18 Fun Things to Do in Arizona with Kids on Your Next Trip

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.