15 Fun Things To Do in Phoenix, Arizona With Kids
A Family-Friendly Guide to the Valley of the Sun
Planning a trip to Phoenix, Arizona with your kids? Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens, this desert city has more than enough excitement to keep the whole family entertained. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures and sweet treats, here are the top things to do with kids in Phoenix!
1. Phoenix Zoo
🦁 Why it’s great: The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the United States, and it’s been delighting families since 1962. Nestled in the heart of Papago Park, the zoo spans over 125 acres and features more than 3,000 animals, including many endangered species. It’s a must-visit for families looking to combine education, fun, and a bit of wild adventure.
🐾 What to See and Do:
The African Savanna – Watch giraffes roam, spot cheetahs lounging, and listen for the roar of lions as you explore this beautifully designed habitat.
Tropics Trail – Venture into lush environments with monkeys, exotic birds, and reptiles. Kids love the swinging gibbons and colorful parrots.
Arizona Trail – Get a feel for local wildlife with javelinas, coyotes, mountain lions, and desert bighorn sheep. It’s a great way to teach kids about their own backyard (or future backyard if you’re visiting from out of town!).
Children’s Trail – Tailor-made for little ones, this section includes a petting zoo, goats, miniature horses, and a splash pad to cool off during hot days.
Camel Rides & Stingray Bay – For a small fee, your kids can ride a camel or get hands-on with stingrays at the interactive aquatic touch pool.
🎟️ Insider Tips:
Arrive early to beat the heat and catch the animals when they’re most active (especially during summer months).
Bring swimsuits or a change of clothes if your kids want to play in the Leapin’ Lagoon or Yakulla Caverns splash pads.
Rent a stroller or wagon if you didn’t bring your own—it’s a lot of walking for little feet.
Download the Zoo app for an interactive map, animal facts, and daily keeper talks or feeding schedules.
🍽️ Where to Eat:
The zoo offers multiple dining options, from family-friendly cafés to picnic areas if you’d rather pack your own lunch. Try Savanna Grill for burgers and salads or grab Dippin’ Dots as a sweet treat before heading home.
🌵 Seasonal Events:
ZooLights (Nov–Jan) – The zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, music, and holiday magic.
Howl-O-Ween – A spooky (but kid-appropriate) Halloween celebration with costumes, trick-or-treating, and themed displays.
💡 Why Kids Love It:
Because it doesn’t feel like school—and yet they learn so much. The interactive exhibits, wide-open spaces, and variety of animals keep even the shortest attention spans entertained. From flamingos at the entrance to monkeys swinging above their heads, it’s full of surprises around every turn.
2. Children’s Museum of Phoenix
🎨 Why it’s great: The Children’s Museum of Phoenix isn’t just a museum—it’s a wonderland of imagination and play. Located in the historic Monroe School building in downtown Phoenix, this award-winning museum is designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning in kids from toddlers to early tweens.
🧠 What Makes It Unique:
Unlike traditional museums where you “look but don’t touch,” this one encourages kids to climb, build, paint, pretend, and explore. With over 48,000 square feet of space across three floors, every corner is packed with interactive experiences that blend education and fun seamlessly.
🌟 Can’t-Miss Exhibits:
The Climber (a.k.a. the Noodle Forest)
This is the museum’s crown jewel—a massive, multi-story climbing structure made from pool noodles, suspended platforms, and whimsical tunnels. It’s a safe but thrilling jungle gym that your kids will want to conquer again and again.Art Studio
Let your mini-Picasso go wild with paints, paper crafts, and recycled art. Bonus: you don’t have to clean it up afterward!Market and Café Role-Play Zone
In this life-sized grocery store and restaurant setup, kids can take turns shopping, serving, and pretending to be a chef or cashier. It’s not only fun—it teaches teamwork, math, and communication skills.Pedal Power
An indoor tricycle track complete with traffic signals and signage! Perfect for preschoolers who need to burn off some energy while practicing coordination.The Book Loft and Quiet Nooks
Need a little downtime? Cozy reading corners and sensory-friendly spaces are perfect for winding down or accommodating children who need a calmer environment.Building Big
With giant foam blocks, ramps, and tubes, this area is all about engineering and imagination. Kids can build forts, towers, and obstacle courses limited only by their creativity.
👶 Baby Zone:
For families with babies and toddlers, there’s a thoughtfully designed infant-only space with padded flooring, sensory toys, and age-appropriate activities. It’s fenced off for safety and gives little ones their own fun spot away from the hustle and bustle of the older kids.
🎟️ Admission & Tips:
Ages: Best for kids 6 months to 10 years old
Admission: Children under 1 are free; check online for current ticket pricing and free admission days
Hours: Open daily, but closed on major holidays—always check their website for special events or early closures
Parking: Free and ample parking right next to the museum, plus it’s close to downtown attractions for a full day of fun
🧴 Parent Survival Guide:
Bring a change of clothes—arts and water play can get messy (in a good way).
Strollers welcome, but not always needed—there’s a lot of space, and many kids are too excited to sit still.
Grab lunch inside or nearby—there’s a small café onsite and lots of kid-friendly restaurants downtown.
Time your visit for earlier in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends or school holidays.
👪 Why Kids (and Parents) Love It:
Kids love the freedom to explore, touch, build, climb, and play without limits. Parents love that it’s clean, safe, and sneakily educational. It’s one of the few places where kids can burn energy, express creativity, and learn without even realizing it.
3. Arizona Science Center
🔬 Why it’s great: The Arizona Science Center is a premier destination for families seeking interactive and educational experiences. With over 300 hands-on exhibits spread across four levels, the center offers a dynamic environment where science comes alive for visitors of all ages. Located in downtown Phoenix’s Heritage and Science Park, it’s an ideal spot to explore, especially during the warmer months.Tripadvisor+2Arizona Science Center+2Arizona Science Center+2U.S. News Travel+1Arizona Science Center+1
🌟 Must-See Exhibits & Experiences:
Dorrance Planetarium
Experience the wonders of the universe in one of the most technologically advanced planetariums in the country.The Dorrance Planetarium offers immersive shows that transport you to distant galaxies, explore black holes, and delve into the mysteries of space. Wikipedia+4Tripadvisor+4Evans & Sutherland – A Cosm Company+4Evans Family SkyCycle
Test your balance and learn about the principles of physics by riding a bicycle along a high-wire suspended 15 feet in the air. It’s a thrilling way to understand the concepts of gravity and counterbalance. Arizona Science Center+1Arizona Science Center+1Arizona Science CenterAll About Me Gallery
Dive into the intricacies of the human body in this interactive exhibit. From genetics to anatomy, discover what makes us tick through engaging displays and activities. Arizona Science CenterCREATE Makerspace
Unleash your creativity in this state-of-the-art makerspace. Whether you’re interested in robotics, woodworking, or digital design, CREATE offers tools and workshops to bring your ideas to life.Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater
Enjoy educational films on a five-story screen that covers topics ranging from wildlife to space exploration, providing a cinematic learning experience. Arizona Science Center