Phoenix

A joyful hands-on museum built around climbing, building, art, pretend play, and early-childhood discovery.

• Ages 0–10
• Paid
• 2–4 hours
• Indoor

Parent tip: Start upstairs with the climber while energy is high, then slow down in the art studio or Book Loft.

Headphones, instruments from around the world, and a hands-on Experience Gallery keep the museum engaging for all ages.

• All ages
• Paid
• 3–5 hours
• Indoor

Parent tip: Use the headphones for one geographic gallery, then reward careful looking with the hands-on Experience Gallery.

A large desert zoo with Arizona wildlife, big animals, shaded routes, and seasonal splash and light events.

• All ages
• Paid
• Half day
• Outdoor

Parent tip: Arrive at opening, choose one animal trail first, and pack swim clothes when the children's water areas are operating.

Hands-on galleries, live demonstrations, a planetarium, and giant-screen films anchor a hot or rainy day downtown.

• All ages
• Paid
• 3–5 hours
• Indoor

Parent tip: Check demonstration and planetarium times on arrival, then let children lead through two hands-on galleries.

Accessible loops through spectacular Sonoran Desert plants make a memorable early-morning family walk.

• All ages
• Paid
• 2–4 hours
• Outdoor

Parent tip: Take the short Sonoran Desert Nature Loop first and bring a simple cactus-shape scavenger hunt for younger walkers.

A central city park with lagoons, playgrounds, picnic space, and the small Enchanted Island amusement park.

• All ages
• Free entry
• 2–4 hours
• Outdoor

Parent tip: Combine the playground and lagoon with only a few Enchanted Island rides instead of buying more amusement time than young children need.

Short trails, red sandstone formations, picnic areas, and Hole-in-the-Rock views deliver a high-payoff desert outing.

• Ages 5+
• Free
• 1–2 hours
• Outdoor

Parent tip: Use the official Galvin Parkway trailhead and keep Hole-in-the-Rock as a short sunrise or cool-season outing.

Art and stories from Indigenous cultures, plus family programming, offer a thoughtful cultural stop for older children.

• Ages 6+
• Paid
• 2–4 hours
• Indoor

Parent tip: Begin with the HOME Studio or a family guide, then choose one art or history exhibition to explore slowly.

A peaceful, compact garden with koi, bridges, stone paths, and seasonal cultural programs.

• All ages
• Paid
• 1–2 hours
• Outdoor

Parent tip: Visit early, give children a quiet koi-and-bridge scavenger hunt, and pair the compact garden with one nearby museum.

Model railroads, a miniature train, carousel, playgrounds, and wide lawns make this a reliable younger-kid favorite.

• Ages 1–10
• Free entry
• 2–3 hours
• Outdoor

Parent tip: Ride the miniature train first, then use the model railroad building as a cool-down before the playground.

A large modern aquarium with sharks, sea turtles, penguins, and interactive exhibits in Scottsdale.

• All ages
• Paid
• 3–4 hours
• Indoor

Parent tip: Book the earliest practical entry and prioritize the submerged escalator, shark galleries, and rotating OdySea Voyager presentation.

A compact indoor aquarium at Arizona Mills with tunnels, touch experiences, and kid-height viewing.

• Ages 2–10
• Paid
• 1–2 hours
• Indoor

Parent tip: Reserve a timed entry, use the touch pool and tunnel as anchors, and pair the compact aquarium with only one mall activity.