Phoenix, Arizona, is a destination that offers a lot for families. There’s plenty to do with your loved ones in this vibrant city, whether you’re a local or a tourist. Visitors to Phoenix can enjoy cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and much more, with family-friendly activities that cater to different interests and age groups. Here, we present the top 10 family-friendly activities to enjoy in Phoenix, AZ.
Have a Wild Encounter at Phoenix Zoo
The 125-acre Phoenix Zoo features over 3,000 animals from nearly 400 different species, including lions, jaguars, bears, and primates. The zoo also offers various programs and experiences that let you get close to the animals and find out more about them.
One highlight is the Giraffe Encounter, which allows you to feed and interact with the resident giraffes. There’s also a carousel, a train ride, and water play areas, making for a fun and informative day out.
Experience the Great Outdoors at the Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden offers families the chance to explore the desert landscape, with all its beauty and diversity. Spanning over 140 acres, the garden features over 50,000 plants and cacti from various parts of the world. There are several trails to explore, all offering stunning views of the desert environment and the city skyline, and various educational programs and events take place throughout the year, including guided tours, workshops, and even concerts.
Learn and Explore at Arizona Science Center
This interactive science museum offers exhibits and programs that encourage learning through play and exploration. With over 300 hands-on exhibits to experience, your family can learn about different areas of science, including anatomy, flight, and renewable energy.
The museum has an IMAX theater and a planetarium as well, so it makes for a great day out and one that will stimulate as well as entertain young minds.
Dive into the OdySea Aquarium
The OdySea Aquarium contains 2 million gallons of water and features over 65 exhibits and 370 species from around the world, including sharks, otters, and penguins.
There are several themed exhibits to explore, such as Rivers of the World, Deep Ocean, and SeaTREK, a fantastic experience that allows you to actually walk underwater among the aquarium’s sea creatures. With several interactive exhibits and programs, this is a great place to learn about marine life and conservation.
Hit a High Note at the Musical Instrument Museum
With over 7,000 musical instruments and artifacts from over 200 countries, this unique destination is perfect for those who want to learn about different types of music and instruments. You can explore the museum’s several galleries, which include exhibits of American, European, African, and Asian instruments.
As well as the various exhibits and programs, the museum also has several experience galleries, in which you can play different instruments from around the world, so for a hands-on musical experience, look no further.
Get Cultured at Phoenix Art Museum
The world-renowned Phoenix Art Museum features over 20,000 works of art from different periods and cultures. Families can explore the museum’s varied international galleries, which include themes of fashion, folk art, theater, and much more.
For those who want to know more, there are a variety of additional programs providing information about different art forms and styles. The museum also has activities for kids, including storytime, scavenger hunts, and family fun days, allowing children to explore art and have fun at the same time.
Take a Stroll in Papago Park
At Papago Park, you can experience the desert and its natural beauty. There are several hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, so if your family loves the outdoors and being active, this is somewhere you will all enjoy. The park features a fishing lagoon and several picnic areas, so pack some sandwiches, get your hiking boots on, and prepare for a great day out in nature.
Feel the Thrill at Castles N’ Coasters
Castles N’ Coasters is an amusement park where you can enjoy all the usual thrills and fun. There are several roller coasters, including the Desert Storm and the Patriot, but if you’re looking for something a little tamer, you’ll also find other rides and attractions, including go-karts, mini-golf, and an arcade.
The little ones are catered for, too, with a dedicated area for younger children, so whether young or just young at heart, everyone will find something to entertain them here.
Take in the Views at Camelback Mountain
The hiking destination of Camelback Mountain offers stunning city views and the chance to get out into the desert. There are various trails with differing levels of difficulty, so families should be able to find hiking opportunities that suit them. Although it might be a struggle for younger children. At the summit, you’ll be treated to fantastic views of the city. In fact, this is also the perfect place to take a family photo to remember.
Get Musical at Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is a world-class orchestra that offers a variety of concerts throughout the year. These include family-friendly performances as well as educational programs designed to get kids into classical music. So, for the chance to soak up some culture and enjoy an evening of beautiful music, take in a symphony concert.
The Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy in Phoenix in Summary
Phoenix has activities and attractions catering to a wide array of different interests and age groups. You can explore the desert, learn about science and nature, or get an adrenaline rush on a roller coaster. Everyone will find something to love in this amazing city. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, check out these top 10 family-friendly activities in Phoenix. You won’t regret it!
