Phoenix-Area Activities to Enjoy During Maker Festivals Mesa

Outside Adventures 

Hot Air Balloon 

Among different air adventures such as skydiving and aerobatics, you can also take a relaxing air tour via hot air balloon. You can watch the sunrise or get a breathtaking view of Arizona’s terrain by taking on Mesa in the sky. Some of the hotels in Mesa are serviced by two local hot air balloon companies that will pick you up and take you up for 45-60 minutes. 

Phoenix Zoo 

Take a break from crafting and rejuvenate your creativity by visiting the Phoenix Zoo. Here you can visit wildlife in several climates, from the desert to the tropics. You can also watch different animal presentations, visit monkey village and take a ride on the safari cruiser.  If purchased online, tickets for people aged 14+ are $37.95 while those ages 3-13 are $27.95. 

Travel: 20 min drive from the Mesa Convention Center 
Hours: Open every day from 7-11am UNTIL AUGUST 31 (hours are subject to change) 

Pioneer Park 

One of the parks closest to the Mesa Convention Center is Pioneer Park. It is a beautiful outdoor area fun for everyone to enjoy with picnic ramadas and an area to play horseshoes available for reservation. With a 500-foot suspension bridge for anyone to use, food truck area, historic monuments, basketball courts, a water wall and splash pad, visiting Pioneer Park is a great way to wind down outside after a busy day. 

Travel: 14-minute walk from the Mesa Convention Center 
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 10am-10:30pm; Sun 12-9:30pm 

Golf Courses 

Play a game of golf with your friends while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains and local wildlife. There are a bunch of scenic golf courses that Mesa has to offer, whether you are wanting to play a 9- or 18-hole game. These clubs and courses also have several other amenities for you to enjoy, such as disc golf and driving ranges. 

Hiking Trails 

Enjoy the beautiful desert scenery via the various hiking trails in Mesa. You can explore the wildlife, plant-life and mountain views in these parks and forests by horseback, bike or on foot. Another scenic trail to try is the Apache Trail, which will take you by a ghost town, Canyon Lake and the Superstition Mountains. If you need to take a rest and fuel up for the rest of your adventures, you can also visit the Tortilla Flat along the Apache Trail.