Culinary Dropout
About
Culinary Dropout at Scottsdale Quarter offers families a rare combo: delicious New American cuisine paired with outdoor entertainment that keeps kids happily occupied. The spacious patio features lawn games and a splash pad area where children can play while parents enjoy craft cocktails and elevated comfort food in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights
- ✓Splash pad area where kids can cool off and play
- ✓Lawn games including cornhole, Connect Four, and Jenga
- ✓Kid-friendly menu with comfort food favorites
- ✓Spacious patio with casual, family-welcoming atmosphere
- ✓Live music on select evenings adds to the festive vibe
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring a change of clothes and towel if you plan to let kids use the splash pad,they will get soaked and want to stay longer than expected
- 2.Request patio seating near the games area so you can keep an eye on kids while they play between courses
- 3.Visit during happy hour (typically 3-6pm) for better prices on appetizers that kids love, like the soft pretzels and chicken tenders
- 4.The restaurant can get loud and crowded during peak dinner hours, making it actually ideal for families who worry about noise
- 5.Parking in the Scottsdale Quarter can be tricky on weekends,arrive early or use the parking garage off Goldwater Boulevard
Best Time to Visit
Weekday lunches or early dinners (4-6pm) offer the best experience with shorter waits and access to happy hour pricing. The splash pad is most enjoyable April through October, with summer evenings being particularly popular when temperatures cool down.
What to Know
Moderate pricing ($$) with kids' meals available. Free parking in the Scottsdale Quarter lot and garage. The outdoor area is weather-dependent, so call ahead during Arizona's monsoon season (July-August) to confirm patio availability.
Seasonal Notes
The splash pad typically operates March through October, weather permitting. Summer evenings are most popular but book ahead. Winter months offer comfortable patio dining but no water play. The venue sometimes hosts special holiday events in November and December.
More Activities Near Phoenix
Rustler's Rooste
Rustler's Rooste transforms dinner into an adventure with its mountaintop location offering stunning desert views and unique Western atmosphere. Kids will be thrilled by the live longhorn cattle on the property and the indoor slide that takes diners from the entrance down to the restaurant level,making arrival part of the fun!
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum offers an incredible journey around the world through music, featuring instruments from nearly 200 countries. Kids are captivated by the wireless headphones that automatically play music as they approach each exhibit, and the hands-on Experience Gallery where they can actually touch and play dozens of instruments from guitars and drums to exotic world instruments.
Ninja Kidz Action Park - Phoenix
Inspired by the wildly popular Ninja Kidz TV YouTube channel, this action-packed indoor park brings ninja warrior dreams to life with obstacle courses, trampolines, and foam pits designed for young adventurers. With an impressive 4.9-star rating from nearly 2,000 families, it's become Phoenix's go-to destination for kids who love to climb, jump, and test their ninja skills in a safe, climate-controlled environment.
South Mountain Park and Preserve
South Mountain Park and Preserve is a massive outdoor playground where families can explore ancient petroglyphs, hike scenic trails with stunning desert views, and spot native wildlife. As one of the largest municipal parks in the country, it offers everything from easy paved paths perfect for strollers to moderate trails that reward adventurous kids with rock scrambling and discovery opportunities.