Meet Up’24: Cool Things to Check Out in Scottsdale, AZ

In our search for cool things to do in Scottsdale, we’re fast realizing we need more time in The Grand Canyon State. In our idea grab from Top 10 Things to Do in Scottsdale, 25 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale. and 10 Free Things to Do in Scottsdale. We’ve pulled a few of our favorites:

9. Old Town Scottsdale Parada del Sol Rodeo Museum

- Museum is open Thursday, Friday Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- - Make a donation on your way through to keep this small business kickin’.
  - The museum boasts rodeo artifacts going back to the 1950s, including saddles ridden by famous rodeo champions like Jake Barnes.
  - Art officiandos will appreciate original Parada Del Sol posters of artwork by Kenneth M. Freeman.
  - Trip Tip #1: Email to make sure they are open or to book a private group: info@scottsdalerodeomuseum.com
  - Trip Tip #2: Wear your PMP Pals gear and get your photo taken on the bull.

8 . Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

- 18 years and younger (with valid ID) FREE
  - Museum is closed Monday and Tuesday. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Entry is by timed-reservation; Groups of 7 or more must pre-register online; purchase your ticket here.
  - Admission (Non-members): $13 online, $16 walk-up; Students, seniors (65+), veterans, active duty-military, and teachers: $10 online, $13 walk-up
  - Current exhibitions include Brains and Beauty: At the Intersection of Art and Neuroscience and poetics of dissonance
  - Trip Tip #1: Pay-what-you-wish all day every Thursday and the museum is open until 7 p.m.
Trip Tip #2: The James Turrell’s magical “Knight Rise” installation is always free!

7. Slide Rock State Park

Arizona has 33 state parks and numerous hiking trails to visit; waterfalls, desert treks, and hardy wildlife await you! One Pal suggest you swing through Slide Rock State Park which promises great viewscapes and a swimming hole!

Park Hours are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., with park entry and swim area closing at 5 p.m.
Park entry fee is $20 per vehicle (1-4 adults), $5 for additional adults
Trip Tip #1: No walk-ins; admission is by vehicle only through the entry station. Reservations are not available. Park entry is first-come, first-served.
Trip Tip #2: Pay fast with Visa or MasterCard. Cash users must have exact change.

6. Scottsdale ArtWalk

The Scottsdale ArtWalk brings together the finest art in Scottsdale including 28 galleries and two museums — Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Hosted by the Scottsdale Gallery Association,

This FREE Thursday gig runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., weekly.
Trip Tip #1: check out the map of affiliated galleries and museums here.
Trip Tip #2: Take the Embassy Suites shuttle over at 4, grab a bite to eat, walk the City of Scottsdale.

5. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Located just 1.5 miles from Embassy Suites, Western Spirit captures the distinct artwork and vibe of The Southwest. From Hopi pottery to bronze sculptures, watercolor landscapes, and Native American jewelry, this museum offers an exhibit for every artistic preference.

Museum hours are: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. MTWTFS, 11a–5p Sunday.
Allow approximately two hours to fully enjoy the museum prior to its closing time.
Trip Tip #1: On exhibit starting October 8, People, Places, Predicaments: John Clymer’s West, features over 50 paintings by John Ford Clymer from the Eddie Basha Collection.
Trip Tip #2: Order tickets here; pricing is Adult $28, Senior $25, Military $25, Student $12, Child 6-17 $12, Child 5 and under free

4. Frank Lloyd Wright Museum/Taleisin West

Built in 1937, Taleisin West pays homage to the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and his innovative ideas blending materials, landscape, and innovation.

Trip Tip #1: Unfortunately, the museum is closed as of September 30; check out their website here.

3. The Grand Canyon & Side Stops

If time permits, you will want to take in the immensity of the Grand Canyon South Rim, closest to Scottsdale.

The park is open 24/7/365; enter the park before 10am to avoid the traffic wait.
$35 entrance fee admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers, up to a 15-person passenger van.
Not up for a walk along the rim? Take the FREE Shuttle instead, get off and on as you like.
Trip Tip #1: Make a stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument, just off the highway before the park, with its tribute to cliff dwellers of that area.
Trip Tip #2: Grab lunch and the view in Sedona. Whoever is driving will need a break – the windy canyon road, while spectacular, can be a white-knuckling spectacular experience.

2. Desert Botanical Garden

This amazing viewscape is just 6 miles from the Embassy Suites Resort. Get your tickets online : adults $32.95
Youth (age 3-17 )$19.95. Indoors, the visitor center features three activities:

3370 N Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Majestic Mariposas Sept. 21 –Nov. 11, 2024 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m
Cactus Clubhouse Oct. 3, 2024- May 11, 2025 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays
LIGHT BLOOM Oct. 12, 2024 – Jan. 20, 2025 | 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Trip Tip #1: Bring an umbrella for mobile shade-sourcing
Trip Tip #2: If you need an activity for the 18th, check out Music in the Garden.

1. Butterfly Wonderland

We too are like butterflies, continuing to evolve into something beautiful after diagnosis. Butterfly Wonderland pays tribute to that metamorphosis. Just 6 miles from the resort (10 minutes by car), this attraction offers a $29.95 anytime flex ticket. A state-of-the-art facility houses a glass atrium providing a tropical rainforest habitat for thousands of free-flying butterflies from around the world.

9500 E. Via de Ventura Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Open seven days a week, 9am-5pm
No advance reservation required
Trip Tip #1: Located on the 1st level of AZ Boardwalk, gamers will want to add the Cyber Quest Family Arcade for a 33% DISCOUNT when added to any ticket! Get a $30 game card for only $20.
Trip Tip #2: Don’t miss the educational “Flight of the Butterflies” 3D movie

For a local detailed list of what’s available through Embassy Suites, visit the blog post Meet Up’24: Scottsdale Offerings here.

Join us for Meet Up’24 on October 18-20. Register. Reserve. Donate.