10 Best Things to Do in Phoenix with Kids

Warning: This Phoenix itinerary may cause nonstop giggles, endless "Can we stay longer?" requests, and a camera roll full of unforgettable family moments!

Planning a family trip to Phoenix? Get ready for some serious sunshine, beaming smiles all round, and a whole load of fun that will keep even the most easily bored kids happy right from the get-go! From zoos that will get the kids wild, hands-on science museums where they can really get stuck in, splash pads that make perfect midday escapes, plus all the tasty treats you could ever want, Phoenix is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family vacation.

Whether your little explorers are wild about animals or just love running around until bedtime (no judgment here!), there's something for every age group in this city. In this guide, we've picked out the top 10 things to do in Phoenix for kids, so you can make memories that will be talked about for years to come.

The Desert Botanical Garden boasts an incredible 50,000-plus desert plants from all around the world. Families can amble along easy trails and take in the scenery: cacti, wildflowers, and desert trees are all in the mix. Along the way, kids can learn about deserted wildlife from the informative signs and seasonal activities.

The garden also offers stroller-friendly paths for little ones to get out and explore. Every spring, the garden's full of bright, colorful flowers. As if that's not enough, the garden puts on family-friendly events on holidays and special days of the year; it's definitely one of the top places to learn about the Sonoran Desert.

Address:
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA

Among the Phoenix kids attractions, the Phoenix Zoo stands out! It is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world. The kids will love seeing giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers, and monkeys; they can even meet some farm animals in the petting area.

Families can travel along on the Safari Cruiser to explore the zoo, and kids can cool off at the splash pads in the hot weather. The zoo also puts on animal talks and feeding sessions throughout the day.

Address:
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a family park all about trains, with loads of fun train-themed attractions. Kids can take a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, which goes all around the park. The park also has an old-fashioned carousel that's a winner with the kids. The Railroad Museum has loads of historic trains and railroad memorabilia on display, and there are playgrounds for kids to run around.

Address:
7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, USA

Going on a hot air balloon ride means taking a family trip high above the Sonoran Desert. If you're going on a morning flight, you'll have the best chance of having a calm day with clear views. Most operators let kids join the ride, as long as they're old enough.

Taking a ride will let you see the desert from a completely new perspective; you can even see mountains and local wildlife from up high. Most rides come with a bit of safety training before you take off, and flights usually last about an hour.

Address:
Various launch sites around the Phoenix and Scottsdale area (varies by operator)

The Musical Instrument Museum has an incredible collection of over 4,000 musical instruments from more than 200 countries. Kids can put on their favorite music while they're there using wireless headsets, which makes the whole thing feel more interactive.

The Experience Gallery lets them play all sorts of instruments they might not get to play anywhere else; it's an amazing way for young visitors to learn about different cultures. Interactive displays make it all really easy to understand, and there are family-friendly programs all year round.

Address:
4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is home to loads of sea creatures—we're talking thousands of different sorts of fish, stingrays, sea turtles, and even sharks. The underwater ocean tunnel lets you get up close and personal with all of these creatures as they swim overhead.

If that's not enough, the interactive rock pools let kids get a bit more hands-on and even touch a few of the creatures if they're allowed. There are educational talks about marine life and where they all come from, as well as feeding sessions and all sorts of other fun stuff.

Address:
5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Suite 145, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is basically a dream come true for families with young kids. It's a big indoor attraction set up specifically with little ones in mind. There are loads of hands-on play areas where the kids can build all sorts of awesome LEGO creations. And, of course, you'd expect some LEGO-themed rides and a 4D cinema there too.

But what really gets the kids buzzing is Miniland: all the famous Arizona landmarks built out of LEGO bricks—genius! Then some excellent building workshops teach the little scallywags some simple construction techniques.

Address:
5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Suite 135, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

The Tempe Center for the Arts is a pretty cool place to take your family to; it's got a great mix of music, theatre, and dance performances, plus loads of family-friendly events. Just don't be surprised when you pull up to find it sitting right on the shores of Tempe Town Lake with all sorts of lovely outdoor walking areas.

They also put on loads of kids' shows during the quieter seasons, so it's worth checking their calendar to see if there's anything on when you visit.

Address:
700 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

The Veterans Oasis Park is an impressive 113 acres that's full of walking trails and loads of natural open space. And if you've got the little ones with you, you can take them for a stroll through the wetlands. They also have an education center with loads of great nature exhibits to check out. During the season, the little kids can join in with loads of fun nature programs and guided activities. Fishing is allowed in the lake but be sure you've got the right license.

Address:
4050 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249, USA

The Arizona Science Center—this place is off the charts! With over 300 hands-on science exhibits for both kids and grown-ups, you can easily enjoy topics like space, physics, engineering, and even the human body. There's even a planetarium with some great astronomy shows, and live science demonstrations that go on all day long.

The interactive exhibits are designed to get the kids to solve all sorts of simple science challenges; it's a great way to get them interested in the sciences. The exhibitions change throughout the year, so it's worth keeping an eye on their website to see what's new.

Address:
600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

In a nutshell, these kids attractions in Phoenix are suitable for different age groups and make family trips more enjoyable and memorable. Add these amazing places to your travel plan to help your kids create fun and lasting memories during your visit.

Stay close to Phoenix attractions and the airport with a comfortable room at Western Lodge Phoenix Airport/Downtown. Check availability and book your stay today.