Ridgeline Engineering

While it's obvious that when you spend time in Mesa, you're in the Arizona desert, that doesn't mean that you can't cool down in a really fun way by experiencing the fun of Salt River Tubing. Drift along the river through the Tonto National Forest to experience some truly amazing and breathtaking scenery. The duration of your tube-oriented adventure varies and depends on where your starting point is as well as the current of the river. Children must be at least eight years old and four feet tall to enjoy this attraction. One convenient fee covers the cost of parking, tube rental and shuttle service. A deposit may be required. Also, don't forget to bring snacks, sunglasses and sunscreen!

Stratum Lasertag is one of Mesa's most popular attractions for family fun. Not only is it one of the country's best examples of state-of-the-art interactive entertainment, it has the distinction of being the largest laser tag arena anywhere. This incredible 18,000-square-foot facility benefits not only from its expansive size but also from the fact that it was created by the designers at Universal Studios. A giant labyrinth with 90 towers, 15 different levels, and heights of up to 20 feet are just a few of the venue's dazzling features that kids of every age will enjoy.

In a world where art continues to be created with the help of a computer, it is refreshing to see artisans who use basic materials to construct something truly memorable. While many of these individuals use various materials to create their art, the ones who are well versed in the practice of woodcarving are the stars whose work is celebrated every year in Mesa at the Annual Desert Woodcarving Show and Sale. This art festival of sorts features wood sculptures by some of the most talented local, regional and national woodcarvers who all convene for this very popular annual event held every February.

While the works of William Shakespeare have been presented in many different styles and mediums, there's something special about the way the Southwest Shakespeare Company interprets and infuses his work with their styled and engaging performances. The entertainment company has been paying homage to the iconic writer for over ten years through an always-impressive variety of dozens of productions. The shows are put on by not only an expert group of directors and technical personnel, but also by classically trained professional actors who skillfully link the spirit of Shakespeare's original work to some of today's contemporary issues.