5 things to do while you’re in Phoenix for national commencement

Although the main focus of your trip to Phoenix is celebrating your — or a loved one’s — accomplishment, you deserve to have some fun while you’re in town. If you’ve never been to the Phoenix-Scottsdale area, you’ll be excited to learn that there are lots of things to see and do in town that can help you turn your graduation trip into a bona fide vacation. Here, five activities that’ll help you make the most of your time in the Valley of the Sun:

Select from day tours to multiday and specialty tours from Arizona Scenic Tours. See attractions like the magnificent Grand Canyon, local Spanish missions or the historic Route 66, or take in the sights of Sedona, known as “Red Rock Country” for the red rock monoliths that surround the city, and end your day with a tour of Arizona wineries.

Plan a hike on one of Arizona’s many trails, spend time golfing or see the beauty of the desert up close at the Desert Botanical Garden. Whatever you decide, go early in the morning to avoid the hottest parts of the day, wear a hat, apply sunscreen and take plenty of water.

The Heard Museum, dedicated to promoting American Indian arts and culture, has 11 exhibition galleries that reflect the history of American Indians. View Hopi pottery and the works of Diné photographers, or shop for authentic artwork. Be sure to visit the museum’s website to view summer hours for both its Phoenix and Scottsdale locations and to see its list of top 10 things to do there.

If you’re not able to add extra days onto your visit, consider exploring the sights in the city of Glendale, located right near the University of Phoenix Stadium. Delight your sweet tooth with locally made chocolate from the family-owned Cerreta Candy Co. Get your fill of kraut, schnitzel and sausages at Haus Murphy’s — featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” — and then walk off the pounds by visiting the area’s specialty shops. Discover more things to see and do at visitglendale.com, and use the site’s interactive map to plan your route of activities from the stadium.

Visit the John Sperling Center for Educational Innovation, a 10-story, state-of-the-art building designed for students and staff. Features range from video displays to interactive maps and classrooms that use the latest tools in education technology. The center will be open to visitors June 28 and June 29 from 11 am to 2 pm.

Related:

• 7 ways to have a successful graduation day
• 2012 National Commencement Ceremony