United States Arizona Arizona Guide Things To Do Essentials Where to Stay Getaways All Arizona Free or Cheap Things to Do in Scottsdale, Arizona By Judy Hedding Judy Hedding Judy Hedding is a Phoenix resident and has written more than 1,000 articles about Greater Phoenix and Arizona since 2000. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/26/19 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Not everything in Scottsdale, Arizona is accessible to only the wealthy! While Scottsdale might have a reputation for being where the rich and famous live and play, you might be surprised that you can plan entire itineraries around free and cheap activities here. 01 of 10 Sunday A'Fair Barry Winiker/Getty Images View Map Address Civic Ctr Pk Path, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA Get directions Outdoor concerts, tours of the museum and tours of the public art at Scottsdale's Civic Center Park. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and relax! Usually mid-January through mid-April. 02 of 10 Scottsdale Trolley Loved by locals and visitors alike, the Scottsdale Downtown Trolley travels to every notable spot in downtown Scottsdale, including Old Town, the Main Street Arts District, the Marshall Way Arts District, Fifth Avenue Shops, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Waterfront, and SouthBridge. The trolley is a convenient way to get around and runs every 15-20 minutes, 7 days per week (except major holidays). It operates from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, including on Thursdays for the Scottsdale Art Walk (see below). It is free to ride! Call for information 480-312-7250. 03 of 10 Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) jejim/Getty Images View Map Address 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA Get directions Phone +1 480-874-4666 Web Visit website Designed by famed local architect Will Bruder, SMoCA is a stylish space devoted to the art, architecture, and design of our time. There are five galleries for showcasing changing exhibitions and works from the Museum's growing permanent collection as well as an outdoor sculpture garden housing James Turrell's public skyspace. Admission is free every day for people under 15 years old, on Thursdays, all day, all year long, and after 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 04 of 10 Downtown Scottsdale Art & Cultural Trolley Tour Take a short guided tour of Downtown/Oldtown Scottsdale for a bit of history, some architectural tidbits and hints about where to eat and where to shop. Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 McDowell Sonoran Preserve Reed Kaestner/Getty Images View Map Address 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA Get directions Phone +1 480-998-7971 Web Visit website Parks & Gardens 4.8 The McDowell Sonoran Preserve opened to the public in 2009. Visitors can experience the magnificent Sonoran Desert by entering the largest and most significant entry point to the Preserve, which will encompass 36,400 acres of desert once it is complete. Enjoy the desert’s flora and fauna from the colorful wildflowers and Saguaro cacti to quail and desert critters, free shade ramadas, a dog comfort station, an equestrian staging area, and more. The Gateway Access Area is located east of Thompson Peak Parkway, one-half mile north of Bell Road. Pick up a trail map at the parking area. 06 of 10 Farmer's Market in Old Town Scottsdale View Map Address 3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA Get directions Phone +1 623-848-1234 Web Visit website This market features local growers and vendors providing a variety of organic vegetables and fruits, flowers, herbs, and an assortment of handmade items including pastries, jams, and baked goods. There is ample parking, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and a variety of displays that highlight community resources. Admission is free, and you may bring your well-mannered pet. Hours vary throughout the year. 07 of 10 Native Trails View Map Address 7380 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251-5604, USA Get directions Phone +1 480-499-8587 Web Visit website Each year representatives of tribal nations of Arizona and the United States come together to present musical performances and dances as well as share stories and cultural information at Native Trails. It is an outdoor event, free admission, usually mid-January through mid-April. 08 of 10 Scottsdale ArtWalk View Map Address E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA Get directions A tradition that has taken place for more than 30 years, Scottsdale ArtWalk is the perfect opportunity for Scottsdale visitors to explore the downtown area and a diverse collection of art galleries. Every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. galleries open their doors to the public and show off the works of some of the Southwest’s most extraordinary artists. Travelers can view special exhibits with artists’ receptions and demonstrations at their leisure. The event is free. Take the Scottsdale Trolley! Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park View Map Address 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, USA Get directions Phone +1 480-312-2312 Web Visit website Parks & Gardens 4.7 Located in the heart of Scottsdale, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a unique park of its kind in the country. Take a ride on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad and antique carousel or enjoy the museum, one of the playgrounds, or just relax in the grass. Enjoy live music from area bands every Sunday evening in May and June. In the fall, Railfair is where train enthusiasts gather to show off their model trains. At Christmastime, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a winter wonderland of lights and holiday entertainment. Visit the 10,000 square foot model railroad building that houses four model railroad clubs. Admission is free, there is a small charge for rides. 10 of 10 Fiesta Bowl Museum View Map Address 7135 E Camelback Rd #190, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA Get directions Phone +1 480-350-0900 Web Visit website The Fiesta Bowl is played in Glendale, Arizona, but football fans can visit this museum near the Scottsdale Waterfront. See helmets, trophies and bowl game memorabilia. You should also check out the Jazz venues in the area. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit