Scottsdale is more than just sunshine, spas, and shopping — it’s also one of Arizona’s most family-friendly destinations. With exciting attractions ranging from trains and aquariums to hiking trails, wildlife centers, and live theater, the city offers something for every age group. Be it a weekend getaway or a full family vacation, Scottsdale’s blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and kid-friendly activities makes it a perfect choice.
To help with planning, here’s a full guide to the best family-friendly attractions in and around Scottsdale — complete with practical details and insider tips.
Why Scottsdale is Perfect for Kids and Families
When it comes to things to do in Scottsdale with kids, few destinations can match the variety. Families love that the city offers a mix of outdoor adventures, hands-on museums, animal encounters, and plenty of places to cool off in the Arizona sunshine. Younger kids are drawn to train rides, butterfly gardens, and colorful play spaces, while older kids and teens gravitate toward go-kart tracks, waterparks, and live sporting events.
Parents appreciate how safe, clean, and easy Scottsdale is to navigate. Resorts and vacation rentals often come with family-friendly amenities like pools, spacious kitchens, and outdoor living areas, making it simple to balance relaxation with activity. Another major advantage is how close everything is — you can hike desert trails in the morning, explore the aquarium or zoo in the afternoon, and still have time for a ballgame or live show in the evening.
With so many family-friendly things to do in Scottsdale with kids, it’s no surprise the city has become one of Arizona’s most popular destinations for family getaways. To help you plan, here are 22 of the best attractions and activities to add to your list.
1. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
(480) 312-2312
This 30-acre park is one of Scottsdale’s most beloved attractions for families. Kids can climb aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a scenic ride, hop on a beautifully restored vintage carousel, and explore historic train cars. Playgrounds, wide-open lawns, and shaded picnic areas make it the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The on-site museums and model train exhibits also give parents and kids a chance to learn a little history while they play.
Why Kids Love It: Trains, rides, and big playgrounds never get old.
Local Tip: Arrive early on weekends to beat the crowds and bring a picnic to enjoy under the shaded ramadas.
2. The Pavilions at Talking Stick Shopping Center
9180 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
(480) 834-8500
This open-air shopping center goes beyond retail with restaurants, a movie theater, and family-friendly events. With more than 50 shops and eateries, it’s a great place to grab a meal, shop for souvenirs, and take a break from sightseeing. On Saturdays, the center comes alive with its famous car shows, where families can admire everything from vintage classics to cutting-edge electric cars.
Why Kids Love It: The Saturday car shows are a highlight — kids love seeing old and new cars side by side.
Local Tip: Plan your visit for a Saturday afternoon to catch the car show and enjoy free entertainment.
3. OdySea Aquarium
9500 E Vía De Ventura, Ste A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(480) 291-8000
The largest aquarium in the Southwest, OdySea features more than 6,000 animals across 370 species. Guests can wander through underwater walkways, explore touch pools, and enjoy the one-of-a-kind Voyager theater — a rotating stadium that takes visitors past massive tanks filled with sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish. With penguins, otters, stingrays, and educational exhibits, it’s an unforgettable mix of fun and learning.
Why Kids Love It: Touch pools and the rotating theater make it an interactive adventure.
Local Tip: Buy tickets online and allow several hours to explore — there’s a lot to see.
4. Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs
9500 E Via De Ventura C-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(480) 362-3466
Dinosaur fans will be thrilled at this immersive experience, which brings prehistoric times to life through exhibits, animatronic dinosaurs, and educational displays. Families can dig into fossil activities, attend live shows, and get up close with life-sized dino replicas. It’s conveniently located near Butterfly Wonderland, making it easy to pair the two attractions in one day.
Why Kids Love It: Life-sized dinosaurs feel real, and hands-on exhibits let them play paleontologist.
Local Tip: Plan a couple of hours here — it’s engaging for both quick visits and all-day dino lovers.
5. Butterfly Wonderland
9500 E Via de Ventura # F100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(480) 291-8000
The largest indoor butterfly pavilion in North America, Butterfly Wonderland is a rainforest oasis filled with thousands of butterflies. Families can walk among the butterflies as they flutter freely through tropical plants, koi ponds, and flowers. Visitors can also see butterflies emerge from chrysalises and learn about their life cycle, along with other rainforest creatures like reptiles and tropical fish.
Why Kids Love It: The chance to have a butterfly land on their shoulder is pure magic.
Local Tip: Go in the morning for the most active butterfly activity.
6. Museum of Illusions Scottsdale
9500 E Vía, Ventura Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(480) 270-6640
Step into a world of mind-bending fun at this hands-on museum. Optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and gravity-defying rooms create endless photo opportunities and plenty of laughs. Families can walk through mirror mazes, stand in upside-down rooms, and experience visual tricks that challenge perception while entertaining all ages.
Why Kids Love It: Every room is a new surprise — and a perfect place for silly family photos.
Local Tip: Don’t forget your camera — this place is designed for photo ops.
7. Scottsdale Stadium
7408 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-312-2173
Baseball fans will love Scottsdale Stadium, home of the San Francisco Giants spring training and the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League. The stadium hosts baseball events year-round and is located right in downtown Scottsdale, making it easy to pair with a meal or stroll through Old Town before or after a game.
Why Kids Love It: Watching pro athletes up close makes the game come alive.
Local Tip: Spring training season is especially fun — but tickets sell out fast, so plan ahead.
8. Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
(480) 478-6000
The world’s largest museum of its kind, MIM houses over 15,000 instruments from 200 countries. Families can listen to instruments from every corner of the globe and even play some in the hands-on Experience Gallery. Interactive technology and live performances make the museum lively and engaging.
Why Kids Love It: The chance to try out instruments makes it an active experience, not just a museum visit.
Local Tip: Plan at least half a day to explore — the exhibits are vast and immersive.
9. Wandering Heart Adventures
8311 East Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(928) 533-3734
For families wanting to explore beyond Scottsdale, Wandering Heart Adventures offers guided day trips to some of Arizona’s most stunning natural and historical sites. From the Grand Canyon to Sedona, tours can be customized for groups, with expert guides leading the way. It’s a great option for families who prefer a stress-free day of sightseeing.
Why Kids Love It: Adventure-filled trips with plenty of photo-worthy stops.
Local Tip: Ask about customizable tours if your family has a particular interest or pace.
10. Four Peaks Mining Co.
9500 E Via De Ventura Ste D110, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(480) 434-6074
This gem and mineral shop doubles as a mini-museum, with dazzling displays of rocks and gemstones. Visitors can walk through a replicated mine shaft to see how minerals form underground. Knowledgeable staff explain the history and science behind the stones, making it both beautiful and educational.
Why Kids Love It: Sparkling gems and the mine tunnel feel like a treasure hunt.
Local Tip: Great place for affordable souvenirs that feel unique to Arizona.
11. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre
7014 E Camelback Rd Ste 0586, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 483-1664
Inside Scottsdale Fashion Square, this intimate theater stages professional-level productions, from musicals to plays for kids and families. With small audiences and up-close performances, it’s an immersive theater experience perfect for young theatergoers.
Why Kids Love It: Seeing favorite characters live on stage is a thrilling change from screen time.
Local Tip: Combine a theater visit with shopping or dining at Fashion Square for a full outing.
12. MacDonald’s Ranch
26540 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(385) 835-3705
Saddle up for a Western adventure at Scottsdale’s premier horseback riding stable. Families can enjoy guided horseback rides through the Sonoran Desert, stagecoach rides, cowboy cookouts, and seasonal events like the pumpkin patch. Gentle horses and friendly guides make it accessible for beginners.
Why Kids Love It: Horses, hayrides, and cowboy culture make this a true Arizona experience.
Local Tip: Sunset rides are unforgettable — bring your camera.
13. Phoenix Zoo
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
(602) 286-3800
As one of the largest nonprofit zoos in the country, the Phoenix Zoo spans 125 acres and is home to nearly every animal you can imagine. Families can walk through themed trails, see elephants, giraffes, and big cats, and attend daily educational programs. The zoo emphasizes conservation and education while keeping kids entertained.
Why Kids Love It: From petting zoos to safari animals, there’s always something exciting to see.
Local Tip: Rent a scooter or stroller to cover more ground comfortably.
14. Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 941-1225
Nestled in Papago Park, this 140-acre garden showcases thousands of desert plants in beautiful, curated exhibits. Families can stroll along trails, enjoy seasonal displays, and learn about the unique plants that thrive in Arizona’s climate. Springtime blooms make the garden especially vibrant.
Why Kids Love It: Towering cacti and colorful blooms make it feel like stepping into another world.
Local Tip: Visit in spring for spectacular cactus flowers and cooler walking weather.
15. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
3939 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 312-7013
This permanently protected desert preserve covers more than 30,000 acres with over 180 miles of trails. Families can choose from easy nature walks to more challenging hikes. Along the way, kids can spot lizards, birds, and desert plants while parents soak in the sweeping mountain views.
Why Kids Love It: Easy trails let them feel like real explorers.
Local Tip: Visit early in the morning for cooler temps and better wildlife sightings.
16. Rainbow Ryders
715 E Covey Ln Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85024
(800) 725-2477
A hot air balloon ride is a once-in-a-lifetime family experience. Rainbow Ryders offers sunrise and sunset flights over the Sonoran Desert, giving breathtaking views of cacti, mountains, and desert wildlife. Professional pilots keep rides safe and smooth, even for first-timers.
Why Kids Love It: Floating above the desert feels like magic.
Local Tip: Dress warmly for sunrise flights — it’s chilly before the sun comes up.
17. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
27026 N 156th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262-9524
(385) 835-3705
This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates native Arizona wildlife. Families can book guided tours to see animals like mountain lions, black bears, coyotes, and bobcats up close. The nonprofit center focuses on education and conservation while giving visitors a rare look at animals in a natural desert setting.
Why Kids Love It: Getting close to rescued wild animals is both exciting and memorable.
Local Tip: Tours must be booked in advance — space is limited.
18. Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 686-9539
Voted the #1 Western museum in the U.S., this Old Town Scottsdale museum highlights the history, culture, and art of the American West. From cowboy artifacts to Native American history and Western art, the museum’s exhibits are both educational and visually engaging.
Why Kids Love It: Cowboy gear, art, and frontier history spark imagination.
Local Tip: Visit in the morning when galleries are quieter.
19. Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary
N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 513-4377
This nonprofit sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating reptiles. Families can take public or private tours to learn about snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. Kids can feed or interact with some reptiles in a safe setting, helping them overcome fears while having fun.
Why Kids Love It: Feeding reptiles is a thrill, and the variety of animals is fascinating.
Local Tip: Book ahead if you want a private or customized experience.
20. Octane Raceway
9119 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
(602) 302-7223
The only full-time indoor/outdoor go-kart track in the U.S., Octane Raceway offers high-speed fun for families with older kids. European-style electric karts reach speeds of up to 45 mph on a challenging track that blends indoor and outdoor sections. Beyond racing, there’s also an arcade, mini bowling, and a restaurant for all-day entertainment.
Why Kids Love It: Speed, competition, and bragging rights.
Local Tip: Arrive early to register and get a spot in line — weekends can get busy.
21. Great Wolf Lodge Arizona
7333 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
1-888-962-9653
This family-focused resort is home to a massive indoor water park, complete with slides, pools, and splash zones perfect for all ages. Families staying overnight can enjoy themed rooms and kid-centered activities, while day passes are available for those who just want to cool off and play. The resort also has restaurants, arcades, and mini-golf, making it an all-in-one family destination.
Why Kids Love It: Endless water slides and activities feel like a theme park getaway.
Local Tip: Day passes sell out quickly — book in advance.
22. Enchanted Island
1202 W Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 254-1200
Located inside Encanto Park, this charming amusement park is designed for younger children. With 11 rides geared toward ages 1–10, it’s perfect for families with little ones. Families love the relaxed atmosphere, affordable rides, and easy layout that feels less overwhelming than big theme parks.
Why Kids Love It: Kid-sized rides make it feel like their own personal theme park.
Local Tip: Admission is free — you only pay for the rides you want.
Make the Most of Your Family Vacation in Scottsdale
With endless sunshine, desert beauty, and so many kid-friendly attractions, Scottsdale is one of Arizona’s best destinations for families. From trains and aquariums to hot air balloons and water parks, there’s something here for every age and interest.To make your trip even more memorable, HÓZHÓ Scottsdale offers beautiful vacation rentals that put you close to Scottsdale’s top family attractions. Book your stay today and start planning an unforgettable family adventure in the desert!