Phoenix's Top Activities for Children: Things to Do with Kids
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.
01 Phoenix Zoo
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.
02 LEGOLAND Discovery Center
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.
03 OdySea Aquarium
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.
04 Castles N’ Coasters
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.
05 Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
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.
06 I.d.e.a. Museum
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.
07 Singh Meadows
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.
08 Children’s Museum of Phoenix
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.
09 Arizona Science Center
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.
10 Enchanted Island Amusement Park
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.
11 Musical Instrument Museum
Immerse your family in the world of music at the Musical Instrument Museum, a place where melodies and rhythms from around the globe come to life. Kids can discover instruments they’ve never seen before, learn about the diverse cultures they come from, and even get hands-on experience playing some of them. It's not just a museum; it's a vibrant journey through the universal language of music.
12 Heard Museum
Take a step into the rich heritage of the American Southwest at the Heard Museum. Here, families can explore the fascinating world of American Indian art and history through interactive exhibits and cultural demonstrations. It’s a perfect blend of education and engagement, where kids can try their hands at traditional crafts and leave with a deeper appreciation of the region’s indigenous cultures.
13 Phoenix Art Museum
At the Phoenix Art Museum, art comes alive in ways that captivate the imaginations of both young and old. With scavenger hunts that guide families through collections from around the world, each visit becomes an adventure. Children are encouraged to observe, think, and create, making every trip a memorable journey through the wonders of art.
14 S'edav Va'aki Museum and Archaeology Park
Step back in time at the S'edav Va'aki Museum (formerly Pueblo Grande Museum) and Archaeology Park, where the ancient Hohokam culture of Phoenix is revealed. Families can walk through a prehistoric village, explore the remnants of an ancient ball court, and participate in hands-on activities that make the science of archaeology fun and accessible for kids of all ages.
15 Desert Botanical Garden
Discover the beauty and diversity of desert flora at the Desert Botanical Garden. Wander through thematic trails showcasing conservation efforts, desert wildflowers, and the unique ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert. With educational exhibits and interactive displays, it's a place where families can learn about the importance of desert environments and enjoy the natural beauty of Phoenix.
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