i.d.e.a. Museum: Sparking Creativity in Mesa
Ignite imagination through art, science, and hands-on fun at Mesa's i.d.e.a. Museum. A creative adventure for the whole family!
The i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa, Arizona, is a vibrant children's museum focused on art, science, and design-thinking. With hands-on exhibits and activities, it encourages creative expression and family engagement for all ages.
A brief summary to i.d.e.a. Museum
- 150 W Pepper Pl, Mesa, Downtown Mesa, Arizona, 85201, US
- +1480-644-2468
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before your visit.
- Visit during off-peak hours (weekdays or Sunday afternoons) for a less crowded experience.
- Take advantage of the free parking available in the surrounding downtown Mesa area.
- The museum offers sensory support items; inquire at the front desk to make your visit more comfortable.
Getting There
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Walking
The i.d.e.a. Museum is located in downtown Mesa, easily accessible on foot from nearby attractions and parking areas. From the Mesa Arts Center, walk west along Main Street, then turn north onto Pepper Place. The museum will be on your right. Walking from the Center Street/Main Street light rail station takes about 10 minutes. Several restaurants are also within walking distance. Parking is available in the area, including the Eco Mesa Garage. Parking garages are free after 5pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.
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Public Transport
The Valley Metro Rail A Line has three stops in downtown Mesa: Country Club/Main St, Center/Main St, and Mesa Dr/Main St. The i.d.e.a. Museum is closest to the Center/Main St station, about a 10-minute walk. From the station, walk north on Center Street, then turn right onto Pepper Place. The museum will be on your left. Alternatively, several Valley Metro bus routes serve downtown Mesa. A single ride fare on Valley Metro is $2.00.
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Driving
The i.d.e.a. Museum is located at 150 W Pepper Place in downtown Mesa. From Highway 60, exit at Country Club Drive and head north. Continue to 1st Street and turn right. Drive past Robson Street; the museum and its parking lot are on the right. Free parking is available in several lots near the museum, including the Eco Mesa Garage across the street. Additional parking is available at the corner of Macdonald and Pepper Place. Parking garages in downtown Mesa are free after 5 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Discover more about i.d.e.a. Museum
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Post
0.2 km
Discover Mesa's historic charm at The Post, a beautifully renovated landmark offering a unique event space in the heart of downtown.
Visit Mesa
0.3 km
Your adventure starts here! Discover Mesa's attractions, events, and desert landscapes. Plan your unforgettable Arizona getaway with Visit Mesa.
Plaza at Mesa City Center
0.6 km
A vibrant downtown Mesa hub for events, recreation, and community connection, featuring a seasonal ice rink and interactive water feature.
Alston House
1.0 km
Visit the Alston House in Mesa, AZ: Honoring Dr. Lucius Alston's legacy of healing, equality, and community service in a beautifully preserved landmark.
Mesa Arizona Temple
1.6 km
Discover a landmark of faith and community in Mesa, Arizona, with stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful gardens open to all.
The Pink Teapot
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Enchanting tea parties and magical events in Gilbert, Arizona, perfect for princess birthdays, showers, and celebrations.
Toasted Mallow
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Indulge in gourmet marshmallows and unique dessert creations at Toasted Mallow, a sweet escape in Gilbert, Arizona. A must-visit for marshmallow lovers!
Cluemaster Escape Rooms
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Experience immersive escape room adventures with diverse themes and adjustable difficulty at Gilbert's Cluemaster Escape Rooms. Perfect for all skill levels.
Apache Park Rock Circle
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Altitude Trampoline Park Gilbert
7.5 km
Experience high-flying fun at Altitude Trampoline Park Gilbert, with trampolines, ninja courses, and more for all ages!
Level 1 Arcade Bar
7.9 km
Relive the golden age of gaming at Level 1 Arcade Bar, featuring classic arcade games, pinball, and a retro vibe in Gilbert, Arizona.
Fifth Estate Tattoo
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Gilbert's premier tattoo shop offering custom designs, expert piercings, and a commitment to quality in a comfortable, modern setting.
Clever Koi
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Experience innovative Asian cuisine and craft cocktails in a modern, vibrant setting at Clever Koi in Gilbert's historic downtown.
Barrio Queen
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Experience authentic Mexico City soul food and craft cocktails in the heart of Gilbert's vibrant downtown scene.
Culinary Dropout
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Gilbert's Culinary Dropout: Live music, craft drinks, and American comfort food in a vibrant Heritage District gastropub.
Unmissable attractions to see
i.d.e.a. Museum
0.0 km
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The Neighborhood Comedy Theatre
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Discover The Neighborhood Comedy Theatre in Mesa, Arizona - a hub of laughter featuring improv, stand-up, and workshops for all ages.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
0.2 km
Discover Arizona's natural history and vibrant cultural heritage at the Arizona Museum of Natural History, a captivating museum in Mesa.
2nd friday night out
0.3 km
Join the vibrant 2nd Friday Night Out festival in Downtown Mesa, where art, music, and community converge for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Woman’s Club of Mesa
0.4 km
Discover the charm and history of the Woman's Club of Mesa, a historic banquet hall in Downtown Mesa, Arizona, perfect for cultural experiences.
City of Mesa City Limits
0.5 km
Explore Mesa, Arizona: A vibrant city blending rich history with modern attractions and outdoor adventures in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum
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Explore the vibrant world of contemporary art at Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum in Downtown Mesa, Arizona, a hub of creativity and cultural expression.
Mesa Arts Center
0.6 km
Explore the cultural heartbeat of Mesa at the Mesa Arts Center, a vibrant destination for art, performance, and community events.
Mesa Amphitheatre
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant Mesa Amphitheatre, a premier outdoor venue in Arizona, hosting an array of concerts and cultural events throughout the year.
Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center
1.4 km
Explore the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center for a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and history in the heart of Arizona.
Pioneer Park
1.5 km
Explore Pioneer Park, a stunning family-friendly park in Mesa, Arizona, featuring play structures, picnic areas, and scenic walking paths.
Mesa Grande Cultural Park
2.0 km
Explore the Mesa Grande Cultural Park, a historical landmark showcasing the ancient Hohokam civilization's rich heritage in the heart of Arizona.
Golfland Sunsplash
3.2 km
Discover endless fun at Golfland Sunsplash, the ultimate amusement park in Mesa, Arizona, featuring thrilling rides, water attractions, and exciting games.
Park of Canals
3.8 km
Experience the serene beauty of the Park of Canals in Mesa, Arizona - a perfect blend of nature, recreation, and community charm.
Riverview Park
3.9 km
Discover the beauty and recreational opportunities at Riverview Park, a family-friendly oasis in the heart of Mesa, Arizona.
Essential places to dine
Izakaya Ramen
0.2 km
Discover authentic Japanese flavors at Izakaya Ramen in Downtown Mesa - where every bowl tells a story.
Worth Takeaway
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Discover unique sandwiches and refreshing drinks at Worth Takeaway in Downtown Mesa - where flavor meets community.
Espiritu Mesa
0.2 km
Experience the finest seafood in Downtown Mesa at Espiritu Mesa – where fresh meets flavor in every dish.
il Vinaio
0.3 km
Experience exceptional dining at il Vinaio in Downtown Mesa—where great food meets fine wine in an inviting atmosphere.
Mangos Mexican Cafe
0.3 km
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12 West Brewing - Downtown Mesa
0.4 km
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Margaritas Fresh Cocina
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Nunthaporn's Thai Cuisine
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The Original Blue Adobe Grille
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Downtown Rendezvous
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República Empanada Restaurant
1.0 km
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Green Corner Restaurant
3.0 km
Discover authentic Mediterranean cuisine at Green Corner Restaurant in Mesa - where every dish tells a story of flavor.
Crackers & Co. Cafe
3.7 km
Discover the flavors of traditional American breakfast at Crackers & Co. Cafe in Mesa, AZ - where every meal is made with love.
Organ Stop Pizza
3.7 km
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Best Hong Kong Dining
4.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Boutique
0.1 km
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Meat Market Vintage Goods
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Barrel + Bloom
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Buckhorn Vintage
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Old Brick House Market
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History By George
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Just Because Gift Shop
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Nash Vintage Collective / NV Collective
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Book Gallery
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MARZ Boutique
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The Store at Mesa Arts Center
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Balistic Boutique
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Mesa Thrift Store
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Stuff Thrift Store
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Adami Dolls Boutique / Clothing Shoes Accessories Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Chupacabra Taproom
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Arizona Distilling Co.
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Rebel Wine Lounge
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B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade
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Alchemy 48
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Florentino Room Cocktails
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Diamond's Sports Grille
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Wicked Rain
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Peacock Wine & Book Bar
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Bar Louie - Tempe Marketplace
6.3 km
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Tempe Tavern
6.7 km
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Catching Flights Bar and Grille
7.6 km
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Roosters Country
8.0 km
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Champions Sports Saloon
8.2 km
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Devil's Advocate Sports Grill
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