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Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2022 and updated on March 28, 2024.

Before we start dreading the arrival of summer and the 100-degree days that accompany it, let's focus on the cooler days ahead of us.

Here are 10 things to do outside — before it gets too hot. (But most of the places mentioned are open year-round and some even open their doors on summer nights for folks to enjoy the cooler temperatures after sunset.)

1. Bask in the desert beauty at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥-Sonora Desert Museum

The may not be a hidden gem, but it's a gem no less.

Check out 1,200 kinds of plants, experience the touch of a stingray, walk through a reptile and amphibian hall and see all kinds of desert animalsÌý— bobcats, a mountain lion, javelinas, prairie dogs, skunks, hummingbirds and more.

If you visit in springtime, you may even spot colorful cactus blooms in the museum's cactus garden.Ìý

2. Say hello to the animals at Reid Park Zoo

Head to where jaguar Bella, bear Joaquin and more than 200 other animals await your arrival. You might even spot two zoo babies: giraffe calf Moyo and the yet-to-be-named elephant calf.Ìý

You can also feed the giraffes, crawl around the new World of Play playground, ride a carousel and have a bite to eat at the zoo's own cafe.Ìý

3. Take a walking tour of the city

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ has a lot to see and a lot to love. knows that.

Each month, the museumÌýhosts a series of walkingÌýtours around the downtown area.

Some of the guided walking tours include theÌýTurquoise Trail, where you'll see historic buildings and learn a slice of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ history; the Mainly Murals Walking Tour, which shows off some of downtown's murals and discusses the artist behind the piece; the Public Art and Murals Walking Tour,Ìýwhich explores public art pieces and murals; and the Barrio Viejo Walking Tour, which takes you through the historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood.

Alternatively, check out our to put together a self-guided mural tour of your own!Ìý

4. Get your shopping on (or attend a festival)

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is home to a number of markets featuring everything from handcrafted items made by local artists to fairs showing off the best collectible and vintage finds.

Here are a handful of markets happening this spring:

• : Find more than 60 vendors selling pottery, home decor, skin-care, plants and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Forty Niner Country Club,Ìý.
• : Around 300 makers will be part of this market which takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 7 onÌý.
• : From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every first Sunday of the month, find antiques and vintage goodies at Medella Vina Ranch,Ìý.
• : Around 15 vendors will set up vintage clothing on the patio of Hotel Congress,Ìý, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13.
• : Check out more than 45 vendors selling antique and vintage items 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through May in theÌýMercado District,Ìý.
• : Shop fine art, see live art demos and listen to music at this festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21 atÌýLa Encantada Shopping Center,Ìý
• : Support local Black-owned businesses and food vendors 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 atÌýPlayground Bar and Lounge,Ìý
• : This market, 5-9 p.m. April 27 and May 18, typically features 30-40 makers selling food, apparel, jewelry and more at the Coalition Space,Ìý

If markets aren't your thing, there are TONS of other events happening this spring, from the Pima County Fair to the dog-centric Woofstock to an Earth Day Festival for kids. Check out our full list of spring festivals and markets .

5. Put on your hiking shoes and head to your nearest trail

What would this list be if we didn't include hiking?

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Hiking trails are all overÌý— short , the steep walk up , plus there'sÌý,ÌýSabino Canyon, , and so many more nearby hiking areas.

While hiking in March and April is typically significantly cooler than hiking in June, it's still important to hydrate and protect yourself from the sun! Heading out during the cooler morning hours might be best.

6. Hop on a bikeÌý

is home to more than 130 miles of paved pathways, perfect for bicycling, roller-skating, jogging and horseback riding.

Dust off your bike and head to your closest entrance along The LoopÌý— or explore a section of The Loop you may not be as familiar with. Along the way, check out the on the pathways.

If you'd rather hop on a guided bike tour, that's an option, too.

There's , which hosts monthly bike rides on the south and west sides of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. There's alsoÌý, whichÌýhosts three different tours centered on history, murals and tacos. Breweries like often host bike rides, too! Check out our full guide to cycling .

Need a bike? Check out !

7. Get outside and volunteer with a community organization

If you're hoping to soak up the sun all while making a difference, volunteering with a local organization is an option to consider.

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is home to an incredible number of programs that work hard to make our community a better place. Below are some outdoorsy volunteering opportunities, but remember: volunteers are likely needed every season of the year!

• Ìý— You can be a volunteer gardener and prepare soil, plant seeds, harvest produce and more. (Volunteering aside, Mission Garden is also a fun place to explore!)
• Ìý— Get the pups out of their kennels and take them for a walk!
• Ìý— Tasks include filling waters, feeding animals, mucking horse stalls and raking the grounds
• Buffelgrass pullsÌý— Help remove the invasive buffelgrass at a number of pulling events throughout ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Check out the for locations!

8. Enjoy your favorite foodÌý— on a patio or have a picnic

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is home to countless restaurants with beautiful patios, from the spacious courtyard decorated with twinkling lights at to the oasis that is .

Whatever restaurant patio is your go-to, enjoy patio season while it lasts. Check out our full patio list .

Alternatively, pick up food — takeout goodies or picnic ingredientsÌý—Ìýfrom a place like ,Ìý or . Have a picnic of your own at a nearby park!

9. Experience spring with all the flora you could ask for

To get the real spring experience, now's the time to bask in the plants of local gardens.

, ,Ìýis home to more than five acres of space, including an area dedicated to butterflies. Until May, you can step into Butterfly Magic and watch as 200 butterflies flutter by.

Also a space for plant lovers is , , which is home to themed gardens and, of course, the desert's best friendÌý— the saguaro.Ìý

Both also have onsite food options!

10. Catch an outdoor screening of your favorite movie

Year-round, Ìý,Ìýprojects movies onto its outdoor patio, where you can catch everything from "Ratatouille" to "Five Nights at Freddy's," all alongside bites from local food trucks.

also screens outdoor movies, often in collaboration with local organizations. There are currently three outdoor showings, each at different locations, on the roster for April: "Smoke Signals," "Dolores" and "Barbie."

North of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, is hosting two outdoor movies in April: "Back to the Future Part II" and "The Super Mario Bros. Movie."