Are you headed to Scottsdale for a family vacation? We don’t blame you! There is so much to do in this bustling and fun town that you will never run out of things to do. It doesn’t matter if you head here during the day of winter, or you come here during a summer heat wave; we guarantee there is always something for you and your kids to partake in during your stay here. Teenagers can enjoy going hiking, while you will love bringing your toddlers to educational activities and strolls through one of the many parks. Just check out some of the top family-friendly activities in Scottsdale – we challenge you to get through this entire list!
Head to Old Town Scottsdale
The best thing to do when in Scottsdale is to head to the Old Town. Although it is called the “Old” Town, it isn’t just for “old” people! The Old Town makes it feel like you are back in Western times, featuring antique shops, Western-themed and saloon-style bars, cool shops, souvenir spots, video game arcades, horse-drawn carriage rides, Southwestern jewelry, and an ice cream shop that we know your kids are going to love. We recommend heading here Thursday night from 7 to 9 pm to enjoy the ArtWalk featuring local artists, live music, food vendors, and great drinks!
Go Shopping at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
Need to bring home some souvenirs for your friends? Look no further! The Scottsdale Civic Center Mall features tons of outdoor space, gardens for walking around, fountains for hopping into on a hot day, a Public Library with a children’s book section, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts to watch local artists and musicians at their craft, and ample stores that are great for getting a date night outfit or a unique piece of jewelry.
Watch the Marine Life at the OdySea Aquarium
Another cool thing to do with your friends or family is to go to the aquarium! This bustling and busy aquarium is great for a rare rainy day in Scottsdale – or when you simply want to escape the smoldering heat on a mid-summer day! The OdySea Aquarium is the largest in the Southwest, featuring over 200,000+ square footage of marine animals, wildlife, flora, fauna, and activities.
Take Photos of Incredible Butterflies
If you are in the mood for a nature-filled day, head to the Butterfly Wonderland at the Arizona Boardwalk. This is the country’s largest butterfly conservatory, featuring butterflies, moths, 3D theater to watch an immersive experience, free-flying animals, and even more animals that are great for kids who are curious about the world.
Go for a Hike
One of the best activities to do with your kids during our time in Arizona is to go hiking! You can go hiking with kids of all ages; you just have to pick the right trail that works for your kids’ ages and fitness levels. We recommend choosing an easy trail to start with and see how they handle it. One of the best easy trails in Scottsdale is starting at the Gateway Trailhead in McDowell Sonoran Preserve and choosing a shorter loop. Once your kids thrive on this fun and exciting day out in the wilderness, you can then tackle Camelback Mountain to get amazing views of the valley down below!
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Last but not least, we recommend going to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park if you want to have a fun and educational activity that is great for kids of all ages! If your younger toddlers are not super interested in the railroads and locomotives, then we recommend going to the playground and the Old Western area; that is exciting and good for kids who want to burn off extra energy! You can also head inside the Scottsdale Railroad Museum if you are interested in the history of the area and want to have an educational activity with your children while you escape the heat.
Once you head back outside, make sure you take a ride on the Paradise Pacific Railroad. This is the true highlight of the park, featuring a large locomotive chugging along the scenic course. Bring your kids of all ages on this ride to watch them laugh and giggle at the incredible experience! Plus, don’t worry – you will be able to get theme-park-type food at the Snackstop, featuring hamburgers, chicken fingers, French fries, hamburgers, and ice cream to cool off on a hot day. Sit in one of the picnic areas and watch the trains go by on a nice sunny day to have a relaxing afternoon with your children!
Plan Your Family Getaway
See, finding family-friendly activities in Scottsdale for kids of all ages doesn’t have to be hard! Scottsdale makes it easy for you to plan a family-oriented vacation that won’t break the bank. There is so much to do here all year round. Contact us today to book your Scottsdale rental and start planning your visit!
