Now that the weather has cooled off, it's suddenly safe to venture outdoors. But where to go?

Here are some ideas:

1. American Park 'N Swap: The open-air swap meet is the place to hit if you want to buy new or used goodies. Lots of food, and Spanish-language concerts are often featured on weekends.

Details: 4-10 p.m. Wednesdays; 6 a.m.-noon Fridays; 6 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. $2.

3801 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-273-1250, americanparknswap.com

2. Phoenix Zoo: There are more than 2 miles of walking trails at the zoo. Unless you have a thing for perspiring, now is the time to visit. Its Zoolights is one of the largest holiday light displays in the state.

Details: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Zoolights: 6-10 p.m. Nov. 22-Jan. 6.

455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $6-$14. 602-914-4333, phoenixzoo.org.

3. El Gran Mercado: Want a taste of the border without the long drive to Nogales? This might be the alternative. More than 40,000 visitors each weekend visit the outdoor vendors and enjoy Spanish-language entertainment on a facility that covers more than 110 acres.

Details: Open 7 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $3 per car; $6 after 6 p.m.

1829 S. 35th Ave., Phoenix. 602-352-1228, elgranmercado.com.

4. Downtown Phoenix Public Market: Arts and crafts, baked goods and fresh produce and veggies are the draw at this outdoor market.

Details: Open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays.

721 N. Central Ave. 602-493-5231; phoenixpublicmarket.com.

5. Rito's Mexican Food: Longtime Valley residents know this restaurant offers some of the best Mexican food that can be found in our state. The green-chile burro made enchilada style is the stuff that creates Phoenix legends. But this tiny restaurant has never offered indoor seating, so it's either takeout or eat at the patio tables outside. Now, it's finally cool enough to do so.

Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

914 N. 14th St., Phoenix. Monday-Friday. 602-262-9842.

6. Desert Botanical Garden: This outdoor museum features 50 acres of exhibits and 139 rare and endangered plant species. It attracts more than 300,00 visitors each year.

Details: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. $4-$10.

1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225, dbg.org.

7. Kierland Commons: Outdoor mall offers a mix of upscale shops high-end shops and chain restaurants such as Cheesecake Factory, Morton's and P.F. Chang's China Bistro.

Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

15205 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-348-1577, kierlandcommons.com.

8. Encanto Park: Family-friendly park offers kiddie amusement park rides, a miniature train, a pond with ducks and geese and an 18-hole golf course. This is the perfect picnic spot now that the weather has cooled.

Details: Hours vary.

1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. 602-254-1200, enchantedisland.com.

9. Wildlife World Zoo: Besides the large collection of exotic animals, you can try the sky ride to get a view of the entire park. There's also a boat ride and a train ride.

Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. $8.99-$16.99.

16501 W. Northern Ave. (165th and Northern avenues), Litchfield Park. 623-935-9453, wildlifeworld.com.

10. Sahuaro Ranch Park Historical Area: This park offers a mix of historic buildings and a dog park, picnic areas and soccer and football fields.

Details: Hours vary.

9802 N. 59th Ave., Glendale. 623-930-4200.