BEAT THE HEAT

BY: MIKAYLA BLAUSER

     With the debilitating heat of Arizona’s summers, activities seem limited and the season seems endless. It is difficult to find local and inexpensive activities within a 50-mile radius. However, the valley of the sun may not have renowned theme parks or sunny beaches, but it does have countless movie theaters, over-the-top shopping malls, sunny skies and waterparks. Here are five summer activities available to Arizona residents:

     The Picture Show—6555 E. Southern Ave., Suite 1002, Mesa, Ariz. 85206

     This discount movie theater, located next to Superstition Springs Mall, offers box office hits for as little as $1 per person (on Tuesdays). The price of a 2D movie is $2 and 3D movies cost $4. Movies no longer showing at Harkins or AMC Theaters are available at The Picture Show.

     “I would prefer going to The Picture Show because the theaters are smaller and the prices are obviously much cheaper,” said junior Lucie Birt.

     Visit www.pictureshowent.com for more information.

     Arizona Science Center—600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, Ariz. 85004

     For the ultimate scientific experience, children and adults of all ages can visit the famous Arizona Science Center (ASC). Prices for children ages 3-17 years are $11 and adult tickets are $14. The ASC features exhibits such as “Get Charged Up,” which includes electric circuits, giant levers and a bed of nails. Home to the IMAX Theater, the ASC also houses the eye-opening planetarium.

     “The planetarium is my personal favorite part of the Arizona Science Center,” said freshman Mar Tejeda-Corral. “My siblings and I often visit it over the summer because it actually feels like we are surrounded by stars and planets in space.”

     Visit www.azscience.org for more information. 

     Scottsdale Fashion Square—7401 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, Ariz. 85251

     With over 200 stores and three stories, Scottsdale Fashion Square is a must-see for shopping addicts. Being the largest shopping mall in the state and listed among the top 30 largest shopping malls in the nation, Scottsdale Fashion Square is a hotspot for teens across the valley.

     “Although this mall is in Scottsdale, it is worth the drive,” said junior Jennifer Larson. “Scottsdale Fashion Square has every store you can imagine, and there are a lot of great restaurants nearby.”

     Visit www.fashionsquare.com for more information.

     Dave and Buster’s Restaurant—2000 E. Rio Salado Pky., Tempe, Ariz. 85281

     Dave and Buster’s is a restaurant and also a “grown-up” arcade. Their menu has a large variety of choices such as soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and more. The famous arcade includes games such as Typhoon, Doodle Jump and Connect 4.

     “This is a family-friendly place that is super fun to visit,” said sophomore Kayla Ballard.

     Visit www.daveandbusters.com for more information.

     Big Surf Waterpark—1500 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe, Ariz. 85281

     Visiting a waterpark is the ideal way to splash the day away in the hot sun. While general admission is $26.95, Groupon, which is a deal of the day website, often offers great deals on ticket prices. Throughout the summer, tickets are available at Big Surf Waterpark for as little as $15. The waterpark has rides, long slides and wave pools such as the Black Hole and the Tornado Twisters.

     “There is something for everyone,” said freshman Nicole Lodestro. “Big Surf is a fun place to spend the day with your friends.”

     Visit www.bigsurffun.com for more information.

     Beat the summer heat by shopping at the Scottsdale Fashion Square, watching a movie at the Picture Show, learning at the Arizona Science Center, eating and playing in the arcade at Dave and Buster’s Restaurant or splashing around at the Big Surf Waterpark. These five places can offer entertainment throughout the summer.