Phoenix

Arizona

United States

North America

In the northeast corner of the Sonoran Desert, in a region referred to as the Valley of the Sun, is an urban oasis called the City of Phoenix. Over 22 million people visit the Valley each year to play golf, escape the cold up north, and take in all that Phoenix has to offer

In the northeast corner of the Sonoran Desert, in a region referred to as the Valley of the Sun, is an urban oasis called the City of Phoenix. Phoenix, the state capital of Arizona and the 5th largest city in the United States, anchors the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country. Over 22 million people visit the Valley each year to play golf, escape the cold up north, and take in all that Phoenix has to offer.
<h2>1. Desert Botanical Garden</h2>
Created in 1931, Desert Botanical Garden sits inside Papago Park and is home to a wealth of events, displays, and activities. During the winter months, the desert comes alive with a light and music display during the evening hours in the garden. Concerts and talks are also regularly featured as well as a handicap accessible trail that brings you close to desert wildflowers, cacti, and other flora. The garden is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m Sunday - Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday - Saturday.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1025677" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/prep_t20_7J4wzv-1-1024x685.jpg" alt="Papago Park Phoenix" width="1024" height="685" />


<h2>2. Uptown Farmers Market</h2>
Are you going to be looking for fresh produce and other food items? You should look no further than the number one rated farmers' market in the Phoenix area, Uptown Farmers' Market. It has everything local farms have to offer, and it also has farmers who will chop, dice, and prepare food and vegetables the way you want after you purchase them for use later. The market is open on Wednesday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1025678" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/cant-keep-me-away-from-the-farmers-market_t20_bk2xWB-1024x680.jpg" alt="Can't keep me away from the farmers market" width="1024" height="680" />


<h2>3. Chandler Museum</h2>
The Chandler Museum is located in the pueblo revival-styled McCullough-Price House and is home to artifacts and exhibits detailing the early years of the Phoenix area. Research and archive facilities are located in the house. On the grounds, there is a Tumbleweed Ranch that teaches about agriculture in the desert. There is an old farmhouse built in 1917, an old-style grocery store, and old farm equipment. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-5 p.m.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1025679" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/sunset-at-the-mill-tempe-phoenix-arizona_t20_OoNLwg-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Sunset at the Mill, Tempe/Phoenix, Arizona" width="1024" height="576" />


<h2>4. Wren House Brewing</h2>
After a day of hiking and visiting sites, you can head over to the Wren House Brewing Company. Wren House is the locals' favorite craft beer brewing facility, and it makes different styles beers and ales depending on the season such as pilsners, IPAs, sour ales, stouts, and porters. Wren House Brewing is open Monday - Thursday from noon -10 p.m., Friday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. - midnight, and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1025680" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/beer-menu_t20_8B64aj-1024x768.jpg" alt="Brew Pub phoenix" width="1024" height="768" />


<h2>5. Golf Courses</h2>
One of the greatest draws to Phoenix is the golf courses. There are almost 200 courses in the area from local municipal ones to prestigious ones like TPC Scottsdale that hosts the USPGA's Phoenix Open. You have the opportunity to play on greens lined with pine trees or on ones that seemingly take you away from everything as you head out into the desert. Most courses are only open during daylight hours, but some are lit so you can play at night.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1025681" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/snow-covered-mountains-overlooking-palm-springs-golf-course_t20_WQ8kBm-1024x675.jpg" alt="phoenix desert golf course" width="1024" height="675" />


<h2>6. Piestewa Peak Summit Trail</h2>
One of the best spot to go hiking to get a good view of the Valley of the Sun is Piestewa Peak. The peak rises to 2,608 feet above the base of the valley and is surrounded by diverse landscapes and valleys. The views are remarkable, and there are six trailheads located around the base where you can gain entry. The trails are open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1025685 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/piestewa-peak_t20_9m4jQK.jpg" alt="Piestewa peak" width="640" height="640" />


<h2>7. Little Miss BBQ</h2>
One of the best places to go out to eat, according to many locals, is Little Miss BBQ. The restaurant serves sandwiches piled high with meat covered with its famous barbecue sauce and more. Little Miss BBQ has two locations. One is located at 4301 E. University in Phoenix and opens at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. This location closes early if they sell out what they had prepared for the day, so always plan to arrive well before 4. The second location is at 8901 N. 7th Street and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1025683" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/delicious-bbq-and-smoked-food_t20_bAVwYp-1024x498.jpg" alt="bbq phoenix" width="1024" height="498" />


<h2>8. Arizona Balloon Classic</h2>
One of the biggest festivals in the Phoenix area is the Arizona Balloon Classic. The festival draws spectators and balloonists to the Phoenix area for one weekend each year in January. Families and spectators get to walk around the balloons on the field before they lift up to get a close look at them and take pictures.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1025684" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/t20_mRelJr-1024x683.jpg" alt="phoenix hot air balloon" width="1024" height="683" />


<h2>9. Camelback Mountain</h2>
The best view of the Phoenix is available when you climb the trails at Camelback Mountain between Phoenix and Paradise Valley. There are two trails that will lead you up to the peak; a steep, rugged trail called Echo Canyon and a less strenuous trail called Cholla. The trails are over a mile long (1.14 and 1.4 miles respectively). The trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1025682" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/camelback_t20_2J6J7P-1-1024x481.jpg" alt="Phoenix Mountains" width="1024" height="481" />


<h2>10. Best Time to Visit</h2>
The best time to visit Phoenix is when the snowbirds come down from the north between November and April. The temperatures in Valley of the Sun range from highs in the 60s to the low 80s during this time. Blue skies and mild temperatures make the winter season here a perfect time to visit. It's easy to hike, golf, dine and stroll around outside to see everything the city and desert areas have to offer without having to deal with the heat of summer.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1025686" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/05/arizona-sunsets_t20_NGN8Vn-1024x681.jpg" alt="Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction, Arizona, US" width="1024" height="681" />

The Best Things To Do In Phoenix

In the northeast corner of the Sonoran Desert, in a region referred to as the Valley of the Sun, is an urban oasis called Phoenix.

In the northeast corner of the Sonoran Desert, in a region referred to as the Valley of the Sun, is an urban oasis called the City of Phoenix. Phoenix, the state capital of Arizona and the 5th largest city in the United States, anchors the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country. Over 22 million people visit the Valley each year to play golf, escape the cold up north, and take in all that Phoenix has to offer.
<h2>1. Desert Botanical Garden</h2>
Created in 1931, Desert Botanical Garden sits inside Papago Park and is home to a wealth of events, displays, and activities. During the winter months, the desert comes alive with a light and music display during the evening hours in the garden. Concerts and talks are also regularly featured as well as a handicap accessible trail that brings you close to desert wildflowers, cacti, and other flora. The garden is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m Sunday - Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday - Saturday.

<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/157591819-1024x683.jpg" alt="botanical gardens Phoenix" width="1024" height="683" />

iShootPhotosLLC / Getty Images
<h2>2. Tour First Friday Art Walks</h2>
In downtown Phoenix, Roosevelt Row hosts a showcase of local art every Friday that's not to be missed. On the first Friday every month, you can participate in one of the country's largest self-guided art walks, with free event shuttles running throughout the city. If you're there at a different time, don't worry — the third Friday of every month sees exhibition openings in dozens of local galleries, while live performances, artist spotlights, and other events are on every Friday, as are the Roosevelt Row markets.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CC4WQU5HWxR/" caption="rooseveltrowcdc" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/rooseveltrowcdc/"]


<h2>3. Japanese Friendship Garden</h2>
Designed and built by architect Nozomu Okita in partnership with Phoenix's sister city Himeji, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a traditional Japanese stroll garden located right in the city's heart. Sitting on 3.5 acres of land, the garden features 1500 tons of hand-picked rock and more than 50 varieties of plants, a 12-foot waterfall, lanterns, streams, walking paths, and a massive Koi pond housing over 300 Koi fish. Visitors can also join a traditional tea ceremony in the Japanese Tea House, open once per month.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-2RFNPncoF/" caption="jfgphx" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/jfgphx/"]


<h2>4. Rent a boat or kayak in Tempe</h2>
The best place to rent a boat or kayak near Phoenix is right in Tempe. Beautiful and centrally located, Tempe Town Lake features a 2-mile stretch of water perfect for paddling. Visitors can hire kayaks, canoes, dragon boats, outriggers, rowing boats, stand-up paddleboards, or even go sailing on the lake. If you're looking for a bit more adventure, how about going a bit further afield and taking a kayaking trip on the beautiful Lower Salt River?

[caption id="attachment_40329" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40329" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-1064029002.jpg" alt="Sunset over the Tempe Town Lake in Tempe, Arizona." width="2121" height="1414" /> Adrian Velez / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Uptown Farmers' Market</h2>
Are you going to be looking for fresh produce and other food items? You should look no further than the number one rated farmers' market in the Phoenix area, Uptown Farmers' Market. It has everything local farms have to offer, and it also has farmers who will chop, dice, and prepare food and vegetables the way you want after you purchase them for use later. The market is open on Wednesday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

[caption id="attachment_1011083" align="alignnone" width="724"]<img class="wp-image-1011083 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/GettyImages-1065243334.jpg" alt="things to do Phoenix" width="724" height="483" /> stockstudioX / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Chandler Museum</h2>
The Chandler Museum is located in the pueblo revival-styled McCullough-Price House and is home to artifacts and exhibits detailing the early years of the Phoenix area. Research and archive facilities are located in the house. On the grounds, there is a Tumbleweed Ranch that teaches about agriculture in the desert. There is an old farmhouse built in 1917, an old-style grocery store, and old farm equipment. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-5 p.m.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1011095 size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/shutterstock_239566168-1-1024x696.jpg" alt="Phoenix downtown" width="1024" height="696" />


<h2>4. Wren House Brewing</h2>
After a day of hiking and visiting sites, you can head over to the Wren House Brewing Company. Wren House is the locals' favorite craft beer brewing facility, and it makes different styles beers and ales depending on the season such as:
<ul>
 	<li>Pilsners</li>
 	<li>IPAs</li>
 	<li>Sour Ales</li>
 	<li>Stouts</li>
 	<li>Porters</li>
</ul>
Wren House Brewing is open Monday - Thursday from noon -10 p.m., Friday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. - midnight, and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1011107 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/shutterstock_693343759.jpg" alt="brewing Phoenix" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>5. Golf Courses</h2>
One of the greatest draws to Phoenix is the golf courses. There are almost 200 courses in the area from local municipal ones to prestigious ones like TPC Scottsdale that hosts the USPGA's Phoenix Open. You have the opportunity to play on greens lined with pine trees or on ones that seemingly take you away from everything as you head out into the desert. Most courses are only open during daylight hours, but some are lit so you can play at night.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1011108 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/shutterstock_81601927.jpg" alt="golf courses Phoenix" width="1000" height="666" />


<h2>6. Piestewa Peak Summit Trail</h2>
One of the best spot to go hiking to get a good view of the Valley of the Sun is Piestewa Peak. The peak rises to 2,608 feet above the base of the valley and is surrounded by diverse landscapes and valleys. The views are remarkable, and there are six trailheads located around the base where you can gain entry. The trails are open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1011126 size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/shutterstock_131015306-1-1024x678.jpg" alt="summit Phoenix" width="1024" height="678" />


<h2>7. Little Miss BBQ</h2>
One of the best places to go out to eat, according to many locals, is Little Miss BBQ. The restaurant serves sandwiches piled high with meat covered with its famous barbecue sauce as well as sausages, briskets, pastrami, and more. Little Miss BBQ has two locations. One is located at 4301 E. University in Phoenix and opens at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. This location closes early if they sell out what they had prepared for the day, so always plan to arrive well before 4. The second location is at 8901 N. 7th Street and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1011130 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/shutterstock_286882457.jpg" alt="bbq Phoenix" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>8. Arizona Balloon Classic</h2>
One of the biggest festivals in the Phoenix area is the Arizona Balloon Classic. The festival draws spectators and balloonists to the Phoenix area for one weekend each year in January. Families and spectators get to walk around the balloons on the field before they lift up to get a close look at them and take pictures.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1011155 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/shutterstock_1176204118.jpg" alt="balloons Phoenix" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>9. Camelback Mountain</h2>
The best view of the Phoenix can be had by climbing the trails at Camelback Mountain between Phoenix and Paradise Valley. There are two trails that will lead you up to the peak: a steep, rugged trail called Echo Canyon and a less strenuous trail called Cholla. The trails are over a mile long (1.14 and 1.4 miles respectively). The trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/1052714580-1024x527.jpg" alt="Phoenix" width="1024" height="527" /> BCFC / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Best Time to Visit</h2>
The best time to visit Phoenix is when the snowbirds come down from the north between November and April. The temperatures in Valley of the Sun range from highs in the 60s to the low 80s during this time. Blue skies and mild temperatures make the winter season here a perfect time to visit so you can hike, golf, dine and stroll around outside to see everything the city and desert areas have to offer without having to deal with the heat of summer.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/498098815-1024x684.jpg" alt="Phoenix" width="1024" height="684" /> dszc / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>14. KOLI Equestrian Center</h2>
The KOLI Equestrian Center, located in the Gila River Indian Community Reservation near downtown Phoenix, provides family-friendly horseback rides for riders of all experience levels. All trial rides are designated as "walking" rides to keep things gentle for beginners, while more experienced riders can book a private session that allows them to go at a more challenging pace. All riders will experience breathtaking scenery and a chance to get up close and personal with wild horses. KOLI Equestrian Center also offers hay wagon rides, carriage rides, cattle drives, and special events.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn4TgY5AgRc/" caption="ladywho77" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/ladywho77/"]


<h2>15. Pueblo Grande Museum</h2>
Located on a 1500-year-old archaeological site belonging to the Hohokam culture, the Pueblo Grande Museum represents Phoenix's largest preserved archaeological site. An accessible trail takes visitors through a prehistoric Hohokam archaeological village site, while the museum's three galleries include a permanent display of artifacts of the Hohokam, a rotating display of exhibits on archaeology, southwest cultures, and Arizona history, and a children's gallery featuring fun, hands-on experiences.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQYCTY2Fte4/" caption="pueblograndemuseum" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/pueblograndemuseum/"]


<h2>16. Phoenix highlights</h2>
[gallery ids="42661,42667,42663,42662,42664,42665,42666,42668,42669,42670"]

Top Things To Do In Phoenix

The last thing anyone wants is for a boring family vacation. Thankfully, Phoenix is full of fun and adventure for the whole family.

Escaping with the whole family on a little getaway is always exciting, but not every destination is great for kids. The last thing anyone wants is for a family vacation to be boring or not suitable for everyone. Thankfully, Phoenix is full of fun and adventure for the whole family. With hundreds of attractions and fun activities, you’ll be able to create lasting memories regardless of your family’s interests.
<h2>1. Phoenix Zoo</h2>
A zoo is a classic go-to for a family vacation destination, and the Phoenix Zoo will not disappoint you and your family. It is home to over 3000 different species, including exotic creatures like zebras and lions. Wander into the Monkey Village and enjoy the only walk-through squirrel monkey exhibit in the United States. Head into the Red Barn, where your kids will be able to pet and brush goats and get up close to a variety of other barn animals.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3VVXh5lee_/" caption="phoenixzoo" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/phoenixzoo/"]


<h2>2. LEGOLAND Discovery Center</h2>
There’s no doubt that LEGO are the literal building blocks of millions of fond childhood memories. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is an exciting and educational destination that provides endless entertainment for the whole family. For adventure and thrills, Kingdom Quest allows you to save a princess by fighting off trolls, skeletons, and other fantastical creatures. Of course, it wouldn’t be LEGO without constructing something. Stop by the LEGO racers track so you and your kids can compete to build the fastest LEGO race car.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkLMMoUgzQx/" caption="ldcnorthamerica" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/ldcnorthamerica/"]


<h2>3. OdySea Aquarium</h2>
Kids everywhere love the sea and the wondrous creatures that lie below its depths. OdySea Aquarium lets you get up close to ocean denizens that you can normally only admire from afar. If you have an older child, consider taking the helmet diving tour. A guide will let you dive in and walk along an underwater trail as fish swim right up to you. If your kid is too young to participate, ride the Deep Ocean escalator as it passes underneath a massive tank full of a variety of sea life.

[caption id="attachment_38131" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/03/682170143.jpg" alt="family fish aquarium" width="1200" height="800" /> Peter Cade / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Castles N’ Coasters</h2>
Modern children have a variety of interests, but if there’s one thing that’s universal, it’s video games. Castles N’ Coasters brings all the fun of an amusement park but with some cutting edge additions. Become fully immersed in the XD Dark Ride as its moving seats and 3D screen make you feel like you’re actually on a minecart hurtling towards the unknown. There are also more traditional attractions like a log ride, four mini-golf courses, and go-karts.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3i4EmbHcdN/" caption="castlesncoasters" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/castlesncoasters/"]


<h2>5. Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting</h2>
It seems like every kid falls in love with fire trucks at some point in their lives. The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting presents the world’s largest collection of firefighting equipment, including pieces from the 1700s. Your child can feel like a real firefighter thanks to the museum providing official-looking coats, hats, and gear for dressing up. Once you and your kid are suited up, they can climb onto and enjoy a repurposed fire truck.

[caption id="attachment_38133" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/03/128221196.jpg" alt="child firetruck toddler" width="1200" height="779" /> Mitch Diamond / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. .i.d.e.a. Museum</h2>
While there are many attractions to visit in Phoenix, few are as unique as the .i.d.e.a. Museum. It offers activities and exhibitions for children of all ages that help stimulate their minds and nurture creative thinking. ArtVille is an engaging space within the museum where toddlers have the freedom to climb, build, and explore. Alternatively, stop by the HUB so your kids can build elaborate sculptures, play with the magnetic ball run, express themselves with digital art, and draw on walls.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8RvR7QiU7u/" caption="ideamuseummesa" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/ideamuseummesa/"]


<h2>7. Singh Meadows</h2>
Sometimes the best thing for a child is some time spent outdoors. Singh Meadows is a former golf course that is now a gorgeous 72-acre park. Have some fun with your family the old-fashioned way by flying a kite, throwing a picnic, going on a walk, or playing catch. The park is home to an indoor farmers’ market and several impressive restaurants, making it a great resting point between other attractions.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BPnxAUNArl8/" caption="phxbizjournal" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/phxbizjournal/"]


<h2>8. Children’s Museum of Phoenix</h2>
When most people hear the word “museum” they probably imagine a space that probably won’t be able to hold their child’s attention, but this museum is a little different thanks to its hundreds of interactive attractions. At Building Big, kids will build massive forts with columns, beams, roofs, and walls. They can also head into the Noodle Forest, which is quite literally a forest of dangling foam noodles. More active kids can take on the Schuff-Perini Climber and enjoy a thrilling, but safe, obstacle-laden tower.

[caption id="attachment_38136" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/03/863902650.jpg" alt="child interactive museum" width="1200" height="801" /> MartinPrescott / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Arizona Science Center</h2>
Science can be fun and the Arizona Science Center can prove it. Its Dorrance Planetarium is one of the largest and most impressive planetariums in the United States. Families can learn about gravity in the Evans Family SkyCycle or discover the marvel of the human brain at the W.O.N.D.E.R Center. Alternatively, spend some time with the mechanical levers, pulleys, and circuits at the Get Charged Up attraction.

[caption id="attachment_38137" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/03/973292324.jpg" alt="science exhibit museum" width="1200" height="800" /> monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Enchanted Island Amusement Park</h2>
People with kids of different ages often struggle to find something that the whole family can enjoy. Enchanted Island ensures that this won’t be an issue. For a more leisurely amusement park experience, ride the C.P. Huntington Train as it tours the park. Children new to amusement park thrills can start small with the Dragon Wagon, a tame kid’s coaster. Perhaps the most interesting attraction is the Parachute Tower. Visitors will ascend and take in a beautiful view of the Phoenix skyline before gently parachuting back down to the ground.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38173" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/03/shutterstock_1653867490.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" />

Things to Do in Phoenix with Kids

Phoenix is a growing urban metropolis that rises out of the desert and is one of the foremost centers of art and culture in the American Southwest. A rich blend of frontier history and modern flair, Phoenix is a city that deserves your time.

Phoenix is a growing urban metropolis that rises out of the desert. A rich blend of frontier history and modern flair, the city is one of the foremost centers of art and culture in the American Southwest. If contemporary art and night clubs are your thing, or if you'd love to learn about local history and the universe, it's hard to imagine a better place in this corner of the world than Phoenix.
<h2>1. Take a tour of Tovrea Castle</h2>
The Tovrea Castle is one of the most peculiar and iconic destinations you can find in Phoenix. Once a luxury resort, it's now become part of the Arizona parks system. Despite being located in the heart of the city, its frontier charm remains thanks to forty-four acres of preserved desert that surround it. The castle stands at the tallest point of the hilly area, ringed by cactuses and oblivious to the passage of time.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34299" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_1061198045.jpg" alt="The historic Tovrea Castle in Phoenix, Arizona. It is one of the city's Points of Pride." width="1000" height="668" />


<h2>2. Learn about Arizona’s most infamous people at the Valley Bar</h2>
How many political drinking games have you played? You might want to take a shot every time you hear an odd story about a notorious Arizonian, but that’d be too much liquor at this peculiar bar. You can get your fill of cocktails and learn about the state's politics at the Rose Room, where the Valley Bar plies several cocktails named for infamous Arizona personalities.

[caption id="attachment_34300" align="alignnone" width="2119"]<img class="size-full wp-image-34300" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-1091469178.jpg" alt="people talking and toasting in a pub with the beers" width="2119" height="1414" /> <br />franckreporter / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Fly over Downtown in a helicopter</h2>
If you head over to the Falcon Field Airport, you can book a helicopter ride all around Phoenix. You can run out into the deserts and valleys that ring the city, but one of the best views you can take is over the city. As the sun sets, experience a breathtaking view of Phoenix that changes ever so subtly each minute that the sun sinks beyond the horizon.

[caption id="attachment_34290" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/471207029.jpg" alt="A helicopter preparing for takeoff" width="1200" height="797" /> 1001nights / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Learn at the Arizona Science Center</h2>
The Arizona Science Center is one of the most compelling, interactive learning experiences in the United States. It’s home to over 350 permanent exhibits, including the innovative Darrance Planetarium. It’s one of the largest, most technologically advanced planetariums found anywhere in the country, and over two million visitors have enjoyed this exhibit since it opened in 1997.

[caption id="attachment_34291" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1073071882.jpg" alt="A captivating image of space" width="1200" height="652" /> cemagraphics / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Marvel at the Mystery Castle</h2>
The Mystery Castle is a touching, heartwarming monument of a father’s devotion to his daughter, even in the face of the unimaginable. Diagnosed with a terminal disease, Boyce Luther Gully left his regular life behind to spend all the time he could with his daughter, Mary Lou. He used local sandstone and other building materials he could find to build her a castle that stands tall over half a century later. After her dad's passing, Mary Lou happily received visitors and gave tours, which the Mystery Castle Foundation continues to provide in her memory.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34301" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_165241664.jpg" alt="Tourists visit the Mystery Castle in Phoenix on November 30, 2013. The castle was built in the 1930s and 40s by Boyce Gully for his daughter." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>6. Take a companion to the Japanese Friendship Garden</h2>
The Japanese Friendship Garden might be the most peaceful place in downtown Phoenix. It’s over three acres large, and it’s overflowing with lush greenery and beautiful, Japanese-style garden ornaments. The garden is filled with long, winding trails that beg to be explored. It’s a great destination year-round, as it’s home to many events that promote and educate visitors about Japanese culture.

[caption id="attachment_34303" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-34303" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/GettyImages-157593307.jpg" alt="Tranquil secluded Japanese Garden with pond" width="2121" height="1414" /> <br />beklaus / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Enjoy a performance at the Orpheum Theater</h2>
Visiting the gorgeous Orpheum Theater is a must if you love theater and history. It once held vaudeville shows as part of the nation-spanning Orpheum Theatre network. Today, it operates as a gorgeous vintage theater. It has comfortable, spacious seating, and the lines and crowds rarely grow long enough to be as much as an inconvenience.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34304" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_516467404.jpg" alt="The historic Orpheum Theatre located on West Adams Street in the downtown area was opened in 1929 and restored and reopened in 1997." width="1000" height="669" />


<h2>8. Party at the Gypsy Bar</h2>
The Gypsy Bar is a beloved local bar in Phoenix. Come for live music, and stay for the live art shows. Part of the unique appeal of the bar is that it embraces painting, dance, and other performance arts. You can also unwind after a busy day at their bowling alley, or just lay back and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.

[caption id="attachment_34295" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/636073138.jpg" alt="A friendly, relaxed bar" width="1200" height="800" /> Predrag Vuckovic / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Explore Indigenous culture at the Heard Museum</h2>
The Heard Museum is one of the finest displays of Native American culture anywhere in the United States. The rich selection of objects and indigenous artwork is enough reason to come, but that’s not even close to everything this museum has to offer. It also hosts live educative performances as well as live music shows that play most weekends.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34305" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/shutterstock_1056859766.jpg" alt="View of the Heard Museum, a private, not-for-profit museum dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art in the Sonora Desert near Scottsdale, Arizona." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>10. Walk Roosevelt Row, the bohemian heart of the Phoenix Art Scene</h2>
Roosevelt Row is the most vibrant destination in Phoenix. This street will treat you to views of gorgeous graffiti murals and all sorts of contemporary art. During the First Friday art shows, numerous vendors will put up all sorts of art displays all along the street. It's worth planning your trip around the occasion; if you visit during a First Friday, taking a self-guided walking tour among the displays and exhibits should be a high priority.

[caption id="attachment_34297" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/01/1144573957.jpg" alt="A stunning graffiti mural" width="1200" height="800" /> dorian2013 / Getty Images[/caption]

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