Phoenix · Maricopa County, AZ
Family things to do in Phoenix
Scout analyzed 259 Phoenix places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
259
Matches
34
Typical spend
$25
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Complete outings
Indoor Fun & Sweet Treats for the Family in Phoenix
Beat the Phoenix heat with an exciting day of indoor play followed by a well-deserved treat. Kids Empire offers a fantastic indoor playground experience, and afterwards, cool down with delicious ice cream at Novel Ice Cream.
Action-Packed Play and Ice Cream in North Phoenix
Burn off some energy climbing and jumping at Ninja Kidz Action Park in North Phoenix. Afterwards, cool down with a short drive to Peace Cream for handcrafted ice cream and coffee drinks. This sequence balances high-octane play with a cozy, relaxed treat.
Historical Exploration and Playground Fun
Dive into Arizona's past at a living history museum, enjoy a classic diner meal, and then let the kids play freely at a park with plenty of space.
Zoological Adventure & Sweet Treat Day
Spend a day getting up close and personal with amazing animals from around the world at the Phoenix Zoo, where educational fun meets conservation. After your wild adventure, cool down with some delicious, handcrafted ice cream at Churn, a local favorite.
Playground Fun & Ice Cream Delight
Let the kids burn off some energy at Glendale Heroes Regional Park, boasting a fantastic playground and a water play area for hot days. Afterward, treat everyone to some delicious, fresh ice cream at Bruster's Real Ice Cream, where every scoop is made on-site.
Interactive Exploration & Baking Bliss
Dive into a world of hands-on learning and imaginative play at the Children's Museum of Phoenix. After sparking creativity and curiosity, satisfy your sweet tooth with delectable treats from Urban Cookies Bakeshop, known for its natural ingredients and family-owned charm.
Butterfly Magic & Cool Refreshments
Step into a magical indoor rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland, where thousands of butterflies flutter freely around you. Conclude your enchanting day with a visit to The Screamery for some of their artisanal, locally made ice cream – the perfect cool-down after your adventure.
Railroad Adventures & Ice Cream Treats
Embark on a miniature railroad adventure at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, complete with train rides and a large model railroad display. Afterward, satisfy your sweet tooth with a nostalgic visit to MacAlpine's Diner & Soda Fountain for classic soda fountain treats.
Yoga and Sweet Treats for Families
Enjoy a calming yoga session to start your family's day, then treat everyone to some delightful baked goods. A perfect plan for relaxation and a sweet reward.
Morning Animal Encounters and Downtown Craft Coffee
Spend your morning wandering through the open-air habitats of the Phoenix Zoo, catching glimpses of native wildlife and taking a slow tram ride across the grounds. Afterward, head to Songbird Coffee & Tea House in downtown Phoenix to unwind with house-baked pastries and fresh brews in a comfy, historic bungalow.
Best neighborhoods for family
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Camelback East Village
Metta Yoga
Metta Yoga is suitable for a solo wellness activity, typically lasting about 75 minutes. A drop-in class usually costs between $15-35, making it a focused outing for physical and mental well-being.
Val Vista Marketplace
YogaSpot
YogaSpot is good for a solo wellness activity, typically lasting about an hour and costing $15-30 for a drop-in class. It can be a peaceful start to a day or a mid-day break.
Desert Ridge West
Musical Instrument Museum
Visit the Musical Instrument Museum for a 2-3 hour journey through global music and culture, with opportunities to try instruments. Expect to spend $20-$30 per person on admission; it's a great daytime activity for families or solo exploration.
Melrose Manor
Curious Nature
Curious Nature is a retail store for unique gifts and oddities, suitable for a short solo browse or a quick stop with family. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes here, with potential purchases ranging from free looking to $50+ for specialty items.
Deer Valley
Peace Cream - Coffee and Ice Cream
Peace Cream is an ice cream and coffee shop perfect for a quick sweet treat after dinner or as a stop during a family outing. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-15 per person.
Family
Slick City Action Park
Slick City is an indoor action park good for a family outing or birthday party, expect to spend 2-3 hours and around $20-40 per person for entry. It pairs well with lunch or dinner afterward.
South Scottsdale
Hot Yoga University
This is a dedicated yoga studio for a 60-90 minute hot yoga class. It's a good solo activity or could be paired with a healthy meal, costing around $25-35 per class.
Deer Valley
Ninja Kidz Action Park - Phoenix
This action park is a good indoor option for a family outing or a birthday party, particularly for active kids. Expect to spend 2-4 hours and $20-40 per person for entry and perhaps a snack.
Camelback East Village
Piestewa Peak Trailhead
Piestewa Peak Trailhead is a popular spot for a 1-3 hour urban hike with scenic views, best done in cooler weather. It's a free activity that pairs well with an active morning or afternoon.
Central City
Walter Where?House
Walter Where?House is an immersive art and event space, good for an evening out exploring unique installations, enjoying drinks, and possibly live music. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit, costing around $30-$75 per person depending on drinks and any event tickets.
Camelback East Village
Echo Canyon Trailhead
This trailhead is best for a challenging morning or afternoon hike up Camelback Mountain, offering significant outdoor exercise and scenic views. Expect a crowded experience, difficult parking, and plan for 2-3 hours for the round trip at no cost.
Central City
Novel Ice Cream
This is a casual dessert stop ideal for a quick treat after dinner, a fun family outing, or a sweet end to a date. Expect to spend 15-30 minutes and $5-$12 per person for gourmet ice cream.
Midtown
Urban Fraiche Restaurant
This is a good spot for a casual lunch or dinner, perhaps before or after a local shopping trip. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-35 per person for a meal.
Ahwatukee Foothills Village
Buena Vista Lookout
This lookout offers panoramic views, perfect for a quick, free stop to enjoy the scenery, especially during sunrise or sunset. It pairs well with a drive through South Mountain Park.
South Mountain Village
Dobbins Lookout
Visit Dobbins Lookout for panoramic views of Phoenix, accessible by car or a hike. It's a free outdoor activity perfect for a quick scenic stop, lasting about 30 minutes, especially around sunrise or sunset.
Outdoors
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
This nature preserve is a free outdoor activity, great for a 2-hour walk with family or a solo bird-watching session. It can be paired with a nearby lunch or breakfast spot.
Camelback East Village
Echo Canyon Recreation Area
Echo Canyon Recreation Area offers hiking trails on Camelback Mountain, ideal for a 2-3 hour active outdoor adventure. It's a free activity best enjoyed in cooler weather, pairing well with a meal or coffee before or after.
Arcadia
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is a challenging hike offering panoramic views, best enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. It's a free activity that can fill 2-3 hours.
South Mountain Village
Mormon Trailhead
This is a rugged uphill hiking spot in the desert, offering city views. Expect to spend 1.5 to 3 hours here for free, best for a morning or late afternoon outing.
Anthem
Anthem Community Park
Anthem Community Park is suitable for a free family outing or solo adventure, offering playgrounds, sports facilities, and trails for a few hours. It's a good stop for some outdoor activity on a weekend afternoon.
Paradise Valley Village
Phoenix Mountain Preserve - 40th St. Trailhead
Phoenix Mountain Preserve offers hiking trails for a scenic outdoor workout. Plan for 1.5 to 3 hours, especially in cooler weather, and it's a free activity that pairs well with a picnic or post-hike meal.
Camelback East Village
Desert Botanical Garden
Spend 2-4 hours exploring 140 acres of desert plants. This is a great outing for families, visitors, or a solo nature walk, with ticket prices around $20-30 per person before any dining or gift shop purchases.
South Scottsdale
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
A visit to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park usually lasts a couple of hours and can cost around $5-10 per person for rides, making it a good activity for families with young children or as a relaxed morning or afternoon outing.
Outdoors
South Mountain Park and Preserve
This park offers trails for hiking or a scenic drive to a city lookout, making it good for a half-day outdoor excursion. It is free to enter, though vehicle access hours are limited, and pairs well with a meal afterward.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 259 analyzed Phoenix places fit family.
- 50% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 90% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Adventurous, Scenic, Educational, Playful, Social.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in Phoenix
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Phoenix.
See what's bookable in Phoenix(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Make it a night out
Staying over in Phoenix?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Phoenix — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
Find places to stay in Phoenix(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.