Family Friendly Things to Do in Arizona

48 Ways To Family Fun In State 48

By Nora Heston Tarte

With spring fever followed by two months of summer vacation knocking at your door, how will you keep a house full of hooligans entertained without losing your mind? Lucky for parents in the Grand Canyon State, there’s plenty to see and do both indoors and out. Read on for our suggestions for staying sane this spring and summer with 48 family friendly activities and attractions throughout Arizona.

Attend a live concert at the Musical Instrument Museum.

MIM brings a long line-up of talent to the museum for guests of all ages. And when you’re not there for a show, you can explore both the permanent and temporary exhibitions throughout including more than 15,000 musical instruments and related effects from approximately 200 countries and territories.

Take an African Bush Safari Tour at Camp Verde Wild Animal Park.

Feed giraffes, zebras, and more on this wild tour that gets guests up close and personal with animals such as American black bears, a Burmese python, gray wolves, a white rhinoceros, monkeys, lemurs and more. The trek includes a bus trip through different animal habitats.

Visit the country’s largest reptile sanctuary.

The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary has made a commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating reptiles from around the world. You can visit with the whole family for the day or sign your kids up for summer camp.

Get your swim on at Slide Rock.

This state park, located in Coconino County, has a reputation as one of America’s best swimming holes. Come for the hiking and then splash around to cool off at the 43-acre historic apple farm.

Buy swim passes to a local resort.

Arizona is overflowing with resorts that focus on cool pools. When the weather is right, buy a day pass or book an overnight staycation at one of the state’s iconic hotels, like Arizona Biltmore, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess or The Scottsdale Resort & Spa.

Go Kayaking on Tempe Town Lake.

Rent a kayak or bring your own (just know you’ll need a permit) and get on the water. Kayaking and paddle boarding are just two activities prominent at this man-made reservoir. The best part? While you’re working your way through the water, you’ll have a view of the Tempe buttes.

Vacation at the Grand Canyon.

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, there are practically limitless ways to explore the national park. Rent bikes, walk the perimeter, take a bus or fly in a helicopter for a bird’s eye view.

Eat at Big E Steakhouse and Saloon.

If you’ve ventured north to Grand Canyon Village, make a reservation for Big E Steakhouse & Saloon. The classic restaurant offers a menu of crowd pleasers, but the real fun is in the décor, which looks like you’re dining smack in the middle of an old-timey western village.

Touch aquatic creatures at SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium.

For those that like to put their little hands on everything, this 26,000-square foot interactive aquarium features more than just animals. In addition to thousands of aquatic creatures, kids can dip their hands into touch pools and explore a 360-degreee ocean tunnel.

Learn about 81 different dinosaurs at Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs.

Located in the Arizona Boardwalk, this amusement park brings the past to life. Kids can create their own clay dinosaurs, excavate “bones” and dig in the giant dino dig pit all before playing in the themed arcade and interacting with animatronic creatures.

Ride a bicycle 15 feet in the air at the Arizona Science Center.

Immerse yourself in a world of science at the Arizona Science Center. The out-of-this-world museum features exhibitions on flight, the human body, money and more. Hands-on exhibits are part of the fun, plus a SkyCycle that invites visitors to learn about physics while riding a bicycle across a 90-foot wire, suspended 15-feet in the air.

Escape into the desert at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction.

This state park, located in Pinal County, boasts 134 picnic tables, BBQ grills and fire pits. Avoid high-heat days and embark on a desert journey when the weather is right by hiking the trails or camping overnight. If you come, bring a picnic to enjoy against the towering red rocks.

Discover the largest collection of exotic animals at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park.

 

Spread out over 215-acres, the complex is best known for its African and South American animals, but with the largest collection of exotic animals in the state, there’s plenty to see from all over the world. There are more than 6,000 animals to view, plus encounter shows daily and tons of rides. Animal encounters include meeting sloths, getting up close and personal with capybaras, petting an armadillo and more.

Study the science of light at the i.d.e.a. Museum.

In Mesa, the i.d.e.a. Museum is focused on encouraging kids of all ages to be creative. The current Luminous: The Art of Light exhibit combines science, art and imagination with a slew of light-centric activities ranging from shadow dancing and sketching to an interactive black light chalkboard and bioluminescent jellyfish.

Tire out your brood at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

It’s easy to spend an entire day at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. This huge indoor activity center houses more than 300 interactive play areas that cater to the 10 and younger crowd.

Spend an evening at the Children’s Museum of Tucson.

The emphasis is on hands-on play and exploration at the Children’s Museum of Tucson. The large indoor play place caters to a variety of interests including art, science, engineering and more. Special programs keep the museum open late and invite kids to explore on Thursday evenings or focus on artistic endeavors every second Saturday of the month. Both evening experiences are free.

Stay on a Dude Ranch in Tucson.

Tanque Verde Ranch sits on 60,000 acres in Tucson, proffering views of the Rincon Mountains and settled near Saguaro National Park. This luxurious outpost of the old west invites families to partake in some of the aspects of a working ranch while also horseback riding, bike riding, hiking and more.

Take a horseback ride out of Phoenix.

Ponderosa Stables brings a rustic feel to the experience, getting guests atop horses for guided trail rides. The fun western village surroundings offer a touch of nostalgia and ambiance, while sunset rides not only keep you cool but also make for gorgeous orange-sky views. Or ride across the plains of the Gila River Indian Community Reservation. KOLI Equestrian Center offers private and group experiences for beginners and advanced riders, focused on exploring the 2400-acre property while getting into the sport of western horseback riding on gentle horses. For kids eager to learn more about horses, extended sessions are available, called Horsemanship 101.

Listen to Taylor Swift at The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium.

Get ready for a state-of-the-art planetarium experience. The domed theater seats 146 people and uses high-end technology to bring space to you in an immersive and educational experience, Enter Stellar. In addition to the traditional show, the Planetarium also offers laser light movie nights, featuring the music of artists like Taylor Swift and Queen, as well as some other science-centric shows.

Have five experiences in one at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. 

The museum combines a zoo, aquarium, natural history museum, art gallery and botanical garden. Over summer, daily live animal shows introduce audience members to mammals, birds and reptiles in a 25-30 minute production. Plus, you can view each in their own habitats by exploring the zoo and aquarium portion of the museum.

Visit the zoo at night at Reid Park Zoo.

Seeing the animals at this 24-acre city zoo is fun any time of day, but there’s something special about being invited back at night to see what the creatures are up to when it starts to get dark. Keep an eye on the calendar for daily schedules that include keeper chats with capybaras, rhinos and elephants.

Ogle over 300 aircraft at the Pima Air & Space Museum.

With six aircraft hangars and an 80-acre airfield, there is plenty of space to house more than 300 aircraft at this Tucson museum. Visit to see everything from a Wright Flyer to a 787 Dreamliner. At best you may spark a lifelong love of aviation in your young child’s heart while at worst they’ll have a good day learning about flight.

Go underground at Lava River Caves in Flagstaff.

A lava cave, or lava tube, is a cave formed in volcanic rock. In Flagstaff, guests can explore the underground features in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest. Here, the longest cave of its kind in the state runs three-quarters-of-a-mile long.

Descend four stories with a friend at Great Wolf Lodge.

The beauty of Great Wolf Lodge is that you can enjoy all of the thrills of a waterpark regardless of the weather. Whether you’re looking to spend the night or simply want a day pass, kids will enjoy tubing in the lazy river and pummeling down suspenseful water slides. With plenty of play areas for kids of all ages, there’s enough to keep you busy all day. And half-day passes allow for water fun from 4 p.m. to close. The Alberta Falls slide offers a tandem tube ride that plummets four stories!

Visit the largest Aquarium in the Southwest, OdySea Aquarium.

Another Arizona Boardwalk gem, this 200,000-square-foot aquarium is the largest in the Southwest, boasting more than 2 million gallons of water and 30,000 animals. The experience is a hybrid of entertainment and education, with more than 65 exhibits, 370 species and several touch exhibits.

Experience life upside down at the Museum of Illusions.

Art and entertainment combine at this wacky Scottsdale museum. Take mind-bending photos in a collection of rooms that are sure to play tricks on your mind—and anyone who views your photos.

Believe the unbelievable at Scottsdale UFO Experience.

If you weren’t so sure about life out there before, this exhibit just may convince you. Located in Scottsdale, visitors are able to learn about reports from real people of UFOs, alien abductions and other ET encounters. The galleries include life-like aliens, galactic travel theories and a few games including a laser-shooting experience dubbed “alien hunter.”

Take a swing at a new activity.

People fly in from all over the world to golf in sunny Arizona. In large part the weather draws visitors in, but it’s also the manicured lawns and championship courses that beckon golfing enthusiasts. Get your kids started young with Arizona Junior Golf, a youth program that offers after-school programs and camps throughout the metropolitan area at a variety of courses.

 Pay your respects at the USS Memorial Gardens.

Located in the Talking Stick Entertainment District, this five-acre memorial garden was grown to honor fallen soldiers and pay tribute to the events of December 7, 1941—the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. For free, families can take the self-guided walking path through the gardens and visit the original boathouse of the USS Arizona as well as see some of the uncovered remnants of the vessel.

Take a swing at Imagine 3D Mini Golf.

Available in both Gilbert and Scottsdale, this is mini golf like you’ve never seen it before. Objects appear to fly at you while you golf, using 3D effects. Wearing 3D glasses while you play brings the course to life, including sharks, unicorns and other animals that appear to be jutting out of the walls.

Have brunch at Hash Kitchen.

Hash Kitchen isn’t specifically for families, but it is kid- friendly. With several locations throughout Arizona, the portions here are huge and delicious. Plus, a DJ is often at the helm, pumping music through the dining room to create a vibe that kids and adults will both love. For mom and dad, mimosa flights and a bloody mary bar are available.

Ride to the Grand Canyon in style.

Guests have been traveling to the Grand Canyon with Grand Canyon Railway since 1901. Perhaps one of the most unique ways to see one of the seven natural wonders of the world, guests can travel aboard restored rail cars, from Williams to the South Rim. Packages allow for overnight accommodations and more, creating a Grand Canyon memory kids won’t soon forget.

Cool off at a water park.

Not for the faint of heart, these Arizona water parks are more roller coaster than splash pad. Grab your swimsuit and your friends and spend a day at Hurricane Harbor Phoenix, Waylon’s Water World, Oasis Water Park or Mesa Golfland Sunsplash. Here, kids of all ages can travel down slides at breakneck speeds to escape the cruel summer heat. And little ones can have just as much fun in dedicated toddler areas.

Catch a foul ball at Chase Field.

The Arizona Diamondbacks keep the excitement coming in downtown Phoenix. And the upside is when it’s hot, the roof closes to keep fans cool. Buy tickets to a home game and don’t forget the cracker jacks. The 2001 World Series Champions are looking to have a winning year.

Sail away in the lazy river at River Ranch Water Park.

The Hilton Phoenix Resort is home to this expansive water park that feels more like a Mexican resort than an amusement park. A different approach to a water park, this high-end option offers multiple pools, a waterslide, a lazy river, other water features and cabanas, plus cocktails for the adults.

Explore your social side at Butterfly Wonderland.

There are more than 60 species of butterflies that call the rainforest environment at Butterfly Wonderland home. Step inside the conservatory and watch as these colorful insects flutter and flit, sipping nectar and occasionally landing on guests is their special and social way of greeting them.

Discover indigenous art at the HEARD Museum.

The focus here is on American Indian art, but it’s not just photographs on walls. Instead, there are plenty of textiles and textures to explore, plus a family fun center that welcomes hands-on exploration of indigenous art. The exhibitions are always changing, bringing new works into the space, open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily but closed on holidays.

 Choose your own adventure at Desert Botanical Garden.

With several trails available within the gardens, guests can opt to walk an organ pipe cactus forest to sweeping mountain views or find fragrant herbs and vegetable beds in a more relaxing jaunt. Each trail has its own flora and fauna to explore, offering breathtaking visions in the great outdoors plus educational elements.

Ride a camel at the Phoenix Zoo.

The animal adventures at Phoenix Zoo are sure to be memorable whether you’re checking out the stingrays in Stingray Bay or monkeying around in Monkey Village. Top of our list, however, is climbing aboard a camel and taking a ride. You’ll even get your picture taken to commemorate the occasion!

Howl at the full moon along with the animals at Southwest Wildlife Conservatory.

Looking for an experience unlike any zoo you’ve ever been to? This wildlife rescue invites guests of all ages to visit their sanctuary where wildlife walks are the best way to learn about and see the animals. For those that want to learn more, there are even monthly educational talks available from home. On June 15, curious parties can log on to learn about Arizona’s Desert Mammals. For those under five-years-old, the once-a-month Southwest Wildlife Family Day offers an alternative experience. When it’s hot, opt for a Full Moon Tour, where you can see the animals under the cover of darkness.

 Build memories at LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

If you have LEGO-obsessed kids at home, they’ll love the Tempe Discovery Center. The building houses interactive rides that bring your kid’s favorite LEGO characters to life, plus play structures, building rooms and more. LEGO characters even make a habit of visiting so you can snap photos with your favorites.

 Spend a day at Enchanted Island Amusement Park.

If you’re already hanging out at Encanto Park, pop into this 7.5-acre amusement park that features pedal boats, inflatable slides, a carousel and other fun rides. Kids can try their best to climb walls in safe rock-climbing adventures or laugh and splash on the bumper boats.

Drive-thru 160 acres of bears, wolves, bison, mountain goats and more.

Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams is a drive-thru experience, allowing guests to get close to their favorite wild animals safely. The safari park offers a 3+-mile long road through Ponderosa Pine Forest. And while the surroundings are breathtaking, it’s the wild animals that take center stage.

Go camping where it’s cooler.

In many parts of the world, camping is a popular summer activity. In Arizona, sometimes it’s too hot to venture out in June, July and August, depending on where you live. For those in the warmer parts of the state, consider heading north and to higher elevations where the weather will allow for pleasant accommodations. Flagstaff, Sedona and the Grand Canyon all offer a variety of campgrounds for both RV and tent camping, while KOAs provide a glamping alternative with campsites geared toward families, boasting a variety of activities and a full events calendar.

Find your spirituality at Cathedral Rock

Located near Sedona, Cathedral Rock is a stunning red rock butte attached to a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail. While it’s not overly difficult to approach, the butte has built a reputation for its spiritual vortex, a high-energy buzz that many can feel when they visit.

Glimpse firefighting equipment from 1725 at the Hall of Flame Fire Museum.

Placed over six galleries, the National Historical Fire Foundation grew its collection of 130 wheeled pieces and more than 10,000 other objects from the personal effects of George F. Getz, Jr. The entire museum, located in Phoenix, is dedicated to preserving the historical integrity of fire-fighting equipment

 Find your inner thrill-seeker at Castles N Coasters.

Fun for the whole family, this amusement center is focused on more than just rides. While you’ll get plenty of high-speed roller coasters, there’s also four, outdoor 18-hole miniature golf courses and an indoor arcade. Both bumper cars boats and indy cars are available attractions and the thrill ride section has everything from XD dark rides to a Ferris wheel. Adrenaline seekers will love plummeting to the ground on Free Fall and twisting in two upside-down loops on Desert Storm.

 Ride more than 30 zip lines at Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course.

Adventure ziplines at the park range from 15 to 80 feet in the air, taking families through the Ponderosa Pines, suspended high in the trees. Kids can test their skills on their own course, perfect for those ages 9-11, but there are also a variety of adult courses, too, each with 10-17 obstacles and zips.

Nora Heston Tarte is a freelance travel writer and mother. You can follow along with her adventures on Instagram @wanderlust_n_wine