Whether it’s a hot summer day or nice winter one, the last thing you want to do is be cooped up inside with kids. When they’ve done everything they can to destroy your walls and furniture, you know it’s time to do something different. You go to find the best things to do in Phoenix with kids, but you’re overwhelmed with all the choices! Well, fear not. We have you covered. Keep reading for our comprehensive list of all the fun kids’ activities in Phoenix.
Table of Contents
Children’s Museum – Best for Children Under 10
Phoenix is filled with kids, so it makes sense that there would be a children’s museum! This is one place that you have to go and take your kids. And, it’s perfect for any age under 10! Yep, even babies. There are over 300 interactive exhibits that your kids can play on. This isn’t like other museums where you’ll have to chase them around the whole time worried that they’re going to break something. This museum was made for these kids. You can finally relax and watch them delight in learning. It’s really one of the best things to do with kids in Phoenix.
215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, (602) 253-0501
Phoenix Zoo – Cool Animals and Learning
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This is the largest non-profit zoo in the United States, so get ready to see some amazing animals here! And the best part? It’s also a petting zoo! They have an area where the kids can pet certain animals, so they really get to interact. With over 1,400 animals and over two miles of walking trails, this is a kid-friendly activity in Phoenix that you can spend all day doing. Make sure to bring some snacks and your stroller because you’re going to need it. They have food stands around, but it can get a bit pricey with admission. It’s something you’ll want to do when it’s not too hot out.
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, (602) 286-3800
Hall of Flame Fire Museum – Lots of Fire Trucks
Something about fire trucks really makes a kid excited. This museum has a ton of them! It’s all about the history of firefighting, so there are many trucks that are vintage and pretty cool to look at. This a great cheap thing to do with kids in Phoenix. Admission is as low as $5 per person, so you won’t have to fork out a ton of extra cash for this place. A word to the wise: It’s a fragile museum. You’ll be best bringing older children who aren’t too tempted to run around and climb on the fire trucks. But, if your kids are old enough, this is one thing that everyone needs to experience once!
6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, (602) 275-3473
Arizona Science Center – Over 350 Exhibits
One of the most popular kids activities in Phoenix is the Arizona Science Center. With over 350 permanent exhibits and even more temporary ones, this is an all day event that many people come to. You can plan to spend a whole morning and afternoon here if you want, and with how much it costs, you’ll probably want to. Though it has amazing reviews, the cost for an adult is $20, and kids cost $15 each. Kids ages three and under are free, but still, that adds up after a while. Plan to do this on a day that’s too hot outside so that you’re inside the cool air conditioning. It’s not an activity you’ll do each week, but it’s one you have to check out.
600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602) 716-2000
Arizona Museum of Natural History – Dinosaur Exhibits
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Have a dino obsessed kid? They all seem to go through this stage, and when they do, check out the Museum of Natural History. There are lots of dinosaur skeletons, and the staff also hold tours where they’ll tell you more about each of the fossils. If you’re not into a guided tour, there are signs with more info as well. Then, to top it all off, there are also exhibits with cultural history. With plenty of Native American artifacts, it’s a great way to get your kids to understand history more. Though there are exhibits for younger children as well, this is a fun kid friendly activity in Phoenix for older kids.
53 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201, (480) 644-2230
Legoland Discovery Center – 4D Movies and Legos
This isn’t an amusement park, but it is one family friendly Phoenix activity that everyone will enjoy! There is so much to do inside of the discovery center, from a Lego factory tour to action-packed 4D movies. If your kids love Legos, you have to take them here. You can build with Legos and even make personalized creations. You’ll want to plan to spend a full day here or at least a few hours. There’s too much to do for it to be a quick in and out activity.
5000 S Arizona Mills Cir STE 135, Tempe, AZ 85282, (480) 565-7079
OdySea Aquarium – Largest Aquarium in the Southwest
Want to walk through a tunnel that shows sharks swimming above? Hoping to see turtles and octopi? Well, at OdySea, you can! There are over 2,000,000 gallons of water in this aquarium, and every gallon is filled with colorful fish and animals! This family friendly Phoenix activity is something that all ages will enjoy. Whether you’re dealing with babies, teenagers, or both, this place really wows everyone.
9500 East Vía de Ventura Suite A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, (480) 291-8000
Granada Park – Free Playground & Pond
If you want a free kids activity in Phoenix, Granada Park is a great place to go. With a pond and playground, you can go to feed the ducks, play at the park, and then settle into the picnic areas for a snack or lunch. Kids will love being outdoors, and you can all get a breath of fresh air instead of being cooped up inside!
6505 N 20th St, Phoenix, AZ 85016, (602) 262-6696
Castles ‘n’ Coasters – Mini Golf
There’s nothing that is more exciting to play with kids than mini golf. At Castles ‘n’ coasters, you can play mini golf and go on small roller coasters. They even have bumper cars and an old fashioned log ride, so be prepared to get wet! In the heat of summer, it’s a great way to cool off after playing a round. This place gets packed at night, so be sure to hit it up in the afternoon before all the date nights begin.
9445 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Butterfly Wonderland – Explore With Butterflies
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There’s something really magical about being in an area with thousands of butterflies. Watch as they land on you and your children with delight! Be aware that the weather is a bit humid inside, but this is otherwise a very fun experience for a kid in Phoenix. It’s also a cheap activity. At just $8 for adults and $5 for kids, it won’t be breaking the bank! Make sure you call ahead because tours are limited to just 20 people.
9500 East Vía de Ventura F100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, (480) 800-3000
Map of Things to do With Kids in Phoenix
As you can see, there are so many fun things for kids in Phoenix! From museums to parks, you’ll have your hands full. If you’re looking to move to the Phoenix area, make sure to call Mentors Moving, the best Phoenix moving company. We’ll get the job done quickly and efficiently!
