Top Indoor Shopping Malls in Phoenix

In the summer months in Phoenix, temperatures can reach 105 degrees and higher. Outdoor living in the valley of the sun during these months is limited due to the intense heat. Don't spend the summer cooped up in the house, though. Local indoor malls offer entertainment, restaurants, rides for the kids, and classes, along with shopping in every kind of store from large department stores to specialty shops.

Arizona Mills Mall
Located at the east end of the valley at 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle in Tempe, Arizona Mills is an outlet mall, but the shops include such big retail names as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Expect to find some great bargains on clothes, home furnishings and boutique items such as jewelry and artwork.

A day at this mall isn't all about shopping. Eateries range from the fast food stalls at the food court to comfortable sit-down restaurants, including a sports grill and bar, a high-end hamburger joint and a classic Mexican restaurant.

When my family and I visit Arizona Mills, we spend a little time at the Sea Life Aquarium as well, located within the mall. An entrance fee is required, but we find discounted tickets online before making the trip.

When we want to include the aquarium in our visits, we plan to go early in the day, and on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

We end the day with a movie. The theatres feature comfortable, upholstered rocking chair style seating. Among your theatre choices is also a 3-D theatre, an option the family often enjoys.

Paradise Valley Mall
Paradise Valley mall is located at 4568 E. Cactus Road in the city of Phoenix. The mall includes not only a variety of shops, but also activities for new moms with their babies, rides for little kids and access to the local library, located just outside the mall.

Throughout the summer months, Paradise Valley hosts Stroller Strides, a fitness class for moms. Babies accompany their moms and are entertained as their parents engage in work-outs, led by a certified fitness instructor.

The rides and classes are oriented to the young family, but my grown daughter and I visit this mall for its shopping and restaurants. Occasionally, we add a movie to our itinerary.

Along with a diverse selection of shops and restaurants, Paradise Valley mall has the Picture Show theatre. The theatre boasts digital projection that allows three of its seven auditoriums to host 3D movies. With its stadium style seating, my daughter and I can relax in comfort after a day of shopping.

Arrowhead Mall
A west side mall, Arrowhead is located at 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale. A shopper's delight, this mall offers a multitude of boutique stores, but you don't need a boutique budget. It's a shopping center designed for those who shop till they drop.

This is my daughter's and my favorite mall.

The food court offers a variety of food stalls, from Asian cuisine to sandwiches; the selection includes some vegetarian options for my daughter, making the food court our usual pick for lunch.

Young families can take advantage of the children's play center, located in a quiet area of the mall. With an age appropriate playground for the kids and comfortable seating for the adults, it's a good place to take a break while the kids burn off some energy.

During the summer, Arrowhead hosts a summer concert series, presenting different bands every Saturday evening. This event attracts all age groups, from toddlers to grandparents. When the brutal heat has given way to the cooler night air, patrons can sit in an outdoor courtyard and listen to music while sipping cool drinks and eating ice cream. It's a relaxing way to end a day at the mall.

Sources:

Have Fun in the Southwest

Arrowhead Towne Center

The Paradise Valley Mall