Arizona is more than a land of desert landscapes—it’s a playground packed with adventure, learning, and laughter for kids of all ages. From hiking iconic red rocks to discovering dinosaurs and stars, the Grand Canyon State serves up unforgettable experiences the whole family will love.
Whether you’re wrangling toddlers or traveling with tweens, here are 18 exciting things to do in Arizona with kids that blend outdoor thrills, hands-on education, and pure fun.
Outdoor Wonders for Little Explorers
From iconic landmarks to cactus-filled trails, Arizona’s outdoors are nature’s playground for curious minds.
1. The Grand Canyon South Rim – Junior Ranger Program
It’s hard to beat the awe of seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. But for kids, the fun goes beyond the views. The Junior Ranger Program invites young explorers to complete activity booklets, attend ranger talks, and earn a real badge. Hike along the easy Rim Trail, hop on a shuttle bus, or take a scenic ride on the Grand Canyon Railway for an unforgettable day outdoors.
2. Sedona’s Red Rock Magic Trolley Tours
Hop aboard this colorful open-air trolley for a narrated tour through Sedona’s stunning red rock formations. It’s a great way to see the scenery without tiring little feet. With different tour routes and fun commentary, kids will love spotting rock shapes like Snoopy and Cathedral Rock while learning about local history and geology along the way.
3. Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix) – Cactus Kids Activities
The Desert Botanical Garden turns desert exploration into a hands-on adventure. Families can follow kid-friendly trails through towering cacti and desert blooms, take part in seasonal scavenger hunts, and enjoy fun educational events like butterfly exhibits and nature play zones that turn learning into play.
Wild West Meets the Playground
Saddle up for some rootin’-tootin’ fun as you step into Arizona’s Wild West, where history comes alive and kids can play cowboy for the day.
4. Goldfield Ghost Town & Mine Tours
Step back into the Old West at this recreated 1890s ghost town just outside of Phoenix. Kids can tour a real gold mine, ride a narrow-gauge train, watch thrilling staged gunfights, and try their hand at gold panning. There’s even a reptile exhibit and ice cream parlor to round out the day.
5. Old Tucson Studios – Family-Friendly Cowboy Fun
Old Tucson brings cowboy movies to life with stunt shows, costume shops, and historic buildings used in classic western films. Kids can ride vintage carousels, hop aboard a mini train, and participate in western-themed activities. It’s a mix of Hollywood flair and real frontier history that’s both entertaining and educational.
6. Rawhide Western Town in Chandler
This free-entry Western town features everything from live stunt shows and petting zoos to mechanical bull rides and stagecoaches. With candy stores, carnival games, and seasonal events, Rawhide offers a fun and flexible day out that appeals to a range of ages.
Educational Fun (They Won’t Know They’re Learning!)
These hands-on museums and skyward-looking observatories make learning so much fun, your kids won’t even realize they’re getting smarter.
7. Arizona Science Center (Phoenix)
This massive hands-on science museum makes STEM come alive for kids. With four levels of interactive exhibits, a Dorrance Planetarium, and ever-changing special exhibits, children can explore everything from physics and human anatomy to weather and flight. Bonus: it’s indoors and air-conditioned, making it a great break from the heat.
8. Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) – Hands-On Global Music Zones
One of Arizona’s most unique museums, MIM introduces children to music from around the world. Kids can see thousands of instruments, enjoy live performances, and play their own music in the Experience Gallery. It’s part music lesson, part world tour—all wrapped in a beautifully designed space that invites curiosity.
9. Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff) – Stargazing Nights for Kids
Nestled in the pine forests of Flagstaff, this historic observatory offers telescopes, multimedia exhibits, and night sky viewing events that make astronomy accessible to kids. Families can join guided star tours, learn about planetary science, and look through the same telescope used to discover Pluto.
Splash, Slide, and Soak
When the desert heat kicks in, these cool spots offer the perfect chance to make a splash, float, or dive into water-filled family fun.
10. Arizona Boardwalk & OdySea Aquarium
Located in Scottsdale, this entertainment district features OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, a dinosaur exhibit, and family-friendly restaurants—all in one walkable complex. OdySea is a must-visit with its rotating viewing theater, sea turtle rescue center, and touch pools where kids can meet stingrays up close.
11. Golfland Sunsplash (Mesa)
Part water park, part arcade, and part miniature golf course, Golfland Sunsplash offers thrills for every member of the family. Speed down waterslides, float on the lazy river, or let the kids splash in tot-friendly zones. After drying off, challenge each other to a round of mini-golf or bumper cars.
12. Lake Havasu Beaches – Family Water Adventures
Perfect for families who love the water, Lake Havasu offers sandy beaches, paddleboard rentals, boat tours, and the chance to walk across the famous London Bridge. Spend the day swimming or kayaking, then grab a lakeside meal as the sun sets over the water.
Unique Arizona-Only Experiences
From butterflies and bears to meteorite craters, these unforgettable stops show off the wild and wonderful side of Arizona that you won’t find anywhere else.
13. Bearizona Wildlife Park (Williams)
Drive through a forested park where bears, bison, and wolves roam freely beside your car. After the safari-style tour, kids can stretch their legs in Fort Bearizona, a walk-through zoo area with otters, jaguars, and interactive animal shows. It’s a wild ride your family won’t forget.
14. Butterfly Wonderland
Walk into a rainforest filled with thousands of free-flying butterflies from around the world. Interactive exhibits include a 3D theater, live ant colony, honeybee hive, and a chrysalis emergence gallery where kids can see butterflies hatching in real time.
15. Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
Stand at the edge of the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. A visitor center packed with interactive exhibits teaches kids about space rocks, craters, and the impact that created this massive hole in the desert floor. It’s both a science lesson and a truly cosmic sight to see.
Day Trips & Roadside Gems
Hit the road and explore these off-the-beaten-path spots that are perfect for spontaneous day trips or adding extra magic to your Arizona adventure.
16. Slide Rock State Park (near Sedona)
Slide Rock is a natural water slide formed by slippery red rocks in Oak Creek Canyon. It’s a must-do for adventurous families who don’t mind getting a little wet. When the water’s low, the area is also great for wading and picnicking with stunning red cliff views.
17. Route 66 & Wigwam Motel (Holbrook)
Travel back in time on America’s most iconic road. In Holbrook, kids can see vintage cars and even sleep in a teepee-shaped motel room at the historic Wigwam Motel. The quirky charm makes for excellent photos and memories that last far longer than the road trip itself.
18. Petrified Forest National Park
This otherworldly landscape is home to colorful petrified logs that are over 200 million years old. Short trails are easy for kids, and the Junior Ranger program offers a great way to learn about ancient fossils, geology, and the history of the Painted Desert.
Where to Stay – Family-Friendly Arizona Resorts
Arizona is packed with energy and excitement, but the best memories are made when you have the perfect home base to return to after a day of exploration.
HÓZHÓ Scottsdale: Your Family’s Desert Retreat
HÓZHÓ offers short-term luxury rentals designed for families looking for more than a hotel. With spacious layouts, private pools, kid-friendly amenities, and fully stocked kitchens, it’s the perfect way to unwind together at the end of a busy day. Exploring museums, chasing waterfalls, or digging into cowboy history—HÓZHÓ Scottsdale brings comfort and style to every family adventure.
Your Family’s Arizona Story Starts Here
Arizona is more than just stunning desert views — it’s a playground for curiosity, connection, and unforgettable memories. Whether your kids are animal lovers, future astronauts, or adventure-seekers, the Grand Canyon State offers something that will stick with them long after the trip ends.
With just the right mix of outdoor fun, hands-on learning, and uniquely Arizona charm, your family getaway can be both exciting and enriching. So pack the sunscreen, load up the camera, and let Arizona surprise you.