Bring a brown bag lunch and join downtown business workers for an enjoyable picnic in the park. Serving downtown with two and a half acres of relaxing greenery, this park is a perfect spot to pass the time. One of Phoenix's "Points of Pride", the park serves a dual purpose: above, it is accessed by the public as a beautiful park; below, you will find a practical hidden parking structure. Many celebrations are held here, including Cinco de Mayo and St. Patrick's Day. You can often catch midday performances on the outdoor stage.

Named for the Spanish word for "enchanted," this mid-city emerald oasis lives up to its name. 200 acres of no-fee picnic areas and nature trails afford family entertainment. Minutes away from the business district, it is a great place to bring your lunch. For the kids, there is an amusement park called the Enchanted Island, a playground and a swimming pool for their entertainment. Older kids and adults enjoy lighted basketball courts, handball and racquetball courts, softball field, urban fishing, and paddleboats or canoes. Find golf nearby at the Encanto municipal golf course, or the Executive Length course.

Exhibited at Pueblo Grande Museum & Archeological Park are the ruins of a prehistoric settlement of people who lived, farmed and prospered for centuries in this region. Known as the Hohokam, they built their first irrigation system more than 1000 years ago. Traverse the actual ruins to discover their methods of adobe construction. Phoenix's lone National Historic Landmark, sections include an authentic ball court, irrigation canals and a football field-sized platform mound. A gift shop is located within the museum for those looking for souvenirs.

This fully restored home from 1901 exhibits toys, trinkets and dolls of years gone by. Located in Historic Heritage Square, this red brick structure was formerly known as the Stevens house. Apart from doll houses, miniature spaces resembling a pharmacy, candy store and hat shop make an interesting part of the museum. You can even purchase a gift item to take home with you. Also part of the Heritage Square, visit the Rosson House located nearby for more Victorian treasures.

The Rosson House is a beautiful structure built in keeping with the Queen Anne style of the Victorian Era. Constructed in 1895, it has been restored to all its former glory and today serves as a museum. Visitors get a glimpse into the lives of late 19th century Phoenix denizens through the preserved articles and housewares on display. The house is located in the quaint Heritage Square and is one of eight restored residences here. Guided tours around the house are available and it is open almost 365 days a year. Check website for more details and information.

For a look into the history of Arizona as it was in the late 19th Century, visit the Historic Heritage Square and its environs. One of the highlighted areas in downtown Phoenix, it is filled with interesting sites including the opulent Rosson House which dates back to 1895. This Queen Anne structure has been fully restored and today functions as a museum recreating the magic of a time long forgotten. For a bite to eat, the noted Pizzeria Bianco and beloved Nobuo at Teeter House are wonderful options just around the corner. Other sites in the square include the Arizona Doll & Toy Museum but if you wish to escape even the 21st Century, right next door you'll find the Arizona Science Center.

Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza pays tribute to lost veterans of several wars including the World Wars, Korean Conflict, Vietnam and the more recent Desert Storm. Encompassing two square blocks, adjacent to the State Capitol Museum, this park features a number of memorial monuments including the anchor of USS Arizona that sunk at Pearl Harbor. Frequently hosting local festivals such as the Fabulous Phoenix 4th, this entry-free park is also a hot-spot for political gatherings.

Arizona Capitol Museum traces back the history of Arizona to its present day. Artifacts and displays here include paintings by artist and Arizona native, Lon Megargee. Walk into the Historic House Chamber where the constitution of state was written or peek into the Governor's office that exhibits the Roughriders flag. Photographs and memorabilia of survivors on the USS Arizona are on display along with a recovered piece of the ship. Group tours may be scheduled in advance and the gift shop offers local souvenirs.

One of the largest in the Southwest, the Phoenix Art Museum includes a staggering collection of exhibits from the world over. Permanent displays in this facility include miniature interiors as well as 20th-century art. Featured pieces cover contemporary art and fashion design with international exhibits from Europe, Asia, Latin America as well as Western America. Interactive, hands-on activities are featured for kids at the PhxArtKids space. Traveling displays are often included in the museum's highlights. Exhibits include popular works by Sui Jianguo, Lawrence Weiner and Pete Wegner.

Located in the center of Phoenix, the Orpheum Theater is one of the historic venues of the city. Built in 1929, the Spanish Baroque-style building underwent major transformation after its purchase by the city of Phoenix in 1984. January of 1997 saw its reopening for visitor use with the facility listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The venue seats 1,400 and is currently used for civic events, performing arts and touring productions featuring dance, theater and music concerts. Ticket prices vary; call the Civic Plaza Box Office at +1 602 262 7272 for details.