Planning for your family reunion in tempe Arizona? Here are the top places and destinations to include in your things to do in tempe Arizona
Already chosen Arizona? Read the Arizona Planning Guide.
Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is a two-mile urban reservoir surrounded by parks, paths, and public art, offering kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boats, and electric boat rentals for groups. Reunion parties of 15-50 can rent a fleet of watercraft together and paddle as a group, creating a fun shared activity on the water. The paved multi-use path circling the lake accommodates walkers, joggers, and cyclists of all ages without crowding. Lakeside ramadas and grassy areas can be reserved for group picnics, making it easy to set up a reunion home base. The combination of water activities, walking paths, and gathering spaces means every family member finds something enjoyable.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The lake path is free to use with metered parking along Rio Salado Parkway at $2 per hour and the Tempe Beach Park lot offers 3 hours free on weekdays. The 2-mile paved loop path is fully ADA accessible with flat surfaces and benches every quarter mile and boat rentals are available for $20 per hour for pedal boats seating 4 people. From May through September Tempe temperatures exceed 110F so schedule group walks before 8 AM or after 6 PM and use the shaded ramadas along the north shore for rest stops.
Website: tempe.gov
Arizona State University Art Museum
Arizona State University Art Museum features contemporary art exhibitions and educational programs. Free admission with rotating exhibitions showcasing regional and international contemporary artists. Perfect for family reunions with art enthusiasts seeking cultural experiences and educational opportunities.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Admission is free and the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM with free 1-hour guided tours available for groups of 10 or more when booked 2 weeks in advance. The museum is fully ADA accessible on all levels with an elevator and accessible restrooms on each floor and offers large-print gallery guides upon request. Visitor parking is available in the Rural Road garage for $3 per hour and the museum validates for 2 hours free with a stamp from the front desk.
Website: asuartmuseum.asu.edu
Papago Park (Tempe Side)
The Tempe side of Papago Park offers easy desert trails, fishing lagoons, and wide-open picnic areas nestled among distinctive red sandstone buttes. Groups of 15-50 can reserve ramadas with grills and tables, creating a comfortable reunion base camp with shade and restroom access nearby. The flat, interconnected trail system lets family members of all ages explore at their own pace while staying within easy walking distance of the group. The park's fishing lagoons provide a relaxing activity for those who prefer sitting and chatting while others hike. With free entry and ample parking, coordinating arrival for a large reunion group is completely hassle-free.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Entry is free with the Tempe-side parking lot holding 60 vehicles near the fishing lagoon and picnic ramadas that accommodate groups of up to 50 people for $50 per day. The paved paths around the lagoon are fully ADA accessible with accessible restrooms and drinking fountains at the main trailhead area. From May through September temperatures exceed 110F so plan morning visits before 9 AM and note that the ramadas provide shade but the paved surfaces radiate heat throughout the afternoon.
Website: tempe.gov
Big Surf Waterpark
Big Surf Waterpark is one of America's original wave pools, featuring water slides, a lazy river, and a massive wave pool that generates ocean-like surf in the desert. Group rates for parties of 15 or more make this an affordable full-day reunion activity, with discounted admission and reserved seating areas available. The park's layout includes shaded cabanas and group pavilions where your reunion can store belongings and gather between rides. Multiple food options on-site eliminate the need to leave for meals, keeping your group together all day. The mix of thrilling slides for adventurous teens and gentle pools for young children means every age group stays entertained simultaneously.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
General admission is $32 for adults and groups of 20 or more pay $24 per person when booked at least 2 weeks in advance through the group events coordinator with a $100 deposit required. The park is partially ADA accessible with paved paths to viewing areas and the wave pool has a zero-entry shallow end suitable for guests with limited mobility. Season passes start at $65 per person and cabana rentals for up to 10 guests run $150 to $250 depending on the day of the week.
Website: golfland.com
Tempe Beach Park
Tempe Beach Park is a vibrant 25-acre urban park along Tempe Town Lake featuring open lawns, splash pads, playgrounds, and a performance amphitheater. The expansive grassy areas easily accommodate groups of 15-50 for games, picnics, and casual gathering without feeling confined to a single spot. The splash pad and playground keep younger family members entertained while adults relax on the shaded lawn nearby. The park's central location means restaurants, shops, and restrooms are steps away, simplifying logistics for large groups. Evening gatherings here offer stunning sunset views over the lake, creating a memorable backdrop for reunion dinners or group celebrations.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The park is free to visit with metered lot parking at $2 per hour and groups can reserve the large ramada for up to 75 people at $125 per day through the Tempe Parks reservation system 4 weeks in advance. The park is fully ADA accessible with paved paths, accessible restrooms, and a wheelchair-friendly splash pad area that operates from April through October. From May through September the splash pad provides the only outdoor cooling relief when temperatures exceed 110F so bring swimwear and sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher for all family members.
Website: tempe.gov
Tempe Marketplace
Tempe Marketplace is an open-air shopping and entertainment district featuring over 100 stores, restaurants, and a central plaza with free live music and events throughout the week. The spacious outdoor layout gives groups of 15-50 room to browse independently while staying within easy walking distance of each other along the main promenade. Multiple restaurants with large patios can accommodate reunion-sized parties for group dinners without requiring advance reservations at most venues. The central fountain plaza hosts free concerts and entertainment that give your group a natural gathering point and shared evening activity. This is a convenient, no-admission-cost destination where your reunion can combine shopping, dining, and entertainment in one walkable location.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The outdoor shopping center is free to visit with over 1500 free parking spaces across 3 lots and the main promenade is fully ADA accessible with flat surfaces and curb cuts throughout. Groups of 15 or more can arrange a private dining event at participating restaurants with 2 weeks notice and most venues can seat parties of 25 to 40. The marketplace offers climate-controlled indoor dining and shaded outdoor patios making it a comfortable group gathering spot year-round even when summer temperatures exceed 110F.
Website: tempemarketplace.com
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park is Tempe's premier recreation complex featuring a wave pool, fishing lake, tennis courts, sand volleyball, playgrounds, and expansive grassy areas perfect for large group gatherings. The park's reservable ramadas and picnic areas accommodate groups of 15-50 with grills, tables, shade structures, and nearby restrooms for all-day comfort. The wave pool and recreation center offer group rates for reunion parties, providing structured water fun alongside the park's free open spaces. Multiple activity options spread across the park mean different age groups can pursue their preferred activities while remaining in the same location. This is an ideal reunion home base that combines organized recreation with casual gathering space at minimal cost.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The lakeside paths are free and open 24 hours with paved ADA-accessible trails running 3.2 miles along both shores with benches and shade structures every quarter mile. Boat rentals including kayaks and pedal boats cost $15 to $30 per hour with group rates of 10 percent off for 5 or more boats reserved at least 3 days ahead. Heat warning: from May through September temperatures exceed 110F by 10 AM so limit outdoor time to early morning and bring minimum 1 liter of water per person.
Website: tempe.gov
Ken O.
Founder of AmazingReunion and veteran reunion organizer who has coordinated 50+ family gatherings across the US.