25 Things To Do With Kids in Phoenix This Weekend

Phoenix is a surprisingly great family city. Yes, summer gets brutally hot — but outside of those scorching months, the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures, and even in July there's a solid lineup of indoor options. With the Sonoran Desert as your backyard and a growing list of family attractions, there's never a shortage of things to do. Here are 25 ideas to fill your weekend.

Wildlife & Nature

1. Phoenix Zoo — Papago Park

One of the largest non-profit zoos in the country, set against the red rock backdrop of Papago Park. The Arizona Trail section showcases desert animals kids rarely see elsewhere — javelinas, Gila monsters, and roadrunners. The Monkey Village lets you walk through an enclosure with free-roaming squirrel monkeys.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Multiple cafes, splash pad, gift shop, stroller rental Tip: Go early — animals are most active in the morning, and shade becomes critical by midday.

2. Desert Botanical Garden — Papago Park

Over 50,000 desert plants across five themed trails. Kids love the flashlight tours (seasonal), the butterfly exhibit, and spotting wild hummingbirds and lizards along the paths. It's surprisingly engaging for children, not just a garden for adults.

Best for: Ages 3+ Facilities: Cafe, gift shop, stroller-friendly paths Tip: The spring wildflower season (February–April) is spectacular. Summer visits work best at opening time or for special evening events.

3. Butterfly Wonderland — Scottsdale

The largest butterfly conservatory in the country. Walk through a glass atrium filled with thousands of butterflies from around the world. The 3D movie, rainforest reptile exhibit, and honey bee experience round out a 2-hour visit. Kids who are nervous at first usually warm up within minutes.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Gift shop, cafe, fully accessible, stroller-friendly Tip: Butterflies are most active in the morning when it's brightest. Wear bright colors — they'll land on you.

4. OdySea Aquarium — Scottsdale

Arizona's largest aquarium, located in the OdySea in the Desert complex. The SeaTrek experience lets older kids walk on the ocean floor wearing a dive helmet. Penguins, sharks, sea turtles, and a stingray touch pool cover the basics, but it goes deeper than most inland aquariums.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Food court, gift shop, stroller-friendly, nursing room Tip: Combo tickets with Butterfly Wonderland (next door) save about 20%. Do both in one trip.

5. Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park — Litchfield Park

Less polished than Phoenix Zoo but packed with value. Over 600 species, a safari ride, aquarium, and carnival rides all included in admission. The white tiger exhibit and giraffe feeding station are highlights.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Multiple food options, gift shop, stroller rental Tip: The western location means it's less crowded than central Phoenix attractions. Allow a full day.

Outdoor Adventures

6. Papago Park

The most family-friendly hiking spot in Phoenix. The Hole-in-the-Rock trail is short (under 15 minutes), easy enough for toddlers with some help, and the view from the top is iconic. The park also has picnic areas, fishing lagoons, and connects to both the zoo and botanical garden.

Best for: All ages Tip: Sunset hikes to Hole-in-the-Rock are magical — arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best light.

7. South Mountain Park and Preserve

One of the largest municipal parks in the country. The Dobbins Lookout drive offers panoramic city views without a hike. For families who want to walk, the Mormon Trail is moderate and well-marked. The desert landscape here is genuinely spectacular.

Best for: Ages 5+ (for hiking), all ages (for driving to lookouts) Tip: Bring more water than you think you need. Trails close when temperatures exceed 105°F.

8. Tempe Town Lake

Rent a pedal boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard on this urban lake in downtown Tempe. The surrounding paths are perfect for biking and scootering, and the splash pad at Tempe Beach Park is free.

Best for: Ages 3+ Facilities: Boat rentals, restrooms, playground, splash pad Tip: Weekend mornings are the calmest for paddle sports. The Sunday farmers' market at the north shore is worth combining.

9. Salt River Tubing — Mesa

Float down the Lower Salt River on inflatable tubes through gorgeous desert canyon scenery. The company provides tubes, buses transport you to the launch point, and the float back takes 2–4 hours depending on the route. A quintessential Arizona experience.

Best for: Ages 8+ (children must be at least 8 and able to swim) Facilities: Tube rental, bus transport, limited food vendors at base Tip: Season runs May through September. Go on a weekday to avoid the party crowd. Bring a waterproof bag for phones and snacks.

10. Camelback Mountain — Echo Canyon

The most famous hike in Phoenix, but be realistic about your kids' abilities. Echo Canyon trail is steep and exposed — suitable for fit, experienced hiking kids aged 10+. The Bobby's Rock trail on the north side is more moderate. Not for toddlers or casual hikers.

Best for: Ages 10+ (fit, experienced hikers) Tip: Start before 7am in any month. Bring at least a liter of water per person. This trail has regular rescues — don't underestimate it.

Indoor Attractions

11. Children's Museum of Phoenix — Downtown

Seven acres of hands-on exhibits in a beautifully restored historic building. The Noodle Forest (pool noodles suspended from the ceiling) is pure joy. Kids can build, climb, paint, play with water, and pedal a bike on a track above the main floor. One of the best children's museums in the Southwest.

Best for: Ages 0–10 Facilities: Cafe, gift shop, nursing room, stroller parking Tip: First Friday of each month has extended evening hours. Weekday mornings are the quietest.

12. Arizona Science Center — Downtown

Three floors of interactive exhibits covering everything from forces and motion to the human body. The planetarium shows are excellent, and the CREATE makerspace lets kids tinker with real tools and materials. The giant-screen theater shows nature documentaries that are legitimately impressive.

Best for: Ages 3–14 Facilities: Cafe, gift shop, stroller-friendly Tip: Combo tickets (exhibits + planetarium + film) are better value than buying separately.

13. Castles N' Coasters — North Phoenix

Phoenix's only full-scale amusement park. Two roller coasters, a log flume, go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, and a massive arcade. It's not a mega theme park, but it's the right size for a half-day with younger kids without being overwhelming.

Best for: Ages 3+ (kiddie rides), 8+ (big rides) Facilities: Food court, arcade, party rooms, parking included Tip: Buy the unlimited ride wristband — individual ride tickets add up fast.

14. Topgolf — Multiple Locations

Not just for serious golfers. The climate-controlled hitting bays are fun for kids who've never touched a club. Point-scoring games on the giant targets make it engaging regardless of skill level. The food menu goes well beyond typical sports bar fare.

Best for: Ages 6+ Facilities: Full restaurant, bar, climate-controlled bays Tip: Weekend mornings before noon are significantly cheaper and less crowded.

15. LEGOLAND Discovery Center — Tempe

An indoor LEGO-themed attraction with rides, a 4D cinema, building workshops, and a Miniland Phoenix made entirely from LEGO bricks. Designed for kids 3–10 and sized for a 2–3 hour visit. The Master Builder workshops are the highlight.

Best for: Ages 3–10 Facilities: Cafe, LEGO store, party rooms Tip: Adults can't enter without a child. Weekday mornings are noticeably calmer.

Splash Pads & Water Play

16. Tempe Beach Park Splash Pad

A large, free splash pad right on Tempe Town Lake. Jets, sprayers, and dump buckets keep kids cool. Shaded seating areas nearby for parents. Open daily in summer.

Best for: All ages Tip: Combine with a pedal boat rental on the lake for a full morning out.

17. Surprise Aquatic Center — Surprise

A proper water park experience run by the city at public pool prices. Slides, a lazy river, splash area for toddlers, and lap lanes for older kids. One of the best value water attractions in the Valley.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Changing rooms, lockers, concession stand Tip: Arrive when gates open on weekends — it reaches capacity on hot days.

18. Kiwanis Park Wave Pool — Tempe

A wave pool, regular pool, and splash pad all in one location. The wave pool runs on a schedule, so check times before you go. It's a no-frills city facility, but kids don't care — they just want waves.

Best for: Ages 3+ Facilities: Changing rooms, concessions, shaded areas

Culture & Learning

19. Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) — North Phoenix

Over 8,000 instruments from around the world. Kids wear wireless headphones and hear the instruments play as they walk through each gallery. The Experience Gallery lets kids play drums, guitars, and percussion from every continent. Genuinely one of the most unique museums in the country.

Best for: Ages 5+ Facilities: Cafe, gift shop, fully accessible Tip: Allow at least 2 hours. The Experience Gallery is on the lower level — head there first while energy is high.

20. Heard Museum — Central Phoenix

A world-renowned museum of Native American art and culture. The hands-on exhibits and storytelling programs make it accessible for kids. The outdoor sculpture garden is beautiful and a welcome break between galleries.

Best for: Ages 6+ Facilities: Cafe, gift shop, bookstore Tip: First Friday evening events often include family programming with live performances.

21. Arizona Museum of Natural History — Mesa

Dinosaur skeletons, a flash flood simulation, panning for gold, and a three-story dinosaur mountain with caves and a waterfall. This museum leans into what kids love and doesn't apologize for it.

Best for: Ages 3+ Facilities: Gift shop, picnic area, stroller-friendly Tip: Free admission on the first Tuesday of each month.

Food & Fun

22. Main Event — Multiple Locations

Bowling, laser tag, gravity ropes, arcade games, and billiards all under one roof. The food is better than you'd expect. Think of it as a one-stop rainy day (or blazing hot day) solution.

Best for: Ages 4+ Facilities: Full restaurant, party rooms, parking Tip: Weekday afternoon packages are the best value — unlimited activities for a set time.

23. Harkins Theatres — Multiple Locations

Arizona's homegrown movie chain, and locals love it. The Tuesday Discount is a tradition — cheap tickets, cheap popcorn. Summer Movie Fun series runs kids' movies at $1–$2 per ticket on weekday mornings throughout June and July.

Best for: Ages 3+ Facilities: Concessions, accessible seating, parking Tip: The Summer Movie Fun series sells out for popular films — arrive 20 minutes early.

24. The Farm at South Mountain — South Phoenix

A working farm with a farm-to-table breakfast spot, beautiful pecan groves, a garden store, and chickens wandering around. It's not a structured activity — more of a relaxed family morning with amazing food. Kids love exploring the grounds.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Restaurant, garden shop, restrooms Tip: Go for the Saturday morning pancake breakfast at The Farm Kitchen. Get there early — it's popular.

25. Old Town Scottsdale

A walkable district with public art, candy shops, ice cream parlors, and free trolley rides. The Wednesday night ArtWalk is family-friendly with galleries opening their doors and street performers. The Sugar Bowl ice cream shop has been a family tradition since 1958.

Best for: All ages Tip: Park at the free public garage on Indian School Road and walk from there. Most shops close by 5pm except on ArtWalk Wednesdays.

Planning Your Weekend

• Check the heat — in summer months (June–September), plan outdoor activities for early morning only. Indoor activities are your friend from 10am onward
• Hydration is everything — the desert is unforgiving. Carry water bottles everywhere, even for short outings
• Sunscreen before you leave the house — Arizona sun is no joke, even on cloudy days
• Combine nearby attractions — the OdySea in the Desert complex has the aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, and more in one spot. Papago Park connects the zoo, botanical garden, and hiking trails
• First Tuesday/Friday deals — many Phoenix museums offer free or reduced admission on specific days. Check before you buy

For more ideas, browse our complete Phoenix activities directory with ratings, photos and reviews for every venue.