Things To Do With Kids in Scottsdale, AZ

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.

Echo Canyon Trailhead at Camelback Mountain offers an exciting introduction to desert hiking for adventurous families. While the full summit trail is challenging, the lower sections provide accessible terrain where kids can scramble over rocks, spot desert wildlife like lizards and jackrabbits, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Phoenix Valley without committing to the full strenuous climb.

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.

Adero Canyon Trailhead offers families an accessible introduction to Sonoran Desert hiking with well-maintained trails that wind through iconic saguaro cacti and desert landscapes. The interpretive signs along the way make it an educational adventure, teaching kids about desert ecology while they explore, and the spectacular McDowell Mountain views provide picture-perfect backdrops for family photos.

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.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a beloved Scottsdale gem that combines the magic of trains with classic playground fun. Kids can ride on real miniature trains through the park, spin on a vintage 1950s carousel, explore historic railcars, and watch detailed model train displays,all while parents enjoy shaded picnic areas and beautiful desert landscaping.

Fountain Park offers a spectacular centerpiece attraction that kids absolutely love watching,the world's fourth tallest fountain that shoots water an incredible 560 feet into the sky! Beyond the wow-factor of the fountain shows, families can enjoy well-maintained playgrounds, peaceful lakeside walks, and plenty of open green space perfect for picnics, kite flying, and letting kids burn off energy with stunning mountain views as your backdrop.

Gateway Trailhead at McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers families an incredible introduction to the Sonoran Desert with well-maintained trails perfect for little hikers. With over 30,000 acres to explore, kids can spot desert wildlife like lizards, jackrabbits, and various birds while learning about unique desert plants like saguaro cacti and palo verde trees. The preserve's highly-rated trails range from easy loops to more challenging hikes, making it accessible for families with varying experience levels.

The Hall of Flame Fire Museum is the world's largest firefighting museum, housing an impressive collection of vintage fire trucks and equipment that fascinate kids of all ages. The museum combines visual wow-factor with hands-on fire safety exhibits where children can learn life-saving skills while exploring gleaming antique fire engines from different eras.

Camelback Mountain is Phoenix's most iconic hiking destination, offering families an unforgettable outdoor adventure with trails ranging from moderate to challenging. While the summit trails are best suited for older kids and teens, the lower portions provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities and stunning desert scenery that will captivate adventurous families.

Fountain Hills Theater is a welcoming community theater that offers the perfect introduction to live performance for young audiences. With intimate seating that keeps kids close to the action, family-friendly productions, and dedicated youth theater programs, it's an ideal spot to spark a love of the arts in children while supporting local talent.

Mesa Arts Center is Arizona's largest arts complex and a creative playground for young minds. With rotating theater productions designed specifically for children, hands-on art workshops, and interactive galleries where kids can explore different art forms, it's the perfect blend of entertainment and education. The center's commitment to family programming means there's always something engaging happening, from pottery classes to musical performances.