Summer is almost here, and Tempe released its preview of all the awesome programs, events and activities to help residents have the best summer ever.

Every other week, the city will dive into what's coming up for the whole family so residents can stay cool and have fun, a city release explained.

Can't wait for the next edition? Head to tempe.gov/FamilyFun for on-demand info all year long. 

Programs and activities to come this summer include:

Beat the heat with Tempe's pools and splash pads

The Kiwanis Wave Pool daily wave sessions start rolling on May 25. Dive in at the Clark, McClintock and Escalante outdoor pools, the release stated. Clark Park Pool is open now, and McClintock and Escalante are open for the season on May 25. View hours and admission fees.

The Cloud at Kiwanis Park, Jaycee Park Splash Pad and Parque de Soza Splash Pad are all open for the season and ready for residents to take advantage of. 

Plus, save the date for this summer's free pool events:

• Float-in Movie | June 14, 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Escalante Pool
• Verano Sano | June 22, noon-2 p.m. | Clark Pool
• Poolapalooza | July 13, 6-9 p.m. | McClintock Pool

Summer camps and classes

Avoid the summer slump by staying active and engaged. Sign up for a summer class or camp featuring arts, aquatics, boating, crochet, exercise and fitness, sports and more, the release explained. 

Programs run through mid-July with rolling start dates. Summer camp topics include STEM, coding and content development, crochet and crafts, gaming, LEGO engineering, movement and drama and visual arts. Learn more at tempe.gov/play. Youth scholarships are available.

Tempe Public Library Summer Reading Challenge

Tempe Public Library’s Summer Reading Program runs June 1 through Aug. 1, and registration is open now. 

Everyone from preschoolers to adults can participate in activities and win prizes all summer long, the release stated. This year’s theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” celebrates the joy and adventure that reading can bring. 

Books can be read in a variety of formats: print, digital and audiobooks. Being read to or reading to someone even counts. Easily log and track your reading minutes online – every minute read is a point earned.

Kick off summer reading with the all new, interactive STEM show Talewise on Saturday, June 1 in the Desert Willow Program Room. Science and stories collide in a treasure-hunting adventure where the audience helps the performer act out the tale. One show starts at 2:15 p.m. and the second show starts at 3:30 p.m.

Explore history with Tempe Time Machine

Join Tempe Time Machine on a hunt for history. Kids and their grownups will learn and discover with free crafts, stories, activities and live demonstrations. The 2024 Tempe Time Machine program is inspired by the museum’s Main Exhibit Gallery, the release explained.

Admission is free and registration is not required. While the focus is on kids from 2 to 10 years old, Tempe Time Machine is for all ages. 

Tempe Play Mobile takes the fun indoors

Keep your tween/teen active, engaged and having fun this summer by sending them on a Play Mobile Adventure. The city is taking the fun indoors and to Tempe pools, the release stated. Join them for Make it Monday, Wavey Wednesdays and Throwback Thursdays. 

The activities are free. Space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis for Tempe residents/students. 

Visit tempeplaymobile.com to reserve.