Writer Shannon Severson
The thermometer is rising, and Arizona’s unique brand of “cabin fever” is setting in. As the scorching sun beats down relentlessly, the idea of venturing outdoors becomes less appealing by the minute. What’s a desert denizen to do when the heat becomes unbearable? Fortunately for us, our area is a mecca for high-quality indoor activities that afford adults and children alike opportunities to stay busy, active and entertained while maintaining our cool.
For a classic summer pastime, Harkins Theatres offers a season pass for eight weeks of kid-friendly G- and PG-rated movies at just $1 per film, with the added bonus of air-conditioned comfort and the irresistible scent of buttered popcorn.
For those looking for a more luxurious escape, The W Scottsdale is hosting a limited-time luxury simulator experience by Bushwood Sims through Labor Day. Golfers, hunters and gaming enthusiasts can choose from over 500 golf courses, 100 unique hunting scenarios, and virtual reality gaming options during a 90-minute session on the hotel’s chic rooftop Wet Deck. VIP experiences start at just $99, offering an affordable indulgence for those seeking a high-end respite from the summer swelter.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Arizona’s indoor oases. From exhilarating go-kart tracks and thought-provoking art galleries to lively indoor playgrounds and challenging mini golf courses, there’s no shortage of ways to beat the heat in the Valley of the Sun. These climate-controlled havens provide a welcome respite from the oppressive heat, allowing us to explore, learn and play without breaking a sweat!
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Have you ever wanted to speed around the track like Mario Andretti? Here’s your chance. The Andretti name is synonymous with racing excellence; nine family members representing three generations of the family have become racing royalty, beginning with Italian-born twins Mario and Aldo. Now, the Andretti name is also a brand of quality family entertainment.
“The way we’ve been received is a wonderful feeling,” says Mario, 1978 Formula One world champion. “We can offer some good entertainment for our community. If you look around, it’s for the entire family, from beginning to end.”
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games opened its first Arizona location in Chandler this past fall, and the 95,000-square-foot facility quickly became the Orlando-based company’s top-performing store. The experience here is top tier: clean as a whistle with courteous and knowledgeable staff and high-quality food and drinks. There is no general admission fee to enter, so each visit can be tailored to what attractions you’d like to experience. Packages and memberships can be purchased for additional savings.
The highlight has to be the high-speed electric Superkarts that whiz up, down and all around two multi-level indoor tracks. With advance reservations, speedsters ages 4 to adult can participate in a race that fits their age, height and skill level. Nonmember pricing ranges from $12.95 for a children’s “Mini Mario” race to $29.95 for a single adult race. Attendees can round up their transactions to benefit CheckIt4Andretti, a charity founded in honor of the late John Andretti to encourage men and women to get regular colonoscopies for prevention and early diagnosis of colon cancer.
In the adjacent, high-ceilinged massive arcade, there are state-of-the-art games, a two-story laser tag arena, Spark Augmented Reality Duckpin Bowling, a 7D Xperience Motion Theater and three virtual reality experiences that each have multiple game scenarios and accommodate different ages and comfort levels: Hologate VR, Hyperdeck VR and Limitless VR.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games also has a nice selection of scratch-made food and drinks with a full-service restaurant, full bar and coffee bar. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available. The venue has private dining areas as well and can accommodate birthday parties and events with groups of up to 2,000 people.
Building on the success of its Chandler location, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is expected to open a new facility in Glendale this fall. This expansion demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing high-quality family entertainment experiences across Arizona.
Jordan’s Corner
Founded in 2021 by Janell Panicko, a registered nurse and mother of one special needs child and another whose medical needs made outdoor play difficult, Jordan’s Corner is a place designed for multisensory, intentional and independent play. Panicko’s vision was to create an inclusive space where children of all abilities could explore and grow.
Located in Scottsdale, Jordan’s Corner spans 2,800 square feet of play space geared toward children ages 6 and younger. The facility incorporates an indoor playground, class space, and even a comfortable spot for adults to relax and connect with each other. The open layout allows a clear view of every corner of the room, ensuring parents can relax and observe while kids explore and form friendships with peers.
“I have a background in child development and paid close attention when my two children were in therapy,” Panicko recalls. “I needed a place where they could play and work on their skills where I could be present. I asked the therapist about equipment and intentional toys. I’ve always been a go-getter and it has paid off now. The project started quickly and it took off. Everything at Jordan’s Corner is teacher- and therapist-recommended.”
Panicko says her approach is Montessori-inspired, allowing children to explore, try new things, make mistakes and test their abilities in a safe and supportive environment. The number of children in the space at any time is limited to 25 at most. Enrichment classes are offered Monday through Friday and run the gamut from music and story time to Spanish language, preschool readiness and science. The “Sustainable Sprouts” class has hands-on lessons with live animals like chickens, bunnies and worms, and little ones learn about caring for animals and the planet.
Panicko offers memberships that include play and classes, and says the connections parents make have sparked enduring friendships.
“They become part of the community,” Panicko says. “They build friendships and relationships; many are best friends now. Groups start to form and then they meet outside of Jordan’s Corner. I’ve had people tell me they’re so grateful for the facility because they have a community that they haven’t had before. Students are given time to adjust to taking classes and parents feel their kids are getting ready for preschool. Ours is a very welcoming space; it’s warm and fuzzy the way the children are welcomed each day. It’s like a family.”
Membership is not required to participate in play or classes, but booking a play reservation online is highly recommended. Play costs $20 an hour for nonmembers.
On the horizon for Jordan’s Corner is a coworking membership option where staff will be on hand to help supervise children while parents have an office space stocked with a printer, snacks, drinks and the ability to come and go for short periods.
Ninja Nation
Being stuck inside all summer can make energetic kids and adults long for space not just to run and jump around but also to test some physical limits or learn a new skill. Ninja Nation, which opened its first facility in December in Glendale and its newest in Scottsdale in May, brings the high-energy excitement and challenge of obstacle courses akin to those seen on the popular “American Ninja Warrior” television show to life in their spacious indoor facilities.
While the most concentrated age range at Ninja Nation is 5–15 years old, the concept appeals to individuals of any age and ability level.
Owners Jeff Parkinson and Josh Lamstein are both fathers of active, competitive children who loved watching the show and decided to get involved with a business that they describe as the “Top Golf” of ninja facilities, which have gained popularity and are often a small component of a gymnastics facility or are purposely built for training and competition. Ninja Nation is more playground than competition arena, and Parkinson points out there’s a massive wow factor when you first walk in.
“It’s a grandiose playground,” Parkinson says. “When I watched my kids experience Ninja Nation for the first time, I was drawn to how much fun they were having trying every obstacle. At the same time, I couldn’t help but notice the strength and coordination they were building.
“The most satisfying thing is to see a kid walk in for the first time and their mouth drop open. They look at their parents in disbelief. ‘I get to play on all of this?’ Beyond the obstacles, we aim to provide a best-in-class customer experience. Every kid who walks in our doors should feel special, whether they’re an experienced ninja or it’s their first time on an obstacle course. We are very particular about our staff and ensuring they’re creating a welcoming and encouraging environment.”
This summer, Ninja Nation will offer full-day camps along with open gym time and drop-in options. It offers daily and weekly camp options along with a 10-session punch pass, which provides savings and flexibility for the unpredictable nature of summer travel schedules. Ninja Nation also runs camps during school vacations.
“If you’re out of school, we’re in session,” Parkinson says. “During the school year, we enroll in classes for specific age ranges and abilities. Ninja is meant to be done at your own pace and to build confidence one accomplishment at a time.”
Parkinson says their staff is great with kids who have special needs because everyone proceeds on their own merits; there’s no pressure to fit into a mold.
For the athlete in the family, ninja training acts as beneficial cross-training for sports played away from the gym. Parents and caregivers are allowed to come and get work done on the Wi-Fi or roam the floor so kids can show off all that they’ve learned.
Ninja Nation even has a mobile unit and has brought its massive trusses to the Arizona Science Center, Grand Canyon University, Legoland Discovery Center, school events and private parties.
The Pickleball Space
No one is souring on the pickleball craze — in fact, it’s bigger than ever, but finding a court where it’s cool can take some “dill-igence.” The Pickleball Space in Glendale, which opened in January, has 10 indoor courts for players of all skill levels, ages 6 and older.
“Building the pickleball community in the West Valley takes total team dedication and effort,” notes John Solema, the director of development programs and head coach at the Pickleball Space. “Our players love that we can teach, coordinate and accommodate the variety of skills into the best program or event to maximize the level of competition and fun.”
This summer, a children’s summer camp will be offered every Monday through Thursday from June 3 to July 29. Children ages 6–14 will learn the “ABCs” of pickleball: agility, balance and coordination in an approachable, fun way. They’ll spend 60 minutes with certified coaches who will use interactive games and play while sharpening hitting skills. Prices start at $65 per week for members.
The business offers lessons through its Pickleball Academy, special membership reimbursements for individuals 65 and older who sign up for a membership and report the number of times they play each month, along with leagues and tournaments. Newcomers can even get in on a free, 90-minute introductory class.
Drop-ins are welcome for a fee of $12 for three hours during designated times and can be reserved through the free mobile app, CourtReserve. Single and family memberships are available starting at $57 a month and are paid annually.
The Pickleball Space has an on-site cafe serving Peixoto Coffee and ready-to-eat meals by Custom Provisions. It also has a dedicated pickleball pro shop that sells and rents gear, courtesy of Ray’s Rackets.
Puttshack
It’s an indoor miniature golf experience with four course options for the whole family, a dining establishment and a bar with inventive cocktails for date nights and grown-up gatherings. It’s Puttshack, located at Scottsdale Quarter, and it’s the perfect way to scratch the itch for mini golf in the summer without breaking a sweat.
“We at Puttshack love sharing our unique, tech-infused mini golf experience, paired with upscale food and curated cocktails with anyone in or visiting Scottsdale,” says Joe Romanosky, director of operations at Puttshack in Scottsdale.
The venue is celebrating its one-year anniversary and Romanosky says the response from the community has been incredible. Guests enjoy the outdoor terrace, weekend DJs and free parking. It’s important to note that guests must be 21 or older to enter after 8 p.m. The last tee time for those under 21 is 7 p.m.
“This summer, guests can join us for high-energy and air-conditioned fun for families, date nights or special events,” he adds.
Starting June 14, Puttshack Perks members can enjoy “Wayback Wednesdayz” from 7 p.m. to close, featuring nostalgic music videos from the ’70s through the 2000s and a $10 discount on food orders of $50 or more. Perks membership, accessible through the website, offers benefits such as earning free games by referring friends, VIP event access and a free game on your birthday.
Prices are $14 per player per course for ages 13–20 and $9 for juniors under 12 when accompanied by an adult. Monday through Thursday, players receive 50% off their second game. Reservations are recommended, particularly for nights and weekends.
Wonderspaces
Inside Scottsdale Fashion Square, an ever-changing, experiential and often immersive art gallery has welcomed visitors of all ages to observe, ponder and even participate in creating since 2019. It’s a place to cool off and soak up a view of the world through the eyes of talented artists.
“Wonderspaces’ goal is to connect artists with new audiences and our shows are for everyone,” says Julia Ottenberg, marketing and communications manager at Wonderspaces Inc. “All of the artwork presented in our shows is carefully chosen to engage a wide audience and be accessible to both seasoned museum-goers and people exploring art for the first time. We’re proud to see visitors of all ages and backgrounds and often hear from visitors that their interactions with the artwork surprised, engaged, or inspired them.”
Many exhibits are in self-contained rooms, enveloping and surrounding you on all sides. A full bar enables visitors to sip a cocktail while wandering from room to room.
Among the most striking installations is “Parastella,” by Christopher Schardt. With patterns generated from Hubble photos, computer algorithms and video footage, “Parastella” is a collection of 14,000 LED lights suspended from the ceiling in 48 spokes, and the effects are all set to ambient electronic music by Ascendant, courtesy of Synphaera.
Another captivating installation is “PIPE” by Rejane Cantoni, an immersive landscape that depicts a day at the majestic Grand Canyon from dawn to dusk as seen through the eyes of the artist.
Equally impressive is “Portraits in Pink, Blue, and Silver” by BREAKFAST Studio, which uses recorded clips of visitors as they interact with the exhibit, playing them back in a constantly changing work.
The gallery’s latest addition, “Bloom Bloom” by Dana Lynn Harper, is a cave-like sculptural atmosphere created from chicken wire and construction flagging tape individually threaded through the loops in the wire for a woven effect. The Columbus, Ohio-based artist envisioned the piece as “a portal to warm feelings and childhood fantasy,” with “playful patterns, dancing tinsel and unapologetic fluorescent colors” as a testament to life’s beauty and joy.
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