How to Have a Picture Perfect Summer in AZ

Let’s be honest—Arizona summers are not for the faint of heart. By July and August, stepping outside feels like opening an oven door. But just because the temperatures are up doesn’t mean family fun has to go down. With a little creativity (and a good dose of air conditioning), summer memories can still be made—and photographed!

If you’re like me, always looking for ways to keep the kids busy with screen free imaginative play that keeps them mentally engaged and making memories, this list is for you. Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend or need to break up a long afternoon, here are some of my favorite indoor ways to make joyful, intentional, and—of course—picture perfect summer.

1. Embrace the Adventure… Indoors

One of our go-to boredom busters this summer has been The Adventure Challenge: Family Edition. If you haven’t heard of it yet, it’s basically a scratch-off book filled with mystery activities designed for families to do together. The best part? You don’t know what you’re doing until you scratch off the box—which means it gets everyone off their devices and into spontaneous, screen-free fun.

From building a blanket fort and telling silly ghost stories, to hosting a living room talent show or making “restaurant night” at home, the challenges are simple but surprisingly magical. They make everyday moments feel like memories in the making. (Photographer tip: keep your camera nearby—these little moments are so fun for everyone.)

2. Simple Outdoor Water Fun

Can’t make it to the pool? Bring the splash zone to your backyard.

Our kids have been loving using the sprinkler this summer. I have been shocked at how much fun and joy a simple sprinkler has brought to our hot late afternoons. We do not have a pool and talked for years about how we just aren’t “lucky” enough to have one. But this year has been different because we made some creative use of our backyard. We bought a simple sprinkler from the store and during those hot afternoon summers we all go outside to enjoy the cool mist. I know it sounds simple, but this is such an easy way to break up that miserable heat and you really do cool down. My husband and I frequently sit outside with the kids and let the sprinkler cool us off.

Pro tip: make it a photo opportunity. Whether it’s giggles from running through the sprinkler or turning your playground into a splash pad, these are the moments worth documenting.

3. Explore West Valley Gems

Even though it’s blazing outside, there are some great indoor gems right here on the West Side of town:

• Uptown Jungle (Goodyear): An indoor playground that has something for every age. Think trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses—all in the A/C.
• Main Event (Avondale): Bowling, arcade games, laser tag—need I say more? It’s a one-stop-shop for summer fun and perfect for big kids (and grownups who want to play too).
• As You Wish Pottery (Glendale): A relaxing, creative way to beat the heat. Kids love it, and you’ll walk away with a handmade keepsake.

Bonus: These places are all within reach of Goodyear, Verrado, and surrounding West Valley neighborhoods—so no need to make an all-day trek across the city.

4. Make Summer Scrapbooks

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got a phone full of photos and no idea what to do with them. Turn those random snapshots into a summer scrapbook!
 Let the kids pick their favorite photos from recent adventures—trips to grandma’s, silly snack times, backyard fun—and print them out. You can use a simple blank notebook or a scrapbook kit and let everyone decorate pages with drawings, stickers, and captions.

Not only does this encourage creativity, but it gives kids ownership of their memories. Bonus? It’s a sweet way to reflect on all the good stuff (even the tiny moments) that made the summer special.

5. Have a Themed Photo Day

This is where my photographer heart really shines—try picking a silly theme and planning an at-home photo shoot around it!

Some of our favorites:

• Pajama Day Picnic: Wear your jammies, eat snacks on the living room floor, and take goofy photos.
• Time Travel Tuesday: Dress like you’re in the ’70s or the ’90s and act it out.
• Backwards Day: Clothes on backwards, walking backwards, silly expressions—perfect for a laugh and a photo.

This is low-stakes, all fun, and a great way to document the joy of just being together.

In Every Season, There’s Something Worth Capturing

Arizona summers might chase us indoors, but that doesn’t mean the connection, joy, or memory-making stops. Whether you’re trying a new local activity, scratching off a challenge card, or just soaking up the time together, don’t forget to grab a few photos.

You don’t need perfect outfits or a sunset sky to capture something beautiful—you just need each other.

And when you’re ready for golden hour again? I’ll be here with my camera, ready to meet you in the desert once it cools down.