Scottsdale · Maricopa County, AZ
Family things to do in Scottsdale
Scout analyzed 137 Scottsdale places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
137
Matches
28
Typical spend
$20
Typical visit
1.8 hr
Complete outings
Skydiving & Sweet Treats Adventure
Get ready for an exhilarating day! Experience the thrill of indoor skydiving, then cool down with some delicious ice cream afterwards. It's an unforgettable combo for the whole family.
Water Park Splash & Cool Treats
Beat the heat and make a splash at the McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center, offering fun for all ages. Recharge with some cool, refreshing ice cream afterwards.
Park Play & Gelato Delight
Enjoy a budget-friendly day outdoors with the kids at a spacious park, perfect for running around and burning energy. Afterwards, treat everyone to some delightful gelato without breaking the bank.
Museum of Marvels & Ice Cream Dreams
Dive into a world of visual tricks and mind-bending illusions at the Museum of Illusions. Afterward, bring the magic to your taste buds with some delicious and creative ice cream flavors.
Best neighborhoods for family
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
North Scottsdale
Tom's Thumb
This hiking area is good for a multi-hour outdoor adventure, offering scenic views for zero cost. It pairs well with a meal afterward and requires moderate physical exertion.
Family
Bam Kazam
Bam Kazam is an indoor amusement center with interactive games, ideal for a family outing or birthday party. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and around $35-75 per person, making it a good option for an active afternoon or evening.
South Scottsdale
Cool Gelato Italiano
Cool Gelato Italiano is a good spot for a quick dessert outing, perfect for a casual treat after a meal or while exploring the Scottsdale Mall area. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-10 per person.
La Mirada At Pinnacle Peak
Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails
Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails is suitable for an evening meal or drinks, ideal for a date night or small group gathering. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here and budget $40-80 per person for dinner and drinks.
Pinnacle Peak
Pinnacle Peak Park
Pinnacle Peak Park is ideal for a 2-3 hour moderate hike with scenic views, perfect for a budget-friendly solo or family outing in the morning or late afternoon. It pairs well with a meal afterward.
North Scottsdale
Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Gateway Trailhead is ideal for a 2-3 hour hike in the desert, suitable for active families or solo adventurers looking for scenic views. It costs nothing to access and pairs well with a casual meal afterward.
Arts & Culture
Museum of Illusions Scottsdale
This museum offers a playful and interactive experience, great for families or a unique date. Expect to spend about an hour here, with tickets typically costing around $25-30 per person.
South Scottsdale
Postino Highland
Postino Highland is a good spot for a casual or slightly upscale meal or drinks, pairing well with shopping or other activities in Scottsdale. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $25-50 per person.
South Scottsdale
Scottsdale Gelato Cimmino
This gelato shop is a great stop for a sweet treat after dinner or as a casual outing, suitable for families or a relaxed date. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for about 20 minutes of enjoyment.
Sports & Recreation
iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Phoenix
iFLY Indoor Skydiving is a high-energy activity suitable for families or solo adventurers looking for thrills, typically lasting about 1.5 hours and costing around $80-200 per person. It's a good standalone experience or can be combined with a meal or shopping nearby.
South Scottsdale
Chaparral Park
Chaparral Park is a large public park excellent for a few hours of outdoor family fun, offering playgrounds, sports, and fishing. It's an affordable activity that pairs well with a picnic or can be a destination on its own.
South Scottsdale
Western Spirit Museum: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Spend a couple of hours exploring Western art and history, suitable for families or solo outings. Expect to pay around $15-20 per person for entry, making it a good activity for an afternoon before dinner nearby.
Carefree Arizona
Carefree Desert Gardens
This is a free botanical garden good for a relaxed hour-long outdoor walk. It can be paired with local shops or lunch and is family-friendly with a playground.
South Scottsdale
Mountain View Park
Mountain View Park is suitable for a free outdoor family outing or a solo workout. Expect to spend 1-2 hours playing on the courts or playground.
South Scottsdale
Fourtillfour Cafe
This coffee shop is a good spot for a relaxed morning coffee or a casual meet-up, especially on weekends for car enthusiasts. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for a coffee and a pastry, typically staying for about 30 minutes.
Central Scottsdale
Tamosan Coffee Lounge
Tamosan Coffee Lounge is a solid spot for a quick coffee break or a casual meetup. Expect to spend about an hour and $5-15 per person on drinks and snacks.
South Scottsdale
Telefèric Barcelona Scottsdale
This is a good spot for a dinner or brunch with friends or family, offering Spanish food and cocktails. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $40-80 per person, potentially enjoying live music or outdoor seating.
South Scottsdale
Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts
This venue is good for an evening of performing arts, typically lasting 2-3 hours. Ticket prices per person usually range from $50 to $150, making it a good option for a date night or special outing.
Downtown Mesa
Arizona Museum of Natural History
This museum offers a 2-3 hour indoor activity, suitable for families or solo visits, focusing on natural history and local culture. Expect to spend $10-$20 per person for admission, fitting well into a morning or afternoon slot.
Phoenician
Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain
This is a challenging mountain hike providing extensive views. Plan for 2-3 hours to complete the round trip, ideally in the morning to avoid heat. It's a free outdoor activity but parking can be difficult.
South Scottsdale
AZ88
AZ88 is suitable for a casual but upscale evening, offering American food and cocktails on a large patio. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $35-75 per person, making it a good choice for a date or catching up with friends.
Paradise Valley Village
Desert Horizon Park
This park is good for a free family outing or individual exercise, offering fields, courts, and a playground. Plan for 1.5-3 hours, especially on a nice day.
North Scottsdale
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
This park and aquatic center is suitable for a 2-4 hour family outing or solo adventure, offering outdoor activities and swimming. Expect to spend $0-$20 per person, depending on activity choices and entry fees for the aquatic center.
South Scottsdale
Virtu Honest Craft
This intimate restaurant is suitable for a romantic dinner or special occasion, offering Mediterranean-influenced seasonal fare and craft cocktails. Expect a two-hour meal costing around $75-$150 per person.
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 137 analyzed Scottsdale places fit family.
- 57% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 92% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Playful, Social, Scenic, Adventurous, Upscale.
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