Summer has officially arrived in the Valley, and if you stepped outside this morning you already know it. But a triple-digit forecast doesn't mean the fun has to stop — it just means we get a little creative about where and when we have it. At Good Neighbor Support Services, we believe a great day is built from small, joyful moments, whether that's a craft project at the kitchen table or a morning stroll before the sun gets serious. Here's our roundup of feel-good activities for members and caregivers, plus a handful of upcoming events worth marking on the June calendar.
When the thermometer climbs, the indoors becomes your playground. A few of our favorite ways for members and caregivers to spend time together:
Get crafty. Knitting, crochet, painting, or a big jigsaw puzzle spread across the table can turn a quiet afternoon into something special. Bonus: these activities are gentle on the body and great for keeping minds sharp.
Take a museum day. Maricopa County is full of cool, air-conditioned spaces worth exploring at an easy pace. The Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, and the Arizona Museum of Natural History all make for a relaxed, enriching outing.
Grow something. A small indoor herb or succulent garden gives members something to nurture and look forward to each day — and fresh basil never hurt a dinner, either.
Move a little. Chair yoga, gentle stretching, or a walk around an indoor mall or community center keeps everyone active without the heat. Early mornings and evenings are the sweet spots for any outdoor time.
Treat the taste buds. Hydrating snacks like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges double as a fun activity — make a colorful fruit plate together and cool off the delicious way.
There's plenty happening close to home this month. Here are a few gatherings members, families, and caregivers might enjoy (always check the host's website for the latest times and details before heading out):
Phoenix Fan Fusion — June 5–7 at the Phoenix Convention Center. A lively, indoor pop-culture celebration with something for every generation of fan.
Juneteenth Celebration at Phoenix City Hall — Thursday, June 18 at 4:00 PM. A community commemoration in the heart of downtown.
6th Annual RYBE Juneteenth Freedom Celebration — Saturday, June 20 at the Arizona Center in Phoenix, beginning at 6:00 PM (a cooler evening option!).
City of Maricopa Community Center programs — The Community Center hosts ongoing senior socials, lunch-and-learns, and creative groups all month in a welcoming, air-conditioned space.
For a full, always-updated list, the Visit Phoenix events calendar and the Maricopa County community events page are wonderful resources.
Arizona summers ask a little extra care from all of us, and our members especially. Older adults can be more vulnerable to the heat because the body's thirst and cooling responses slow down with age. A few simple habits make a big difference: keep the home shaded and cool during peak afternoon hours, sip water throughout the day even when no one feels thirsty, schedule any outings for early morning or evening, and watch for warning signs of heat exhaustion like dizziness, headache, weakness, or clammy skin.
If you ever need a cool place to land, Maricopa County's Heat Relief Network maps out hydration stations, cooling centers, and respite locations across the Valley each summer.
Whether it's planning a cool afternoon activity, getting to a community event safely, or simply having a caring hand nearby, Good Neighbor Support Services is here for the families of Goodyear and the greater Maricopa County area. Have a favorite summer activity or a local event we missed? We'd love to hear about it.
Stay cool, stay connected, and we'll see you out there — early in the morning, of course.
Things to Do in Phoenix This June 2026 — Visit Phoenix
Phoenix Events Calendar — KTAR
Community Events — Maricopa County
Community Center — City of Maricopa, AZ
Beat the Heat: Summer Safety Tips for Phoenix Seniors — Comfort Keepers
Summer Heat Safety Tips for Older Adults — Banner Health
Indoor Wellness Activities for Seniors in Arizona's Heat — Haven Health
Member and Family Resources — Arizona DES, Division of Developmental Disabilities
Arizona lawmakers keep Division of Developmental Disabilities afloat — for now — KJZZ
ALTCS: Coverage for Individuals with Long-Term Care Needs — AHCCCS