Experience · Phoenix
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.
A 3-hour Phoenix afternoon plan for families — Kids Empire, Chelsea’s Kitchen, Novel Ice Cream.
- Duration
- 3 hrs
- Cost
- $40–$80
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- Greenway Plaza + 2 more
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 16.3-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids · Solo
Check before you go
- Novel Ice Cream doesn't fit this time window on Monday.
- Stop times add up to about 3.5 hours before travel, longer than the 3 hours listed.
The plan
The plan
- 1Kids Empire(2 hrs)→
- 2Chelsea’s Kitchen(1 hr)→
- 3Novel Ice Cream(30 min)
Why this plan works
The stops span roughly 16.3 miles across Phoenix, so plan on driving — the order below keeps that driving in one direction. Kids Empire is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Novel Ice Cream — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, and solo who want a planned Phoenix outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
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.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 12 hrsKids Empire
Family · Greenway Plaza
What to do — Let the kids burn off energy and stay cool at Kids Empire, an indoor playground with plenty of activities for all ages.
9.8 mi · 25 min drive
Then Head over to Novel Ice Cream for a refreshing and well-deserved treat.
21 hrChelsea’s KitchenFood & Drink · Camelback East Village
Bustling, industrial-chic eatery featuring American comfort fare & a patio overlooking the canal.
What to do — Refuel after play with green chile cornbread and wood-fired tacos on the shady patio overlooking the Arizona Canal.
6.5 mi · 17 min drive
330 minNovel Ice CreamFood & Drink · Central City
Casual spot for gourmet ice cream in gourmet flavors & as donut or waffle ice cream sandwiches.
What to do — Optional - Make it extra special and cool down with unique and delicious gourmet ice cream at Novel Ice Cream, a perfect end to a fun-filled family outing.
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Phoenix itinerary for families?
- Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, and solo and runs about 3 hrs across 3 stops, starting at Kids Empire.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Phoenix itinerary cost?
- Roughly $40–$80 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 16.3 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
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