Arizona, renowned for its stunning desert landscapes and vibrant culture, offers a treasure trove of destinations perfect for family adventures. From interactive museums to thrilling amusement parks and natural wonders, the Grand Canyon State provides unforgettable experiences for every age group. If you’re planning a family getaway, discover some of the Best Places In Arizona For Families to create lasting memories.
Desert Botanical Garden
For a unique and educational outing, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a must-visit. As the world’s largest collection of desert plants, it showcases the incredible biodiversity of arid environments through five thematic trails. Families can explore the beauty of desert wildflowers, learn about conservation efforts, and discover how plants and animals thrive in the Sonoran Desert. The garden frequently hosts engaging exhibitions and shows, making each visit a new experience. It’s an excellent place for kids to learn about nature in an interactive and visually stimulating setting.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park at Encanto Park
Located within the lush Encanto Park, named one of America’s top city parks, Enchanted Island Amusement Park is specifically designed for families with young children. Catering to kids aged one to ten, the park boasts nine gentle rides and attractions perfect for little ones. Ride the historic Encanto carousel, bump around in bumper boats, cool off in the splash zone, or take a spin in kiddie cars. The C.P. Huntington Train offers a relaxing seven-minute tour around the island, providing scenic views and a fun ride for the whole family. Encanto Park itself offers additional green space for picnics and play, making it a full day of family fun.
Butterfly Wonderland
Step into a vibrant world of fluttering wings at Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale. This indoor rainforest environment is home to thousands of butterflies from around the globe, flying freely amongst lush greenery and tropical flowers. The experience is both magical and educational. Don’t miss the 3D theater to witness a monarch butterfly’s incredible journey, or the Butterfly Emergence Gallery to see the fascinating process of metamorphosis. Walking through the expansive atrium, you might even have a butterfly land gently on your shoulder, creating an unforgettable close encounter with nature.
Crayola Experience
Unleash your family’s creativity at the Crayola Experience in Chandler. This colorful indoor attraction offers dozens of hands-on activities for kids and adults alike. Explore art and technology in exciting new ways, express your imagination through various creative stations, and immerse yourselves in a world of color. From making personalized crayons to creating digital art, the Crayola Experience provides a full day of interactive fun and artistic exploration, perfect for sparking imagination in children of all ages.
Goldfield Ghost Town
For a step back in time and a taste of the Wild West, Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction is a unique Arizona experience. This authentic ghost town recreates the atmosphere of the 1800s gold rush era, complete with gunfights and historical exhibits. Watch a lively Old West gunfight performed by the Goldfield Gunfighters, try your luck panning for gold, or take a ride on Arizona’s only narrow gauge train. For the adventurous, underground mine tours and jeep tours across the scenic Apache Trail are also available, offering a blend of history, entertainment, and outdoor exploration.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a plane at iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Scottsdale. This safe and exhilarating activity is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. iFLY’s vertical wind tunnels simulate the sensation of freefall, allowing you to float and fly on a cushion of air. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to try something adventurous together in a controlled environment, creating unforgettable memories and a sense of shared excitement.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
LEGO enthusiasts of all ages will be captivated by the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Tempe. This massive indoor playground is a brick-building paradise, featuring impressive LEGO reproductions of global landmarks, exciting rides, and countless LEGO bricks to unleash creativity. Kids can explore themed zones, build their own LEGO creations, and enjoy interactive rides and attractions. It’s an ideal destination for families with LEGO-loving children, offering hours of imaginative play and entertainment.
Main Event Tempe
For all-around family fun and entertainment, Main Event Tempe offers a wide range of activities under one roof. This entertainment zone features high-quality bowling lanes, laser tag, a gravity ropes course, billiards, shuffleboard, and a vast arcade with over 125 interactive games. With a tempting food and beverage menu, Main Event is perfect for a family outing where everyone can find something they enjoy, from friendly competition on the bowling lanes to high-energy arcade games.
Mavrix
Mavrix in Scottsdale is another excellent entertainment destination catering to families seeking fun and excitement. Featuring 22 bowling lanes, a large arcade with 85 games, a state-of-the-art laser tag arena, and billiards tables, Mavrix offers diverse entertainment options for all ages. Dozens of 4K televisions throughout the venue create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. Whether you’re bowling, playing arcade games, or competing in laser tag, Mavrix provides a lively and entertaining experience for the whole family.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
All aboard for family fun at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale! This charming park is a delight for train enthusiasts and families alike. Kids will love riding the Paradise and Pacific Railroad and the beautifully restored Scottsdale Charro Carousel. Explore railroad engines, a vintage baggage car, a machine shop, and a model railroad building filled with fascinating artifacts. The park offers a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely family outing with a focus on trains and classic amusement park rides.
Medieval Times
For a truly unique and immersive dining experience, Medieval Times in Scottsdale transports families back to the 11th century. Enjoy a spectacular evening of chivalry, pageantry, and sport inside a magnificent castle. Cheer on your knight to victory while feasting on a four-course banquet served by serfs and wenches. Witness thrilling medieval tournament games, authentic jousting, and exciting sword fights. Medieval Times provides a memorable combination of dinner and entertainment, perfect for a special family celebration or a fun night out.
Octane Raceway
Get your adrenaline pumping at Octane Raceway in Scottsdale, where families can race head-to-head on a thrilling indoor/outdoor track. Experience high-speed go-karting with karts reaching speeds of 45+ mph. Beyond go-karts, Octane Raceway offers Velocity VR for virtual reality experiences, mini-bowling, and a large arcade. The Brickyard Bar & Grill provides dining options to complete your visit. Octane Raceway is ideal for families with older children and teens seeking action-packed entertainment and competitive fun.
Arizona offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to families of all ages and interests. From the wonders of the desert to thrilling entertainment centers and historical adventures, these best places in Arizona for families promise unforgettable experiences and cherished family memories.
