10 Things to do in Phoenix with Kids

The city of Phoenix has a variety of parks and green spaces where children can run, play and enjoy the outdoors, as well as interactive museums designed to stimulate their curiosity. Whether kids are interested in nature, science, art or history, Phoenix has activities and attractions they'll love.

Among the many things to do in Phoenix with kids are water parks, roller coasters and experiences that introduce them to the great diversity of life on the planet. In addition, Phoenix has a warm climate all year round, so you can enjoy even more of all the activities for kids in the city, like the ones I suggest in this article.

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix is an amazing experience to enjoy with kids. You'll be amazed by the huge collection of instruments from around the world that you can see at this museum, which features some 7,500 pieces.

At the MIM, children can participate in interactive activities such as playing instruments in the Experience Gallery, and experimenting with different sounds and rhythms. In addition, the museum offers special guided tours for children, where they can learn about the history and diversity of music in a fun way.

One of the highlights of the MIM is the Live Musical Instrument Room, where visitors can enjoy performances by musicians from different cultures and musical styles. Children will marvel at seeing and hearing exotic instruments such as the sitar, Japanese taiko or button accordion.

In addition to exhibits, the museum offers workshops and educational programs for children of all ages. It is certainly one of the best museums in Phoenix, where they can learn to make their own instruments, explore music through technology or participate in interactive activities that encourage their creativity.

Facts of Interest

• Location: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix.
• Hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Admission fee: about 22 ¤ for adults, about 12 ¤ for children and from 16 ¤ for teenagers from 13 to 19 years old.

The Phoenix Zoo is a must-see destination for families visiting the city, where, in addition to meeting the animals that live in the zoo, they can participate in activities designed especially for children and different proposals to interact with the animals.

For example, they can feed the giraffes, have close encounters with farm animals and participate in educational talks about wildlife conservation. They will also be able to enjoy a play area where there are climbing structures and slides.

One of the most outstanding features of the Phoenix Zoo is its focus on conservation and animal welfare, making it a place where children can learn about the importance of protecting the environment and preserving endangered species.

While it is an ideal year-round visit, it is best to visit in the months when the heat is not as strong, such as December and January in Phoenix.

Facts of Interest

• Location: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir Suite 145, Tempe, AZ 85282.
• Hours: daily from 11 am to 5 pm.
• Admission fee: about 28 € per person.

Castle and Coasters is a must-see destination for families visiting Phoenix, as it is a theme park where you will find a variety of attractions and entertainment for children of all ages. The park is open every day, and inside you will find several restaurants to recharge your batteries.

At Castle and Coasters, children can enjoy roller coasters, and even an aquatic area called Splashdown, where the little ones can splash and have fun on slides and water games. It's definitely one of the best things to do in Phoenix during the summer.

For kids who prefer team games, Castle and Coasters offers a castle-themed miniature golf course, and go-kart tracks where they can enjoy racing and speed. With its wide variety of rides, games and entertainment options, this park is a must-stop for families looking for fun in Phoenix.

Facts of Interest

• Location: 9445 N Metro Pkwy E, Phoenix, AZ 85051.
• Hours: daily from 5 am to 10 am. Some rides may run after 3pm.
• Admission fee: about $10 per person per ride. Unlimited rides per day pass costs about 45 €.

In the Arizona desert, LEGOLAND is one of the must-see stops if you are traveling with children, as it offers endless adventures based on the iconic building bricks. In addition, visitors can enjoy attractions such as roller coasters, interactive rides, car tracks, and incredible constructions such as dinosaurs and a replica of Downtown Phoenix.

LEGOLAND Arizona also offers educational and creative activities, such as LEGO building workshops, and interactive exhibits that teach about science, technology, engineering and math in a fun way. There is also a LEGO store with a wide selection of unique themed sets and products for you to purchase.

To get the most out of your visit to LEGOLAND, I recommend you arrive early. I also suggest you check the events calendar, as there are often special activities and live entertainment, such as at Christmas time in Phoenix.

The Center offers food and beverage options inside the park, but if you prefer to bring your own food, there are special areas where you can have a picnic. Without a doubt, LEGOLAND Arizona is a destination that combines fun, learning and adventure for the whole family.

Facts and figures of interest

• Location: 5000 Arizona Mills Circle, STE 135, Tempe, Arizona 85282.
• Hours: daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Last admission at 3 p.m.
• Admission fee: about $29 per person.
• How to get there: from downtown Phoenix you can get there by bus in about two hours.

Encanto Park in Phoenix is a perfect destination for a family outing with children, as it offers a variety of activities designed for the little ones, such as playgrounds equipped with swings, slides and climbing structures.

One of the main attractions at this park is the lake, where children can embark on a pedal boat ride. Children also love to take a ride on a miniature train, and enjoy a tour of Enchanted Island.

Other attractions include the petting zoo, where they can interact with animals such as rabbits, goats and peacocks; and the restored antique carousel, where they can ride this experience from the past.

Interesting facts

• Location: 2605 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
• Hours: daily from 5:30 am to 11 pm.
• Admission fee: admission to the park is free. Train rides cost about €5.

If you are looking for an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family to enjoy during your visit to Phoenix, the Hall of Flame is an ideal choice. This museum houses the most extensive collection of antique firefighting vehicles and artifacts, from antique horse-drawn wagons to modern fire trucks, that kids will love.

Also, in the interactive exhibits at the Hall of Flame, children can learn about the equipment used by firefighters and discover how a rescue operation unfolds. It is an experience that will undoubtedly leave them with a valuable lesson about the importance of this work in society.

A good option for exploring this museum is to join a guided tour, as the guides can tell you in detail about the history and challenges of firefighters over time, so you can take away a more comprehensive experience of this historic Phoenix museum.

Facts of Interest

• Location: 6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008.
• Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Admission fee: about 16 € for adults, from 14 € for teenagers and about 10 € for children.

At Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix, kids have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Arizona's largest water park. There they'll encounter both gentle and dizzying slides, water play areas with sprays and fountains, kiddie pools and a lazy river.

At this park, you can't miss the Tornado, a slide that takes you through a giant funnel before launching you into a pool; or Anaconda, a water slide with multiple turns. For the little ones, Splashwater Beach is the ideal area with soft slides, buckets that fill with water and many more games.

Six Flags Phoenix is about 35 km from the city, and can be reached in an hour and a half by bus or in 25 minutes by car. In the park you will find restaurants with varied menus, a parking lot, and the possibility of renting a cabin or a locker to store your belongings and have a comfortable place to rest. This is definitely one of the day trips from Phoenix that you can't miss.

Interesting facts

• Location: 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale, Arizona 85310.
• Hours: daily from 10:30 am to 9 pm.
• Admission: about $28 per person.

In the heart of Phoenix, Sea Life Aquarium offers an underwater experience that will delight children and adults alike. There you can immerse yourself in the aquatic world while exploring a wide variety of marine exhibits, such as a tunnel where you can enjoy a 360-degree underwater experience.

In addition, Sea Life Aquarium offers a series of interactive activities that will keep children entertained during their visit, while they learn about the importance of marine life conservation through the educational programs they can participate in.

This aquarium is a must on any list of activities to do with kids in the city, as it recreates 12 marine habitats in tunnels and pools. They can even touch small sharks and starfish, if they wish, and see how the animals are fed if it coincides with the time of their visit.

Interesting facts

• Location: 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir Suite 145, Tempe, AZ 85282.
• Hours: daily from 11 am to 5 pm.
• Admission fee: about $28 per person.

South Mountain Park offers a fascinating experience to enjoy nature in Phoenix with the kids. It is ideal if you are staying for about 3 days in Phoenix and want to enjoy the outdoors with your family. It is the largest municipal park in the United States, with the most beautiful panoramic views of the city.

One of the most recommended activities is to hike through the trails of the park. There are routes with different levels of difficulty, suitable for children of all ages, from gentle and scenic trails to more challenging routes, where children and adults can discover the local flora and fauna.

South Mountain Park also offers picnic areas where you can enjoy an outdoor lunch. If you go in summer, remember to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, and avoid the hottest hours of the day. It is also recommended that you visit during the winter months, such as February in Phoenix.

Interesting facts

• Location: 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042.
• Hours: daily from 5 am to 7 pm.
• Admission fee: free.
• How to get there: you can get there by bus in about an hour.

One of the most exciting activities you can do in Phoenix with children is to fly over the Sonoran desert in a hot air balloon. It is an experience that captivates both children and adults, as it combines the experience of the balloon flight with the breathtaking views of the desert and the surrounding mountains.

The flights are usually done in the morning, when you have the opportunity to see the sunrise over the desert horizon, and also at sunset. It is an ideal experience to do in the spring months, such as March or April in Phoenix, when it is not so cold at that time.

Many hot air balloon companies offer specialized services for families, providing safe seats for children and an interactive experience that will allow them to learn about the science and history of hot air balloons.

In addition to the flight itself, some companies also offer breakfast and/or champagne for adults to toast after landing. Undoubtedly, flying in a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience for the whole family, from which they will be able to take a first flight certificate as a souvenir.

Useful information

• Average price: around 184 €.
• Duration: 4 hours, plus the time it takes to get to the north of Phoenix.
• Recommendations: wear comfortable layered clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and binoculars. Consult the minimum age for children to participate.