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Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Scottsdale with Kids

Planning a fun-filled day for the whole family? Scottsdale, Arizona offers a wide variety of engaging and educational activities that kids and parents can enjoy together. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or indoor escapes, there are plenty of things to do in Scottsdale with kids that promise smiles for all ages.

Explore Nature and Learn at Local Museums

Scottsdale is home to several enriching museums and outdoor attractions that cater specifically to curious young minds.

  • Arizona Science Center – While just a quick trip from Scottsdale, this hands-on museum is worth the ride with interactive exhibits on biology, space, and weather.
  • Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West – Perfect for kids who love cowboys, this museum offers a fun glimpse into the Old West with artifacts, storytelling, and cultural exhibits.
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – Ride the miniature trains, explore the railroad museum, and let your kids play in the spacious playgrounds and green areas.

Outdoor and Indoor Activities for All Ages

If you’re looking for active family activities in Scottsdale, you’ll find everything from beautiful desert parks to creative indoor play centers.

  • Butterfly Wonderland – Walk through a rainforest habitat filled with thousands of fluttering butterflies. This is both beautiful and educational for kids.
  • Phoenix Zoo – Located nearby in Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo offers up-close encounters with animals and interactive children's exhibits.
  • Octane Raceway – Older kids and teens will love racing electric karts or taking on the virtual reality gaming lounge right in Scottsdale.
  • Playgrounds and Splash Pads – Parks like Chaparral Park and McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park feature seasonal splash pads and shaded playgrounds that are ideal during sunny afternoons.
  • Children’s Indoor Play Spaces – Escape the heat with indoor play centers like Mini Social or Giggles, which cater to toddlers and young children with safe, soft play areas.

Scottsdale’s unique combination of southwestern culture and modern attractions makes it easy to find family things to do in Scottsdale today. Whether you want to engage your kids’ curiosity at a museum or enjoy an afternoon at the park, the city is filled with experiences that suit toddlers, teens, and everyone in between.

Discover more kid-friendly adventures and great local deals by browsing experiences on Groupon. Exploring things to do in Scottsdale with kids has never been more accessible or more exciting. Plan your next family outing and create cherished memories right here in the heart of Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale is full of kid-friendly activities! Some favorites are the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, where kids can ride the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and antique carousel, and Butterfly Wonderland, home to thousands of butterflies. There's also the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, which often hosts kid-friendly exhibits and workshops.

It depends on the venue. Many tourist attractions in Scottsdale do offer discounted admission prices for children and families. It's always a good idea to check the website of the place you're planning to visit or call ahead to ask about any potential discounts or packages.

Scottsdale has a variety of outdoor activities for kids. These include the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which offers lots of family-friendly hiking trails, and the Scottsdale Sports Complex with several sports fields. There are also several parks with playgrounds scattered throughout the city, such as Chaparral Park.

Yes, Scottsdale is home to several child-friendly museums. These include the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the popular Butterfly Wonderland. The Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West also hosts a variety of exhibits that kids will find interesting.

Scottsdale offers many indoor activities for those extremely hot days. Options include indoor play spaces like the Great Play and KTR Family Action Sports Center, as well as educational spots like the Arizona Science Center and Butterfly Wonderland which are fun, interactive, and climate-controlled.

What others are saying

Jovanna
11, Nov
Valid 10/25/25 – Evening Pumpkin Fest Platinum Package (4 GA + 1 Self Parking Pass)
Loved it! Very small town vibes with lots to do!
Christmas at The Princess Platinum Package - Up to 35% Off
Dorothy
10, Nov
90-Minute Trail Ride for Two People
Excellent experience. Definitely recommend
Explore Scenic Trails on a 90-Min Horseback Adventure | Open Mon-Sat
Lynn
4, Sep
One Hour Trail Ride for Two People
The ride was beautiful. The guide was helpful. Reservation was easy to make.
Discover the Thrill: One-Hour Trail Ride Awaits at Betty's Trail Rides
Michael
3, Apr
Through 5/31/2025; General Daytime Admission
I've been going to the Phoenix Zoo for 60 years and as always, it was terrific!!
General Daytime Admission to Phoenix Zoo
Jim
12, Nov
Phoenix Shared Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride w/ Champagne Breakfast
Wow, wonderful experience and great staff. We hope to bring the grsndkids with us next time!
One-of-a-Kind Hot Air Balloon Ride, 2000 ft. Above the Sonoran Desert
marti
13, Nov
One 90-Minute Action Ticket; Weekday (Valid Monday - Friday)
Great place! Just check the website for specials first, I bought Groupons and used them for 2 kids paying 50 with socks, and instead could have used the daily deal of BOGO free at the place. Would have been $20 less than Groupon. But cool place regardless. No one really monitors the under 5yrs old area and a ton of older kids that shouldn’t be in there, just for those of you with kids under 5.
(Up to 44% Off) Indoor Play Action at Slick City Chandler