The Commemorative Air Force Museum
Hidden away near Falcon Field Airport in northeast Mesa, The Commemorative Air Force Museum will fascinate aviation enthusiasts of all ages. It’s home to more than 20 meticulously restored World War II combat aircraft. Visitors can take self-guided audio tours of the hangars to learn stories behind each plane and even watch crews restore and maintain historic aircraft on select days. Some of the most unique planes here include the P-51C Mustang, the P-40 Warhawk, and the only airworthy Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber in Arizona. Kids love climbing into the flight simulator to “pilot” a WWII fighter plane. The museum also houses artifacts, photographs, uniforms, and other wartime memorabilia in an extensive collection. Special events like outdoor air shows and 1940s-themed hangar dances make this museum particularly lively.
Address: The Commemorative Air Force Museum 2017 N Greenfield Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215
Phone: (480) 924-1940
Arizona Museum of Natural History
In the heart of downtown Mesa, The Arizona Museum of Natural History brings the Jurassic era to life. This family-friendly museum has miles of dinosaur-themed exhibits where kids can touch real fossils, view towering animatronic dinos, and even dig for their own treasures. Beyond dinosaurs, the museum spotlights Arizona’s natural landscape with earthquake simulators, an ancient cave replica, and tons of gems and minerals. Frequent special events include Dino Digs where kids can excavate in an indoor sand pit and Dinos After Dark for spooky Halloween fun. Don’t miss the massive 122-foot Titanosaur cast skeleton that makes a dramatic statement in the main hall.
Address: Arizona Museum of Natural History 53 N. Macdonald St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: (480) 644-2230
Huhugam Heritage Center
For a deep dive into Mesa’s long history, head to the Huhugam Heritage Center. This small museum sits beside ruins left by the ancient Huhugam tribe that occupied the area 1,500 years ago. Inside, visitors will find artifacts, interactive exhibits, and information exploring how these early Arizonans thrived in the desert centuries ago. Kids especially love the replicated Huhugam village with wigwams and ramadas. Outside, short walking trails lead past the untouched archaeological site to give a glimpse of original canals and ballcourts used by the Huhugam people. Special events and workshops let visitors try their hand at ancient skills like building a wigwam shelter, cooking without modern tools, and traditional Huhugam games.
Address: Huhugam Heritage Center 1000 N Higley Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 644-4316
Desert Botanical Garden
Escape the desert heat while exploring unique plants from around the world at the Desert Botanical Garden. With 50,000 plants stretched across 140 acres, it’s one of the world’s largest collections of arid land plants. Visitors will wind along trails passing towering cacti, vibrant wildflowers, and exotic species from Africa, Australia, and the Mediterranean. Specialty gardens spotlight aloes, agaves, and other succulents. Seasonal highlights include a wildflower trail in spring and Las Noches de las Luminarias – a winter holiday lights festival. Frequent expert-led tours delve into topics like desert ethnobotany and night blooming flowers. The Garden also offers art exhibitions, botanical workshops, and seasonal butterfly pavilions.
Address: Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phone: (480) 941-1225
Organ Stop Pizza
For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, head to Organ Stop Pizza to feast on pie while listening to a thunderous pipe organ. Housed in a former church, this Mesa pizzeria is home to one of the world’s largest Wurlitzer pipe organs. The legendary instrument has nearly 6,000 pipes and can mimic the sounds of full orchestras and bands. Daily organ concerts accompany the tasty pizza and Italian fare. Song lists range from classics to today’s hits, and often include sing-alongs and audience participation. Special holiday shows get particularly festive. Beyond the music, kids love exploring the lower level organ chamber to see the pipes up close before or after their meal.
Address: Organ Stop Pizza 1149 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204
Phone: (480) 813-5700
Schnepf Farms
Embrace Mesa’s agricultural roots with a visit to Schnepf Farms, a 250-acre family farm founded in 1948. Guests can pick their own fresh fruits and veggies straight from the vine in fields bursting with everything from pumpkins to peppers. The farm also keeps honey bees, goats, chickens, and other livestock. Beyond produce picking, highlights include a giant corn maze in fall, train and wagon rides around the farm, and seasonal festivals with food, crafts, and live music. The family-owned farm cafe dishes up hearty breakfasts and lunches with many ingredients sourced right from the farm. Kids especially love visiting the baby piglets and feeding the goats.
Address: Schnepf Farms 24610 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Phone: (480) 987-3100
Arizona Railway Museum
All aboard at the Arizona Railway Museum to explore vintage locomotives and ride the rails on historic train cars. This railroad museum houses an extensive collection of locomotives, cabooses, and rail cars dating from the late 1800s to the 1950s. Visitors can climb aboard many of the cars and engines for self-guided tours. On select days, the museum offers train rides along original railroad tracks in restored vintage cars. Special events like Day Out with Thomas bring costumed characters and interactive activities. Inside the depot, engaging exhibits spotlight railroad history, iconic routes like the Southwest Chief, and the critical role of railroads in Arizona’s development.
Address: Arizona Railway Museum 330 E Ryan Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224
Phone: (480) 821-1108
Rawhide Western Town
Embrace your inner cowgirl or cowboy at Rawhide, an 1880s-style frontier town and family fun park. Kids and adults alike will love riding the mechanical bulls, panning for “gold” in the mining experience, and exploring the reptile exhibit’s snakes and gators. The heart of the park is a replica town with live shows, stunt performances, train rides, a steakhouse, and even a saloon. Throughout the year, Rawhide hosts themed events like a Haunted Fall festival, holiday Santa visits, and a Wild West Days hoe down. There’s also an indoor hall for private events. Before heading home, stop by the general store or glass blower to grab old-fashioned souvenirs. Rawhide promises good family fun for visitors of all ages.
Address: Rawhide Western Town & Event Center 5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226
Phone: (480) 502-5600
Plan Your Trip With Party Bus Mesa
However you choose to explore Mesa’s hidden gems, leave the driving to us at Party Bus Mesa! Our comfortable buses and professional team can handle groups of any size for tours, events, and nights out on the town. Give us a call at 602-338-9257 to start planning your custom Mesa itinerary. We’ll help you discover Mesa’s secret hot spots in style and comfort.