Fun things to do at night in Phoenix, from scorpion safaris to glow kayaking

I know I'm over talking about the heat, and I'm sure you're tired of reading about it.

We've already discussed 100 things you can do in the 100-degree heat . Now it's time to pivot and talk about all the things you can do around metro Phoenix when the sun goes down.

When you live in the desert, the pro move is to adjust your entire schedule around the peak hours of the day. Of course, there's no easier way to avoid the sun than to become a night owl every summer.

So, to get you started on your new nightlife journey, here are 10 fun things to do after dark in metro Phoenix.

Scorpion Safaris

Bring the family and join a park ranger on a nighttime search for scorpions at Usery Mountain, White Tank Mountain and McDowell Mountain regional parks.

Wear closed-toe shoes, bring a black light or flashlight, and bring plenty of water to hydrate you on a slow-paced walk searching for scorpions and other nocturnal animals in their habitat. Spaces are limited; call your park to reserve yours.

Details: Friday, July 26. 7-9 p.m. at McDowell Mountain and White Tank Mountain parks; 8-9 p.m. at Usery Mountain $7 per vehicle. maricopacountyparks.net/events .

Glow Kayaking at Tempe Town Lake

Enjoy nighttime kayaking under the stars at Tempe Town Lake. Participants will be adorned with glow-in-the-dark accessories and are encouraged to wear glow-in-the-dark clothing that can get wet.

Details: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 26, and Friday, Aug. 23. Tempe Town Lake Marina, 550 E. Tempe Town Lake. $34; $20 for age 17 and younger. Youths must have an adult registered with them. 480-350-5200, tempe.gov .

Creatures of the Night Walk at Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Join Ranger Eric on a walk through the Butterfield Trails in search of nocturnal animals and scorpions. Bring your own flashlights and black lights if you can (there will be limited supplies available) and plenty of water.

The trails are rated easy and are mostly flat, and the hike will be about 2 miles round trip.

There are limited spots available. Call to reserve yours.

Details: 7:30-9 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear. $7 per vehicle. 602-506-2930, ext. 6, maricopacountyparks.net .

Stargazing at Lake Pleasant

Even if you live in a brightly lit area, part of Arizona's beauty is being able to drive an hour, maybe two, out of town and be able to stare up at the stars in a dark, dark sky.

For those wanting an informative and interactive stargazing experience, Ranger Kevin at Lake Pleasant Regional Park will guide you through a viewing of select objects through a portable telescope. There are 20 spots available. Call to reserve yours.

Details: 7:30-9 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd., Morristown. Free, $7 to park. 602-506-2930, ext. 2, maricopacountyparks.net/events .

Night Mountain Biking at McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Riders of all levels are welcome to join this Summer Night Ride in partnership with McDowell Mountain Cycles.

Choose your trails, choose your companions and begin and end your trail ride at the Pemberton Trailhead parking lot. Bring a helmet and handlebar lights and enjoy a ride through the mountains at night.

Details: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, north of Fountain Hills. $7 per vehicle. 602-506-2930, ext. 3; maricopacountyparks.net .

First Fridays on Roosevelt Row

Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix really comes alive at night, with hopping bars, restaurants , tons of things to do, and art galore, from galleries to murals.

While Roosevelt Row is great every day of the week, it really pops at night on First Fridays when the streets are lined with people, performers, vendors, and artists. Truly, a night out that shouldn't be missed .

Details: First Fridays are 6-10 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Free. artlinkphx.org/first-fridays .

West Wind Drive-In movies in Glendale

There's nothing like a summer blockbuster and this year you can choose from " Twisters " or " Deadpool & Wolverine " or " Inside Out 2 " just to name a few.

Why not see your summer movies at West Wind Drive-In, the only one in metro Phoenix? You can stretch out in your car or truck with pillows, blankets, a ton of snacks and no one to shush you.

Details: West Wind Drive-In, 5650 N. 55th Ave., Glendale. $8.50 for age 12 and up, $2 for ages 5-11. 623-939-9715, westwinddi.com.

Flashlight Nights at Desert Botanical Garden

If you want to explore the beauty of the Desert Botanical Garden without the pesky sun getting in the way, discover its beauty at night during summer Flashlight Nights Saturday through Sept. 14.

Explore the five themed trails, spot nocturnal desert creatures and cool off with tasty drinks and treats.

Details: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 14. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $16.95 for age 3 and older. 480-941-1225, dbg.org .

A Night at the Museum: Phoenix Art Museum

Wednesdays at the Phoenix Art Museum are "pay what you want" starting at 3 p.m., and the museum is open until 9 that night. It's a great opportunity for a date night, girls' night, family night, or me time.

On display now are works from the American Art and Modern American collections, a special exhibition of "Multiple Realities: Experimental Art in the Eastern Bloc, 1960s-1980," or get lost in Larry Bell's glass sculptures and collages in his "Improvisations" exhibition.

Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. Regular admission is $8-$18, free for age 5 and younger. 602-257-1880, phxart.org .

Meredith G. White covers entertainment and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com . She has the latest news about video games, television and things to do in metro Phoenix. Follow her on X and Instagram @meredithgwhite and on Facebook as Meredith G. White. Email her at meredith.white@arizonarepublic.com .

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Fun things to do at night in Phoenix, from scorpion safaris to glow kayaking