Family day · Phoenix · within 25 miles

Family fun around Phoenix

Kid-approved things to do without making the adults miserable.

Family-friendly places nearby

Attractions, museums, parks and play — toddlers through teens.

Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden · 7.5 mi

4.8(23,073)

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.

Camelback East Village

Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo

Zoo · 7.3 mi

4.5(24,221)

The Phoenix Zoo is an ideal half-day outing for families to see diverse animal exhibits, including a children's area and tram. Plan for 3-5 hours and expect to spend $30-50 per person on entry and snacks.

Camelback East Village

Musical Instrument Museum

Musical Instrument Museum

Museum · 16.1 mi

4.9(10,245)

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.

Desert Ridge West

Papago Park

Papago Park

Park · Free · 7.2 mi

4.7(12,944)

Papago Park is ideal for a 2-3 hour outdoor adventure with hiking and scenic views like Hole-in-the-Rock. It's free to enter, though attractions like the Phoenix Zoo within the park have their own costs, making it a budget-friendly option.

South Mountain Park and Preserve

South Mountain Park and Preserve

Park · Free · 7.5 mi

4.8(10,109)

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.

OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium

Aquarium · 13.5 mi

4.5(18,519)

OdySea Aquarium is a large indoor attraction ideal for a 3-hour family outing, showcasing marine life and interactive exhibits. Expect to spend $35-50 per person on admission.

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Nature Preserve · 20.4 mi

4.8(7,553)

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.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Park · 10.6 mi

4.8(7,335)

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.

South Scottsdale

Family days already planned

Full days sequenced around snacks, naps and attention spans.

Buckeye Family Petting Zoo Adventure
3-stop plan
Buckeye
Buckeye Family Petting Zoo Adventure

Treat the kids to an exciting afternoon interacting with friendly animals at a petting zoo. Afterward, grab a family-friendly meal and let them burn off some extra energy at Earl Edgar Recreational Park.

Duration
3h 30m
Cost
$30–$75
Ideal for
Solo · Families
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Splash, Play & Sweet Treats in Mesa
3-stop plan
Mesa
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.

Duration
3h 45m
Cost
$40–$80
Ideal for
Families · Kids
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Indoor Play & Diner Lunch
2-stop plan
Glendale
Indoor Play & Diner Lunch

Escape the heat or rain with an exciting visit to Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, where kids (and adults!) can bounce and play. Refuel afterwards with a hearty, family-friendly meal at Black Bear Diner.

Duration
3 hrs
Cost
$35–$70
Ideal for
Families · Kids
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Family Fun at the Aquarium and Sweets
2-stop plan
Tempe
Family Fun at the Aquarium and Sweets

Dive into an exciting underwater world at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, a perfect anchor activity for families. Afterward, grab a fun and casual treat that kids will love. This outing balances energetic discovery with a sweet reward, making for a memorable family day in Tempe.

Duration
3 hrs
Cost
$40–$100
Ideal for
Solo · Families
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Mesa Fun Zone & Frozen Treats
3-stop plan
Mesa
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.

Duration
4h 30m
Cost
$40–$80
Ideal for
Families · Kids
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Mesa Family Fun & Treats
2-stop plan
Mesa
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.

Duration
2h 30m
Cost
$30–$70
Ideal for
Families · Kids
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What sounds fun?