Family Activities in Phoenix, AZ — 2026 Guide
Phoenix offers families desert adventures, world-class museums, and year-round outdoor fun. With 300+ days of sunshine, the Valley of the Sun is packed with kid-friendly attractions from interactive science centers to botanical gardens.
Get personalized ideas — text Emmie at (877) 703-6643Indoor Activities
Arizona Science Center
Over 300 hands-on exhibits, a five-story IMAX Theater, and a planetarium.
600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Visit websiteChildren's Museum of Phoenix
Over 300 play experiences in the historic Monroe School Building including the Art Studio, Noodle Forest, and Building Big.
215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Visit websiteMusical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Explore thousands of instruments from around the globe and make music in the Experience Gallery.
4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Visit websiteLEGOLAND Discovery Center
4D movies, mini-figure building, rides, and brick-filled fun designed for ages 3-10.
5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282
OdySea Aquarium
A massive aquarium with sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and interactive exhibits in nearby Scottsdale.
9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Outdoor Activities
Phoenix Zoo
One of the largest non-profit zoos in the US with over 3,000 animals and nearly 400 species, plus the new Big Cats of Arizona habitat.
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Visit websiteDesert Botanical Garden
50,000 desert plants amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes with vibrant trails and world-class exhibitions.
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Visit websiteMcCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Train rides, upgraded playgrounds, splash zones, and a model railroad building. Free entry.
7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Papago Park
Easy family hiking among red butte formations, fishing lagoons, and the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock viewpoint.
625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Tempe Town Lake
Kayaking, pedal boating, and walking trails along a two-mile urban lake.
Free Things to Do
Papago Park Hiking
Free easy hikes with red rock formations and the Hole-in-the-Rock viewpoint.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Free entry with playgrounds and picnic space. Train rides are just a few dollars.
Children's Museum Free First Fridays
Free admission 5-9pm on the first Friday of every month.
Tempe Beach Park
Free splash pads, playground, and lakeside walking at Tempe Town Lake.
Rainy Day Plan
Arizona Science Center
300+ hands-on exhibits, IMAX, and planetarium.
Children's Museum of Phoenix
300 play experiences for kids in a historic building.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Indoor LEGO building, rides, and 4D movies.
Musical Instrument Museum
Explore instruments from around the world and create music.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
- •Wildflower blooms in the desert
- •Desert Botanical Garden butterfly exhibit
- •Perfect hiking weather
Summer
- •Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park
- •Splash pads citywide
- •Indoor attractions (too hot for outdoor)
Fall
- •Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party
- •Phoenix Zoo fall events
- •Desert temps become comfortable again
Winter
- •ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo
- •Desert Botanical Garden Luminarias
- •Ideal outdoor exploration weather
Nearby Day Trips
Sedona
115 miles north
Stunning red rock formations, easy hiking trails, and the magical Slide Rock State Park natural water slide.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
80 miles north
An interactive wildlife park where you can feed giraffes and see big cats up close.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
95 miles north
A remarkably well-preserved cliff dwelling built over 600 years ago by the Sinagua people.
Local Parent Tips
Phoenix summers regularly exceed 110F. Plan ALL outdoor activities for early morning (before 10am) from June through September.
Fall through spring is the ideal family season with 70-85F temperatures.
Carry water everywhere. The dry heat dehydrates faster than you expect, especially for kids.
Explore More Family Resources
Emmie finds activities your family will love
Text Emmie at (877) 703-6643 for personalized family activity ideas.
Free to start · No credit card required