Free Things to Do in Scottsdale: 11 Ideas That Cost $0
Trails, parks, art and museums that don't cost a dime
- No. 1Free, sunrise to sunset
- No. 6Free entrance
- No. 11Admission is free
By John Apolinar
There are more free things to do in Scottsdale than people expect. I put together the ones I actually do with friends and family, from sunrise hikes in the Preserve to Thursday night ArtWalk in Old Town, and I checked each one to make sure it really is free.
Want the full list? Browse the Scottsdale activities and experiences directory.
In this guide 11 spots
The map Where these spots are Filter by area
Showing all 11 spots.
Nothing in this guide is in that area.
The spots
Ranked by Scottsdale ScoopNorth Scottsdale, multiple trailheads
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Huge desert preserve The Preserve is open every day from sunrise to sunset, free of charge, with trailheads all over North Scottsdale. Dogs are welcome on a six-foot leash.
The short list: Free, sunrise to sunsetMultiple trailheadsLeashed dogs allowed.
Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy
Gateway Loop Trail
Popular Preserve loop Gateway is one of the busiest trailheads in the Preserve, with parking, restrooms, shade ramadas and water. The accessible Bajada Nature Trail starts here too, so it works for everyone.
The short list: Restrooms and waterAccessible Bajada Nature TrailFree Preserve access.
26802 N 102nd Way, North Scottsdale
Pinnacle Peak Park
Pinnacle Peak Park is a city park built around one of Scottsdale's best-known trails. Hours change by season, so check the city's posted hours first.
The short list: City parkClassic desert trailSeasonal hours posted.
Runs north-south through central Scottsdale
Scottsdale Greenbelt (Indian Bend Wash)
The Greenbelt is a chain of parks, lakes and paths along Indian Bend Wash. It's my go-to for a free bike ride or a long walk without leaving the city.
The short list: Connected parks and pathsGood for bikes and walksFree city park.
3939 N Drinkwater Blvd, Old Town
Scottsdale Civic Center
Old Town's central park The Civic Center is the green heart of Old Town, with lawns, public art and room to wander. It's free and an easy add-on to a day in Old Town.
The short list: Lawns and public artCentral Old TownFree city park.
7333 E Scottsdale Mall, Old Town
Scottsdale Historical Museum
The Historical Museum has free entrance and tells the story of early Scottsdale. It's closed June, July and August, and open Wednesday through Sunday the rest of the year.
The short list: Free entranceClosed June through AugustWednesday to Sunday hours.
Old Town arts district (Main St and Marshall Way)
Scottsdale ArtWalk
Thursday night gallery stroll ArtWalk has run since 1975 and calls itself the nation's longest-running art walk. Galleries open their doors on Thursday evenings, often with live music, and it's free to wander.
The short list: Since 1975Thursday eveningsAir-conditioned galleries.
Scottsdale Waterfront, along the canal
Soleri Bridge and Plaza
The Soleri Bridge is part of Scottsdale's public art collection, which the city says includes more than 160 permanent pieces. Walking the canal and spotting public art costs nothing.
The short list: Part of 160+ public art piecesCanal-side walkAlways free.
3939 N Drinkwater Blvd (Civic Center), Old Town
Old Town Farmers Market
The Old Town Farmers Market now sets up at the Civic Center on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in fall, winter and early spring. It's free to walk around, you just pay for what you buy.
The short list: Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.New Civic Center locationFree to browse.
7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Railroad Park is free to enter, with playgrounds, grassy areas and train history to look at. Train and carousel rides are $3 a ticket (kids 2 and under ride free), so bring a few bucks.
The short list: Free admissionRides cost extraGreat for kids.
7135 E Camelback Rd Suite 190 (Waterfront)
Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Museum
College football museum The Fiesta Bowl Museum says admission is free, and it's a fun stop for college football fans at the Waterfront. Check the posted museum hours before you go.
The short list: Admission is freeCollege football historyAt the Waterfront.
The method
How I picked these
Everything here is free to get into, and I confirmed that on the official site. Where something has paid extras (like train rides at Railroad Park or shopping at the farmers market), I say so. Hours and seasons change, so check the link before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve free?
Yes. The Preserve is open every day from sunrise to sunset, free of charge. Trailheads have their own open and close times.
Is Scottsdale ArtWalk free?
Yes. ArtWalk happens Thursday evenings in the Old Town arts district, and it's free to stroll the galleries.
Is McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park free?
The park is free to enter, but the train and carousel rides cost money.
When is the Scottsdale Historical Museum open?
It's free, but it's closed in June, July and August, so plan a fall, winter or spring visit.
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