Things to do with Kids in Phoenix
categories: USA TravelPhoenix is a thriving and exciting city that has captured the hearts of many – residents and visitors alike. With a population of over 1.6 million people, Phoenix is filled with a slew of activities and events which can be enjoyed year-round. From museums to food festivals, beautiful parks to historic areas, there are a ton of family-friendly attractions to visit throughout the city. Phoenix is home to many families, who routinely enjoy spending time together while taking the opportunity to explore their dynamic and beloved city.
photo by Lisa Campbell on Unsplash
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Check out the list below to discover, or for some, re-discover so many amazing kid-friendly Phoenix activities. Whether wanting to spend the day in the great outdoors or are looking for something to do on a rainy day, the city is home to fun activities that aim to engage young minds while bringing families closer together.
Museums
Heard Museum
2301 N Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona | Heard Museum Phoenix
The Heard Museum is home to the most extensive Native American art and cultural exhibits in the entire United States. Families can wander through the displays which include jewelry, pottery, weaving, paintings, generally artifacts, and the most remarkable collection of Kachina dolls. Depending on when you plan to visit families can catch demonstrations throughout the week or musical performances on weekends.
Arizona Science Center
600 E Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ | Arizona Science Center
Formerly known as the Arizona Museum of Science and Technology, the Arizona Science Center officially opened in 1984. Set within the heart of Phoenix, the science center is a mecca for fun and discovery for visitors from young to old. With more than 300 hands-on exhibits, families will quickly find out just how fast time can fly when you are having fun. Other amazing features of the well-loved center include live demonstrations, a state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and a staggering five-story IMAX theater. For those considering another visit, the center now features CREATE at Arizona Science Center which is a space where engineering, design, and science come together for an experience like no other.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
215 N 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona | Children’s Museum of Phoenix | Celebrating 10 Years of Play!
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is an exhilarating space for children from 1 to 100. From guided tours to free play spaces, camps to classes, the museum is filled with fun and activity. The carefully and intentionally designed exhibits and experiences are meant to invoke creativity and critical thinking all while being fun! Children can freely explore spaces such as the climbing center, noodle forest, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, book loft, pretend market and so much more. Regardless of age, there is something for all children at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. A specifically designed space for toddlers and babies allows for even the youngest of minds to take advantage of the amazing museum.
Musical Instrument Museum
4725 E Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, Arizona | Musical Instrument Museum: Home
When searching for a family-friendly activity in Phoenix, the Musical Instrument Museum is a must-see attraction. The global Musical Instrument Museum features a spectacular display of exhibits that are sure to impress visitors of all ages. With plenty to occupy your time, visitors typically spend on average four hours at the museum! The museum is home to the MIM Musical Theater which is a 300 seat acoustically superb performance center. Enjoy a concert like no other or simply stroll throughout the impressive exhibits. When feeling hungry, grab a bite at the award-winning Cafe Allegro and make sure to grab a keepsake at the gift shop. Take the advice of Mr. Tony Bennett who is quoted saying “MIM is my favorite museum in the world! Everyone needs to see it”.
OdySea Aquarium
9500 E Via De Ventura, Suite A-100 Scottsdale, Arizona | OdySea Aquarium
Also located in neighboring Scottsdale, on the Arizona Boardwalk, is the OdySea Aquarium. The large aquarium originally opened its doors in 2016, and actually houses Pangaea and Butterfly Wonderland. The 2-million gallon aquarium is a popular attraction and houses over 60 exhibits, as well as theme-park style rides. Check out the otters, sharks, sea lions, and more!
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
6101 E van Buren St, Phoenix, Arizona | Hall of Flame
Home to the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, the Hall of Flame features almost an acre of fire history artifacts and exhibits. The impressive museum features over 100 fully restored fire apparatus on display with pieces dating all the way back to 1725. Though the museum focuses mainly on American firefighting history, there are features and artifacts which come from Germany, Japan, Austria, England, and France. Kids will love the interactive displays in the children’s section and families can grab a souvenir at the museum’s gift shop.
Sports
Chase Field
401 E Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona | Chase Field Tours | Arizona Diamondbacks
Home of the Diamondbacks, Chase Field is one of the most unique and impressive Major League Baseball stadiums in the country. There are a handful of features to check out such as dbTV, one of the largest high definition video scoreboards in the league, the D-backs Pool in right field, a retractable roof to keep fans cool during the summer months,, the Coors Light Strike Zone, and several restaurants including Friday’s Front Row and The Draft Room. Whether planning on taking a tour, catching a game, or both, Chase Fields is a must-see for any sports fan in your family!
Phoenix Suns Arena
201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, Arizona | Phoenix Suns Arena: Home
The Phoenix Suns Areas is more than just a space to catch a basketball game. Yes, it is home to the Phoenix Suns, however, the arena also hosts a handful of family-friendly events and concerts throughout the year. Regardless of what draws you to the impressive arena, visitors can also take tours and enjoy the many food and beverage locations. Planning a private event – one can even book space in the arena for your own personal gathering!
Parks and Gardens
Desert Botanical Gardens
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, Arizona | Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona
Far from your typical garden, the Desert Botanical Gardens is a unique Phoenix experience that is sure to impress all visitors. Stroll through five thematic trails which marvel all with tower cacti, brilliant wildflowers, stunning succulents, and vibrant trees. Stick around for one of the enchanting exhibitions or time your time to coincide with one of the Garden’s raved about events. Residents of Phoenix can regularly enjoy the Desert Botanical Gardens by participating in classes such as desert landscaping, cooking, nature art, and wellness.
Hole in the Rock
625 N Galvin Pkwy Papago Park, Phoenix, AZ | Papago Park Phoenix
Spend some time exploring the great outdoors and the unique Papago Park. Set near the Botanical Gardens and Phoenix Zoo, just minutes from the downtown district visitors can enjoy hiking, sightseeing, a wide selection of recreational facilities. Made up mainly of sandstone, the impressive park is known for its massive buttes. The many trails which meander throughout the park offering ideal paths for walking, hiking, and mountain biking. Along with the beautiful natural features found throughout Papago Park, there is also an archery range, orienteering course, Papago Ponds fishing lagoon, the Hall of Flame Museum, Papago Golf Course, and Papago Sports Complex. The stunning park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
South Mountain Park
10919 S Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona | South Mountain Park Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona is surrounded by beautiful parks and desert lands, which can be easily found in South Mountain Park. The expansive park, which encompasses 16,000 acres is one of the largest municipal parks in the nation. South Mountain Park consists of three mountain ranges – the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila, and Guadalupe. Visitors can enjoy over 50 miles of trails which are perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Feeling adventurous? Make your way up to Dobbins Lookout which is 2,330 feet – the park’s highest point.
Theme Parks
Castles N’ Coasters
9445 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, Arizona | Castles N’ Coasters
Enjoy an exciting and invigorating experience at Arizona’s Finest Family Fun and Thrill Park, Castles N’ Coasters. Regardless of age, Castles N’ Coasters is jam-packed with something for everyone. Get your heart rate pumping on one of the thrilling roller coasters or spend the afternoon practicing your putt on the many world-class miniature golf courses. The park features a ton of fun arcade games, tasty snack shacks, and plenty more to see and do! Don’t forget your swimsuit and towel as there are bumper boats and indy cars as well as ample opportunity to get wet and cool off at the Splashdown water park.
Hurricane Harbor Six Flags Phoenix
4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale, AZ | Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
Located slightly south of Phoenix in Glendale is one of Arizona’s most thrilling water parks. Featuring over 30 rides and attractions, Hurricane Harbor is the place to be during an Arizona heatwave. Visitors of all ages will find exciting rides, fun-filled games, and tasty treats to enjoy. Feel adventurous? Try the Anaconda, which was voted “Top 5 water slide” by the Travel Channels “Extreme Water Parks Program”. Other heart-pounding rides include Bahama Blaster, Bonzai Pipelines, Mammoth Falls, and Tornado!
Pangaea: Land of The Dinosaurs
9500 East Via de Ventura C-100, Scottsdale, Arizona | Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs: Home
Set amongst the fun and excitement located at the Arizona Boardwalk is Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs. Bring the whole family and explore more than 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. There are also 10 interactive stations where dinosaur lovers of all ages can partake in activities such as a fossil dig station, excavation, and a Dino-cart ride. From young to old, Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs is an impressive and exciting family-friendly stop.
Other Attractions
Phoenix Zoo
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, Arizona | Phoenix Zoo: Home
The Phoenix Zoo has been a part of the city for more than half a century, welcoming families and encouraging wonder and exploration. From majestic elephants to the great Sumatran tiger, guests of all ages will find the animals both interesting and awe-inspiring. There are plenty of interactive opportunities offered as well including Giraffe Encounter, Monkey Village, Stingray Bay, and the 4-D Theater. Enjoy a bite to eat at the cafes and don’t forget to grab a souvenir at the number of shops!
Burton Barr Central Library
1221 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona | Burton Barr Central Library Home
If you are expecting a standard city library, you will be surprised to find the ultramodern and equally impressive building that houses the Burton Barr Central Library. The amazing building stands five stories tall and is encased in gleaming glass and industrial steel framing. Burton Barr Central Library opened its doors to the City of Phoenix in May of 1995 and encompasses 280,000 square feet on five levels. Not only does the central library house a collection of 1 million volumes, but the facility also includes a rare book room, teen’s center, and children’s place. Other amenities include a Great Reading Room which is one acre in area, hive @ central, which is a designated section for business entrepreneurs, the Arizona Room, which features information about all things Arizona and Central Gallery which exhibits works for local artists.
Phoenix is an amazing city filled with so much to see and do, especially for families and children. From educational to interactive, there is fun and excitement in every corner of Phoenix and surrounding communities. The thriving and diverse city knows that families make up a large portion its demographic and parents and children alike are continuously seeking out family-friendly events and activities in hopes of spending quality time with each and other residents of their beloved city. Phoenix responded to this demand in a huge way providing ample opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the wide array of parks, museums, attractions, theme parks, events, and more. The city is a playground for all ages to explore!
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