By Laura Polk

If you are in the mood for an acoustically entertaining experience, look no further than the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) located in North Phoenix. This incredible museum is home to 4,300 instruments representing all the world’s countries. The MIM features six unique musical instrument galleries to inspire visitors of all ages to “travel the world through music.” 

In the Geographic and Artist galleries, visitors can see, hear and learn about the history and origins of musical instruments from brass to woodwinds. Once you’ve learned more about your favorite rock band instruments, head on over to the Experience gallery for a hands-on practice session. Celebrate the joy of music-making by beating a drum, shaking a tambourine, or playing a pianoforte — this is especially popular with children. Visitors interested in a learning more about musical conservation can head on over to the Preservation Lab and Collier STEM galleries. In the Conservation Lab, visitors can see how the MIM protects and restores instruments and music-related artifacts. The Collier STEM gallery helps visitors further explore how science brings music to life. 

After a full day of history, music and fun, round out your visit to the MIM with one final performance! Once you’ve had a chance to play an instrument, dance your way over to the Mechanical music gallery, which features daily concerts on a 1960s dance organ named “Apollonia” featuring its own rendition of “Copocabana.” The MIM is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for visitors of all ages making it a great way to escape the desert heat during the day. Feeling hungry? Not to worry, you will also find lunch options at Allegro Café and sweet sips at Beats Café. 

Cave Creek Museum 

cavecreekmuseum.org * 480-488-2764

Home to the only fully functioning 10-stamp ore-crushing mill. 

DBG.org * 480-941-1225 

Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. 

PhxArt.org * 602-257-1880 

In addition to special exhibitions, the permanent-collection galleries are drawn from more than 19,000 objects of modern and contemporary art, fashion design, and photography, as well as international art.

scottsdaleperformingarts.org * 480-499-8587 

Providing almost every type of performance medium including dance, theatre, instrumental showcases, and experiential seasonal events.

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix 

JapaneseFriendshipGarden.org * 602-274-8700 

The tranquil garden encompasses 3.5 acres and includes a tea garden and tea house.

ArizonaMuseumOfNaturalHistory.org * 480-644-2230 

Where dinosaurs roar and so much more.

arizonatheatre.org * 833-282-7328 

The company produces six mainstage productions each season, providing a launchpad for playwrights and actors alike, and is a resident company at the Herberger Theater Center.

balletaz.org * 602-381-0188

An innovative and provocative professional ballet company that teaches, creates and performs outstanding classical and contemporary ballet including the family-favorite Nutcracker during the holiday season.