Are you looking for new adventures and experiences in Yuma, AZ? Yuma has been rapidly developing in the past few years and has become one of the most desirable places to live in Arizona. But, if you’re looking for some fun activities and attractions, you can find lots to do!
Yuma is known as a desert oasis with a range of outdoor activities. It is an amazing area with stunning scenery. It boasts hot springs, natural hotspots, pool parties, and much more.
If you’re looking to explore everything that Yuma has to offer then look no further. Here’s a list of some of the most exciting things to do in Yuma AZ! From exploring the breathtaking nature trails to indulging in delicious food offerings or shopping in local markets, there is something for every type of traveler in Yuma AZ.
Fun Things To Do In Yuma AZ
1. Tubing Down The Colorado River
Tubing down the Colorado River in Yuma is a great way to relax and connect with nature.
With Yuma River Tubing, you can choose from a one-hour or 3-4.5 hour float. Both of them end at West Wetlands Park with its beach. Kids, dogs, and food/beverages are all welcome on the trip!
The tubing season runs from April through October, so make sure to book your trip in advance for weekends and midweek requests (minimum of four participants). Enjoy the beauty of Yuma while peacefully gliding down the river. This is an experience you won’t forget soon!
2. The Castle Dome Mining Museum
Looking for fun things to do in Yuma AZ? Visit the Castle Dome Mining Museum. It provides a unique experience of stepping back in time to the late 19th century.
Found just over an hour outside Yuma, this ghost town has been restored and renovated to look like it did in 1878.
Visitors can explore more than 50 buildings from the era including a church, bank, stores, dwellings, and blacksmith shops that are filled with period artifacts.
Additionally, an underground mine tour gives visitors an insight into what life was like for miners at this time.
With its variety of experiences available, Castle Dome Mining Museum is a must-visit destination.
3. Martha’s Gardens Medjool Date Farm
At Martha’s Gardens Medjool Date Farm, you can enjoy a delightful date shake made from those delicious sweet dates.
Not only that, but you can learn all about the fruit, its history, and its cultivation at this family-owned farm in Yuma.
Available between November and March, their one-hour guided tour by golf cart Wednesday through Friday at 10:30 am reveals all that goes into growing and harvesting this popular fruit.
Pick up some freshly made date shakes and treats too in their little store for a tasty take-home souvenir!
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4. Beach Picnic At Gateway Park
Beach Picnic at Gateway park is one of the top things to do in Yuma AZ. It is an ideal spot for a beach picnic, offering beautiful views of the Colorado River. It covers ramadas for rent, ample amenities, and activities such as fishing piers and a children’s play area.
It is located in Historic Downtown Yuma at the end of Madison Avenue and is the starting point for one-hour Yuma River Tubing adventures.
During the summer, it is a popular swimming spot with plenty of space to enjoy green space and sunshine.
With BBQ grills and outdoor showers available, Gateway Park makes a perfect beach picnic spot for those looking to enjoy some sunny day fun!
5. Birding In The Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is a great place for birding, especially during migration periods.
Situated along the lower Colorado River, this refuge was created when the Imperial Dam was built in 1938. This creates backwaters and wet marshy areas along the swollen river and brings a green oasis to a dry desert area.
The Imperial National Wildlife Refuge visitor center should be your first stop on your visit. They provide orientation videos and planning assistance.
The visitor center is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm from November through May. This 90-minute drive from downtown Yuma provides a great opportunity for bird watchers and nature lovers alike.
6. The Yuma East Wetlands
The Yuma East Wetlands is a unique nature preserve found in the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area. And, it is one of the fun things to do in Yuma AZ.
Formerly a dumping ground for trash and agricultural land, now a 1,400-acre area has been transformed into a protected marsh area with trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use.
These trails help visitors understand the environment and its avian inhabitants. This wetland is also a very popular birding spot and offers fishing opportunities too.
The main East Wetlands Interpretive Trail is an easy 2.6-mile loop trail open to humans along with their furry companions.
Other dirt pathways meander through the marsh providing additional exploration opportunities.
7. Waylon’s Water World Water Park
Waylon’s Water World Water Park is one of the fun things to do in Yuma AZ this summer. Perfect for children and adults alike, there are many waterslides of all heights, raging rapids, and a large lazy river.
The park also provides day-rental cabanas and pop-up tents. This makes it ideal for larger groups or those looking to picnic with friends. For more action-oriented guests, the “ZFunFactory” is open during the fall and winter months with go-karts, batting cages, mini golf, and an arcade.
It’s sure to be an unforgettable time of fun in the summer at Waylon’s Water World Water Park!
8. Salvation Mountain
Located near the Salton Sea in California, Salvation Mountain is a unique sight. The vivid and colorful public art installation was created by Leonard Knight. It is made up of adobe and hay bales covered with colorful paint.
Also, it was made as a general message of love, sending a positive message to all who visit it. Even after Leonard’s passing in 2014, his legacy continues through a charity founded to keep his mountain alive. Visitors to Salvation Mountain are treated to a truly awe-inspiring experience that is sure to stay with them long after they’ve left the area.
