31 Fun Things to Do in Phoenix with Kids (Updated) – 2024
Phoenix is a haven for thrilling and unforgettable family and kids excursions.
This city provides unlimited entertainment for both children and adults with world-class galleries, year-round sunlight, and playgrounds.
To be honest, it isn’t a very popular family holiday resort like Yellowstone.
However, this severely undervalued center contains all of the essential components for an unforgettable family vacation.
So, if you’re looking to make the most of your vacation to Phoenix,
Then have a look at our list of these lively things to do in Phoenix with kids!
Best activities in Phoenix with children
1. Enchanted Island Amusement Park
The Enchanted Island Amusement Park provides a great excursion for the entire group of visitors, with traditional flair meals and a variety of events.
It also features Nine coasters that children would enjoy.
Why visit?
Enjoy Arizona’s longest working carousel, The Encanto Carousel.
Thereafter, head to the Parachute Towers for a stunning perspective of the Phoenix cityscape.
Notable kid-friendly events and activities in the area include the Dragon Chariot, Kiddie Rides, and C.P. Huntington Towers.
Enchanted Island Adventure Park delivers the ultimate thrill for youngsters aged six and over.
2. Phoenix Zoo
If you’re wondering where to take the kids for fun, this is the place to go. Bears, tigers, leopards, and a plethora of many other endearing species will keep your loved ones entertained and amused for their entire time at Phoenix Zoo.
Why visit?
Explore the zoo during the summer holiday to take advantage of its splashing pools.
The zoo also features a few unique features, such as train journeys, wildlife feedings, a children’s fairground, as well as a tropical bird sanctuary.
The magnificent white tiger and enormous aquarium will end up making your vacation even more remarkable and entertaining.
This animal sanctuary is undoubtedly one of the best activities to do in Phoenix for kids.
3. Arizona Science Center
Arizona Science Center undoubtedly is our top favorite and among the best on the list.
Why visit?
This scientific center, situated at the center of Phoenix, features more than three hundred hands-on, engaging, unique displays which will enchant your children.
Explore the educational and entertaining SkyCycle, Pillars of Nature, and Establish Maker Space while visiting this site. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the state-of-the-art Dorrance Observatory and 5-story IMAX cinema.
Children of age six and older will enjoy visiting the educational science museum.
4. Six Flags Hurricane Harbour Phoenix
Searching for fun activities to do with your children this holiday in Phoenix?
Explore the legendary Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Phoenix for a realm of family enjoyment.
Why visit?
Featuring a variety of exhilarating activities and water parks, this family-themed adventure ranks among the greatest things to visit in Phoenix for children.
End up making your trip unforgettable by reaching Maximum Velocity. Visitors will be racing in a couple of tubes down a number of slide courses with over 600 meters of turns and dips on this one-of-a-kind rollercoaster experience.
Perhaps greater, the resort has a slew of child-friendly water activities, like Tiny Tornado and Went ‘n’ Wild Jr.
Given the number of options, it’s undoubtedly one of the top things to do in the city.
5. Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum is the biggest of its type in the West, with approximately 18000 artworks from all around the globe.
This gold mine features a fantastic catalog that attracts all types of art fans, spanning Frida Kahlo to Diego Rivera.
Why visit?
Begin your children’s visit by picking up a Treasure Hunt guide at the building’s reception desk.
Shortly after, visit the well-known Thorne Miniature Archive.
Encourage the children to participate in the youth-oriented events planned through this organization for an enjoyable vacation pit stop.
For youngsters aged Three and upwards, this delightful art paradise is a terrific spot to explore in the greater Phoenix region.
6. OdySea Aquarium
OdySea is a vast facility that features a slew of Arizona family activities, such as the Pangaea. Its main attraction, though, is the incredible 2-million-gallon tank.
Why visit?
Spend several hours plunging into a magnificent aquatic world filled with turtles, otters, penguins, predators, and other creatures.
In addition, this unique aquarium provides distinct and exciting methods to observe these critters, such as a marine carousel as well as an underwater escalator.
OdySea aquarium is the perfect choice for children of all age groups.
7. Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Featuring thousands of play activities and exhibitions, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a popular destination with youngsters.
Why visit?
The displays are also engaging and hands-on, making one among the most incredible things to do in the city with children and toddlers.
Kids will enjoy visiting the Climber; a unique multi-story display created entirely of recyclable materials.
Children will also have a healthy sensory experience with the Noodle Forest.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix is also home to a variety of informative exhibits that the kids will absolutely love, like the Art Studio and the Markets.
A trip to this institution provides youngsters of all ages with a fascinating and educational experience.
8. Goldfield Ghost Town
With a trip to Goldfield Ghost Town, visitors may go back to an age where gunfighting and gold extraction were prevalent.
Why visit?
An actual ghost town, ideal for inquisitive children and history aficionados, provides a picture of the lifestyle in the late 1800s.
Take a half-hour Goldfield Mine walk to discover mining conditions in the 1890s.
During your time there, see the Goldfield Gunfighters put up a spirited battle.
There’s also a train trip and a gallery to understand more about the town’s Old West past. It is an excellent destination for youngsters of all ages.
9. Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Explore this well-known animal sanctuary in Camp Verde to get a flavor of the Continent.
Its hundred-acre sanctuary, recognized as one of the best sanctuaries in Arizona, transports visitors to The Savanna.
Why visit?
In this nature preserve, visitors may see a variety of gorgeous creatures such as hyenas, foxes, lions, and even tigers.
Parents and the children may also enjoy the enthralling Tiger Splash performance.
visitors could spend a whole day simply enjoying the animals and enjoying the presentations and feedings.
The facility is suitable for youngsters aged three and above.
10. Musical Instrument Museum
MIM elegantly honors melody, history, and artwork by delving into the heritage of a wide range of musical equipment from throughout the globe.
There are instruments from over 200 nations on display, with a focus on indigenous, folk, and ethnographic music.
Why visit?
In the Artist Collection, you may see the guitars used by musical giants such as Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, as well as John Lennon.
After that, at the Experience Museum, educate or encourage your children to learn musical instruments.
As an additional perk, MIM hosts regular family-friendly activities in the city.
This experience is suitable for children from ages twelve and above.
11. Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
Wildlife Planet Zoo & Aquarium must be included on every list of the finest family outings in Phoenix.
And besides, it has the nation’s most extensive and diverse collections of exotic wildlife.
Why visit?
Make sure to see the exotic white tiger and the adorable penguins in their watery home for a pleasant and memorable experience.
Don’t forget to search for arapaima, Arowana, as well as other Amazon River Creatures in this massive tank.
There are also kid-friendly attractions, animal feedings, a petting zoo, as well as a kid’s carnival onsite.
This aquarium will appeal to children of every age.
12. Golfland Sunsplash
With those fantastic family entertainments, Phoenix, Golfland Sunsplash provides a universe of enjoyment for everyone.
Not only does it offer a miniature golf facility, but it also has its unique water slides.
Why visit?
Visit Sunsplash theme park and enjoy its fantastic family-friendly activities, such as a toddler play splash, rockfalls, and a lazy river.
Following your soaking and wild experience, head to Golfland, where you can play mini golf, laser tag, and dynamic board games.
This event is appropriate for children who are above the age of six.
13. Pueblo Grandc1 Museum and Archeology Park
Parents with young children who are interested in geology and culture must prioritize a tour of the Pueblo Grande Museum.
Why visit?
This park, which is steeped in culture and history, is a landmark of national significance as well as the city’s indisputable greatest surviving archaeological monument.
An ancient Hohokam town tour includes reconstructed old dwellings, a ballcourt, and a stage structure.
Allow the children to engage in a variety of resort’s hands-on experiences to discover further about archaeology and heritage.
The facility is appropriate for children aged Nine and above.
14. Legoland Discovery Center
There is no comparable enclosed amusement in town except LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
This indoor paradise is packed with colorful LEGO events and attractions, including a four-dimensional theater, 10 building and playing zones, and a number of coasters.
Why visit?
Encourage your kids to express their creativity by recreating worldwide sites out of millions of LEGO pieces.
I recommend taking the LEGO Guided tour to learn about the mysteries behind these children-friendly products.
This family-friendly activity is appropriate for children aged 3 and above.
15. Desert Botanical Garden
This vast and gorgeous cacti-filled landscape, situated in Papago Park, houses the planet’s most extensive selection of outdoor vegetation.
Believe us; the Desert Botanical Garden is a beauty to behold and gives both mental and physical activity.
Why visit?
View an enthralling array of cacti and other Sonoran desert vegetation, including such wildflowers.
Do not even miss out on the instructive ethnobotanical strolling track.
While traveling this route, you’ll learn about how these desert species were incorporated into Native American tribe culture.
The area is appropriate for youngsters aged six and above.
16. Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland is the nation’s top enclosed rainforest greenhouse in the wilderness center.
In reality, this greenhouse houses approximately three thousand butterflies from throughout the globe.
Why visit?
Wander inside the vast courtyard and observe the butterflies as they effortlessly flit about their tropical habitat.
Inside the Butterfly Emergence Exhibition, visitors can also see how their wings develop throughout their transformation.
Butterfly Wonderland in Phoenix is appropriate for children aged Three and above.
17. Sea Life Arizona
Perhaps one of our top favorite kid-friendly activities in the neighborhood is SEA Life Phoenix.
This 26000 sq ft immersive aquatic exhibition, which houses hundreds of eye-catching aquatic species, will captivate everybody, especially children.
Why visit?
Engage with the facility’s gentle sea animals inside the contact pools.
In addition, you’ll get a unique opportunity to observe more than 5000 aquatic species throughout the facility, including seahorses, rays, sharks, and other tropical fishes.
The 360-degree sea corridor is a must-see sight here. Sea Life Arizona is an excellent choice for children of all ages.
18. Castles N’ Coaster
Castles N’ Coasters is a vibrant entertainment venue with a wide range of adventurous activities for all ages.
The facility’s arcade games and exhilarating rides will keep you and the children entertained for the whole day.
Why visit?
Experience the resort’s exhilarating attractions, such as the Desert Storm, Free Fall, and Splashdown, to mark your Phoenix visit.
Allow non-adventurous teenagers to battle at incredible velocities on the resort’s Go Karts.
Despite the presence of rides for children, the place is best suited for teenagers aged Fifteen and above.
19. I.d.e.a. Museum
I.d.e.a is one-of-a-kind and inventive exhibition geared mostly at children and families.
This institution promotes creativity and critical thinking in your children via its art-inspiring programs.
Why visit?
It also features displays that educate kids about technology, science, and art.
Take your kids to Artville and let them participate in an exhibition that stimulates artistic output, creativity, and discovery.
In addition, the facility provides regular activities and programs for children.
I.d.e.a is fantastic entertainment for kids of all ages.
20. Arizona Museum of Natural History
The Arizona Museum of Natural Heritage is devoted to protecting and preserving the natural and social heritage of the Southwest. Founded in 1977 as a local museum in Mesa Town Hall, featuring an intriguing selection of treasures from all around Arizona.
Why visit?
This gallery has expanded to a 74000 sq ft establishment with a compendium of approximately 60000 entities from different genres such as anthropology, art, cultural legacy, as well as natural history. “Dinosaur Mountain,” consisting of life-size, animatronic dinosaurs, a Columbian Mammoth, as well as a saber-tooth cat against the setting of a 50 ft high indoor cascade, is a flagship display. The institution, which is the sole natural historical site in the greater Phoenix region, also has over 10000 vintage images and a sophisticated research laboratory.
21. Valley Youth Theatre
The Valley Youth Theatre (VYT), located behind the Central Phoenix town’s residential hall, is a communal theater company that presents seven mainstage productions every season.
Why visit?
The non-profit organization was founded in the late 1980s by Gary Lamble and Hope Ozer to assist the younger generation reach their full potential via instruction in musical theatre. It has started the careers of numerous artists, including Academy Award winner Emma Stone. The theater features a 30 ft wide proscenium podium with a music room, practice studios, set and costume stores, fitting rooms, and plays for kids of different ages.
22. Heard Museum
The Heard Museum, founded in the late 1920s by Dwight and Maie Heard, aims to enlighten and foster more profound knowledge of the Americas’ indigenous citizens, notably American Indian tribes as well as other Southwest cultures, by emphasizing their traditions, legacy, and style of life.
Why visit?
The Gallery employs its rich collection, creative programs, world-class displays, and colorful events to compassionately and properly depict Native arts and customs and highlight human views on this unique and ancient civilization. A trip to the Heard Museum comprises a tour of Twelve exhibition halls, a beautifully groomed outdoor sculpture park, a modern art center, and trading-post-type retail store, a lively café, and complimentary sightseeing tours.
23. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, situated in Scottsdale and managed by the town of Scottsdale’s Parklands & Recreation Dept, is a forty-acre railroad campground with a transportation exhibition and a variety of incredible displays, including one with a Magma Arizona Railroad propulsion system.
Why visit?
The thirty-acre park features numerous sights and attractions, along with the biggest draw, the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, which was constructed to recreate a Colorado standard gauge railroad and includes three steam trains, 2 different diesel engines, an electric engine, multiple scale replica cars, as well as a 32 x 200 train shed. The area also has the intricately carved and painstakingly repaired Scottsdale Charros Carousel, which has Thirty horses as well as two wheelchair carriages. Scottsdale also has a number of businesses and a new museum to the heritage of the railroads.
24. Superstition farm
Superstition Farm in Mesa is a thriving dairy farm that provides a broad range of family-friendly events such as farm excursions, a petting zoo, a rancher’s market, harvest festivals, and much more.
Why visit?
Guests may engage with horses, sheep, fat belly pigs, bunnies, tiny donkeys, chicks, cows, and turtles in the pet shelter, and escorted farm excursions discover the property and everything that it has to offer. Superstition Farm also provides complete farm vacations for young farmers, where youngsters can learn further about agriculture and understand what it needs to be a farmer, as well as informative trip excursions, arts & crafts, and other activities.
25. Welcome Chicken and Donuts
Welcome Chicken + Donuts is a lovely Phoenix restaurant that serves delectable quality sweets made with Montana wheat bread. The eatery, which launched in 2014, is run by the Welcome Hospitality organization, which further runs the famous Welcome Diner in Phoenix and Tucson.
Why visit?
Desserts are sold in singles, half dozen, and a dozen sizes and then are glazed and packed with various fresh ingredients. Popular specialty doughnut flavors comprise maple bacon and chocolate rose pistachio. Fried chicken is also offered in combinations and burgers, with sauces such as Korean chili, Japanese barbecue, and Vietnamese herbs. Each of the chicken meals is made with free-range chicken and offered alongside sides such as cucumber salads, Thai coleslaw, and flavored fried potatoes.
26. Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix
Wet’n’Wild Phoenix, another of several water resorts’ running under the Wet’n’Wild multinational company, is a family-friendly beach club with over thirty exhilarating thematic rides, attractions, and activities for all ages to enjoy.
Why visit?
Along with the country’s first Maximum Speed – Feuding H2O Roller Coasters. Some famous attractions are Monsoon Bay, which transports tourists inside a confined tube on a race course before spinning together into a six-lane toboggan racetrack, and Mammoth Falls, which descends 57 ft and sends passengers on a sheer drop while blasting up a slope and dropping back to feel microgravity. Barefootin’ Bay is a 4700-sq ft interactive play tower with a splashing pool designed for children. The Point Break Café, Sharky’s, and Surfers sweets & Ice Cream are some of the best food courts.
27. The Teapot
The Teapot is a quaint coffee and dessert business housed in a wonderfully renovated 1906 home in central Phoenix’s Roosevelt area, with a beautiful front and back garden for children’s parties.
Why visit?
From May through September, the charming cafe serves exquisite, healthful dishes with a British touch for lunch and breakfast. It also serves freshly-brewed coffee, premium loose leaves, tea bag chai, other hot beverages, home-baked croissants, and other tempting delights. The ancient building is excellent for special gatherings and celebrations, and it includes a beautiful rear yard where kids may play safely.
28. Cerreta Candy Company
The Cerreta Candies Company is a traditional sweet business that manufactures and sells a wide range of classic treats, desserts, gifts, and celebratory assortments.
Why visit?
Cerreta Candy Company, established over forty years ago, is a family-owned & run business that creates thousands of pieces of sweets every day and distributes them in their establishment on West Glendale Street in Phoenix. Desserts and delicacies made from ancient recipes passed down for generations comprise barks, brittles, candies, brownies, chocolate bars, nuts, sweetener chocolates, goodie bags, and customized presents.
29. Camelback Mountain
The hilly geography of Arizona makes it a perfect location for hiking and exploring nature.
Why visit?
There is excellent trekking around the area, but Camelback Mountain is well-known for its spectacular vistas. Because the two pathways are relatively strenuous, only older kids and skilled hikers should attempt to ascend the peak. Carry water and sunblock, and keep an eye out for animals, mainly rattlesnakes, along the journey.
30. Sugar Bowl
This is an excellent place if you want to sit down and relax while treating your taste buds.
Why visit?
Sugar Bowl, located in Old Town Scottsdale, was established in the late 1950s and has since become a state landmark, noted for its exquisite ice cream served in delicate glass plates. They also serve exotic soups, sandwiches, and salads.
31. Great Wolf Lodge Arizona
Great Wolf Lodge, based near Scottsdale, is a facility designed specifically for children. Indeed, considering the number of kid-friendly attractions on-site, visitors might never even want to leave.
Why visit?
The famous indoor water adventure, a climbing course, an immersive MagiQuest treasure hunt, miniature golf, dance events, and numerous other activities are all available. During the colder months, the Lodge provides Snowland, a winter-themed activity center.
Conclusion
Phoenix vacation can be a treasure hunt in itself because there are a number of great places to go. To make the choice more convenient, we have carefully curated this list of the things to do in Phoenix with kids.
You won’t have to spend your time missing out; instead, you will have thrilling experiences and will be soaking in the best this city has to offer.
Take your kids along and enjoy a fantastic vacation filled with fun, adventure, and love. Bon Voyage!
