Despite the heat, Arizona summers can be among the best in the United States. However, seniors in particular must take care to stay cool. For seniors, staying cool isn’t just about comfort — it’s a critical part of staying safe and healthy.
Fortunately, Phoenix offers a wide array of heat-friendly activities and resources specifically designed to help older adults enjoy the summer months, while avoiding heat-related illnesses. In today’s guide, we’ll explore the summer activities to beat the heat in Phoenix, including fun indoor activities, early morning outings, important safety tips, and community resources.
The Importance of Staying Cool for Seniors
First, we want to mention the importance of staying cool for seniors. Seniors are often more susceptible to the summer heat due to slow perspiration response, a delayed thirst response, and inefficiencies in regulating temperature.
Certain medications, chronic health conditions, and reduced mobility can also impair the body’s ability to stay cool. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Some of the most common signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Excessive sweating
- Cool, moist skin
- Nausea
- Rapid pulse
If not treated quickly, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The most common symptom of heat stroke is a fever above 104 degrees fahrenheit.
What To Do if You Suspect Heat Exhaustion
- Immediately move to a cooler location.
- Hydrate. Drink lots of cool water, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Remove excess clothing.
- Apply a cool washcloth to the neck, wrists, forehead and ankles. Anywhere blood is close to the surface of the body.
- Rest.
If these precautions have been taken and symptoms don’t improve in 30 minutes, you should call 911, or go to a hospital.
Indoor Activities To Beat the Heat
Just because it’s hot outside, it doesn’t mean you have to sit bored inside. Phoenix is home to a number of indoor, air conditioned activities that are perfect for seniors.
Visit a Museum
Phoenix is a great town for museum hopping. (Air conditioned) highlights include:
- The Heard Museum: Explore Native American Art and Culture.
- Phoenix Art Museum: View impressive collections of art from the past and today.
- Musical Instrument Museum: A favorite among Phoenix residents, learn about all types of musical instruments both common and uncommon.
- Arizona Museum of Natural History: Always a fun stop; be amazed by all kinds of archeology and paleontology.
Watch a Movie at the Theater
A perennial summer favorite, take in the latest blockbuster or see the current Oscar contenders. Movie theaters are almost alway cooled in the summer, and taking a break for a flick can be a great idea. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Take a Class
Classes are a great way to beat the heat. Many community centers or senior centers in Phoenix offer classes from everything from painting and ceramics to balance exercises for seniors. As an added benefit, lifelong learning programs also provide mental stimulation, and a chance to interact with your fellow community members.
Go Shopping
Phoenix boasts a number of air conditioned malls where seniors can shop for a variety of goods, or just window shop and take a look at the latest fashions and electronics. The mall is also a great way for seniors to get some exercise outside of the heat through walking. Don’t forget to hydrate in the food court.
Take Advantage of Cool Morning Hours To Get Outside
If you would still like to get some fresh air, the morning is by far the best time to do it. Because Phoenix is in a desert climate, the nights can be chilly, and this will carry over somewhat to the morning. The best time to get out is before 9 a.m.
Consider:
- A morning walk.
- A visit to the farmers market.
- A trip to the park for Tai Chi or stretching.
- A leisurely open air breakfast.
Even in the morning, it’s advisable to wear light, loose fitting clothes, a hat, and sunscreen. You should also consider carrying a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Stay Cool and Social at Phoenix Senior Centers
Phoenix offers 13 senior centers around the city to serve the elderly. These are all air conditioned, and offer a bevy of activities tailored for seniors during summer and year around.
At the senior center closest to you, you may be able to take a class, enjoy games or activities like bingo, have meals with others, receive free health screenings, and much more.
You can find more information about the city’s senior centers here, and you should be aware that every senior center in the city publishes an online newsletter where you can find out about the unique offerings of each. All are open during weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on holidays and weekends.
Phoenix’s senior centers are an amazing resource that every senior should take advantage of. These centers provide a vital support system for older adults, especially on a hot summer day.
Consider Haven Health for Your Senior Care Needs
If you or a loved one needs more comprehensive care and support, Haven Health offers expert senior care services in Arizona. We focus on both short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing, and any of our assisted living facilities are top notch.
Our facilities are climate-controlled, medically equipped, and staffed by compassionate professionals who understand the challenges of aging in extreme climates like Phoenix.
As always, we prioritise safety, comfort and wellness — especially during the summer when heat can be scorching. We can help ensure that you or your loved ones alway stay cool, healthy and entertained, even in the hottest months of the year.
Sources:
Arizona Museum of Natural History: Collections. (2025).
Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults. (2025).