33 Things To Do in Phoenix With Kids

Step back in time and experience the Wild West at Goldfield Ghost Town! Walk down Main Street, explore the many shops and historic buildings. Tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and visit the Goldfield Museum. Pan for gold, then take a ride on Arizona’s only narrow gauge train. You’ll also get to witness an old west gun fight performed by the famous Goldfield Gunfighters! Spend a fun-filled day, rich in wild west history!

Experience Arizona through an array of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. Whether seeking an adventure-filled getaway, attending a desert wedding, participating in a corporate retreat, or simply looking to unwind, Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is the ultimate destination.

A visit to Superstition Farm offers a fun, hands-on experience with friendly farm animals, perfect for families and kids. Guests can enjoy hayrides, feed goats and cows, and learn about sustainable farming practices. The farm also features a petting zoo, a small market, and delicious local ice cream made from farm-fresh milk.

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.

Golfland Sunsplash is Arizona’s premier family fun destination. Featuring over 30 exciting rides and attractions in one location! From thrilling waterslides to award-winning miniature golf, Golfland Family Fun Center and Sunsplash Water Park has something for the whole family! 

Butterfly Wonderland transports guests of all ages to the rainforest by immersing them in the world of butterflies and other rainforest animals.  Learn about Monarch migration in a captivating 3D movie, observe live chrysalides as they emerge naturally into beautiful butterflies, spend ample time strolling through the conservatory with the butterflies, get up close to unique reptiles that inhabit rainforests across the world, and even indulge in edible insects!

Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs is an interactive dinosaur-themed attraction located in Scottsdale, Arizona, featuring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and educational exhibits. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, fossil digging, and immersive experiences that bring prehistoric times to life.

OdySea Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Southwest and features over 6,000 marine animals across immersive exhibits. Highlights include a rotating aquarium experience, touch pools, and encounters with sharks, sea turtles, and otters.

Laser + Mirror Maze at OdySea is a combined experience of a rainforest‑themed mirror maze and an interactive laser maze challenge. The mirror maze features twisting corridors, false passages, rickety bridges, jungle sounds, and reflective illusions inspired by the aesthetics of tropical and Mayan rainforests. In the laser maze, visitors must duck, twist, crawl, and dodge through a web of laser beams to reach mission buttons without getting “zapped,” and there are options for time‑based or scoring challenges.

Luxuriate under the desert sun at one of six stunning pools, each with its own signature design. Enjoy water slides, relax in plush daybeds and cabanas, and indulge in poolside food and beverage service.

Kim Rogers said:  You can buy a day pass and enjoy all of the pools at the resort without actually staying overnight. During the summer months they usually have discounts.

The city of Scottsdale’s Parks & Recreation Department operates the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, which is a fantastic destination for the little train lovers in your life! Enjoy a day of family fun at this 30-acre park, complete with a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and a spin on the vintage carousel. There is also a 10,000 sq. foot model railroad building as well as a railroad museum.

Beth Wood said:  Are your kids as obsessed with trains as mine are? Then plan a trip to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. This 30-acre park features a 10,000 square foot Model Railroad Building filled with model trains and other artifacts, shops, museums, two playground areas, a machine shop, grassy areas to explore and more. Guests can also ride around the park on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad or go round and round on the "1950-vintage" Allan Herschell carousel.

Cost: FREE park admission, $2 per person train and carousel rides

Whether you’re a nature lover, art enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or simply looking to relax and unwind, Scottsdale offers a wide range of activities and attractions to suit every interest.

Camelback Mountain gets its name from the unique silhouette it casts on the Valley skyline. It is considered one of the nation's top hiking destinations and attracts visitors from around the world. However, the two main trails that comprise the vast majority of hiking opportunities are rated Extremely Difficult, subjecting hikers to steep elevation gains, uneven terrain, and a path that is unprotected from the elements.

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix showcases over 50,000 desert plants across thematic trails and seasonal exhibits, providing both beauty and education for the whole family. Parents appreciate kid‑friendly features like the Cactus Clubhouse—a nature‑play space for climbing, digging, and crafting for children up to 12—as well as guided family programs, crafts, and interactive experiences that make learning about the desert fun and accessible.

Sarah D. said:  This place is such a treasure! My kids loved going here on our vacation! Beautiful place set against a beautiful desert backdrop!