The best things to do in Phoenix with kids
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Planning a family trip or searching for family-friendly attractions in Phoenix? Let me share my favorite things to do in Phoenix with kids!
When we first considered visiting Phoenix, I’ll admit, it was mostly overshadowed in my mind by the famous Grand Canyon and the adventure-packed Sedona. But as the capital of Arizona, Phoenix offers so many city experiences and fun activities for families, especially those with young kids. Its close proximity to some of the state’s top attractions also makes it the perfect base for an Arizona trip.
To be honest, Phoenix completely surprised us. We didn’t really know what to expect, but we were so impressed by the variety of family-friendly attractions the city has to offer. We explored many places with our kids, and it made for an unforgettable trip!
To help you plan your own family adventure, I’ve put together a list of the most enjoyable and fun things to do in Phoenix with kids, based on our time there. Whether you’re looking to explore the city or are just passing through, these experiences are sure to make your trip memorable.
And if you’re interested, I’ve also put together a 3-day itinerary for Phoenix that you can check out!
Things to do in Phoenix with kids
1. Phoenix Zoo
One place my child absolutely loved during our trip was the Phoenix Zoo. There’s something magical about exploring natural surroundings, meeting all kinds of creatures that inhabit our planet, and even getting the chance to pet some of them. If you’re looking for a spot that will truly delight your kids, the Phoenix Zoo is a must-visit.
The zoo is enormous. Spread across 125 acres! With so many different kinds of animals, you could easily spend an entire day exploring all the exhibits. The animal collection is organized into various trails. The Arizona Trail features local wildlife like coyotes, cougars, and bobcats. Then there’s the Africa Trail, where we saw African Painted Dogs, baboons, mandrills, ostriches, and more.
We also enjoyed the Tropics Trail, and there’s even a dedicated Children’s Trail designed to be both fun and educational. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about the environment, endangered species, and some truly rare animals.
With so many family-friendly activities, it’s no wonder the Phoenix Zoo tops the list of attractions for kids in the city.
Opening Hours: 7 AM to 1 PM every day during summers.
2. Legoland Discovery Center Arizona
My son is absolutely obsessed with LEGO, and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever met a kid who doesn’t love them! If your home is anything like ours, you probably have LEGO pieces scattered everywhere, which just goes to show how much kids enjoy building and creating with them. That’s why I knew we had to visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Phoenix.
Visiting LEGOLAND Discovery Center was such an exciting experience for my son. He got to see so many creative LEGO builds and even discovered new ways to put pieces together that he hadn’t thought of before. The center is filled with opportunities for kids to play, build, and let their imaginations run wild. Plus, it’s a great place for kids to interact and make friends with others who share their love for LEGO.
We also found that they organize different events and themed activities around the holidays, making it a perfect spot for family fun, no matter when you visit. If your child loves building with LEGO as much as mine does, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a must-visit in Phoenix!
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Saturday & Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
3. Children’s Museum of Phoenix
As the name suggests, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is truly a paradise for kids, no matter their interests or personality types. During our visit, I was amazed by how thoughtfully the museum caters to children with different tastes and comfort levels, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The variety of activities here is impressive, covering everything from intellectually stimulating experiences to physical adventures. Whether your child is a toddler or closer to 10 years old, they’ll find plenty to keep them engaged and entertained.
Some of our favorite areas included the art studio, where creativity flows; the cozy book loft for young readers; the exciting Grand Ballroom; and the whimsical Noodle Forest. Each section offered something unique, and my child found so much joy exploring them all.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM every day except Mondays.
If you’re looking for a place in Phoenix where your kids can learn, play, and express themselves, the Children’s Museum is a must-visit!
4. Sea Life Arizona Aquarium
Sea Life Arizona Aquarium truly transported us into a magical underwater world. My kids felt like they were meeting Ariel, Aquaman, and all their ocean friends in real life! One of the things we loved most about our visit was being able to see the sea through their eyes and even interact with some of the creatures in special sections of the aquarium.
My little one, who’s always full of questions like “How long do turtles live?” (Just like Nemo!), was thrilled to find answers from the knowledgeable staff and engaging exhibits. The aquarium spans a spacious 26,000 square feet and features a breathtaking 360-degree Ocean Tunnel, which made us feel like we were actually walking on the ocean floor surrounded by sea life.
A visit to Sea Life Arizona Aquarium is, in my opinion, one of the most unmissable things to do in Phoenix with kids. It’s both educational and magical. A combination any family will appreciate.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
5. Castles And Coasters
Our visit to Castles and Coasters was an absolute blast! This amusement park is packed with rides and endless family fun, making it one of our favorite outings in Phoenix. Spanning 10 acres, the park offers something for everyone. From adrenaline-pumping thrill rides to classic arcade games and miniature golf. My family especially enjoyed the bumper boats and racing around in Indy cars!
The variety ensures that both kids and adults will find plenty to enjoy. We also appreciated the food and drinks available throughout the park, which made our adventure even more enjoyable and convenient.
Castles and Coasters offers different passes, tickets, and entry cards, so you can pick what works best for your family or group. It’s a fantastic spot for a family day out, and I can easily see how it would be a great place to host a birthday party too.
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM every day.
If you’re looking for a place where everyone can have fun, Castles and Coasters should definitely be on your Phoenix list!
6. Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland quickly became one of our favorite family-friendly attractions in Phoenix. This beautiful greenhouse is filled with lush rainforest plants and flowers, and thousands of butterflies flutter freely all around you. My kids were absolutely mesmerized, and it was such a unique chance for them to observe these marvelous creatures up close and even interact with them.
We also enjoyed relaxing at the café and browsing the gift shop, which made the visit both fun and comfortable for the whole family. Butterfly Wonderland is a great place to introduce children to the wonder and beauty of butterflies.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM.
7. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone is the perfect solution for active kids. My kids absolutely loved having a huge space to jump, play, and try new things. But it’s not just about trampolines. There’s a zip line, an air basketball court, a special toddler zone, and a wall-to-wall trampoline area, so there’s something for every age and energy level.
No matter how old your children are, they’re sure to find something they love at Sky Zone. For us, it was the ideal way to let the kids have fun, burn off energy, and make great vacation memories all at once.
8. Arizona Science Center
The entire space is designed so that kids naturally move from one adventure to the next, with every exhibit sparking new questions and excitement. It’s not just about reading or listening. It’s about diving in and experiencing science hands-on. My kids were absolutely captivated by the permanent exhibits, and we especially enjoyed spending some time in the Irene P. Flinn Theater, where story screens brought science concepts to life.
One of the biggest highlights for us was the Dorrance Planetarium, where the mysteries of the universe were unveiled in a way that enthralled both kids and adults. We also loved the Create Makerspace, where the kids got to experiment and actually build their own ideas.
Admission is free for members, but if you’re not a member, tickets range from $13 to $18.
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 4 PM every day.
If your kids love learning and adventure, the Arizona Science Center is a can’t-miss experience in Phoenix.
9. Heritage and Science Park / Historic Heritage Square
Our visit to Heritage and Science Park, also known as Heritage Square, was like taking a step back in time right in the heart of Phoenix. The beautifully preserved buildings, once part of the late Victorian era, now serve as a fascinating heritage center that tells the story of Phoenix’s rich history.
I loved how the collection of artifacts and exhibits gave us a glimpse into what life was like during that period. My kids were especially interested in the intricate details of the old homes and the unique lifestyles of the past.
Another bonus is that Heritage and Science Park is just a quick, three-minute walk from the Arizona Science Center, making it easy to combine both outings in one day.
Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Sundays – 12 PM to 4 PM
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
If your family enjoys a mix of history, culture, and hands-on learning, Heritage and Science Park is definitely worth a visit while you’re in Phoenix.
10. Fiesta Bowl Museum
If there’s a place in Phoenix that truly celebrates the spirit of sports and teamwork, it’s the Fiesta Bowl Museum. Visiting with my family, we were instantly impressed by the incredible collection. Everything from old football helmets and equipment to historic photographs, trophies, and bats. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves the game!
What I found especially inspiring was how the museum preserves the legacy of the Fiesta Bowl while motivating the next generation. My kids were in awe of the stories behind each artifact, and I could see their imaginations running wild as they pictured themselves as future team captains or school champions.
The museum is more than just a collection of memorabilia. It’s a place where kids can learn about perseverance, teamwork, and the excitement of the game. For any young sports enthusiast, a visit here could be the spark that motivates them to pursue their own athletic dreams.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM. The Fiesta Bowl Museum is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where to stay in Phoenix with kids
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa was hands-down one of the best places we stayed in Phoenix with our kids. The hotel is truly family-friendly, offering an outdoor play area, a fantastic water park, and a swimming pool designed just for children. My kids especially loved the wave pool and lazy river. They could have spent all day splashing around!
Our room was spacious, clean, and super comfortable with all the modern touches we needed. The resort goes above and beyond with activities and amenities for families, including a playground, nearby hiking spots, and cycling trails. Its location is also really convenient. Just 8 kilometers from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Making it perfect for both staycations and family vacations.
If you’re looking for a place where kids can play and parents can relax, I highly recommend checking out Arizona Grand Resort & Spa for your next trip to Phoenix.
Those were our top recommendations for fun things to do in Phoenix with kids. Which one do you think your family would enjoy the most?
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