Whether you’re planning a family vacation to Phoenix or the Valley of the Sun is where you call home, delight your children with a day-trip to one (or more) of these 10 Must-Visit Family-Friendly Activities in Phoenix.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Location: 215 N. 7th St., Phoenix
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday—9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mondays (May 23 to August 3)—9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Non-Members—$11
Seniors (ages 62+)—$10
Members & Children (under age 1)—Free
With over 300 interactive exhibits like an Art Studio, Book Loft, Noodle Forest and Texture Cafe, the Children’s Museum invites curious and imaginative young minds to build, explore, play and, of course, learn. Hands-on activities stimulate cognitive development, so give your kids the go-ahead to freely romp around this entire museum.
Great Arizona Puppet Theater
Location: 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix
Hours: Wednesday through Friday—10 a.m.
Saturday—10 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Sunday—2 p.m.
Admission: Adults—$10
Children (ages 2+)—$7
Children (under age 2)—Free (with child ticket)
Bringing both classic fairy tales and original works to life through the whimsical art of puppetry, this delightfully quirky playhouse is the ideal destination for special events and family outings. Besides, exposing your little ones to a marionette show just might help them cultivate an early appreciation for culture and theatrical performance.
Desert Botanical Garden
Location: 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
Hours: Daily (May through September)—7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Adults—$22
Seniors—$20
Children (ages 3 to 12)—$10
Children (ages 2 and under)—Free
Featuring the world’s largest assortment of arid plants, from diverse cactus species to brightly colored wildflowers, spend an afternoon in the great outdoors and wander along scenic Sonoran Desert trails. Then, learn about nature conservation efforts, peruse seasonal exhibitions and discover how natives once lived throughout this region.
Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
Location: 625 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
Hours: Daily—6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (trails stay open until 11 p.m.)
Admission: All Ages—Free (excluding recreation facilities)
Just a 10-minute jaunt from downtown Phoenix, this open-to-the-public wilderness preserve is both a local favorite and tourist landmark, known for its striking Hole in the Rock formation. Hikers of all ages can trek up this sandstone butte, at an approximate 200-foot elevation, where panoramic skyline views await them upon reaching the summit.
Butterfly Wonderland
Location: 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
Hours: Daily—9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Adults—$19.95
Seniors, Students & Military—$17.95
Children (ages 3 to 11)—$12.95
Children (ages 2 and under)—Free
This 10,000-square-foot rainforest habitat will enchant your whole family as they enter the atrium, filled with butterflies from across the globe. Witness these insects undergo metamorphosis in the Butterfly Emergence Gallery, watch their migration cycle on a 3-D screen, and observe glass-enclosed honeybee and harvester ant colonies.
Phoenix Zoo
Location: 455 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix
Hours: Varied. Click here for more information.
Admission: Adults—$20
Children (ages 3 to 12)—$10
Children (ages 2 and under)—Free
An unforgettable experience to connect with wildlife up-close, this menagerie immerses visitors into the world of Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers and other exotic creatures. Among the nation’s largest non-profits of its kind, Phoenix Zoo boasts several unique attractions like the Giraffe Encounter, Stingray Bay, Safari Train and Monkey Village.
Arizona Science Center
Location: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix
Hours: Daily—10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Adults—$22.95
Seniors (ages 62+)—$19.95
Children (ages 3 to 17)—$16.95
Covering topics, from renewable energy to nanotechnology to the human body and brain, in an engaging atmosphere, this museum is basically an educational playground. With state-of-the-art amenities including a five-story IMAX theatre, over 300 interactive displays and a renowned planetarium, kids will discover a passion for science.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
Location: 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix
Hours: Varied. Click here for more information.
Admission: Single Tickets—$1.25
20-Ticket Booklet—$20
All-Day Ride Pass (under 54”)—$17
All-Day Ride Pass (over 54”)—$10
All-Day Splash Zone Pass—$5
Family 4-Pack—$54
Year Pass—$69.95 (+tax)
An extension of the municipal Encanto Park, which Forbes Magazine has ranked among America’s Best City Parks, Enchanted Island features various thrill rides and carnival-themed activities the whole family can enjoy. From roller coasters and carousels to pedal boats and splash zones, this island oasis will entertain kids and kids-at-heart alike.
K1 Speed Indoor Go Kart Racing
Location: 2425 S. 21st St., Phoenix
Hours: Monday through Thursday—12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday—11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Saturday—10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Sunday—10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: 1 Race—$19.99
2 Races—$35
3 Races—$45
Annual License—$6
The ideal pastime for daredevils, both young and young-at-heart, this indoor go-kart facility caters an authentic European style racing environment. Featuring electric karts that reach 45 mph and high-performance track surfaces, K1 Speed Phoenix will satisfy thrill-seekers on all cylinders. Amped adrenaline is an occupational hazard, but fun is guaranteed.
Corral West Adventures
Location: 14401 W. Arena Dr., Goodyear
Hours: Varied. Click here for more information.
Admission: Sunset Rides—1 hour for $53 per person (+tax)
1.5 hours for $65 per person (+tax)
Loop Rides—1 hour for $43 per person (+tax)
1.5 hours for $55 per person (+tax)
2 hours for $75 per person (+tax)
Cowboy Cookouts—starting at $69
Wagon Rides—$20 per person (+tax)
From a memorable horseback vantage point, these family-friendly excursions beckon travelers to embrace the natural beauty of Historic Estrella Mountain Regional Park. While meandering through the Sonoran Desert’s rustic terrain as dusk settles over the horizon, everyone in your group will undoubtedly catch that “wanderlust bug.”
We were fortunate enough to receive this great guest blog post from Carrie Thompson. Thanks so much for sharing with us! Have you personally visited any of these attractions with your own little ones? Can you think of any others worth adding to this list? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
LOVE this list! Some of my favorites 🙂
How have I never heard of Enchanted Island? Pinning this!