-2 hours, especially in cooler weather, as an activity on its own or to get some fresh air.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1 hr visiteasy parking
Tempe Beach Park Surface Lot

Outdoors

Tempe Beach Park Surface Lot

This is a surface parking lot near Tempe Beach Park, ideal for accessing nearby attractions. Expect to pay a fee, typically ranging from $5 to $20 depending on duration and events.

Outdoors
$5–$20 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Escalante Park

Outdoors

Escalante Park

Escalante Park is a good free option for a relaxed outdoor activity, such as a family picnic or a solo walk. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, and it pairs well with a nearby coffee shop or takeout meal.

OutdoorsWellnessRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

What Scout found

  • 14 of the 118 analyzed Tempe places fit outdoors.
  • 100% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 86% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Playful, Scenic, Adventurous, Quiet, Social.

Book ahead

Book tours and tickets in Tempe

Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Tempe.

See what's bookable in Tempe(opens in a new tab)

Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.

Make it a night out

Staying over in Tempe?

Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Tempe — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.

Find places to stay in Tempe(opens in a new tab)

Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.