When you think of Phoenix, you may think of humid temperatures and deserts.
But, aside from the hot weather throughout the year, Phoenix is also home to exciting destinations for kids and families of all ages.
If you are considering visiting Phoenix, check out this list of attractions that are suitable for kids.
14 Things to Do in Phoenix With Kids
Phoenix Zoo
455 N Galvin Pkwy l Phoenix, AZ 85008 l 602-286-3800
What kid doesn’t enjoy looking at animals? You will see much more than just lions, tigers, and bears.
Your kids will be excited to see a number of other animals that will keep your entire family entertained.
If you do decide to visit the zoo, make sure you go when it’s nice and warm outside so you can bring your kids to the splash pads.
There are also other cool things for your kids to do at the zoo, including animal feedings, train rides, and even a children’s carousel.
The Phoenix Zoo is ideal for toddlers ages 1-3.
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N Central Ave l Phoenix, AZ 85004 l 602-257-1880
If you have kids that are into art, bring them to the Phoenix Art Museum.
This museum features more than 18,000 pieces of art from all over the world.
The museum is the largest in the area. Get ready to take a look at various artists’ collections ranging from Diego Rivera to Frida Kahlo.
Don’t forget to bring your kiddos to check out the Thorne Miniature Collection and participate in the kids-oriented activities.
Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix
702 W Deer Valley RD l Phoenix, AZ 85027 l 480-505-6999
Bring your kids on a hot air balloon flight over Phoenix and enjoy an awesome view from above.
If you’re afraid of heights, this probably isn’t the best attraction.
However, it is ideal for kids as young as 4.
On your journey above, you’ll enjoy views of Camelback Mountain, downtown Phoenix, and the Sonoran Desert.
You will also get to learn about the wildlife, fauna, and flora as you are high in the sky.
The entire trip takes approximately an hour and is extremely peaceful.
Following your trip, you will be greeted with breakfast and champagne (for adults only).
Sea Life Arizona
5000 S Arizona Mills Cir Suite 145 l Tempe, AZ 85282 l 480-565-7072
Another child-friendly attraction is Sea Life Arizona.
It is ideal for toddlers between 1 and 3.
It can get pretty crowded, so come prepared.
At Sea Life Arizona, you’ll see thousands of underwater animals.
It is approximately 26,000 square feet and will amaze the entire family.
You will also have an opportunity to check out over 5,000 marine animals including rays, sharks, and even seahorses.
If you enjoy sea animals, this is a must-see attraction.
OdySea Aquarium
9500 East Via de Ventura Suite A-100 l Scottsdale, AZ 85256 l 480-291-8000
Speaking of marine animals, your kids will also enjoy OdySea Aquarium.
It is home to otters, penguins, sharks, sea turtles, and much more.
You will be given several different options on how to view these amazing sea animals, including a submerged escalator and a sea carousel.
This is an adventure that is ideal for kids of any age.
You and your family will have a ball here!
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
3505 W State Route 260 l Camp Verde, AZ 86322 l 928-567-2840
If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a trip to Africa to see all the amazing animals, you will enjoy the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde.
This is one of the top attractions in Arizona and is home to tigers, hyenas, lions, tigers, and bears.
It is appropriate for children 3 and older.
You and your family will have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing Tiger Splash Show and spend a day just watching various shows.
Goldfield Ghost Town
4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd l Apache Junction, AZ l 85119 l 480-983-0333
Perfect for children of all ages, is Goldfield Ghost Town.
Now you can get the chance to see how it feels in the era of gold mining and gun fighting.
If you have kids that show interest in history buffs, this is a perfect way to get a peek into life in the 1800s.
At Goldfield Ghost Town you will have the opportunity to take a 25-minute tour and become educated on mining back in the late 1800s.
You will also get to experience a gunfight between Goldfield Gunfighters.
Don’t forget to take a trip on the train ride and learn more about the history at the museum.
Musical Instrument Museum
4725 E Mayo Blvd l Pheonix, AZ 85050 l 480-478-6000
If you have children 12 and up, you will love exploring the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix.
This museum outlines the history of a wide range of instruments from all over the world.
It is a celebration of culture and music.
You will get to view musical instruments from over 200 countries.
You will also get to see the exact instruments that music artists including Taylor Swift, Elvis Presley, and John Lennon, used.
Don’t forget to bring your kiddos to the Experience Gallery where they will have the opportunity to learn about an instrument of their choice.
Arizona Science Center
600 E Washington St l Phoenix, AZ 85004 l 602-716-2000
The Arizona Science Center is great for children 6 and up.
It is one of the most exciting destinations for the entire family in Phoenix.
The science center has over 300 hands permanent exhibits that will enable your kids to explore and learn about Create Marker Space, Forces of Nature, and SkyCycle.
While you’re there, don’t forget to go and visit the IMAX theater, which is 5 stories, and the Dorrance Planetarium.
I.d.e.a Museum
150 W Pepper Pl l Mesa, AZ 85201 l 480-644-2468
I.d.e.a. is a great destination to take your child, no matter their age.
It is a creative museum where your kids can engage in art activities.
These activities will bring about their critical thinking skills.
Your children will also have the chance to explore a wide range of exhibits to learn about science, design, and engineering.
Check out Artville, where your kids can express themselves and let their imaginations run wild.
The museum also hosts activities on a daily basis that are perfect for little ones.
Castles N’ Coaster
9445 N Metro Pkwy E l Phoenix, AZ 85051 l 602-997-7575
If you have older kids and teenagers, bring them to Castles N’ Coasters.
It is an amusement park that provides a variety of rides, arcade games, and other entertainment.
Don’t forget to check out some heart-pumping rides including Free Fall, Splashdown, and Desert Storm.
If your kid isn’t really into adventures, take them on over to the go-karts and let them enjoy a nice race.
Butterfly Wonderland
9500 East Via de Ventura F100 l Scottsdale, AZ 85256 l 480-800-3000
Located right in the middle of the desert is Butterfly Wonderland.
This is the biggest indoor rainforest conservatory in the entire country.
Here you will get to see more than 3,000 different types of butterflies.
You can take a tour throughout the atrium and enjoy watching butterflies fly around within.
Butterfly Wonderland also invites you to visit the Butterfly Emergency Gallery, where you can see how butterflies unfold their wings.
Kids 3 and up will be amazed.
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N Galvin Pkwy l Phoenix, AZ 85008 l 480-941-1225
If you enjoy looking at various cactus and desert plants, you will enjoy the Desert Botanical Garden.
It is home to some of the biggest desert plants ever to be seen.
Here you will get a look at different types of cacti and other desert plants, including wildflowers.
There’s also an ethnobotanical walking trail where your kids can learn a lot about different types of plants in the desert and the way they came about.
It is great for children 6 and older.
Legoland Discovery Center
5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir STE 135 l Tempe, AZ 85282 l 480-565-7072
If you are looking for an indoor playground to bring your kids, consider Legoland in Tempe.
It is perfect for children as young as 3.
Your kids will love the many attractions and LEGO games indoors.
There is also a 4D cinema, a few rides, and 10 different play and build areas for your kids to explore.
This is a perfect destination to bring your kids to enable them to become creative.
Don’t forget to check out the LEGO Factory tour while there.
Phoenix Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Phoenix Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are some great locations to bring my kids while in Phoenix?
Some of the most popular attractions for bringing kids to Phoenix are the Butterfly Wonderland, which is home to beautiful butterfly displays and a conservatory.
Another good choice is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum located in Tuscon.
Here, your kids can get a taste of the desert wildlife and check out a few exhibits.
Can I bring my kids to the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon is a great attraction for the entire family.
It is perfect for kids of all ages.
You will enjoy amazing views and can even take part in various educational opportunities.
Is Phoenix a good place to take the entire family?
Phoenix is a great location to bring kids and families of all ages and backgrounds.
You will be surprised to learn everything that Phoenix has to offer, most of which is family-friendly.
Some of these attractions include the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Phoenix Zoo, and various parks.
How much is the admission cost for the Children’s Museum of Pheonix?
Admission is $17.00 for every individual.
However, if you have kids 1 and under, they will get in free.
