We all want to explore the areas we live in the minute we move. However, after moving, budgets can be tight. Lucky for you, I have some budget-friendly things to do in your neck of the woods.

Exploring the outdoors is one of my favorite free or budget-friendly activities to do. Nature is incredible, and Arizona has some of the most beautiful places to explore. Whether you are into hiking, floating down the river or checking a national park off your bucket list, Arizona has everything you need.

Hiking in Your Neighborhood

Hiking is typically a free recreational activity (depending on where you go- national parks may have a small fee to enter) and can promote physical fitness and exploration. There is just something about climbing to the top of a mountain and overlooking your entire community, it is truly one of the best feelings. I have curated a list of some of the best hikes in the Phoenix metroplex.

• Double Butte Loop and Hole-in-the-Rock Trail in Papago Park is located right next to the Phoenix Zoo and is merely steps away from our Camden Sotelo and Camden Tempe locations. Don’t skip this easy 10-minute hike for breathtaking views!

• Camelback Mountain is a staple hike in Arizona. It should be one of your first hiking trips when you move to the area. It is only 15 minutes from Camden San Paloma and is very central to our other Phoenix communities.

• Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a four-mile hike near Rio Verde, Arizona. It is a more challenging course, like Camelback Mountain and has interesting rock features. It is only 14 minutes from Camden Foothills in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Breathtaking view from the top of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona. It is central to all of our Phoenix communities.

Living It Up at The Lake

A lake day is good for the soul. When able, I enjoy floating along the river and I recommend The Salt River. You may see wild horses along your journey. Between May and September, you can float the river for $19 (this includes a rental tube and a shuttle drop off and pick up). Besides the Salt River, there are a handful of lakes nearby to enjoy. These two are fairly close to Camden Tempe with only a 27-minute drive.

• Salt River

• Saguaro Lake

• Tempe Town Lake is another great location merely steps from our Camden Tempe community. They offer paddle boarding, kayaking, and large walkaways along the lake. Half-day rentals start at only $25.

Some friends and I floating along the Salt River in Mesa, Arizona. Only 27 minutes from Camden Tempe.

Stroll Through a Local Farmers Market

Check out a local farmers market or vintage market for the weekend. You never know what treasures you may find from a local vendor or your new favorite vegetable from a local farm. These events are typically free to attend; don’t spend too much on your hidden gems while you are there! Set a budget before you arrive to know how much you intend to spend. Check out a few of these nearby markets to stroll through.

• 2nd Sundays on Mill Avenue is a favorite outdoor market in Tempe. It is located between 3rd St. and University and features homemade gifts from local Arizona vendors. The event is only six minutes from our Camden locations in Tempe, Arizona.

• Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market occurs on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It is located at 720 N. 5th Street in Phoenix, Arizona. They are committed to local products and take pride in offering weekly events with opportunities to shop local and small. They are open rain or shine! This market is only three minutes away from Camden Copper Square.

• Gilbert Farmers Market occurs on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Downtown Gilbert, next to the Iconic Water Tower. Over 100 vendors are present year-round, and the market features local farmers and vendors from across the state. It is 18 minutes away from our Camden locations in Chandler, Arizona.

Beat the Heat at a Phoenix Museum

Not one for the outdoors? Step into one of Phoenix’s many museums with free admission on select dates throughout the month. This is a great budget-friendly or free activity for the whole family! Here is a list of museums with free admission days to try out.

• Phoenix Art Museum offers free general admission for select dates, times, and events. Special exhibitions require a ticket (prices may vary). The museum is located at 1625 N. Central Avenue in Phoenix Arizona just minutes away from our Camden Copper Square location.

• Children’s Museum of Phoenix is also located within walking distance to our Camden Copper Square location. The Children’s Museum offers free admission on the first Friday night of each month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Desert Botanical Garden offers free admission on Community Day, the second Tuesday of the month. The gardens are located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, Arizona just steps from our Camden Tempe location.

• Arizona State University Art Museum always has free admission and is located at 51 E. 10th Street in Tempe, Arizona just minutes from our Camden locations in Tempe, Arizona.

In Phoenix, finding budget-friendly or free activities that everyone in your party can enjoy can be tough. Do not hesitate to reach out to your favorite Camden team member for local activities throughout the area. There is a good chance we already have a list curated for each of you!

I do not doubt that your neighborhood has some hidden gems to fill your time with this summer near your Camden community.