Things To Do With Kids in Scottsdale, AZ

Riverview Park is a family favorite in Mesa, offering the perfect combo of water play and traditional playground fun. The expansive splash pad provides relief from Arizona's heat while the well-maintained playground equipment keeps kids entertained for hours. With shaded picnic areas and sand volleyball courts, there's something for every member of the family to enjoy.

The i.d.e.a. Museum in downtown Mesa is a creative wonderland designed specifically for young children to explore art and imagination through hands-on experiences. With interactive exhibits, dedicated art studios, and engaging play spaces, this children's museum encourages kids to touch, create, and discover in a welcoming environment that celebrates learning through artistic expression.

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.

Proof Bread is a beloved artisan bakery and café in Arcadia that welcomes families with open arms and warm wood-fired ovens. Kids will love watching bakers work through the open kitchen while munching on fresh pastries, and parents will appreciate the quality wood-fired pizzas and wholesome kid-friendly menu options in a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere perfect for little ones.

Uptown Jungle Fun Park is a high-energy indoor playground paradise where kids can bounce, climb, and explore to their heart's content. With massive inflatable obstacle courses, challenging climbing walls, and a safe dedicated area for toddlers, this air-conditioned escape is perfect for burning energy year-round, especially during Phoenix's hot summer months.

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.

NPHX Church in Anthem welcomes families with a variety of seasonal events, festivals, and community activities throughout the year. Known for their family-friendly atmosphere, they create engaging experiences that bring the community together beyond regular worship services, making it a hub for local families seeking wholesome activities.

Rhodes Aquatic Complex brings the beach to the desert with its exciting FlowRider surfing simulator, where kids and parents can experience the thrill of wave riding without the ocean. With professional instructors available for all ages and skill levels, this is a fantastic spot for families to try something adventurous together in a safe, controlled environment.

Cocina Madrigal is a casual food truck-style eatery in Phoenix that offers kid-friendly favorites like tacos and burgers in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. With its approachable menu and neighborhood vibe, it's a great spot for families looking for a quick, satisfying meal without the fuss of formal dining.

Dobson Ranch Park is a sprawling Mesa gem that offers something for every family member, from its well-maintained playgrounds and scenic walking paths to a fishing lake and multiple sports facilities. This community favorite provides the perfect setting for a full afternoon of outdoor fun, whether your kids want to burn energy on the playground equipment, feed the ducks by the lake, or practice their soccer skills on the open fields.

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!

Enchanted Island is a delightfully nostalgic amusement park nestled in Phoenix's Encanto Park, specifically designed for the preschool and early elementary crowd. With gentle rides scaled perfectly for little ones,including Arizona's oldest carousel dating back to 1948,this charming park offers the magic of a classic amusement experience without the overwhelming crowds and intense thrill rides of larger theme parks.

Organ Stop Pizza delivers a one-of-a-kind dinner show experience that mesmerizes kids and adults alike. The massive Wurlitzer theater organ,one of the largest in the world,rises from beneath the floor while talented organists play everything from Disney classics to modern pop hits, complete with sound effects and lights that captivate children throughout the meal.

While primarily a 55+ community, Desertscape offers educational community garden programs that welcome families during scheduled workshops and classes. Kids can learn about desert ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening through hands-on experiences that teach them how plants survive in Arizona's unique climate.

The Ahwatukee Community Swim, Tennis & Event Center is a family-friendly aquatics facility that offers a safe, welcoming environment for kids of all swimming abilities. With structured family swim times, professional lessons for beginners through advanced swimmers, and a variety of water activities, it's a great spot to beat the Arizona heat while helping your children build water confidence and skills.

Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club offers a surprisingly family-friendly oasis in the Arizona desert with serene fishing lakes perfect for introducing kids to their first catch. Beyond the golf course, families can enjoy scenic walking paths that circle the lakes, playgrounds for active play, and shaded picnic areas ideal for outdoor lunches while watching ducks and local wildlife.

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.

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.

Desert Breeze Railroad offers a charming miniature train ride that takes families on a scenic loop around Desert Breeze Park. This beloved Ahwatukee attraction provides an authentic railroad experience on a smaller scale, complete with whistles and gentle curves through the desert landscape that captivate young train enthusiasts and create memorable photo opportunities for the whole family.

Castles N' Coasters is Phoenix's premier amusement park destination offering something for every family member under one roof. With thrilling roller coasters for brave older kids, gentler rides for little ones, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, high-speed go-kart tracks, and an enormous arcade, families can easily spend an entire day without running out of activities.

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.

Mountain Park Ranch Pool & Tennis is a beloved neighborhood aquatic facility in Ahwatukee that offers families a refreshing escape from the Arizona heat. With structured swim lessons, summer recreation programs, and well-maintained facilities, it's a go-to destination for local families looking to combine fun and skill-building in a safe, community-focused environment.

The Fountain Hills Community Center is a versatile family hub offering a welcoming space for kids to stay active and engaged year-round. With indoor basketball courts, diverse youth programs ranging from sports to arts, and regularly scheduled family events, this well-maintained facility provides affordable entertainment and enrichment opportunities right in the heart of Fountain Hills.

Golden Eagle Park is a spacious Fountain Hills gem that offers something for every age with multiple playground areas, open sports fields, and stunning mountain backdrop views. The well-maintained park features shaded ramadas perfect for family picnics, basketball courts for active older kids, and plenty of grassy space for running around, making it an ideal spot for burning energy or hosting birthday parties.

Fountain Hills Library is a welcoming community hub that goes far beyond books, offering exceptional programming designed specifically for children. Nestled in a beautiful desert setting, this modern library features regular storytimes, hands-on craft activities, and an extensive children's book collection that will delight young readers of all levels.

River of Time Museum & Exploration Center offers a fascinating journey through Fountain Hills' history with exhibits that bring the past to life for curious young minds. The free admission and manageable size make it perfect for families looking for an educational outing without the overwhelm of larger museums, featuring Native American artifacts, local heritage displays, and hands-on exploration opportunities.

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.

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.

Cerreta Candy Company offers a sweet adventure for families with free, behind-the-scenes tours of their working chocolate factory where kids can watch candy makers craft delicious treats in real-time. The tour includes generous samples throughout, and the visit ends in a charming shop filled with handmade chocolates, caramel apples, and other confections that make perfect souvenirs or treats.

Desert Vista Park is a wonderful neighborhood oasis in Fountain Hills that offers the perfect blend of playground fun and natural desert beauty. With its well-maintained equipment designed for younger children, shaded areas, and peaceful walking paths surrounded by authentic Sonoran Desert landscaping, it's an ideal spot for families seeking a low-key outdoor adventure without the crowds of larger parks.

Great Skate brings classic roller skating fun to Glendale families with multiple skate sessions throughout the week perfect for all skill levels. Beyond the rink, kids can enjoy arcade games, grab pizza between skating sessions, and parents will love the nostalgic atmosphere that makes this a true multi-generational experience.

Lake Overlook Trail offers families a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty in Fountain Hills. Kids can explore paved paths ideal for bikes, scooters, and strollers while taking in stunning panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. The playground and picnic areas make it easy to spend a full morning or afternoon enjoying the Arizona outdoors together.