Phoenix is probably not the first destination you’d pick for a family destination in the US. However, the city’s beautiful sunny skies, spectacular desert vistas, and a plethora of fun activities make it one of the most underrated destinations to have fun with the whole family. You simply cannot run out of things to do in Phoenix with kids. Here are some of the places you should include in your itinerary.
1. Camelback Mountain
Does your family live for the outdoors? Then you might want to consider going on a hike to Camelback Mountain. You’ll be able to see the stunning view of Phoenix and the lush land beyond it from 2,704 feet above sea level. You can either go it alone or opt for a guided hike using one of two trails. The hike to the top is an arduous journey, but the sense of accomplishment after you get to the top is definitely worth it. Make sure to wear a hat and put on some sunblock. You’ll also need plenty of water. Camelback Mountain is a great option if your kids are teenagers and enjoy the outdoors.
2. Arizona Cardinals Football Training
Make sure to put this in your itinerary for your next vacation in Arizona. If your kids are Cardinal football fans, then you can watch a practice session together at their stadium. Make sure to register your kids for participation in the activities help at the venue. Some of the activities include quarterback toss, obstacle course, and other exercises meant to pique interest in the sport.
3. The Arizona Science Center
Located in downtown Phoenix, this center has been a valuable resource for science and discoverer for both visitors and locals. It features over 300 hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater, the Dorrance Planetarium, and CREATE – a place where engineering, design, and science collide. The kids will learn a whole lot during your visit. They’ll get the opportunity to pedal a bicycle across a cable suspended 15 feet above the ground and find out why the laws of gravity make it impossible to fall. They will also get to lie on a bed of nails, learn about the wonders of the undersea, and other amazing things. During Starry Storytime, they will learn about the planets and starts. This is one of the best things to do in Phoenix with kids.
4. Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Are your kids in love with animals? Then you’ll probably enjoy a day out at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. You’ll get the chance to see amazing animals up-close in a setting that resembles an African bush safari. As the name of the park suggests, you’ll see plenty of African animals at the park including lions, cheetahs, leopards, birds, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, ostriches, zebras, and reptiles from different parts of Africa. The animals roam freely in the spacious park that gives visitors the opportunity to view the creatures in their natural habitat. This is as close as you can get to an African Safari experience without actually going to Africa. Your kids will get the opportunity to get educated and entertained by the myriad of shows at the park. These include the Tiger Splash, Creature Feature, Giant Snake Show, and the Wonders of Wildlife Show.
5. Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland is the biggest rainforest conservatory in the U.S. This destination has been voted as one of Phoenix city’s best for many years. Here, your kids will get the chance to check out the most beautiful bugs up-close. There are more than 3000 butterflies and you can watch them emerge from flowers and tropical plants all day. There are also honey bees and other bugs in the conservatory. Make sure to dress in bright colors such as yellow, orange, and red if you want the butterflies to land on you. This is one of the key Phoenix attractions for families.
6. Musical Instrument Museum
This is a world-renowned Phoenix attraction that you might want to check out. While it sounds like a bore-fest, kids of all ages can have a great time at the museum. There are over 6000 instruments from more than 200 countries across the world exhibited. The museum is ranked among the top 20 museums in the U.S. The 200,00 square foot facility is truly magical. You can spend the whole day there listening to songs and watching videos of performers and dancers. You’ll get a chance to play African drums, shake gourds from Guinea, or strike a Thai gong. Some of the galleries you’ll want to visit include the Geographic Gallery, Mechanical Music Gallery, Artist Gallery, and Experience Gallery. The museum has a state-of-the-art concert hall where they host a number of concerts throughout the year. Be on the lookout for them.
7. Stuffington Bear Factory
If you’re looking for some indoor fun for the whole family, then you might want to check out the Stuffington Factory. You get to learn about the beloved toy teddy bear and how it is manufactured. There are guided tours through the factory from Monday to Saturday from 1 p.m. Kids under 10 are admitted free of charge.
