Best Family Activities in Phoenix, Arizona (Kids Welcome)
Phoenix is one of the best cities in the country for families. Year-round sunshine, abundant outdoor space, and a range of free and low-cost attractions make it genuinely family-friendly.
South Mountain Park
One of the largest municipal parks in the United States — over 16,000 acres within Phoenix city limits. Miles of hiking and biking trails for families with kids of all ages. Views of the city from the summit are among the best in the metro. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat in summer.
Papago Park and the Phoenix Zoo
Papago Park is home to the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, and Hole-in-the-Rock — a natural sandstone formation with a short trail kids love. The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest private zoos in the country with strong family programming.
Encanto Park and Enchanted Island
Encanto Park has a small amusement park called Enchanted Island that operates on weekends with rides sized for young children. The park has paddleboats, a lagoon, and wide grass areas perfect for picnics.
Children's Museum of Phoenix
One of the best children's museums in the Southwest. Located downtown in a converted 1913 schoolhouse with three floors of hands-on exhibits for ages 0-10. Noodle Forest, the rooftop bike track, and the art studios are consistently popular.
Arizona Science Center
300+ hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and a giant-screen theater. Well-suited for ages 5 and up with solid STEM programming.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Arcadia — tree-lined streets, good schools, access to parks and hiking
Ahwatukee — suburban, family-oriented, close to South Mountain
Gilbert — highly rated schools, low crime, strong family infrastructure
Quick Tips
- Go outdoors before 9am in summer — Phoenix heat is manageable in early morning
- Phoenix Zoo membership pays for itself in two visits
- Enchanted Island at Encanto Park is great for toddlers
- Arizona Science Center and Children's Museum are climate-controlled for hot days
FAQ
Q: What is the best free thing to do with kids in Phoenix?
A: South Mountain Park is free and enormous. Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park is also free and perfect for young kids.
Q: Is the Phoenix Zoo worth the price?
A: Yes, especially with a membership. It is one of the largest private zoos in the US.
Q: What is there to do with toddlers in Phoenix?
A: Children's Museum of Phoenix, Enchanted Island at Encanto Park, and the toddler areas at the Phoenix Zoo.
Q: Are there indoor activities for kids when it is too hot?
A: Yes — Arizona Science Center, Children's Museum, and the Heard Museum are all climate-controlled.
Q: Which Phoenix neighborhoods are best for families?
A: Arcadia, Ahwatukee, and Gilbert consistently rank as the most family-friendly areas.