Explore Phoenix: A Guide to Family-Friendly Attractions
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Planning a family trip to Phoenix? You’re in for a treat!
With its sunny weather and a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and unique dining experiences, the Phoenix area offers so many opportunities to create lasting memories with your kids.
Over the years, my family has loved exploring this area, and I’m excited to share our favorite parks, attractions, and restaurants to help you plan your visit.
Top 3 Family Parks in the Phoenix Area
1. Playtopia! in Tumbleweed Park (Chandler)
Playtopia! is such a cute, whimsical park with themed play areas like Farm Land, City Land, and Critter Land. These interactive spaces spark kids’ imaginations and make for hours of fun.
It’s one of the most creative parks we’ve visited, and we highly recommend it for families especially those with younger kids!
2. Desert Breeze Park (Chandler)
Desert Breeze Park is a gem with a train ride that circles the park and pond—a highlight for kids!
It also features a carousel, multiple playgrounds, a splash pad, and a scenic trail for walking, running, or biking.
🌟 If the train ride is on your must-do list- don’t forget to check the train’s operating hours before you go.
3. Riverview Park (Mesa)
Located next to the Cubs’ Spring Training facility, Riverview Park offers fun for kids of all ages.
It has unique climbing structures, a zipline, swings, and a splash pad.
It’s one of my personal favorites, with plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Plus, it’s exciting to walk around the Cubs’ Spring Training facility and even peek through the gates.
➡️ Looking for even more family-friendly adventures? Check out our guide to the best parks in Vail—a perfect destination for summer fun with the kids!
Must-Do Family Attractions
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Scottsdale)
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park has so much to do and see for all ages.
It has a train ride and carousel which both cost three dollars.
Also, there is the Scottsdale Railroad Museum and Model Railroad building which are free. Both of these museums are super neat to see especially if you have any train lovers in your family.
Additionally, there are two different playgrounds for kids. One playground is railroad themed while the other is called Western town. My kids enjoy both but really love playing and pretending at the Western town playground.
Between the playgrounds, rides, and museums, your family could easily spend a half a day here. Bring a picnic lunch or enjoy concessions on site!
Enchanted Island Amusement Park (Phoenix)
Enchanted Island is such a fun little amusement park. 🎠 🚂
Enchanted Island has eleven rides and attractions that are best suited towards kids aged 1-10.
Some of the rides and attractions include a carousel, bumper boats, climbing wall, train ride, kiddie cars, red baron airplanes, parachute tower, and more. There is also a splash pad.
It’s located in Encanto Park, where you can also rent pedal boats.
Admission to Enchanted Island is free; you pay per ride or can purchase an all-day pass.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a great place for all ages to learn and play.
If your family enjoys visiting children’s museums, I recommend checking out this one!
Some of our favorite exhibits include the Climber– a fun climbing structure, the Market role play area (perfect for younger kids), Noodle Forest, and Move It– an outdoor exhibit.
Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is also a great place to visit. 🐘 🦘🦩
We are members at our local zoo so our membership card allows us to get 50% off admission at this zoo. This is quite a deal!
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Does your local zoo belong to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums? If so, getting a membership there can mean discounted admission at other zoos, including the Phoenix Zoo. For us, this membership has paid for itself many times over when traveling to new cities with our kids. It’s worth considering if you’re planning multiple zoo visits throughout the year!
Besides seeing all of the animals at the zoo, my kids also always enjoy the playgrounds and water areas.
The Phoenix Zoo also has some really fun play areas to check out.
🌟 Make sure to bring a swimsuit or change of clothes in case your kids get wet! 💦
If your family loves visiting zoos, be sure to check out my post with tips for visiting the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, one of the best zoos in the country!
Hole in the Rock Hike (Papago Park)
This easy 0.3-mile hike is perfect for young kids and offers stunning views.
You can also stroll around the lagoon there to spot ducks and geese. My kids enjoyed throwing little pebbles into the water.
Papago Park is also home to the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden!
➡️ You could easily pair your visit to the Hole in the Rock with your day at the zoo!
Hot Air Balloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride over the desert is an unforgettable experience especially at sunset.
While on our most recent trip we did this as a couple, it’s on our list to try with our older boys next time.
Most companies have a minimum age limit of 5, so keep that in mind.
Party Jungle (Phoenix)
Party Jungle is another small but entertaining amusement park indoors in Phoenix. It is best suited for ages 2-10.
We came here a few years ago when the boys were 3 and 5. Personally I think ages 3-7 hits the sweet spot for this indoor amusement park.
Party Jungle has 5 rides plus a miniature golf course and arcade.
It also has laser tag and a climbing/play structure. Party Jungle is a great option for fun if you are looking to get inside for a bit.
Shamrock Farms (Maricopa)
Located in Maricopa which is about an hour from the Phoenix area, Shamrock Farms is a fun and educational dairy farm.
We took the kids here a few years ago, and they had a blast. It is not every day you get the opportunity to visit a dairy farm.
If you want to take a tour you do have to book a reservation ahead of time.
On the tour you ride on a tram around the dairy farm and see how it works. It is so interesting and the kids loved it! Their favorite activity was getting to feed the baby cows. 🐄
Additionally, Shamrock Farms has a fun little play area on the tour as well as a museum.
It also has an ice cream parlor so your family can get an ice cream treat too! 🍦
Goldfield Ghost Town (Apache Junction)
We have also taken the kids to Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction a few times, and it is a super fun and unique experience too! 🤠
Goldfield Ghost Town has lots of historic buildings to check out. You really get to feel what it was like to live back in the Old West. They also have an Old West gunfight to see.
Additionally, Goldfield Ghost Town has a zipline, narrow gauge railroad, mine tour, and other museums and tours.
It is easy to spend at least a half day here!
They have a saloon you can eat at as well as a bakery and ice cream shop. I recommend visiting Goldfield Ghost Town. You will not be disappointed!
Our Favorite Phoenix Area Family-Friendly Restaurants
Organ Stop Pizza (Mesa)
Located in Mesa, Organ Stop Pizza is a fun and memorable place to eat with your family.
The highlight of this restaurant is the music from the gigantic pipe piano. 🎹
Organ Stop Pizza is unique in that it is counter service and then you have to find a place to sit in the dining hall. Sometimes finding seating can be a bit challenging especially when it’s busy.
The organ is massive and there is so much to look at.
The music makes eating dinner so much more fun! The organist plays both a mix of songs they choose as well as takes requests.
If you get a chance to eat here, you will not be disappointed.
It is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that you won’t find anywhere else.
Joe’s Farm Grill (Gilbert)
Joe’s Farm Grill is located in Gilbert and is another unique and family-friendly place to eat.
This is another counter service restaurant with the choice to dine inside or outside at one of their picnic tables.
All of their fresh ingredients are grown right on the property at the Agritopia Farm. The food is phenomenal, and the atmosphere is fun and great for kids.
➡️ Side note: The restrooms have a couple of fun surprises to see in them too.
🌟 Usually after our meal, we walk over to enjoy the community garden. It is a very peaceful spot and nice place to walk around and talk about gardening with the kids. 👩🌾
Oregano’s Pizza
Oregano’s Pizza has a number of locations throughout the area.
We LOVE pizza so we really enjoy eating at Oregano’s.
The kids enjoy playing with pizza dough while we are waiting for our food.
Oregano’s has a fun atmosphere and yummy pizza. We definitely recommend it if you are looking for some good pizza. 🍕
Floridino’s Pizza and Pasta (Chandler)
Another one of our favorite pizza spots is in Chandler and is locally owned. When you go inside, it will definitely have a small town pizza joint feel. I personally love it!
Floridino’s is known for its pizza muffins which are so delicious. I recommend ordering some!
This restaurant will definitely feel less touristy and more local.
Sugar Bowl (Scottsdale
This nostalgic ice cream parlor in Old Town Scottsdale is a must-visit. The entire family will love the retro atmosphere and sweet treats! 🍨
Plus, it is fun to walk around and see the sights in Old Town Scottsdale too!
Plan Your Family Vacation to Phoenix Today
Phoenix is truly packed with family-friendly fun, offering something new to discover every visit.
Plan your family fun in Phoenix today and see why it’s one of my favorite family-friendly winter vacation spots across the U.S. Don’t forget to check out the full list for even more inspiration!
We hope these recommendations help you create an unforgettable family vacation in Phoenix.
Happy planning!
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May you LOVE your adventure! KW
