Mesa · Maricopa County, AZ
Family things to do in Mesa
Scout analyzed 156 Mesa places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
156
Matches
32
Typical spend
$15
Typical visit
1.4 hr
Complete outings
Mesa Fun Zone & Frozen Treats
Spend an energetic morning at an indoor trampoline park, perfect for kids to jump and play. Recharge with some classic American comfort food, then wind down with a sweet treat and playtime at a spacious community park.
Splash, Play & Sweet Treats in Mesa
Dive into family fun at Skyline Aquatic Center, where pools and a water slide offer hours of entertainment. Afterwards, refuel with some tasty frozen custard at Andy's, a perfect casual meal for all ages. Finish your adventure with a stroll at Dobson Ranch Park for some outdoor play.
Mesa Family Fun & Treats
Get ready for a day of active family fun in Mesa! Start with an exciting visit to Superplay for arcade games and activities, then refuel with delightful ice cream or frozen custard. It’s a perfect pairing for making happy family memories.
Fresh Pastries and Open Spaces in Mesa
Start your morning with fresh artisanal breads and pastries from Rise Up Bakery before heading north to Riverview Park. Grab a spot under a shaded pavilion, walk along the lake, or let the kids burn off energy on the massive climbing structures.
Action Park & Custard Cool-Down
Unleash energy and bounce around at Slick City Action Park, an indoor adventure paradise. Afterwards, treat everyone to a classic frozen custard from Andy's, a perfect sweet end to an active day.
Flight & Fries Family Fun
Take the kids on an adventure to see historic aircraft up close at the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum. Afterward, refuel with some delicious, family-friendly fried chicken at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken.
Flight & Fry: History and Comfort Food
Embark on an educational and exciting journey at the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, where you can explore historic aircraft and even experience a ride in a warplane. Conclude your engaging day with some classic pub fare in a relaxed setting at Charleston's Restaurant.
Indoor Play and Southern Comfort in Mesa
Start your day letting the kids burn off energy among the climbing structures and arenas at Kids Empire Mesa. Afterward, head west for a relaxed family lunch of crisp, spicy fried chicken and classic sides at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken.
Best neighborhoods for family
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Outdoors
Peralta Trailhead
Peralta Trailhead is a starting point for desert hiking with scenic views. It's best for a half-day outdoor adventure and is free to access, making it a good option for a budget-friendly outing.
Superstition Springs
Superplay
Superplay is an amusement center suitable for a 2-3 hour family outing, costing around $15-40 per person depending on activities and food. It works well as a standalone activity for children's entertainment.
Mesa Grande
Slick City Action Park
Slick City Action Park is an indoor amusement park suitable for families and kids, particularly for active play. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit and expect to spend $20-40 per person on admission and basic activities.
Arts & Culture
Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum
This museum is suitable for a 2-3 hour family outing to see historic warplanes, including a B-17G bomber. Entry costs around $15-20 per person and can be combined with other Mesa attractions.
Downtown Mesa
Proof Bread
Proof Bread is good for a quick stop to grab artisanal baked goods or coffee for breakfast or lunch, expecting to spend $10-25 per person. It could pair with a visit to downtown Mesa.
Outdoors
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Usery Mountain Regional Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, offering miles of trails for hiking or mountain biking with scenic views. Expect to spend $7 for park entry per vehicle, perfect for pairing with a picnic lunch.
Outdoors
Lost Dutchman State Park
Lost Dutchman State Park is ideal for a desert hike or picnic, offering scenic views and wildlife. Plan for 3-4 hours and expect to pay a per-vehicle entry fee, making it a good value for an outdoor excursion.
Downtown Mesa
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Gus's is a casual spot for fried chicken and comfort food, suitable for a quick meal with family or friends. Expect to spend about an hour and $15-25 per person.
Downtown Mesa
B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade
This taproom and arcade is good for a casual evening outing with drinks and games. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-35 per person, making it a good activity before or after dinner nearby.
Food & Drink
Rise Up Bakery
Rise Up Bakery is a good stop for a casual breakfast or lunch, or to pick up baked goods. Expect to spend 20 minutes and $5-$15 per person.
Mesa Grande
Riverview Park
Riverview Park is ideal for a free family outing with active kids, offering extensive play structures and a splash pad. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit, especially on weekends, and bring water and snacks.
Food & Drink
Andy's Frozen Custard
Andy's Frozen Custard is a quick stop for dessert, ideal for a post-dinner treat or a casual outing. Expect to spend 15 minutes and $5-10 per person.
Food & Drink
Syrup & Salt
Syrup & Salt is an American restaurant suitable for a casual meal with family or on your own. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for a visit of about an hour.
Food & Drink
Charleston's Restaurant
Charleston's is a solid choice for a casual to mid-range dinner outing. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $35-$75 per person for an entree and drinks, fitting well before or after a local activity.
Downtown Mesa
Worth Takeaway
Worth Takeaway is a casual spot for artisanal sandwiches, suitable for a quick meal or a relaxed lunch on the patio. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $12-25 per person for a sandwich and drink.
Family
Elevate Trampoline Park- McDowell Road, Mesa
This trampoline park is suitable for a 1.5 to 2-hour family outing or a kid's birthday celebration, costing around $15-25 per person. It offers an active indoor experience, good for burning energy.
The Groves
Kids Empire Mesa
This is an indoor playground suitable for families with young children for a 1-2 hour visit. Expect to pay around $15-25 per child for entry. It's an active way to spend a couple of hours, especially on weekends.
Food & Drink
Culver’s
Culver's is a good stop for a quick, casual meal or dessert, suitable for families or individuals. Expect to spend 30-45 minutes and $8-$20 per person.
Mesa Grande
BoSa Donuts
BoSa Donuts is good for a quick stop to grab a donut and coffee or boba, serving as a cheap treat or a breakfast on the go. Plan for a 15-minute visit and expect to spend $5-10 per person.
Heritage Park Neighborhood
Heritage Park
Heritage Park is a free outdoor space suitable for a 1-2 hour casual family outing or solo walk. It can be paired with nearby dining or errands, best visited during cooler parts of the day.
Food & Drink
BoSa Donuts
This spot is great for a quick, cheap breakfast or snack stop, perfect before or after an activity. Expect to spend 5-15 minutes and $5-15 per person for donuts and coffee/drinks.
Food & Drink
Sugarlips Cakery
Sugarlips Cakery is a great stop for picking up custom cakes for a celebration or a quick sweet treat. Expect to spend 15-30 minutes for a visit, with individual items costing $5-$25.
Power Marketplace At Queen Creek
Slick City Action Park
Slick City Action Park is an indoor adventure park good for families with kids who want to burn off energy. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and about $25-40 per person on entry, possibly more for snacks.
Downtown Mesa
Jarrod's Coffee, Tea, & Gallery
This coffee shop is good for a casual solo outing or a relaxed meeting, offering coffee, tea, and local art. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for a drink and a light snack, with a visit lasting around an hour.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 156 analyzed Mesa places fit family.
- 47% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 97% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Playful, Social, Adventurous, Quiet, Scenic.
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