The best things to do in Florence

“Papago Golf Club puts you right in Papago Park with views of the Papago Buttes, Camelback, and the downtown skyline, plus the pedigree of being home to ASU’s golf teams. Grab a post-round bite at Lou’s Bar & Grill, or book a lesson and actually fix that slice.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Need two hours of AC-fueled bliss and a solid reason not to cook tonight? Harkins Theatres Chandler Fashion mixes the big releases with the occasional indie, plus fun one-off events and director spotlights, so you can catch something new or nostalgic and call it self-care.”

From the Maricopa newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Crooked Tree Golf Course is a public Tucson track with generous fairways, small greens and plenty of short-game challenge, set among ironwoods, mesquites and saguaros with zero houses in sight. Book a quick round, grab a snack bar bite, maybe sneak in a lesson or spot the First Tee kids learning the game.”

From the Tucson newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Rush Xtreme is the Chandler playground for all ages, with wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball, foam pits, a 4-story play structure for big kids, a dedicated toddler zone, an indoor Sky Walk ropes course with zip line, plus an arcade and on-site eats.”

From the Maricopa newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Old Tucson turns a classic Western backlot into a legit local hangout, with live entertainment and seasonal standouts like Nightfall, Yuletide, and the Summer Night Market. When you want a little frontier flair without leaving town, grab your friends and roam the dusty streets for easy fun.”

From the Marana newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Schnepf Farms is serving up breezy Summer Nights on the Farm with team trivia, open mic vibes, and patio sips, plus the good stuff you already love... think U-Pick veggies, a petting zoo, train rides, and an on-site bakery turning out award-winning pies and cinnamon rolls.”

From the San Tan Valley newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Western Skies Golf Club keeps things easy with online tee times, the driving range now open, and leagues and tournaments if you like a little friendly pressure. Bring your swing and debrief at Mulligans for a low-fuss golf fix this week.”

From the East Valley newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Trade your usual Netflix scroll for a chill-inducing stroll as US Ghost Adventures runs the Glendale Ghosts tour through eerie stops like the Arizona Doll and Toy Museum and Velma Teague Library, with Sahuaro Ranch Park legends in the mix, blending real local history with goosebump-worthy tales you’ll be texting about…”

From the Glendale newsletter, August 8, 2026

“From bluegrass pickin' and the Arizona Classic Livestock Show to the five-day Pinal County Fair, Pinal County Fairgrounds and Event Center keeps local fun on tap. Check their upcoming events or book one of their flexible spaces for that wedding, Quinceañera or meeting you keep putting off.”

From the Casa Grande newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.”

“Laid-back country club featuring an 18-hole golf course, a bar and a restaurant.”

“Castles N' Coasters is that Phoenix unicorn where mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats, roller coasters, and a big arcade all live in one place for maximum chaos, fun, and nostalgia. This week, rally the crew, pick a putter, then chase thrills and high scores for an easy, joy-filled reset.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Public 18-hole golf course & a modern clubhouse with a restaurant, bar, pro shop & events space.”

“Built in the 1950s by the Army Corps of Engineers and owned by the Gila River Indian Community, Toka Sticks Golf Club is an iconic, all-skill-level track with great course conditions and legendary hospitality. Book a tee time this week and let that timeless desert vibe reset your brain.”

“If your couch is starting to feel clingy, Glendale Outdoor Theater keeps the classic drive-in magic alive with Laser Extreme showings, legit concessions, and that cozy watch-from-your-car vibe. Pick a flick this week and turn an ordinary evening into a laid-back West Valley ritual.”

From the Surprise newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Trade the heat for actual speed at K1 Speed, where 20hp electric karts approach 45 mph on two indoor tracks. Stick around for arcade victories, pool and air hockey, then refuel at the Paddock Lounge with wings, Italian stone-fired pizza, and sliders you’ll think about all week.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Gourmet market & restaurant starring locally produced olive oil & specialty foods plus mill tours.”

“Majestic Gilbert 8 is locally owned and serves first-run films with full-service dining and a real bar, delivered right to your recliner. Think gourmet appetizers, satisfying mains, and craft cocktails while the big screen does its thing, perfect for a San Tan Valley weeknight that needs a little upgrade.”

From the San Tan Valley newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Public and city-owned course featuring an 18-hole layout, a driving range and a practice area.”

“Will You Escape? is Tucson’s first escape room with fully private games, so it’s just your crew racing to crack codes and outsmart the story. Pick your adventure, from Pet Shop Rescue to Witching Hour to La Calavera, and make a night of it this week.”

From the Tucson newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Designed by PGA Tour legend Tom Lehman, Encanterra Golf Course brings a true core layout that feels blissfully away from distractions, with panoramic Superstition and San Tan views worth chasing this week.”

From the San Tan Valley newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Elegant country club offering golf, tennis, a fitness club, a spa, a restaurant & an outdoor pool.”

“Kid-friendly chain with bowling alley, laser tag and arcade games.”

“Championship golf course with an Italian eatery, sports boutique, and karaoke.”

“Club featuring an 18-hole golf course & a practice facility, plus a shop & a restaurant.”

“Entertainment center featuring trampolines, dodgeball, climbing walls and obstacle courses.”

“Bowlero Kyrene keeps the good times rolling with lively lanes, an action-packed arcade, billiards, and a legit sports bar menu, so your crew can bowl, snack, and cheer without melting in the desert heat. Perfect for weeknight stress relief or a Saturday showdown with friends.”

From the Maricopa newsletter, August 14, 2026

“KTR Chandler is the indoor action sports playground where kids can rotate between trampolines, a skate park, and soft play zones while you pretend this counts as cardio. They run stress-free birthday parties plus memberships and Toddler Time for ages 5 and under, perfect for beating the heat.”

From the Maricopa newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Sprawling park featuring trampolines for all ages, bull riding, Ninja-warrior courses, dodgeball courts and rock climbing.”

“Set on old ranch grounds, this park features wandering fowl, a historic house museum & play areas.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“Modern multiplex chain showing blockbusters & a few independent films; some venues offer childcare.”

“Seville Golf & Country Club has championship golf with a photogenic 17th hole island green, plus a freshly transformed Sports Club with new Technogym equipment, Pilates reformer sessions, a recovery room, tennis and pickleball, four pools, and a 10,000-square-foot Sports Zone.”

From the San Tan Valley newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Public golf course featuring disc golf, and a clubhouse.”

“Tranquil golf course at a resort, open to the public, with a bar & grill as well as a shop.”

“Clean indoor amusement park featuring trampoline courts, basketball and dodgeball courts, plus foam pits.”

“With 48 lanes, an arcade that actually keeps adults entertained, and bar-worthy bites from their sports bar, Lucky Strike Christown makes weeknights feel like weekends.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Arizona Grand Golf Course is a par 71 with dramatic elevation changes, mountain vistas, and a front-nine water tease that flips to true Sonoran desert on the back. Playable for all skill levels yet spicy enough to keep you honest, it’s a legit Phoenix golf staple.”

From the East Valley newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Golfland Mini Golf Course keeps summer from winning with award-winning mini golf that’s actually fun to play, plus Sunsplash thrills if the crew needs a bigger adrenaline hit. Try Riptide, the Valley’s tallest slide, then settle friendly rivalries on the greens and call it a week.”

From the East Valley newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Modern multiplex chain showing blockbusters & a few independent films; some venues offer childcare.”

“Designed by Dick Bailey, Power Ranch Golf Club threads through the Queen Creek wash with mountain views and eighteen fair-but-playable holes that welcome every swing. Sneak in a round this week, hit the range, then reward yourself at Slate Bistro with patio views worth lingering over.”

From the San Tan Valley newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Daytime market selling produce, clothes & more that morphs into a drive-in cinema in the evening.”

“Poston Butte Golf Club brings that challenging-yet-rewarding Gary Panks design to your weekend, with the nerve-testing island green on 17 and desert views including a historic fire temple. Wrap it up with a well-earned bite at Anthem Grille.”

From the San Tan Valley newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Children's amusement center featuring trampolines, a climbing structure, and a zip line, plus dodgeball.”

“Kids-friendly indoor trampoline park with an open floor plan that features dodgeball, foam pits and climbing, as well as parties.”

“Got wedding planning on the brain this week? The Windmill Winery nails the whole romance-meets-rustic thing with a 100-year-old red barn, twinkle-lit evenings, and ceremony spots by a brick aqueduct and serene lake. Two bridal cottages make getting ready easy and photo-perfect.”

From the San Tan Valley newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Modern multiplex chain showing blockbusters & a few independent films; some venues offer childcare.”

“Party Jungle is a local indoor amusement park for ages 2 to 10 with carnival-style rides, mini golf, and a jungle gym. All-day play with no time limits and birthday rooms that make planning easy, so you can sit back while they go full jungle mode.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Mountain, El Conquistador Resort-area course featuring 9 holes as well as a scenic disc golf layout.”

“San Tan Highlands Golf Club, formerly The Golf Club at Johnson Ranch, pairs a scenic championship track with two distinct nines, generous Lowlands and shotmaking Highlands, plus a TopTracer Range for dialed-in practice. Cap it with Maria’s Kitchen, patio views of the San Tans, and a very popular Taco Tuesday.”

From the San Tan Valley newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Stonecreek Golf Club keeps locals happy with a meticulously maintained 18-hole, par-71 championship layout and sweeping mountain views, plus an expansive practice facility when the swing needs a tune-up. Reward yourself at Up The Creek after the round, then start plotting your next shot tomorrow.”

From the Phoenix newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Well-regarded golf club featuring an 18-hole course with 1995-opening holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr..”

“Park for families features laser tag, batting cages, go-karts, mini-golf, rides & more.”

“Private golf club with a course featuring valley views, and a friendly staff.”

“If your short game needs a reality check, Lookout Mountain Golf Club delivers 18 scenic holes through Sonoran desert and Phoenix North Mountains, a multi-award honoree from Golf Digest, Zagat, and readers of Arizona Business Magazine. Grab a tee time with a friend and let the views do half the work.”

From the Maricopa newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Creative venue for live music performances, art shows and exhibitions, plus DJs and dancing.”

“Need a midweek big-screen fix without the fuss? Harkins Theatres Superstition Springs brings the latest releases plus real-deal snacks and sips... think made-to-order flatbreads, the Big Screen Burger, and cocktails or local craft beers from the in-theatre CINÉBAR, so your night out actually feels like one.”

From the San Tan Valley newsletter, August 13, 2026

“Modern studios & suites next to a golf course, offering an outdoor pool, games & 2 hot tubs.”

“Modern multiplex chain showing blockbusters & a few independent films; some venues offer childcare.”

“Friendly staff at this clean jump park with a cafe and party rooms (birthday bashes: 27, 33, 34).”