15 Phoenix Museums for Kids to Explore

The Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa offers families a hands-on journey through the Southwest’s past—from towering dinosaurs and a dramatic fossil dig pit to a recreated gold‑mine courtyard and authentic territorial jail.

idea Museum – which is owned by the City of Mesa and supported by the idea Museum Foundation – offers hands-on activities and art exhibitions for kids of all ages. Programs are developed not only for children but also – most importantly – for the whole family.

Beth Wood said:  The Penske Racing Museum has over a dozen different pace cars, Indianapolis 500 cars, Nascar race cars and others. Besides the actual cars, some of which are race winners, the museum also features trophies and racing memorabilia from over 400 of Penske's major race wins.

Beth Wood said:  Immerse yourself in the history of the Western Region of the United States with paintings, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, artifacts and more. You'll also find a sculpture courtyard, theatre and museum gift shop to make your museum visit more enjoyable.

The Musical Instrument Museum is a world-class, family-friendly Phoenix attraction featuring over 15,000 instruments from nearly 200 countries showcased across immersive galleries. Parents and kids alike love the interactive Experience Gallery—where visitors can touch and play drums, gongs, and ukuleles—and engaging programs that introduce children to global music and instrument-making.

Sarah D. said:  This is another must-see for Phoenix music families! Incredibly dynamic exhibits and great children’s interactive musical play area!

Beth Wood said:  Explore fire apparatus used from 1725-1969 throughout the U.S.A, England, Germany, Japan, France and Austria. There is also a gallery showcasing the history of woodland firefighting in the United States.

Discover the people who built one of the largest and most sophisticated canal systems in the New World before the coming of Europeans. This National Historic Landmark and museum highlights how these engineers and farmers thrived in the Sonoran Desert for millennia. S'ed̲av Va'aki has long been a special place.

Beth Wood said:  Plan a visit to the United States' only cardiovascular learning facility and explore ways to prevent cardiovascular disease through a balanced diet, physical activity and not using tobacco. Interactive and educational exhibits throughout the museum include a 9-1-1 Action Theater, the Kitchen Cafe, The Beat Goes On, Marketplace, All Creatures Great and Small and more.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a vibrant, interactive space designed to inspire imagination, creativity, and learning in young children. With over 300 play experiences, it encourages hands-on exploration through exhibits focused on art, science, and physical activity.

The Arizona Science Center, located in downtown Phoenix, offers hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences that explore science and technology. It features a planetarium, a giant-screen theater, and engaging programs for all ages.

Considered the largest art museum in the southwestern United States, Phoenix Art Museum is home to a collection of more than 20,000 objects and engages more than 300,000 guests, lifelong learners, and art lovers each year, both within the walls of the Museum and through their multidimensional community programs.

Beth Wood said:  Learn about the history of the Phoenix Police Department dating as far back as 1881 at the Phoenix Police Museum. The museum highlights the role of police from years past through the present. Exhibits include Phoenix's first marshal's office and jail, the Arizona Rangers, Phoenix's connection to Miranda rights, police vehicles, helicopters and motorcycles, SWAT teams, CSI departments, technology through the years and much more. Kids of all ages can have fun getting "sworn in" as a police officers during their visit.

Beth Wood said:  Go back to the wild west with your little ones at the Wells Fargo History Museum. See an authentic stage coach from the 19th century, explore interactive exhibits, enjoy educational programs and events and much more during your visit. Children especially enjoy climbing aboard an actual stage coach and working the interactive telegraph that is on display. The museum also holds the largest public gallery of artist, N.C. Wyeth's, western themed artwork.

Beth Wood said:  Mystery Casle is a large 18-room, three-story castle located in the foothills of South Mountain Park. Boyce Luther Gulley built the castle in the 1930s using a combination of stone, automobile parts, rail tracks from a mine, adobe, cement, mortar, calcium, telephone poles and goats milk! Gulley built the house for his daughter before his death in 1945. The eclectic and diverse mansion features a cantina, chapel and dungeon. It is a wonderful place to explore together as a family.

Beth Wood said:  This "living museum" features an authentic Old West town situated on 90 acres. You'll find a blacksmith, opera house, jail, ranch complex and stores. Cowboys, lawmen, town folk and more can be seen in authentic costumes throughout the museum. Life-size exhibits immerse you in pioneer life and teach your family what it meant to be a pioneer!