7 Things To Do in the Dark in Arizona (They’re Not What You Think)

What activities can you think of that you can do in the dark? Okay, get your mind out of the gutter... I am asking about PG-rated activities! Nighttime sure has a different feel than the daytime and, when there's a fun activity you can do in the dark, well, your senses are heightened. From stargazing to caves, from glow golf to cosmic bowling, here are seven exciting things you can do in the dark in Arizona.

1. Go stargazing at a dark sky park

Did you know that Arizona is home to several dark sky parks and communities, including Grand Canyon National Park, Kartchner Caverns State Park, Petrified Forest National Park, and Oracle State Park? In addition, there are several dark sky communities, including Flagstaff and Fountain Hills, which is where I usually go for stargazing, as it's closest to Phoenix and Scottsdale. However, if you're in Flagstaff, I suggest participating in the Flagstaff Stargazing Adventures.

2. Head underground at Kartchner Caverns

Perhaps there's no darker place than a cave. However, at Kartchner Caverns, you can take the Helmet & Headlamp Tour, where you can experience the caves using only the light from a headlamp. It's a great way to see how people first viewed the caverns upon their discovery in the 1970s.

3. Try a night hike with a group

Hiking during the day is one thing, but hiking at night is a whole other experience! I am also a firm believer in safety in numbers, and, luckily, there are plenty of hiking groups and parks around Arizona that offer night hikes. For example, if you search "night hikes" on the Maricopa County Parks website, several night hike dates pop up. Pre-registration is required for these hikes as spots are limited. You can also try MeetUp to join a local hiking group.

4. Walk through the Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room

This attraction is a room inside the Phoenix Art Museum. This interactive art exhibit takes you into a dark room with mirrored walls and strings of LED lights hanging from the ceiling. I've been through it on two separate occasions, and I have to say that it's quite trippy! The lights look like colorful fireflies as you walk through. Take a look at the photo and book your tickets on the Phoenix Art Museum website.

5. Attend an evening program at an observatory

Arizona is home to several observatories, which is a great thing for those of us who love learning about stars, planets, and celestial events. Among the state's best-known observatories are the Lowell Observatory in the dark sky city of Flagstaff and the Kitt Peak National Observatory on Kitt Peak in the Quinlan Mountains near Tucson. Each of these observatories is open to the public and offers nighttime programs.

6. Grab the family and mini golf in the dark

Have you ever gone mini-golfing in the dark? I'm not talking about an outdoor mini golf course at night (which is always fun!) but an indoor golf course with glow-in-the-dark courses and golf balls. My kids love Glow Putt in Scottsdale, and I recommend it whether you live in the area or you're visiting.

If you prefer nighttime mini golfing outside, try Pop Stroke, which is open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and until midnight from Thursday through Saturday. This is my new favorite place for mini golf, whether you're having a date night or a night out with the whole family. There's one location in Scottsdale and another in Glendale.

7. Head to Let It Roll for a Rock N Cosmic Bowl night

A laser light show, food, drinks, music, prizes, and unlimited bowling? Where do we sign up? If this sounds like a super fun time to you, head to Let It Roll Bowl & Entertainment Center in Phoenix for Rock N Cosmic Bowl on Saturday nights from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. You can reserve your spot online before you go! This has to be one of the most fun activities to do in the dark in Phoenix.

And if you're looking for ways to fill up your daytime schedule before heading off to these nighttime events, check out our itinerary planner for things to do in the area!