Scottsdale, Arizona, offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and family-friendly fun, making it a great destination for families looking to escape, explore, and create unforgettable memories together. Known for its gorgeous desert landscapes, sunny weather, and rich cultural heritage, Scottsdale offers a wide variety of activities and attractions suitable for all ages. Whether you’re looking to hike in the desert, explore museums, or relax by the pool, Scottsdale has something to keep everyone entertained. Discover the perfect family-friendly Scottsdale vacation here!
Outdoor Adventures for the Whole Family
Scottsdale’s location in the Sonoran Desert provides ample opportunities for families to get outdoors and experience its stunning landscapes. From scenic hikes to thrilling jeep tours, there’s no shortage of activities for families to enjoy together in the great outdoors.
Family-Friendly Hiking Trails
One of the best ways to experience Scottsdale’s beauty is through hiking. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers a number of kid-friendly trails that wind through the desert, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. Trails like the Gateway Loop Trail are great for younger children and those new to hiking, as the terrain is relatively flat, and the path is easy to follow. The natural beauty of the desert, including towering cacti and desert wildlife, makes for a truly special hike. For families with older children, Camelback Mountain offers a more challenging hike, but the reward at the top is well worth the effort. The view of the city from the top of Camelback is one of the best in Scottsdale. These hiking experiences allow families to connect with nature and enjoy quality time outdoors, while still keeping the whole family engaged.
For those with smaller children, or those looking for an easy stroll, Lost Dog Wash is a relatively short, flat hike that offers beautiful desert views and the chance to spot wildlife. It’s a great introduction to the desert and offers a slower pace for families with young ones.
Thrilling Desert Jeep Tours
For those who want to explore the desert in a more thrilling way, Scottsdale also offers jeep tours that venture off the beaten path. These guided tours provide families with an exciting ride through rugged desert terrain while learning about the local ecosystem and geology. The guides make the experience both fun and educational, giving families a chance to see the desert up close, including its cacti, wildlife, and unique rock formations. Whether you opt for a private tour or a group tour, these family-friendly things to do in Scottsdale are guaranteed to be the highlights of your trip.
Horseback Riding in Scottsdale
Another exciting way to experience the desert is by horseback. Scottsdale offers several horseback riding tours that allow you to take in the desert beauty while on horseback. Whether you’re riding through the Tonto National Forest or the surrounding hills, these tours give families a chance to experience the desert’s flora and fauna in an unforgettable way. Guides offer information about the history and ecology of the desert, providing both an educational and exciting activity for the whole family. For those with younger children, there are kid-friendly pony rides available.
Cultural and Educational Attractions
While outdoor adventures are certainly a major draw for Scottsdale, the city also offers a wealth of cultural and educational attractions that are perfect for families. These museums and interactive exhibits offer a great way for children to learn while having fun.
Scottsdale Museum of the West
The Scottsdale Museum of the West is a great place to introduce kids to the history and culture of the American West. Featuring exhibits on Native American art, Western heritage, and frontier life, the museum provides a unique educational experience that both kids and adults will appreciate. This museum also has interactive exhibits that engage children and allow them to learn through hands-on activities. The museum often hosts family-friendly workshops and storytelling sessions, making it easy for kids to dive deeper into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Arizona Science Center
Located just a short drive from Scottsdale, the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix offers hands-on exhibits that will fascinate children of all ages. The exhibits cover everything from space exploration to the human body. There are also live science demonstrations and a planetarium, making it an educational and engaging experience for the whole family. The interactive exhibits are designed to make science fun, with many features that encourage kids to engage with the displays. You’ll find exhibits on weather, physics, and the environment, as well as rotating exhibitions that offer new and exciting experiences each time you visit.
Butterfly Wonderland and OdySea Aquarium
If you’re looking for something fun and unique for your family-friendly Scottsdale trip, Butterfly Wonderland is a must-visit. This indoor butterfly conservatory in Scottsdale allows families to walk through a lush rainforest environment filled with thousands of butterflies. Children will love seeing the butterflies up close, and the interactive exhibits are sure to keep them engaged. The nearby OdySea Aquarium also offers a chance to explore marine life, with its large tanks filled with sharks, stingrays, and other fascinating sea creatures. The aquarium also features interactive experiences like touch pools, making it a great family outing for kids who enjoy animals. The two attractions are conveniently located next to each other, making it easy for families to visit both in one trip.
Kid-Friendly Entertainment in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is home to a variety of kid-friendly entertainment options that cater to families looking for fun, action-packed experiences. Whether your children are toddlers or teens, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
Big Surf Waterpark
For more outdoor fun, families can visit Big Surf Waterpark in nearby Tempe. This waterpark is perfect for families looking to cool off and have fun together. With water slides, a lazy river, and wave pools, there’s something for every age group to enjoy. The park is perfect for a day of family fun in the sun, offering a chance for kids to splash around and make lasting memories. For younger children, there’s a designated kids’ area with shallow pools and smaller slides, ensuring that they can enjoy the water safely.
TopGolf
TopGolf is a great option for families with kids and teens who want to have fun together in a casual, interactive environment. This high-tech driving range allows players to hit microchipped golf balls toward targets. It’s fun for all skill levels and perfect for a group of people with varying interests. The facility also offers food and drinks, making it a great place for a family to hang out and enjoy a few hours of casual entertainment. The relaxed atmosphere is ideal for families who want to have fun without feeling rushed.
Family-Friendly Dining in Scottsdale
While enjoying all of the wonderful activities Scottsdale has to offer, dining options are also essential for a successful family vacation. Fortunately, Scottsdale offers a wide range of family-friendly restaurants with something for every palate. Whether you’re craving American comfort food, Italian pasta, or fresh seafood, Scottsdale has it all.
The Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl, a retro-style diner in Old Town Scottsdale, serves classic American fare and is known for its delicious milkshakes and sundaes—perfect for a family treat. This nostalgic diner also offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a great spot for any time of the day. Kids will love the playful decor and tasty desserts, while parents can enjoy a delicious meal in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to end a busy day of sightseeing.
Oregano’s
Oregano’s, a casual Italian eatery, is another great family spot in Scottsdale. Known for its large portions and delicious pizza, pasta, and salads, Oregano’s offers something for everyone in the family. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make it a popular choice for families looking to enjoy a hearty meal together in Scottsdale. It’s a great place to enjoy classic Italian comfort food in a laid-back environment, and kids can easily share pizza or pasta.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
For families craving Italian food, The Old Spaghetti Factory offers a fun, affordable dining experience. With family-style seating and a menu that includes classic pasta dishes, kids will love the large portions and the ability to share. This restaurant also has a variety of options for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring that everyone can find something they enjoy. The Old Spaghetti Factory’s atmosphere is lively and fun, with décor that appeals to both kids and adults.
Your Family-Friendly Rental with Scottsdale Rentals
When planning a family vacation, choosing the right accommodations is essential to making your trip smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. At Scottsdale Rentals, we offer a variety of spacious and comfortable vacation homes that are ideal for families of all sizes. These rentals offer the flexibility and convenience of a home away from home, with ample space for everyone to spread out and relax.
Our family-friendly vacation rentals in Scottsdale provide ample room for larger families or those traveling with extended family members. These homes feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring that everyone has their own space and privacy while still being able to gather and spend quality time together. The spacious living areas provide a great space for playing games, watching movies, or simply hanging out.
Many of Scottsdale Rentals’ family-friendly homes come with fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to save money by preparing your own meals instead of dining out. Cooking together as a family can be a fun and meaningful experience, and having a kitchen on-site allows families to enjoy home-cooked meals in the comfort of their rental. This not only saves money but also gives you the flexibility to cook at your own pace, whether you’re preparing breakfast before a hike or a casual dinner after a day of sightseeing.
Many of our properties also feature private pools and outdoor spaces, allowing families to relax and enjoy the Arizona weather. Whether you’re looking to swim, grill, or simply unwind after a busy day of exploring, the outdoor areas offer the perfect place for families to spend quality time together. The private setting ensures that your family can enjoy activities and meals in a relaxing and comfortable environment, without the crowds of a hotel.
Choosing a family-friendly rental over a hotel stay offers numerous benefits. It provides more space, the ability to create your own home base, and cost savings—especially when it comes to meals. With flexible amenities and the comfort of a home, Scottsdale Rentals ensures your family vacation is as enjoyable as possible.
Book Your Stay with Scottsdale Rentals Today
Scottsdale is the perfect destination for a family-friendly vacation, offering a wide range of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and kid-friendly entertainment. With spacious vacation rentals that provide all the comforts of home, Scottsdale Rentals makes it easy for families to enjoy a stress-free stay while making memories together. From hiking in the desert to visiting museums and dining at family-friendly restaurants, Scottsdale offers something for everyone in the family.
Book your family-friendly stay with Scottsdale Rentals today and start planning the perfect family vacation in Scottsdale. Let us help you create a memorable and fun-filled experience that will be cherished for years to come!