Parks, gardens, and outdoor admissions. 3 sources, linked on each listing. Newest verification Oct 31, 2026.
Tempe · City of Tempe Aquatics · Kiwanis Park Cloud + neighborhood splash pads, Tempe, AZ · Parks & Outdoors
Beat-the-heat free splash play at The Cloud (Kiwanis) and neighborhood pads at Esquer, Jaycee and Parque de Soza. Seasonal April–Oct 31.
When: April–October 31
Source: City of TempeLast verified:
Tempe · Hayden Butte Preserve / City of Tempe · Hayden Butte Preserve (A Mountain), Tempe, AZ 85281 · Parks & Outdoors
Free hike up Tempe’s A Mountain with city views. Open 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; stay on designated trails and bring water.
When: Daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Source: City of TempeLast verified:
Tempe · Papago Park (Tempe) · Papago Park, Tempe, AZ (Tempe portion) · Parks & Outdoors
Free city park access with playground, lake views, sports courts, grills and picnic tables. Hours 5 a.m.–midnight per Tempe facility listing.
When: Daily 5 a.m.–midnight
Listed on City of TempeLast verified:
Tempe · Tempe Parks and Recreation · Citywide Tempe parks and rec centers · Parks & Outdoors
City recreation overview: 50+ parks, fishing lakes, pools, splash play, classes and free family community events. Start at tempe.gov recreation services / family fun pages.
When: Year-round programs
Listed on City of TempeLast verified:
Tempe · City of Tempe / Tempe Town Lake · Tempe Town Lake (Priest Rd. to McClintock Rd.), Tempe, AZ 85281 · Parks & Outdoors
More than 2-mile public lake with free walking/jogging/bike paths, parks, volleyball courts and habitat areas. Boat rentals available from third-party vendors.
When: Daily (public shoreline & paths)
Source: City of TempeLast verified:
5 listings that apply in every city.
Nationwide · National Park Service · All NPS sites that charge an entrance fee · Entertainment
Entrance fees are waived at fee-charging national parks. Starting in 2026, free days apply to US citizens and residents only.
When: Oct 27 (Theodore Roosevelt's birthday) and Nov 11 (Veterans Day), 2026
Source: National Park ServiceLast verified:
Nationwide · Every Kid Outdoors (federal lands) · Online · Kids & Family
U.S. 4th graders can get a free pass for themselves and their families to national parks and other federal lands and waters. Get the pass on the Every Kid Outdoors site; educators can get passes for their classes.
When: Ongoing
Source: Every Kid OutdoorsLast verified:
Nationwide · National Park Service · Online · Parks & Outdoors
U.S. citizens and residents with a permanent disability can get a free lifetime Access Pass covering entrance fees at national parks and federal recreation sites. Documentation and photo ID are required.
When: Ongoing
Source: National Park ServiceLast verified:
Nationwide · National Park Service · Online · Parks & Outdoors
Current U.S. military members and dependents get a free annual America the Beautiful pass. Veterans and Gold Star families get a free lifetime pass. It covers entrance fees at national parks and federal recreation sites. Pick it up at a federal recreation site; photo ID is required.
When: Ongoing
Source: National Park ServiceLast verified:
Nationwide · National Park Service · Online · Parks & Outdoors
U.S. citizens and residents 62+ can buy a lifetime Senior Pass for $80 or an annual pass for $20, covering entrance fees at national parks and federal recreation sites. Buy in person at 1,000+ sites or online through USGS. ID required; non-refundable.
When: Ongoing
Source: National Park ServiceLast verified: