Journey Mamas typically receives compensation and/or hosted journey and pattern merchandise associated to weblog posts. This story might embrace affiliate hyperlinks for which we obtain a small fee at no further value to customers. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn cash from qualifying purchases. Be sure you test with companies and places relating to journey restrictions and security precautions earlier than visiting.
Scottsdale could also be greatest identified for its abundance of swanky spas, golf programs, and purchasing malls. Fortunately, households will discover a wealth of kid-friendly sights right here, too. As a household journey knowledgeable who spent half my childhood dwelling in Scottsdale after which moved again to this Southwestern metropolis with my brood a number of years in the past, I’m sharing my picks for the 27 greatest issues to do in Scottsdale with children.
Whereas visiting this expansive Phoenix suburb, you’ll doubtless wander past its borders. For that cause, I’ve included one of the best actions in neighboring areas as nicely. Be a part of me in exploring Scottsdale, Arizona’s plentiful choices for households!
This story is dropped at you in partnership with Expedia.com.
1. Previous City Scottsdale
Wander Previous City Scottsdale’s artwork galleries and outlets in the hunt for Southwestern jewellery and fascinating souvenirs. Highlights for youths in downtown Scottsdale embrace horse-drawn carriage rides and the pinkety-pink Sugar Bowl ice cream store with its hooked up online game arcade.
ArtWalk takes place each Thursday evening (moreover Thanksgiving). That is when galleries throw open their doorways from 7 to 9 pm and invite friends to get a more in-depth have a look at masterpieces created by Southwestern artists. It is top-of-the-line free issues to do within the Valley of the Solar!
2. Scottsdale Civic Heart Mall
Additionally situated in Previous City Scottsdale is the Scottsdale Civic Heart Mall. This stunning outside area within the coronary heart of Scottsdale is crammed with whimsical sculptures, flower-filled gardens, and burbly fountains.
Pop into the expansive Scottsdale Public Library’s youngsters’s part to cozy up with e-book in a make-believe citadel. The Scottsdale Museum of Up to date Artwork and Scottsdale Heart for the Performing Arts are additionally situated right here.
3. OdySea Aquarium
Positioned on the Arizona Boardwalk, OdySea Aquarium is the biggest aquarium within the Southwest. This attraction will wow the entire household.
Otters, penguins, and sea turtles are favorites at this 200,000-square-foot aquarium. Roll up your sleeves to pet stingrays, sturgeons, and different sea creatures in contact swimming pools.
Earlier than you permit, be sure you take a potty break to view sharks swimming above the lavatory sinks!
4. Butterfly Wonderland
Additionally situated at Arizona Boardwalk, Butterfly Wonderland delights guests with its show of fluttering beauties in America’s largest butterfly conservatory.
Begin at their 3-D theater to observe Flight of the Butterflies. This movie reveals the spectacular annual migration of monarch butterflies.
Then get a firsthand view of the metamorphosis of butterflies and moths within the fascinating Butterfly Emergence Gallery. The spotlight of any go to is the Conservatory, which is crammed with free-flying butterflies and moths in a backyard setting full with a koi pond.
Moreover, your loved ones can view different bugs plus reptiles, amphibians, honeybees, and tropical fish throughout this academic expertise.
5. Climbing in Scottsdale with Children
Scottsdale’s panorama will amaze first-timers to Arizona. That is very true if your loved ones visits in spring. That is when the desert bursts with stunning blooms.
At all times be sure you convey loads of water, a hat with a brim, and sunblock. If visiting the town of Scottsdale throughout heat (or scorching!) climate, plan to hike early within the morning earlier than temperatures soar.
Wildlife you may see on trails contains bobcats, snakes, and javelinas (typically considered wild pigs however they’re truly peccaries). You may additionally spy all types of birds like darling Gambel’s quails or highway runners. Meep! Meep!
Camelback Mountain in Phoenix is so named for its animal form. That is most likely essentially the most well-known place to hike within the Valley of the Solar. It isn’t, nonetheless, the only option for inexperienced hikers or households with younger youngsters.
As an alternative, I like to recommend Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Protect. Park on the Gateway Trailhead, the place there are public restrooms, maps, and a alternative of three climbing trails.
6. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
In case your children are loco for locomotives, then Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a should. A large playground and a smaller Previous West-themed play space are fabulous for youths. Mannequin railroad reveals and full-sized practice automobiles may be fascinating for your loved ones to discover on the Scottsdale Railroad Museum, too.
The spotlight, although, is the Paradise Pacific Railroad. This ride-on miniature practice chugs via the expansive grassy park.
The Scottsdale Charros Carousel can be tremendous enjoyable. It options vintage horses and two wheelchair-accessible chariots.
Purchase hotdogs, hamburgers, and ice cream on the Snackstop. Or pack a lunch to get pleasure from at picnic areas whereas watching the choo-choo.
In November and December, purchase your experience tickets on-line prematurely and count on lengthy strains to see their Vacation Lights show from the seat of the practice. A restricted variety of Quick Move tickets can be found and nicely value the additional value.
7. Water Parks in and Close to Scottsdale
With toasty temperatures for a number of months of the 12 months, it ought to come as no shock that water parks are plentiful within the Phoenix space. Remember the fact that these are sometimes open seasonally, so be sure you test hours earlier than you go.
Some Scottsdale resorts, just like the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, supply water options like water slides and lazy rivers for his or her friends as nicely. Learn extra about these and different Scottsdale accommodations through Expedia.
Large Surf
Positioned in close by Tempe (house of Arizona State College), Large Surf opened in 1969. It boasts the world’s first wave machine, a selected hit with older children.
Along with the Waikiki Seashore Wave Pool, this water park gives greater than 19 waterslides of various sizes and scare ranges. Little children will get pleasure from Captain Prepare dinner’s Touchdown, a splash and slide space.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
Previously often known as Moist N’ Wild, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is the biggest water park within the Phoenix Metropolitan Space. Located in Glendale, it is crammed with greater than 700,000 gallons of water and options over 30 sights.
Golfland Sunsplash
Thrill lovers will love the huge array of waterslides plus a water coaster at Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa. A 450-gallon wave pool, two splash play areas for younger children, and an exercise pool will hold households content material for hours.
Plus, the water park scenes from Invoice and Ted’s Wonderful Journey had been filmed right here. Gnarly, dude!
McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Heart
Considerably smaller and cheaper than the opposite choices listed above, the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Heart is the one water park on this listing that is truly situated inside Scottsdale. One winding waterslide, a nice lazy river, excessive and low diving boards, and a zero-entry splash pad make this an inexpensive and enjoyable place for households to chill off.
8. Cactus League Spring Coaching
Take children of all ages out to a ballgame when in Scottsdale. With over 300 days of sunshine per 12 months, Arizona makes the proper location for baseball spring coaching.
Fifteen groups name Arizona their spring coaching house. This contains the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants.
They play at 10 completely different places all through the Valley, like Scottsdale Stadium and Salt River Fields at Speaking Stick in Scottsdale. Be taught extra about taking your children to spring coaching in Arizona from our pals at Suggestions for Household Journeys.
9. Musical Instrument Museum
Shows on the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix are actually interactive. Guests don headphones that come to life with music and data as reveals are approached. Musical variety seems earlier than your ears and eyes with songs and movies of concert events and dances, colourful shows of acquainted and strange devices, plus conventional costumes, and big images.
Youngsters and adults even get a hands-on alternative to make music with quite a lot of devices from around the globe within the Expertise Gallery.
10. Phoenix Zoo
As a former multi-year member of the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, I am a little bit of a zoo snob. Fortunately, the Phoenix Zoo is actually top-of-the-line zoos I’ve ever visited.
In actual fact, the Phoenix Zoo is the biggest non-profit, privately owned zoo within the U.S. Most animal reveals are giant and luxurious, and the main focus is on conservation and schooling.
This zoo is house to just about 400 completely different species of animals. Along with common residents like giraffes, orangutans, and elephants — search for indigenous animals like coyotes, mountain lions, and Mexican grey wolves.
Along with spectacular animal reveals, there are some options on the Phoenix Zoo for youths that shouldn’t be missed. Concord Farm gives a petting zoo and playground for younger youngsters. In the meantime, you will have a troublesome time pulling larger children away from the Enchanted Forest play space. (I do know I do!)
Youngsters will wish to take a spin on the zoo’s carousel, too. The Endangered Species Carousel options fake ride-on endangered animals.
When it is scorching exterior, convey alongside swimsuits to chill off on the Leapin’ Lagoon and Yakulla Caverns splash pads. Alternatively, take a look at the Phoenix Zoo Lights nighttime shows in winter.
Additionally, search for interactive animal experiences like stingray feeding, camel rides, and giraffe feeding for an extra cost.
11. Desert Botanical Backyard
Simply across the nook from the Phoenix Zoo is the Desert Botanical Backyard. Go right here to wander alongside paved paths lined with desert flora like cactuses, wildflowers, succulents, agave vegetation, and ocotillo timber. Shows educate guests concerning the indigenous vegetation and other people of the Sonoran Desert.
Make a reservation at their onsite sit-down restaurant, Gertrude’s (youngsters’s menus obtainable). Or seize a fast chew on the Patio Café.
Mid-October to Mid-Could, go at evening to see the desert come to life within the Electrical Desert — a lightweight and sound expertise.
Be taught extra and purchase your Desert Botanical Backyard tickets with Expedia.
12. Arizona Museum of Pure Historical past
Plan to spend a number of hours on the interactive Arizona Museum of Pure Historical past in Mesa. Children like to pan for gold in a courtyard exterior. Wander via the Misplaced Dutchman Mine exhibit and “lock up” your loved ones members in its jail cells.
Then discover a Hohokam village. Cease to grind maize with stone instruments. Then put collectively big puzzle items to kind photos of Native American pottery.
Most spectacular among the many everlasting exhibit, although, is Dinosaur Mountain. This show of life-sized animated dinosaurs on a cliff options booming “flash floods” that ship water gushing down the show each 23 minutes.
13. Arizona Science Heart
The Arizona Science Heart in Downtown Phoenix rocks! You positively might spend a complete day exploring the middle.
With hands-on experiments full with nobs to crank and buttons to push, youngsters are too busy having enjoyable to comprehend they’re studying one thing, too. The onsite Dorrance Planetarium is likely one of the largest and most technologically superior within the nation, too.
My favourite exhibit is Forces of Nature. Step aboard the “stage” to expertise a five-minute present. (It repeats each quarter-hour). This can be too scary for toddlers and preschoolers, however massive children like to expertise a (gentle) earthquake, windstorms, thunder, lightning, and extra.
Expedia explains extra about what to anticipate on the Arizona Science Heart.
14. Horseback Driving and Extra at MacDonald’s Ranch
Saddle up for enjoyable at MacDonald’s Ranch. This horse steady gives guided path horseback rides and stagecoach rides via the desert. If touring with a gaggle of eight or extra, e-book a desert cookout together with a hayride, stagecoach tour, or horseback journey for a really memorable expertise.
When visiting Scottsdale in October, plan to attend the annual MacDonald’s Ranch pumpkin patch. Anticipate a petting zoo, pony rides, good old school video games, and a barbecue meals truck. The spotlight is boarding a horse-pulled hayride or tractor-pulled practice to a pumpkin patch surrounded by saguaro cactuses and sagebrush.
15. Youngsters’s Museum of Phoenix
Designed for youths from start via 10 years, the Youngsters’s Museum of Phoenix gives all types of alternatives to PLAY. Most guests spend two to 4 hours exploring the museum’s 14 reveals.
Children like to construct forts and cities in Constructing Large after which navigate their manner via a Noodle Forest. Climbing buildings, a pint-sized faux grocery retailer, a e-book loft and extra add to the enjoyable at this museum. Maximize enjoyable and studying throughout this interactive expertise with my Youngsters’s Museum of Phoenix ideas.
16. Miniature Golf and Theme Parks
Amusements like mini-golf, online game arcades, and theme park rides abound within the Valley of the Solar. Whether or not you need a full-blown amusement park expertise otherwise you’re in search of a pair hours of distraction, your children are in for a deal with.
Golfland Sunsplash
Even when its water park closes for the season, Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa continues to amuse friends. Take pleasure in three miniature golf programs in addition to bumper automobiles, bumper boats, laser tag, and an enormous arcade with prizes.
Castles N’ Coasters
For full-sized outside rides together with a log experience and some curler coasters, head to Castles N’ Coasters in Phoenix. You will additionally discover 4 mini-golf programs and tons of indoor arcade video games.
Though my children and I had a ball at this theme park, experience security did not appear to be the very best precedence. Plus, given the realm of city, I might advise sticking to a daytime go to.
Jake’s Limitless
Positioned indoors in Mesa, Jake’s Limitless is a little bit of a trek from Scottsdale but it surely’s one in every of my children’ favourite locations within the Valley.
Included with the worth of admission are video video games and 5 rides. Favorites are a full-sized carousel and bumper automobiles. Pay further charges for bowling, video games with prize tickets, and laser tag.
Additionally freed from cost till 8 pm is a vast buffet of pizza, pasta, salads, sodas, and soft-serve ice cream.
Peter Piper Pizza
Peter Piper Pizza is an element restaurant, half arcade. Select from a number of places all through the Valley, together with two in Scottsdale. The pizza and wings are respectable, however the major cause to come back right here is for video video games and prizes.
Glow Putt
Glow-in-the-dark miniature golf at Glow Putt is at all times in season in Scottsdale. “Cost” your golf ball by inserting it inside blacklight tubes all through the course. Children particularly like the outlet with a spinning wheel that tells golfers to moo like a cow or kick the ball with their ft to keep away from penalty strokes.
After a spherical or two of glowing putt putt, head upstairs for a scrumptious deal with on the Candy Republic ice cream store.
17. Championship Golf Programs
Full-sized golf programs are plentiful within the Valley of the Solar. In actual fact, the Scottsdale space boasts over 200 golf programs.
Spring is essentially the most stunning time of 12 months to hit the hyperlinks in Scottsdale with very best temperatures within the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. Price range seekers, nonetheless, will respect low cost pricing on world-class programs in summer time.
Each February, golf lovers flock to the Valley to attend the Waste Administration Phoenix Open. One of the prestigious golf tournaments on the earth, the Phoenix Open takes place on the Match Gamers Membership (TPC) Scottsdale. This 36-hole course is open to the general public and gives non-public classes for adults and youngsters alike.
For a singular golf-themed tour, reserve a bay at Topgolf Scottsdale. Right here your loved ones can dine and drink whereas hitting micro-chipped golf balls at big dartboard-like targets in an outfield. Children of all ages are welcomed at Topgolf.
18. Taliesin West
Dad and mom and budding architects will respect a go to to Taliesin West. As soon as the winter house of the well-known architect Frank Lloyd Wright, at present it’s the headquarters of his basis. It’s open seven days per week for self-guided audio excursions and 90-minute guided strolling excursions.
Taliesin was a hub of structure schooling for over 88 years, with graduate college students constructing their very own shelters within the Sonoran Desert. The Faculty of Structure closed at this location in 2020 and moved to Arcosanti, an experimental city about one hour exterior Scottsdale.
Frank Lloyd Wright is likely one of the world’s most well-known architects. He’s famend for his Prairie Fashion, which contains components of nature like water, stone, and vegetation in structural designs.
Residents of the Valley of the Solar are pleased with Wright’s affect in Arizona. Whereas in Scottsdale, you’ll doubtless drive on Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, one of many busiest streets within the metropolis.
19. Scorching Air Ballooning in Scottsdale
Floating above the desert in a scorching air balloon is an expertise your loved ones will lengthy keep in mind. In actual fact, with 300 days of sunshine per 12 months in Scottsdale, the realm gives extra flyable days than wherever else in america.
Select from shared or non-public flights with Scorching Air Expeditions and Rainbow Ryders. Ages 5+ can take to the sky for a magical journey over the desert.
20. Medieval Instances Dinner & Match
For a roaring good time, make reservations for the Scottsdale Medieval Instances Dinner & Match. Anticipate jousting horses, sword fights, falconry, and a queen overseeing all of it.
Households root for his or her knight whereas chowing down on meals like hen, potatoes, and corn on the cob. (No utensils allowed!) Vegetarian choices can be found as nicely.
Plan to come back an hour or so early to get one of the best seats, peruse the outlets, and perhaps buy a themed drink (with alcohol or with out).
Suppose this dinner present is only for children? My household was hosted by Medieval Instances for my Sport of Thrones-enthusiast husband’s birthday celebration. He stored leaning over all through the efficiency and saying, “Finest birthday ever!”
21. Afternoon Tea on the Phoenician
Deal with your loved ones to a standard afternoon tea at The Phoenician, one of the vital luxurious resorts within the Valley of the Solar. Take pleasure in scorching tea, tea sandwiches, scones, and petite pastries within the resort’s luxurious foyer. Dad and mom can up the flowery issue by ordering a glass of glowing wine or Champagne. All of that is accompanied by a dwell piano efficiency.
Make your reservation now as a result of this common expertise tends to refill! The Phoenician fortunately gives gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian menus with 24-hour advance discover.
22. iFLY Indoor Flight Expertise
Youngsters as younger as 3 and adults of any age can get a style of what it is wish to soar within the air at iFLY in Scottsdale. iFLY explains how their expertise differs from skydiving on their web site, “At iFLY, you don’t bounce or fall, you fly gently on a cushion of managed air.” As well as, these aged 6 to 70 can add to the expertise with a Digital Actuality flight.
23. Corridor of Flame Hearth Fighter Museum
The Corridor of Flame Firefighting Museum in Phoenix boasts the world’s largest assortment of classic fireplace vans. Automobiles vary from a 1725 English hand pumper to extra fashionable engine-powered fashions.
Make a sport of your go to by asking children to pick their favourite from the museum’s greater than 90 fireplace vans. There’s one climb-aboard fireplace engine for make-believe rescue missions, too.
Additionally search for a touching memorial to fallen fireplace rescue heroes, with a particular show for many who died within the September 11, 2001 terrorist assault on the World Commerce Towers in New York.
Many of the vans are strictly hands-off, which may make a go to with toddlers and preschoolers considerably nerve-wracking. However grade-schoolers who dig fireplace engines want to spend an hour or so right here.
24. Dwell Theater Performances for Households
For households who wish to see dwell theater on trip, you’ll find that in Scottsdale. For those who’re prepared to journey exterior of Scottsdale, then search for what’s enjoying at Arizona Broadway Theater in Peoria or take a peek at touring Broadway productions at Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium in Tempe.
Don Bluth Entrance Row Theatre
Need one of the best seats in the home? You may’t go flawed at Don Bluth Entrance Row Theatre! That is as a result of there are solely 76 seats, which encompass the stage on all sides.
You simply may be stunned by the caliber of expertise this little dwell theater places forth. I do know I used to be!
Search for family-friendly productions like Mary Poppins, It is a Fantastic Life and The Wizard of Oz.
Desert Levels Theatre
Positioned inside Scottsdale’s large Style Sq. Mall, Desert Levels Theatre gives a Fundamental Stage, a smaller Actor’s Cafe, and Youth/Teen productions. Annually this theater presents 250 performances.
25. Octane Raceway
Adults and youngsters alike get pleasure from racing speedy go-karts at Octane Raceway. Additionally on web site are a online game arcade, laser tag, and mini bowling alley.
Junior drivers have to be at the very least 46 inches tall to take part. For members below age 16, junior races high out at 25 mph.
In the meantime, grown-up races go as much as 45 miles per hour. Dad and mom can compete in opposition to children in a junior race (at junior speeds, in fact).
26. Common Season Skilled Sports activities in Arizona
Along with being a hub for baseball spring coaching, Arizona is house to 4 males’s Main League sports activities groups plus knowledgeable Girls’s Nationwide Basketball Affiliation staff. Regardless of the season or your sport of alternative, you are certain to discover a sport to get pleasure from throughout your Scottsdale trip.
Sports activities lovers can watch the Arizona Diamondbacks play in common season video games within the spectacular Chase Discipline with its retractable roof in downtown Phoenix. In the meantime, each the Phoenix Suns males’s basketball staff and Phoenix Mercury WNBA staff play on the Speaking Stick Resort in Phoenix. For hockey, head to the Phoenix suburb of Glendale to observe the Arizona Coyotes play.
Moreover, the Arizona Cardinals soccer staff has not received a Superbowl (but!). However their house stadium, State Farm Stadium in downtown Phoenix, has hosted a pair.
Search for tickets to Arizona sporting occasions through TicketLiquidator.
27. Extra Play at Arizona Boardwalk
Along with OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland, the Arizona Boardwalk campus in Scottsdale gives much more play for households.
My children love Laser + Mirror Mazes with its colourful reflective labyrinth and difficult laser-filled walk-through puzzle.
Shock Your Eyes is a enjoyable spot for Instagrammers, with all types of interactive trick artwork shows to your photo-taking pleasure.
Dinosaur lovers will roar with delight at Pangea Land of the Dinosaurs. Along with life-sized animatronic dinos on show, children will get pleasure from a T-Rex impediment course, a fossil digging space, dinosaur short-term tattoos, and a small dinosaur experience.
VR Excessive is a contemporary arcade of types, the place all experiences contain immersion in a brand new world through the surprise of digital actuality.
At Johnny’s Playground, youngsters can bounce and slide on an array of inflatables in an indoor playground whereas dad and mom relaxation their ft.
Search for particular occasions like dwell concert events all year long at Arizona Boardwalk, too. Plus, get pleasure from an array of outlets and eating places at this leisure advanced.
Suggestions for Visiting Scottsdale with Children
Regardless of if you go to Scottsdale, your loved ones is bound to have a lot to discover and revel in.
Remember the fact that winters are doubtless chillier than you assume, and summers are even toastier than you may think. Temperatures swing as much as 30 levels Fahrenheit from evening to day, so layers make a good selection.
The most effective climate of the 12 months might be present in spring, March via Could, when common temps are within the dreamy 70s. Winter is when costs are at their highest, with many guests escaping chilly climate places. In the meantime, summers with temperatures as excessive as 120 levels F, convey nice offers on high-end resorts.
It would not rain a lot in Scottsdale, however when it does, gushing buckets of water pour from the sky. Arizona’s monsoon season sometimes reaches its peak in late summer time. That is once we get most of our rain for the entire 12 months. After the rain stops, the solar will quickly be shining once more. Additionally, lightning storms are frequent in summer time and are stunning to behold.
As you possibly can see from studying this listing of enjoyable issues to do in Scottsdale with children, many common locations are in neighboring cities and cities. Plus, Scottsdale could be very unfold out. Subsequently, you’ll doubtless want a rental automotive until you propose to spend most of your time at your resort.
Scottsdale is likely one of the most secure locations to go to in all of Arizona, with most crimes being associated to property theft. As when visiting any metropolis, train cheap warning when out exploring.
Guide Your Scottsdale Household Trip with Expedia
Expedia has every thing it’s essential e-book your journey to Scottsdale with children. From accommodations, airfare, and automotive leases to trip leases and actions — Expedia has obtained you lined.
Whether or not you are planning a month-long journey or a weekend getaway, Expedia can join you with one of the best journey offers to locations in Arizona and around the globe. Discover extra of Scottsdale and e-book your trip with Expedia.com!
Discover Extra Issues to Do in Arizona
Discover one of the best outside actions in Scottsdale, that are fabulous throughout fall, winter, and particularly spring.
Visiting in winter? Check out one of the best Christmas actions in Scottsdale.
For those who’re planning a summertime journey, then be sure you learn our ideas for a Scottsdale summer time trip.
You may’t go to Arizona with out visiting the state’s well-known nationwide park. Learn my ideas for exploring the Grand Canyon with children.
Save this Listing of Child-Pleasant Scottsdale Actions
Dreaming of a Scottsdale household trip? Save this listing of the highest issues to do when visiting Scottsdale, AZ with children. Simply pin the picture above to Pinterest. Go forward and comply with Journey Mamas on Pinterest when you’re at it!
Would you want to go to Scottsdale with children? Share your ideas or questions within the feedback beneath!
A Word from The Journey Mama: I obtained financial compensation from Expedia associated to this weblog submit. My household was additionally hosted by The Phoenician and Medieval Instances. All opinions are mine, as at all times.