Discover 20 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Tempe.
The highest-rated places we recommend first — start here.
Lakeside Park & Playground in Tempe offers families the perfect combination of active play and scenic relaxation. With modern playground equipment, refreshing splash areas for hot Arizona days, and beautiful walking paths along the water, it's an ideal spot for families to spend quality time outdoors while enjoying stunning lake views.
🌳 ParkKiwanis Park is a sprawling 125-acre oasis in Tempe that offers everything families need for a full day of outdoor fun. From cooling off at the splash pad to paddling around the lake, fishing from the shore, and playing on multiple playgrounds, this park delivers non-stop entertainment for kids of all ages without breaking the bank.
Leatherby's Family Creamery is a beloved Tempe ice cream destination where generous portions and classic parlor charm create sweet family memories. Kids' eyes light up at the towering sundaes and endless flavor combinations, while parents appreciate the outdoor seating that lets energetic little ones enjoy their treats without worry. The nostalgic ice cream shop atmosphere and family-friendly service make this a go-to spot for celebrating everything from good report cards to summer afternoons.
🎨 MuseumDesert Botanical Garden offers an enchanting outdoor adventure where kids can explore 140 acres of stunning desert landscapes filled with towering cacti, colorful wildflowers, and fascinating desert plants. The garden features family-friendly walking trails perfect for little explorers, seasonal splash zones to cool off during hot Arizona days, and hands-on educational programs that make learning about desert ecosystems fun and interactive.
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🧗 AdventurePapago Park offers families an accessible desert adventure with kid-friendly hiking trails, fascinating red rock formations, and the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock that children love to climb through. The park's easy terrain and stunning geological features make it perfect for introducing young explorers to desert landscapes without requiring advanced hiking skills.
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🌳 ParkTempe Beach Park is a waterfront oasis that combines the best of beach and lake fun without leaving the Phoenix metro area. Kids can splash in the interactive water features, build sandcastles on the sandy shores, climb on the playground equipment, and watch boats glide across Tempe Town Lake, making it a perfect escape from Arizona's desert heat.
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🎮 EntertainmentSwingin' Safari Mini Golf offers a jungle-themed miniature golf adventure that's perfect for families looking for affordable indoor fun in the Tempe area. With 18 holes of safari-themed putting challenges, arcade games to keep kids entertained between rounds, and golf simulators for older children and parents, this spot delivers variety beyond just mini golf.
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🤸 Trampoline ParkUrban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Tempe is an action-packed indoor playground where kids can literally bounce off the walls. With interconnected trampolines, challenging ninja warrior courses, sky-high ropes courses, and soft foam pits, this climate-controlled adventure park keeps children active and entertained regardless of Phoenix's scorching temperatures outside.
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⚽ SportsTempe Sports Complex is a one-stop destination for active families, offering an impressive variety of activities under one roof. With indoor ice skating, aquatic facilities, tennis courts, and youth sports programs, there's something to keep every child engaged regardless of weather or interests. The well-maintained facilities and friendly staff make it easy for parents to introduce kids to new sports or let them burn energy in a safe, supervised environment.
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📚 LibraryTempe Public Library is a modern, family-friendly destination that goes far beyond books. With an engaging children's section, interactive exhibits, regular performances and programs, plus an outdoor splash pad for warm Arizona days, it's the perfect spot for learning, playing, and cooling off all in one location.
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🛍️ ShoppingMill Avenue Shops offers families a lively pedestrian district perfect for strolling with kids in tow. With its car-free walkways, entertaining street performers, and mix of boutiques and family-friendly eateries, it's an easy outing where parents can shop while children enjoy the vibrant outdoor atmosphere and spontaneous entertainment.
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🌳 ParkThis free splash pad at Tempe Marketplace offers a welcome respite from Arizona's scorching heat with shallow water features perfect for young children. Located conveniently next to the Tempe Public Library, it's an ideal spot to cool off after browsing books or shopping at the adjacent marketplace.
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🎳 BowlingAMF Tempe Village Lanes is a family-friendly bowling destination where kids of all skill levels can enjoy the game thanks to bumper lanes and lightweight balls. Beyond bowling, families will find an exciting arcade area and a full-service bar and grill, making it an ideal spot for birthday parties or casual weekend outings with plenty to keep everyone entertained.
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🌊 Water ParkOasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort delivers 7 acres of aquatic fun right in the heart of the Valley. With attractions ranging from thrilling slides to gentle wave pools and a lazy river, plus dedicated shallow areas for tots, this local gem offers something for every member of the family without the overwhelming crowds of mega water parks.
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🎨 MuseumThe ASU Art Museum offers a welcoming introduction to contemporary art for families, with completely free admission and a beautiful campus setting. Kids can explore interactive exhibits designed to spark creativity, discover outdoor sculptures scattered across the grounds, and participate in hands-on family programs that make art accessible and fun for all ages.
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