Best Things to Do in Phoenix with Kids (2026)

If you are looking for the best things to do in Phoenix with kids, you have come to the right place. Phoenix is a wonderful choice for families looking for a warm winter destination full of unique experiences with the whole family. Often called the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix rarely disappoints, with an average of 300 sunny days a year. 

I grew up in the Phoenix suburb of Tempe, and our kids love visiting the desert. Our favorite time to visit Arizona with kids is in the winter, spring, and fall when the weather is best. Here are some of the best family activities in Phoenix and the surrounding area.

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What Are the Best Things to Do in Phoenix with Kids?

The best things to do in Phoenix with kids include the Arizona Science Center (300+ hands-on exhibits), the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, and hiking at Papago Park.

For families visiting in summer, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and Butterfly Wonderland are the top air-conditioned picks.

Spring training baseball in March is one of the best-value live sports experiences in the country.

Phoenix averages 300 sunny days a year, so outdoor adventures are almost always on the table, and the surrounding area adds Scottsdale, Tempe, and Sedona to the mix.

Best Family Activities in Phoenix

1. Arizona Science Center 

My kids love visiting the Arizona Science Center, and your kids likely will too. The museum houses over 300 hands-on exhibits and educational programs for kids of all ages, as well as adults.

The Center features live science demonstrations, a planetarium, an IMAX theatre, a Skycycle, the W.O.N.D.E.R. Center, and more. The hard part for visitors is knowing where to spend all your free time!

2. Phoenix Zoo

Adjacent to Papago Park, visitors can find the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden. The zoo covers 125 acres and is the country’s largest privately owned nonprofit zoo. It has over 2.5 miles of walking trails, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and walking shoes.

Popular attractions include the giraffe encounter, Sting Ray Bay, camel rides, and endangered species. Splash pads (small water playgrounds for kids) are available for cooling off on hot days, along with paddle boats for rent, a petting zoo, Monkey Village, and more. The zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals, so give yourself plenty of time to explore.

3. Desert Botanical Garden

Next to the zoo is the Desert Botanical Garden featuring plants, flowers, cacti, and wildlife (think roadrunners and quail) indigenous to the desert. The best time to visit the Desert Botanical Garden with children is when it’s not too hot, since there is a lot to explore.

Don’t miss the Butterfly Pavilion, where children can witness all stages of a caterpillar’s life cycle. Kids love visiting butterfly gardens and watching the butterflies land on them. During the holiday season, Las Noches de las Luminarias is a not-to-miss event.

4. Butterfly Wonderland

If your kids love butterflies, visit Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale. It is an interactive habitat where over 3,000 butterflies fly freely through a rainforest garden, and families with young children love it!

5. Children’s Museum of Phoenix 

When you build a children’s museum, you better make it fun, and the Children’s Museum of Phoenix has done just that. From the Noodle Forest to the Art Studio to the amazing play structure known as the Schuff-Perini Climber, no child should complain of boredom during their visit.

This educational experience has many hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. Probably best for younger kids ages 9 and under.

6. Hiking in Phoenix with kids

You can hike and bike all over the Valley, but some of the best outdoor activities in Phoenix (and most enjoyable for families) are at South Mountain Park or Papago Park. 

South Mountain Park is the largest municipal park in the United States (16,000 acres and 51 miles of trails). It offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, and one Sunday each month, the park’s main access roads are closed to motor vehicles (check the website), making it an ideal place to explore with the whole family.

Papago Park is easy to explore, with a steady incline, and older kids will enjoy the unique natural rock formations, which make for great photo opportunities. The highlight is the “Hole in the Rock,” which is just that: a hole in the rock.

Those who climb to the summit are rewarded with views of the surrounding cities, the airport, and if you hike at the end of the day, a beautiful Arizona sunset.

7. Spring Training baseball in Arizona

The Greater Phoenix Area is home to Major League Baseball’s Cactus League, and Spring Training is a big deal here. Fifteen MLB teams play in the Phoenix area throughout March, and the area features the greatest concentration of professional baseball facilities anywhere in the United States. In 2025, 1.69 million fans attended 224 games!

On any given day, you can find a game to watch; the settings are intimate, and the weather is usually beautiful. What more could you want? Ifyou’ree thinking about taking the kids, here are tips before you go to a spring training game.

If you miss spring training, don’t worry; catch up with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Even on the warmest summer days, the field stays cool because the stadium has a retractable roof. The venue is a great place to catch a ball game.

Scottsdale with kids

8. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park 

Children and adults alike love to visit the railroad park in Scottsdale. There are model railroads, trains to ride around the park, a train museum, a carousel, and playgrounds. This is a fun way to spend half a day riding the rails and learning the history of rail transportation.

9. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Phoenix with Kids

Many companies offer hot air balloon rides in the Phoenix area for private or special events. Seeing the desert from above is breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset. If you think your older children are up for it, this could be the experience of a lifetime. 

10. Take a Pink Jeep Adventure Tour

To get a close-up view of the desert, consider going off-road on a Pink Jeep Tour. The nearest location is in Sedona, two hours away, but the tour is worth it.

Imagine having an exciting ride through Red Rock country, learning about the outback and the area’s history, and enjoying the views. It’s so much fun and a perfect day out for families.

Things to Do in Chandler with Kids

11. Rawhide Western Town 

In a place like Phoenix, there’s bound to be a recreated Old West town, and there is; it’s called Rawhide. Located in the suburb of Chandler, this recreated 1880s town features live-action cowboy stunt shows, gunfights, train rides through the desert, a petting zoo, a stagecoach, and my personal favorite, a mechanical bull. 

The town also has stores, a photo studio, and a restaurant. It is a fun family experience, and if you watch one of the shows, know that you may end up as part of the performance!

Fun Things to do in Tempe with Kids

12. Arizona State University

Tempe is home to Arizona State University, and many people head to campus, the nearby entertainment district (Mill Avenue), and Tempe Town Lake for a day out.

ASU’s campus is fun to explore, with unique architecture (the art museum stands out to me) and public buildings like the Marston Exploration Theater, which shows 3-D astronomy movies and is open for exploration on weekends.

13. Tempe Town Lake Rental

Tempe Town Lake was once the Salt River, but when it dried up, it was turned into a reservoir with inflatable dams on each side.

Today it is a hub of activity where you can rent boats and paddleboards, take Segway tours, let small children play on the Splash Playground, or watch a performance at the Tempe Center for the Arts, which overlooks Town Lake. 

You can rent bikes in downtown Tempe at The Bicycle Cellar. From here, it’s an easy ride to Papago Park, Mill Avenue, and Tempe Town Lake. Pack a picnic and spend a day exploring with the kids.

14. Mill Avenue

Mill Avenue has over 100 shops and restaurants and features original events, outdoor kid-friendly activities, festivals, and historical landmarks. There is always something going on in downtown Tempe!

Where to Eat in Phoenix with Kids

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Grimaldi’s has several locations throughout the Valley, and we have never been disappointed with their thin-crust brick oven pizza.

They also have delicious salads and a fun atmosphere. The staff is helpful and attentive every time we have been.

La Grande Orange Grocery

Don’t be thrown off by the word grocery; you will want to stop here for breakfast, coffee, sandwiches, pizza, gelato, and everything else on their menu. Their muffins will melt in your mouth, and the pancakes are delicious too.

Buy some English muffins for later because they travel well, and you will want to preserve your memories of this place for as long as possible.

Lujos Cocina Mexicana

I hate to tell you this, but once you eat Mexican food in Phoenix, nothing will ever compare. Lujos Cocina Mexicana in Gilbert delivers some outstanding Mexican food.

Be sure to try a chimichanga, and their guacamole, which is out of this world. Kids will love the churro fries, and be sure to ask for their secret menu! Go here for Mexican food, and you won’t be disappointed. 

Snooze A.M. Eatery

One of my favorite breakfast spots in the Valley, Snooze, has something for everybody. Their breakfast creations are works of art, and the pancake flight is unforgettable.

The place is loud, but it’s perfect for eating with kids! Several locations are around town, so find one near you and get ready for a feast for the whole family.

Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor

This old-school ice cream parlor in Scottsdale will delight children and adults alike. You can’t miss the big pink building on Scottsdale Road, a landmark for 55 years. I love their root beer floats!

Best Family Resorts in Phoenix with Kids

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort

This resort offers fabulous dining and spa options for adults, plus golf, tennis, and a 2.5-acre water playground with a three-story waterslide. Just what the kids want on vacation.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE RATES AT GRAND HYATT SCOTTSDALE

The Scottsdale Resort

While this resort may see its fair share of conference-goers, it is a great option for families and children of all ages, with an excellent location in Scottsdale, generous-sized rooms, and beautiful pools. The on-property restaurants are top-notch, but you won’t want to go anywhere else once you try their morning cinnamon rolls.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT SCOTTSDALE RESORT

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

This resort reflects the culture of the local Gila River Indian community, from its rooms to the restaurants to its spa. It makes for a very unique destination in the desert Southwest.

The property offers plenty to do, including golf courses, tennis courts, four swimming pools, and a waterslide. It is also home to the only AAA Five Diamond Restaurant in Arizona, Kai. Nearby is Rawhide (see above) and a major outlet mall for shopping.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT WILD HORSE PASS

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

The Westin Kierland is extremely kid-friendly and plans daily activities through the Kids’ Club. This is also one of the best places for water play. The adventure water park has a lazy river, wave pool, splash pad, water slides, and a FlowRider, which simulates surfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and skateboarding all in one. Kids go crazy for it.

Parents will love the resort’s luxury, spa, golf, and dining. Villas are available for families who want more space than a traditional room offers.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT

JW Marriott Desert Ridge

Another kid-friendly property in Scottsdale, this JW Marriott offers activities including multiple swimming pools, a lazy river, and a water slide. They also offer a Family Escape Kids Club and a nighttime PJ Party.

The property also has golf and a spa, as well as Canyon Villas, larger units for families. Find more details about Marriott Vacation Club Canyon Villas here (you don’t have to be a member).

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT JW MARRIOTT DESERT RIDGE

Free and Budget-Friendly Family Activities in Phoenix

Not everything in Phoenix has to cost a lot, and that is one reason families keep coming back. Papago Park is free to enter and one of the most scenic spots in the entire Valley. The Hole in the Rock trail, the Desert Botanical Garden loop (from the park side), and the views of the city skyline make it a genuinely great half-day out that costs nothing but sunscreen.

South Mountain Park is also free to access, with 51 miles of trails open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. On the one Sunday each month when the main access roads close to motor vehicles, it turns into a giant car-free playground for families.

The Phoenix Public Library system runs free programs for children year-round, including storytimes, STEM workshops, and school-holiday events. The Burton Barr Central Library branch is worth a visit for its architecture alone.

For sports fans, checking out a Cactus League spring training game in March is one of the most affordable live baseball experiences in the country, with tickets often available for well under the cost of a regular-season MLB game.

Best Indoor Activities in Phoenix for Kids on Hot Days

Phoenix summers are genuinely intense, and anyone who has visited between June and September knows you need a game plan for the hottest parts of the day. The good news is that the Valley has an excellent roster of air-conditioned options.

The Arizona Science Center is the top pick for hot days. With over 300 hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theatre, you can easily spend four to five hours inside without running out of things to do. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is another essential indoor stop, especially for kids under 10, with its Noodle Forest, Art Studio, and the Schuff-Perini Climber keeping energy levels high.

Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale is fully climate-controlled and a wonderful way to spend two hours in the middle of a hot afternoon. The rainforest garden is lush and cool, which is a welcome contrast to the desert heat outside.

For teens, Topgolf (multiple Phoenix-area locations) offers a fun indoor-adjacent experience that most older kids genuinely love. On the cultural side, the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix houses one of the finest collections of Native American art in the country, and its galleries are fully air-conditioned.

Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix with Kids

Downtown Phoenix has improved enormously as a family destination and deserves more attention than travel guides often give it. The Arizona Science Center sits right in the heart of downtown Heritage Square and is the obvious anchor for a family day.

Heritage Square itself is a historic block of Victorian-era homes that now house restaurants, a small museum, and a café. Kids find the contrast between the old buildings and the modern skyline genuinely interesting. The Phoenix Public Market (open on select days; check their website for current hours) is a great place to grab breakfast or lunch and wander with little ones.

Centennial Hall at the Phoenix Convention Center area connects to the light rail, making it easy to arrive without a car. Speaking of the light rail, kids often enjoy riding it as an activity in itself. A round trip from Tempe to downtown Phoenix takes about 30-40 minutes each way and passes some of the Valley’s most interesting urban stretches.

The Chase Field tour (when the Arizona Diamondbacks are not playing at home) is a fun behind-the-scenes experience for baseball fans of all ages. And even if you’re not catching a game, the area around the stadium has a concentration of casual, family-friendly restaurants that make it a solid dinner destination.

Phoenix with a Baby or Toddler: What Actually Works

Visiting Phoenix with very young children takes a little more planning, but the city is genuinely welcoming to families with babies and toddlers.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix is specifically designed with small children in mind. The ground-floor exhibits are accessible for crawlers and walkers, and the museum has nursing rooms and stroller parking. This is probably the single best indoor stop for families with children under three.

The Phoenix Zoo has a dedicated splash pad area where toddlers can cool off and a petting zoo that thrills young children. The zoo’s walking paths are stroller-friendly throughout. Early mornings (before 10 AM) are best for visiting with babies because the animals are more active and the crowds and heat are lower.

Tempe Lake’s Splash Playground is a free outdoor water play area that is perfectly scaled for toddlers. It gets busy on weekends, but weekday mornings are peaceful. Bring a change of clothes and a picnic, and you’re set for a full morning.

For accommodation, the resort pools at properties like the Westin Kierland and the JW Marriott Desert Ridge are ideal for toddlers, with shallow entry areas and splash pads alongside the main pools. Families with babies are common at these resorts.

Key Takeaways

• Phoenix averages 300 sunny days a year, ideal for outdoor family adventures.
• Best visit window: November through April, avoiding peak summer heat.
• Top indoor picks for hot days: Arizona Science Center, Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
• Phoenix Zoo: 1,400+ animals, 2.5 miles of trails, toddler splash pad included.
• Spring training baseball in March is affordable live MLB action.
• South Mountain Park: 16,000 acres and 51 miles of trails, free to enter.
• Papago Park is free, scenic, and stroller-friendly for all ages.

What are some fun things to do in Phoenix with a baby?

Children’s Museum of Phoenix is the top pick for babies and toddlers, with nursing rooms, stroller parking, and ground-floor exhibits designed for very young children. The Phoenix Zoo’s stroller-friendly paths and toddler splash pad are also ideal. Tempe Town Lake’s free Splash Playground works well for toddlers, especially on weekday mornings when crowds are thin. Early-morning visits to the zoo (before 10 AM) are best for babies because the heat and crowds are lower and the animals are more active.

What are some fun things to do in downtown Phoenix with kids?

Downtown Phoenix’s best family stops include the Arizona Science Center at Heritage Square, the historic Heritage Square block itself, and Chase Field stadium tours for baseball fans. The Phoenix light rail is a fun, low-cost ride for kids, connecting downtown to Tempe in about 30-40 minutes. The area around Chase Field has a solid cluster of family-friendly restaurants for lunch or dinner.

What are some fun activities for kids in Arizona?

Beyond Phoenix, Arizona offers outstanding family experiences statewide. The Grand Canyon is a bucket-list destination for older kids, and Sedona’s Red Rock country is worth the two-hour drive from Phoenix, especially for a Pink Jeep Adventure Tour.

Scottsdale adds McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and Butterfly Wonderland. In summer, the state’s mountain towns (Flagstaff, Pinetop) offer a cool-weather escape with hiking and, in winter, skiing close to Phoenix.

What are the top 10 things to do in Phoenix?

The top 10 family things to do in Phoenix are: (1) Arizona Science Center, (2) Phoenix Zoo, (3) Desert Botanical Garden, (4) Children’s Museum of Phoenix, (5) Papago Park and Hole in the Rock, (6) McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, (7) Spring training baseball (March), (8) Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale, (9) South Mountain Park, and (10) Rawhide Western Town in Chandler. These cover indoor and outdoor options across multiple price points and age ranges.

When is the best time to visit Phoenix with kids?

The best time to visit Phoenix with kids is November through April, when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities. Spring training baseball in March adds a family-friendly event calendar. Summer (June through September) is very hot (often above 105°F), so plan indoor activities like the Arizona Science Center Children’s Museum for midday and save outdoor time for early mornings. Fall is an underrated window for family travel in Phoenix.

Are there free things to do in Phoenix with kids?

Yes. Papago Park is free to enter and offers trails, picnic areas, and the famous Hole in the Rock. South Mountain Park (16,000 acres) is also free, with 51 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Phoenix Public Library runs year-round children’s programs. Spring training games in March are among the most affordable live sports experiences in the US, with many general admission tickets available at low cost.

What are some fun activities for kids in Arizona beyond Phoenix?

Beyond Phoenix, Arizona offers outstanding family experiences statewide. The Grand Canyon is a bucket-list destination for older kids, and Sedona’s Red Rock country is worth the two-hour drive from Phoenix, especially for a Pink Jeep Adventure Tour. Scottsdale adds McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and Butterfly Wonderland. In summer, the state’s mountain towns, Flagstaff and Pinetop, offer a cool-weather escape with hiking and, in winter, skiing within a reasonable drive from Phoenix.

Is spring training baseball worth it for families?

Absolutely. Spring training is one of the best family sports experiences in Arizona. Fifteen MLB teams play throughout the Greater Phoenix Area in March; tickets are affordable, the stadiums are intimate, and the weather is almost always beautiful. You can often get general admission seats for well under the price of a regular-season MLB game, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy the day even with young kids.

How do I handle the Phoenix heat with kids?

Preparation is everything. Wear sunscreen and reapply throughout the day, bring sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for everyone, drink plenty of water, and never underestimate how hot it actually is. For summer visits, plan outdoor activities for early mornings before 10 AM, then retreat to air-conditioned attractions like the Arizona Science Center and Children’s Museum during the hottest midday hours. The resort pools and indoor museums are your best friends from June through September.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Arizona, don’t miss our favorite things to do in Phoenix with teens,  Northern Arizona with teens, and the best adventures to have in Tucson.