Phoenix, Arizona is full of family-friendly destinations for kids of all ages. It has zoos, museums, amusement parks—all waiting to be explored and enjoyed. So grab your sunscreen and sense of adventure, and take your pick from our list of fun family things to do in Phoenix, Arizona this weekend.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
Buckle your seatbelts, and get ready for a day of spinning, flying, driving, dropping, and rock and rolling! Enchanted Island is home to Arizona’s oldest carousel, as well as other exciting rides like the Parachute Tower and the Red Baron.
You can even form teams and spray each other with water guns at the Castle Clash, or race to the top at the Giant Climbing Wall. Got a need for speed? Go to the Rock-N-Roll area and whirl your car as fast as you can as you spin around the revolving platform.
There are also numerous attractions for younger kids, such as kiddie cars, a mini roller coaster, bumper boats, a Splash Zone with water buckets and a dumping bucket, and several coin-operated rides. Or, take a relaxing ride on the CP Huntington train or the pedal boats, and bask in Arizona’s sunshine.
Phoenix Zoo
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Book a tour of the Phoenix Zoo and see amazing animals while learning about conservation and the environment. Kids can also watch animal presentations, or join special tours and activities like a visit to a farm or a walk through a forest.
The area also has a lagoon and a splash pad in a cavern, and a unique carousel that features endangered species. You can also rent their “rydables” – electric carts that look like giant stuffed animals – and tour the zoo in style.
OdySea Aquarium
Kids of all ages (and adults too) will love OdySea Aquarium. It has a two-million gallon aquarium filled with diverse marine life, including sea turtles, otters, sharks, penguins, and more.
You can explore the sprawling complex by taking the submerged escalators or the sea carousels, and check out museum exhibits like The Rivers of the World. Be sure to check out the virtual reality pods at Kids’ Cove, and the Touch Pool where you can interact with different kinds of species.
Wildlife World Zoo ; Aquarium
You can’t skip a trip to one of the best zoos in Arizona! The Wildlife World Zoo houses 600 different species—the state’s largest collection of endangered and exotic animals.
Meet cheetahs and other wild beasts while riding a train through the safari park, then head to Dragon World to see giant lizards from all over the world. At the adventure area, kids can also see bears, bobcats, deer, and other species from North and South America. The final stop is the aquarium, which even has Amazon river monsters.
Kids can also participate in animal feedings, or meet furry friends at the petting zoo. There are also kid-friendly rides and a carousel.
Legoland Discovery Center
You can spend an entire day at Legoland, Arizona. Check out the miniature replicas of famous landmarks, including the Grand Canyon. Enjoy a virtual reality Lego Race, or watch a 4D Lego movie. Go for a spin at the Merlin’s Apprentice ride, or battle it out at Kingdom Quest.
Kids can also sign up for a Lego workshop, or spend hours at the indoor two-story Lego Playground. They can also create a car and participate in races.
Castles N’ Coaster
This popular amusement park has 20 thrilling rides, including a Free Fall and Splashdown, that will take you to new heights and through dizzying speeds.
You can also pick from over 150 arcade and pinball games, play at the 18-hole mini golf courses, take the rope and obstacle course, or enjoy an immersive virtual reality experience at the Saber Arcade. Be sure to check out the XD Dark Ride, a group play activity that uses 3D graphics—you’ll fight off zombies and monsters together, and compete to get the highest score.
Arizona Science Center
This is considered one of the United States’ best science museums for kids. It has 300 interactive exhibits, one of the most technologically advanced planetariums, a state-of-the-art theater with a five-story screen, and even a CREATE Makerspace where the whole family can collaborate on a project.
Be sure to check their calendar for special exhibitions that dive deep into special themes. For example, the astronaut exhibit demonstrates the effects of microgravity, and challenges kids to solve problems that real astronauts have to face in space. They also hold talks, virtual field trips, and special tours for preschoolers.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
One of Arizona’s biggest water parks, Six Flags promises a whole day of fun in the sun. It has one of the country’s best water slides and the first dueling water coaster, pipelines and white water rafting, racer slides, and an interactive water playground for little kids.
Take a break and enjoy a snack at the poolside food carts and beach side grills, or stay until evening to watch fireworks displays and other special events.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
The Children’s Museum is specially designed for little kids. The interactive exhibits engage all their senses, and explain science concepts in fun and concrete ways. They even have Baby Zones and a play space for kids below three years old!
The museum has a foam zone, art studio, a block area, a book loft, a mini-market where they can role play, and many more. Each area is child-safe and designed by experts in educational psychology and child development.
Phoenix Art Museum
Soak in fine art, history and culture at the Phoenix Art Museum. Considered the largest museum in the Southwest, it has 19,000 objects from all over the world, ranging from paintings to fashion to photography.
The museum also has special performances by dance troupes, talks from local artists, special exhibits, film festivals, and storytime for little kids.
Goldfield Ghost Town
Take a trip back in time. The Goldfield Ghost Town captures the time of the Gold Rush. The town has 3 saloons, a general store, school house and more—and townsfolk dressed in era-appropriate costumes will interact with you. You can also pan for gold, tour the gold mine, visit the museum, and watch an Old West showdown performed by famous gunfighters.
Fun for the young and old
Enjoy the weekend with your family with this list of fun family things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. You can learn together, laugh together, and make wonderful memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
