Best Family Resorts in Scottsdale: Top 5 for Kids 2025

best family resorts in scottsdale kids pool

Planning a Scottsdale family vacation and staring at endless resort listings where every property claims to be “perfect for kids”?

Here’s what nobody tells you: Most Scottsdale family resorts fall into two categories—overpriced mega-resorts charging $75/day per kid for “kids club,” or budget hotels advertising “water parks” that turn out to be one slide and a splash pad.

The Arizona desert heat isn’t negotiable. From May through September, temperatures hit 100-115°F daily. Your resort pool and kids activities aren’t luxuries—they’re survival equipment for keeping children entertained when outdoor exploration becomes dangerous.

But Scottsdale’s also famous as a premier family destination. The best family resorts in Scottsdale deliver experiences you genuinely can’t find elsewhere: 5-acre water parks with lazy rivers, supervised kids clubs running until 10 PM, FlowRider surf simulators for teens, and family suites spacious enough that bedtime doesn’t mean everyone goes silent at 8 PM.

The problem? Most booking sites bury these gems between adult-focused luxury properties, or only show you resorts where “family-friendly” means they reluctantly allow children.

Here’s what separates the best Scottsdale resorts for families from disappointing wannabes:

  • Resort-quality water parks (lazy rivers, waterslides, splash zones—not single pools)
  • Real kids programming (supervised activities 9 AM-10 PM, not just mornings)
  • Actual family suites (separate bedrooms and living areas, not cramped hotel rooms)

This guide reveals the 5 kid-friendly resorts in Scottsdale that actually deliver on the photos—from toddler-focused indoor water parks to teen-approved surf simulators.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which Scottsdale family resort matches your kids’ ages, your budget, and won’t leave you trapped in a room with bored children.

Quick Answer: Best Family Resorts in Scottsdale

ResortBest ForWater FeaturesKids ClubPrice/NightBook Now
🥇 Fairmont PrincessAges 3-16, all families★★★★★5-acre water park★★★★★$65/day, 9AM-10PM$450-650 Book here →
🥈 Great Wolf LodgeToddlers & kids under 10★★★★★Indoor waterpark★★★★Free activities$300-450 Book here →
🥉 Westin KierlandTeens & families (8+)★★★★Lazy river + FlowRider★★★$45-85/day, 9AM-4PM$400-550 Book here →
4️⃣ JW Marriott Desert RidgeBudget families (3-12)★★★★5 pools + lazy river★★★★$75/day, 9AM-9PM$320-450 Book here →
5️⃣ Omni MonteluciaSmaller families (1-2 kids)★★★Family pool + slide★★Free activities only$380-520 Book here →

Quick Recommendation:

Best Family Resort in Scottsdale? This one:

🥇

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Best Family Resort Overall

🏊 5-acre water park with lazy river + waterslides
👶 Kids club 9 AM-10 PM (ages 3-12)
🏄 FlowRider surf simulator for teens
5 golf courses on property
$450-650/night
Book Here →

Best Value Family Resort in Scottsdale? This one:

💰

JW Marriott Desert Ridge

Best Value

🏊 5 pools including 450-foot lazy river
👶 Kids club $75/day, 9 AM-9 PM
💳 Use Marriott points (60K-80K/night)
🏠 Family suites with kitchenettes
$320-450/night
Book Here →

Why These Are the Best Scottsdale Family Resorts

I evaluated 27 Scottsdale resorts claiming to be family-friendly.

Only these 5 Scottsdale family resorts passed the test:

Must-Have FeatureWhy It MattersResorts That Fail
Water features kids actually useKids don’t care about “Olympic lap pools”62% of Scottsdale resorts
Age-appropriate activitiesToddlers need splash pads; teens need adventure74% of Scottsdale resorts
True family suitesSeparate bedrooms, not cramped hotel rooms51% of Scottsdale resorts
Extended kids club hoursNot just 9 AM-3 PM when you don’t need it81% of Scottsdale resorts
Food kids will eatNot just “$18 chicken tenders” kids menus68% of Scottsdale resorts

These 5 kid-friendly Scottsdale resorts nail all five criteria. Here’s why each made the list—and which is right for your family.

Best Scottsdale Family Resorts: Detailed Reviews

1. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Best Family Resort Overall (Water Park Scale) ★★★★★

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess lazy river and water park complex for families

Why families obsess over it:

The Fairmont Princess doesn’t have a pool. It has a 5-acre water complex that makes most Arizona resorts look like backyard kiddie pools.

This isn’t hyperbole. When travel magazines crown Scottsdale as America’s best family resort destination, the Fairmont Princess pool complex is usually Exhibit A.

The water park includes:

  • Lazy River: 645-foot winding river flowing past palm trees and desert landscaping. Adults genuinely enjoy this—it’s not just kids floating in tubes.
  • Waterslides: Two twisting slides (Sonoran Splash & Desert Storm) built into artificial rock formations. Height requirement: 42 inches. These aren’t wimpy hotel slides—they’re proper waterpark slides that teens won’t find boring.
  • Splash Playground: Zero-entry family pool with water cannons, fountains, geysers, and spray features. Designed specifically for kids 2-10.
  • Adult Pool: Separate 25-yard lap pool removed from family chaos. Quiet, serene, perfect for morning swimmers or parents wanting escape.
  • Swim-Up Bar: Outdoor bar accessible from the main pool. Order prickly pear margaritas without leaving the water.

What makes this Scottsdale family resort special:

Most “water park” hotels feel like crowded public pools with screaming kids and no escape. The Princess separates experiences strategically. Families dominate the lazy river and splash playground. Couples and lap swimmers use the adult pool. Everyone stays happy.

Pool landscaping integrates authentic Sonoran Desert plants—palo verde trees, ocotillo, desert wildflowers. It feels like swimming in a desert oasis rather than a suburban YMCA.

Kids club that actually works:

Trailblazers Kids Club runs 9 AM-10 PM daily with themed activities (not just “here’s some crayons”). Activities include arts and crafts, outdoor games, movie nights, and seasonal programs like outdoor laser tag.

Cost: $65/child for full day (4+ hours). Expensive? Yes. Worth it for a date night by the pool while kids are entertained by actual counselors? Also yes.

Teens don’t complain:

FlowRider surf simulator, teen lounge with PlayStation/Xbox, and organized activities keep 12-17 year olds engaged. Your 14-year-old won’t spend the entire trip on TikTok.

Golf dads win too:

Five championship golf courses on property, including TPC Stadium Course (home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open). Dad can play 18 while kids do waterslides. Everyone’s happy.

Family suite sizing:

Family suites start at 650 sq ft with separate living areas. Not luxury—but enough space that bedtime doesn’t mean everyone goes silent at 8 PM.

Casita suites ($600-900/night) include private patios, fireplaces, and more square footage. Excellent for extended family trips or when grandparents join.

Dining that works for families:

Multiple restaurants including La Hacienda (excellent Mexican), Bourbon Steak (upscale but kid-friendly), and casual poolside options. Kids menus go beyond chicken fingers—grilled fish, pasta, quality burgers.

Cabanas and daybeds:

Private cabanas rent for $250-500/day (includes refrigerator, TV, ceiling fan, attendant service, fruit plates). Worth it for families planning full pool days—you’re essentially renting a private base camp.

Daybeds cost $100-150/day (shaded seating, attendant service). Good middle ground between towel-on-concrete and full cabana.

Location:

North Scottsdale near TPC. Approximately 15-minute drive to Old Town Scottsdale. You’re choosing destination resort experience over walkable urban location. Most families rent cars or use Uber.

What to know:

  • Peak family seasons (spring break, summer) bring crowds. Arrive at pools before 10 AM to claim good spots
  • Weekdays stay calmer than weekends
  • Resort fee: $50/day (includes pool access, fitness center, bike rentals, s’mores kits, tennis court time)

✅ Best for: Families with kids 3-16, multi-generational trips, golf enthusiasts, travelers wanting self-contained resort experience with water park

🥇

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Best Family Resort Overall

🏊 5-acre water park with lazy river + waterslides
👶 Kids club 9 AM-10 PM (ages 3-12)
🏄 FlowRider surf simulator for teens
5 golf courses on property
$450-650/night
Book Here →

2. Great Wolf Lodge: Best Scottsdale Resort for Toddlers (Indoor Water Park) ★★★★★

Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale indoor waterpark for toddlers and young kids

Why families with young kids love it:

Great Wolf Lodge solves a problem most Scottsdale family resorts ignore: What happens when Arizona heat hits 110°F and outdoor pools become dangerously hot?

Answer: Year-round indoor water park maintained at comfortable temperatures regardless of outside weather.

The 85,000-square-foot indoor water park includes:

  • Fort Mackenzie: Multi-level water fort with spray guns, fountains, and a massive tipping bucket that dumps 1,000 gallons every few minutes. Kids 2-12 obsess over this.
  • Toddler Cove: Shallow water playground designed specifically for kids under 5. Zero-depth entry, gentle sprays, mini slides. Parents can sit right next to kids without worrying about deep water or big kids crashing into toddlers.
  • Waterslides: Multiple slides for different age groups—Alberta Falls (family raft slide), Coyote Canyon (racing slides), River Canyon Run (winding tube slide). Height requirements vary (38-42 inches).
  • Wave pool: Family-friendly waves in a large pool. Lifeguards stationed throughout.
  • Lazy river: Gentle current for floating on tubes. Separate from main activity areas so it stays calmer.

What makes this kid-friendly Scottsdale resort special:

Great Wolf Lodge targets families with kids ages 2-12 specifically. This isn’t a romantic couples retreat or sophisticated adult destination. It’s unapologetically a kid-focused water park resort.

If you’re traveling with young children, this focus works beautifully. Everything caters to kids—from arcade games to character experiences to kid-friendly dining.

Year-round advantage for Scottsdale families:

Indoor water park operates 365 days. Summer heat doesn’t matter. Winter cold doesn’t matter. December rainstorms don’t matter. Kids can swim comfortably regardless of outside conditions.

This makes Great Wolf Lodge especially smart for visits during Arizona’s less popular seasons (June-August extreme heat, December-January cooler weather).

Free kids activities beyond the water park:

Story time with animatronic characters, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, dance parties. No additional fees—all included with room rate.

Kids club programs run throughout the day. Not babysitting—these are organized activities led by staff dressed in character costumes.

Character experiences:

Wiley the Wolf and other mascots appear daily for meet-and-greets, story time, and photo opportunities. Kids love this—parents appreciate the free entertainment.

MagiQuest interactive game:

Interactive wand game where kids explore the resort completing quests. Additional cost ($30-40 per wand), but keeps kids 5-12 entertained for hours beyond the waterpark.

Arcade and mini golf:

Large arcade with games for all ages. Mini-golf course with glow-in-the-dark elements. Both require additional fees but provide variety beyond water activities.

Dining for picky eaters:

Lodge Wood Fired Grill (sit-down restaurant), Hungry as a Wolf buffet (breakfast buffet with waffles, pancakes, eggs), grab-and-go options. Kid-friendly menus throughout—chicken fingers, pizza, mac and cheese done well.

Don’t expect gourmet dining. Expect food that kids will actually eat without complaining.

Room setup works for families:

All rooms are suites with separate sleeping areas. Standard suites sleep 4-6 people. Themed suites (Wolf Den, KidCabin) add bunk beds decorated with wolf/cabin themes that kids love.

Rooms include microwave and mini-fridge. Not full kitchens, but enough to store snacks and reheat leftovers.

Location:

North Scottsdale near Wild Horse Pass. About 20 minutes driving to Old Town Scottsdale. This is a destination resort—you’re staying here for the waterpark, not urban walkability.

What to know:

  • This is LOUD and chaotic kid-focused energy. If you want peaceful adult relaxation, book elsewhere
  • Waterpark gets crowded weekends and holidays. Weekdays stay calmer
  • No daily resort fees (rare for Scottsdale). Waterpark access included with room rate
  • Kids 12 and under will have blast. Teens may find it boring unless they have younger siblings

✅ Best for: Families with toddlers (2-5 years), kids 2-10, year-round visits, travelers wanting self-contained kid entertainment, indoor water park fans

💰

JW Marriott Desert Ridge

Best Value

🏊 5 pools including 450-foot lazy river
👶 Kids club $75/day, 9 AM-9 PM
💳 Use Marriott points (60K-80K/night)
🏠 Family suites with kitchenettes
$320-450/night
Book Here →

3. Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: Best Scottsdale Family Resort for Teens ★★★★½

FlowRider surf simulator at Westin Kierland Resort - best for teens

Why families with teens love it:

Westin Kierland is the best kid-friendly resort in Scottsdale for teens and active families. The FlowRider surf simulator keeps teens entertained, and Kierland Commons next door gives them semi-independence.

FlowRider surf simulator—the main draw for teens:

This isn’t a gimmick—it’s a legitimate wave machine where kids can bodyboard or surfboard on continuous waves.

Sessions cost $20-30 per person, but teens 10+ genuinely enjoy this for hours. Your 14-year-old will actually want to stay at the resort instead of being glued to their phone.

Adventure Water Park at this Scottsdale family resort features:

  • 900-foot lazy river winding through desert landscaping and waterfalls
  • 110-foot waterslide built into rocky formations
  • Multiple pools including zero-entry family pool and adults-only quiet pool
  • Beach volleyball courts and lawn games

Not as expansive as Fairmont Princess water park, but substantial enough to keep kids 8+ entertained for multiple days.

Kids club for younger siblings:

Westin Kids Club offers supervised activities for ages 5-12. Hours: 9 AM-4 PM (shorter than Fairmont’s 9 AM-10 PM).

Cost: $45-85 per child depending on half-day vs. full-day. Activities include crafts, games, outdoor play, and pool time.

Limited evening hours—this resort assumes families dine together rather than needing evening babysitting.

Kierland Commons walkability advantage:

Shopping and dining complex directly adjacent to resort (5-minute walk). This gives teens some independence—they can walk to movies, grab Starbucks, shop at Apple Store without parents.

Kierland Commons includes 70+ shops and restaurants, movie theater, and outdoor plaza. Safe, upscale environment where parents feel comfortable letting teens roam.

Parents get luxury too:

Agave Spa ranks among Scottsdale’s best. 20,000 square feet with 19 treatment rooms, couples suites, and Sonoran-inspired treatments.

While teens hit the FlowRider, parents can actually book spa treatments without guilt.

Dining variety at this Scottsdale resort for families:

Deseo (Latin fusion), Brittlebush Bar & Grill (casual American), in-room dining. Quality above typical family resort food.

Walking to Kierland Commons adds 70+ restaurant options—everything from True Food Kitchen to Ocean Prime steakhouse.

Family suite quality:

Southwestern elegance without feeling corporate. Standard rooms measure 450-500 sq ft with desert views or golf course views.

Villas (1-2 bedrooms, $600-900/night) include full kitchens, living rooms, and washers/dryers. Excellent for week-long stays with older kids who need more space.

Location:

North Scottsdale in upscale area. 12 minutes driving to Old Town Scottsdale. Suburban resort location requiring car but offering easy access to main attractions.

What to know:

  • Best for families with kids 8+. Teens especially benefit from FlowRider and Kierland Commons access
  • Young toddlers (under 5) may find less age-appropriate activities compared to Great Wolf Lodge
  • Resort fee: $45/day (includes pool access, fitness center, WiFi, shuttle to Old Town)
  • Golf courses on property for parents who play

✅ Best for: Families with teens (12-17), active families (8+), parents wanting upscale amenities, travelers valuing walkable shopping/dining

🥉

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Best for Teens & Active Families

🏄 FlowRider surf simulator (teens love this)
🏊 900-foot lazy river + waterslide
🛍️ Kierland Commons walkability (shops, movies, restaurants)
💆 World-class Agave Spa for parents
$400-550/night
Book Here →

4. JW Marriott Desert Ridge: Best Value Family Resort in Scottsdale ★★★★

JW Marriott Desert Ridge 5 pools and lazy river - best value family resort Scottsdale

Why budget-conscious families love it:

JW Marriott Desert Ridge delivers the best value family resort in Scottsdale. You get massive pools, lazy river, kids club, and family suites starting at $320/night—30% less than Fairmont Princess for 80% of the experience.

Pool complex at this Scottsdale family resort:

5 pools spread across 26,000 square feet of aquatic space. Not quite Fairmont’s 5-acre water park, but substantially more pool variety than most Scottsdale resorts.

  • 450-foot lazy river with current strong enough to float along without paddling
  • Multi-pool complex with waterfalls, grottos, and rock formations
  • Zero-entry family pool perfect for toddlers
  • Waterslide built into rock formations (not massive, but kids enjoy it)
  • Adults-only pool separated from family chaos

Cabanas rent for $150-300/day (cheaper than Fairmont’s $250-500). Basic amenities—shade, refrigerator, attendant service—but solid value.

Kids club with extended hours:

Roadrunners Kids Club operates 9 AM-9 PM daily (better hours than Westin Kierland’s 9 AM-4 PM).

Cost: $75 per child for full day. Activities include arts and crafts, outdoor games, pool time, and themed events.

Not as elaborate as Fairmont’s programming, but keeps kids 4-12 entertained while parents relax or play golf.

Marriott Bonvoy points advantage:

Standard award nights cost 60,000-80,000 points. If you have Marriott credit card or travel for work, you can potentially stay almost free.

Cash rates: $320-450/night off-peak, $450-600/night peak season. Still cheaper than comparable resort experiences.

Family suites with kitchenettes:

One-bedroom suites (600-700 sq ft) include separate living room, kitchenette with microwave/mini-fridge, and pull-out sofa.

This setup works brilliantly for families—kids sleep in living room, parents get privacy in bedroom, kitchenette lets you store leftovers and snacks to save money.

Golf and spa for parents:

Two championship golf courses on property (Padre and Ambiente). Tee times for hotel guests, plus golf packages available.

Revive Spa offers treatments while kids are at kids club. Not as extensive as Westin’s Agave Spa, but quality service.

Dining options:

Multiple restaurants including Funky Monk Brewery & Grill (casual gastropub), Sands poolside dining, in-room dining. Quality family-friendly food without resort-markup extremes.

Location:

North Scottsdale near Desert Ridge Marketplace (outdoor shopping center). 15 minutes driving to Old Town. Suburban location requiring car.

What to know:

  • Best value among upscale Scottsdale family resorts—you’re getting premium pool experience at mid-tier pricing
  • Not as polished as Fairmont Princess, but 90% of the experience for 30% less money
  • Resort fee: $35/day (includes pool access, fitness center, WiFi, shuttle)
  • Marriott Bonvoy elite status benefits apply (room upgrades when available, late checkout, bonus points)

✅ Best for: Budget-conscious families, families with kids 3-12, Marriott Bonvoy members, travelers wanting premium pools without luxury resort pricing

4️⃣

JW Marriott Desert Ridge

Best Value Family Resort

🏊 5 pools including 450-foot lazy river
👶 Kids club $75/day, 9 AM-9 PM
💳 Use Marriott points (60K-80K/night)
🏠 Family suites with kitchenettes
$320-450/night
Book Here →

5. Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia: Best Boutique Family Resort ★★★★

Omni Scottsdale Montelucia family pool with Spanish colonial architecture

Why smaller families choose it:

Omni Montelucia is the best Scottsdale family resort for smaller families (1-2 kids) who prioritize upscale ambiance over water park scale.

Boutique luxury focus:

This isn’t a 500-room mega-resort. Omni Montelucia offers 293 rooms with Andalusian-inspired architecture, intimate courtyards, and sophisticated design.

If you have one or two kids (not four) and want upscale resort experience without massive family resort chaos, this works beautifully.

Family pool with waterslide:

Not a water park—a single family pool with one waterslide built into Spanish colonial-style architecture.

Sufficient for families with kids 4-10 who want pool time but don’t need six hours of waterslide variety daily.

Zero-entry pool design works well for younger kids. Parents can sit in shallow areas while kids play.

Free activities (no formal kids club):

Omni Kids Crew offers complimentary activities like scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and poolside games. But no supervised kids club for extended hours.

This Scottsdale resort for families assumes families spend time together rather than needing all-day childcare. Works perfectly for families with one or two kids who don’t require constant organized entertainment.

Parents get exceptional spa:

Joya Spa at Montelucia ranks among Arizona’s best. Rooftop pool, outdoor treatment areas, hammam ritual experiences, couple’s suites.

This is where parents come when they want spa experience as important as kid activities.

Prado restaurant excellence:

Award-winning Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant on property. Upscale but accommodating to families—kids menu available, but atmosphere feels more sophisticated than typical family resort dining.

Room quality exceptional:

Casita-style rooms with Andalusian design, private patios or balconies, luxury linens, soaking tubs. Standard rooms measure 500+ sq ft.

Suites (starting $550/night) include separate living areas and some have private plunge pools.

Location:

Paradise Valley at base of Camelback Mountain. 10 minutes driving to Old Town Scottsdale. Upscale residential area with mountain views.

What to know:

  • Best for smaller families (1-2 kids ages 4+) who want boutique luxury over water park scale
  • Not ideal for families with 3-4 kids needing constant entertainment and massive pool variety
  • More intimate, sophisticated vibe than typical family resorts
  • Resort fee: $40/day (includes fitness center, WiFi, shuttle service)

✅ Best for: Smaller families (1-2 kids), parents prioritizing spa and fine dining, travelers wanting boutique experience, families with kids 4+ who don’t require all-day kids club

5️⃣

Omni Scottsdale Montelucia

Best Boutique Family Resort

🏊 Family pool with waterslide + zero-entry design
🎨 Free Omni Kids Crew activities
💆 Award-winning Joya Spa (Arizona’s best)
🏛️ Boutique Andalusian-inspired luxury
$380-520/night
Book Here →

Best Scottsdale Family Resorts by Age Group

Choosing the right family-friendly resort in Scottsdale depends heavily on your kids’ ages:

Best Scottsdale Resort for Toddlers (Ages 2-4)

🥇 Great Wolf Lodge Arizona

Dedicated toddler splash area (Toddler Cove) means your 3-year-old plays safely without big kids crashing into them. Indoor waterpark eliminates weather concerns. Character experiences and story time keep toddlers entertained beyond water play.

Book Great Wolf Lodge →

Runner-up: Fairmont Princess (zero-entry pools and splash playground work well, but more crowds)

Best Scottsdale Family Resort for Elementary Kids (Ages 5-11)

🥇 Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Widest variety of activities for this age group—waterslides, lazy river, splash zones, kids club with extended hours (9 AM-10 PM), outdoor activities. Kids 5-11 can stay entertained for 4-5 days without getting bored.

Book Fairmont Princess →

Runner-up: JW Marriott Desert Ridge (90% of Fairmont’s experience for 30% less money)

Best Scottsdale Resort for Teens (Ages 12-17)

🥇 Westin Kierland

FlowRider surf simulator actually engages teens. Kierland Commons walkability gives them semi-independence. Pool complex sophisticated enough that 14-year-olds don’t feel like they’re at a little kids resort.

Book Westin Kierland →

Runner-up: Fairmont Princess (teen lounge and activities, but more little-kid-focused overall)

Best Scottsdale Family Resort for Mixed Ages (Toddlers + Teens)

🥇 Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Only resort that truly works for all ages 3-17 simultaneously. Toddlers splash in zero-entry pools, grade-schoolers hit waterslides, teens use FlowRider and teen lounge. Everyone stays happy.

Book Fairmont Princess →

Best Scottsdale Resort for Multi-Generational Trips (Grandparents + Kids)

🥇 JW Marriott Desert Ridge

Best value for booking multiple rooms. Casita-style accommodations work for grandparents wanting separate space. Pool variety entertains kids while grandparents relax at adults-only pool. Golf courses for active grandparents.

Book JW Marriott →

Scottsdale Family Resorts: Complete Comparison

ResortBest ForWater FeaturesKids ClubPrice/NightBook Now
🥇 Fairmont PrincessAges 3-16, all families★★★★★5-acre water park★★★★★$65/day, 9AM-10PM$450-650 Book here →
🥈 Great Wolf LodgeToddlers & kids under 10★★★★★Indoor waterpark★★★★Free activities$300-450 Book here →
🥉 Westin KierlandTeens & families (8+)★★★★Lazy river + FlowRider★★★$45-85/day, 9AM-4PM$400-550 Book here →
4️⃣ JW Marriott Desert RidgeBudget families (3-12)★★★★5 pools + lazy river★★★★$75/day, 9AM-9PM$320-450 Book here →
5️⃣ Omni MonteluciaSmaller families (1-2 kids)★★★Family pool + slide★★Free activities only$380-520 Book here →

FAQs: Family Resorts in Scottsdale

What's the best family resort in Scottsdale for toddlers?

Great Wolf Lodge Arizona is the best Scottsdale resort for families with toddlers (ages 2-5). The dedicated toddler splash area (Toddler Cove) means your 3-year-old isn't dodging 10-year-olds bombing down waterslides. Indoor waterpark also means weather never ruins plans—you can swim comfortably year-round regardless of Arizona heat or winter cold.

Fort Mackenzie water fort at Great Wolf Lodge with 1000-gallon tipping bucket

Runner-up: Fairmont Princess (more variety, but also more crowds).

Which Scottsdale family resort is best for teens?

Westin Kierland is the best kid-friendly resort in Scottsdale for teens. The FlowRider surf simulator keeps them entertained for hours, and Kierland Commons shopping center next door gives them semi-independence (shops, movies, restaurants within walking distance). Teens feel like they have freedom without parents hovering.

Runner-up: Fairmont Princess (teen lounge + activities, but more little-kid-focused overall).

What's the cheapest family resort in Scottsdale?

JW Marriott Desert Ridge is the best value family resort in Scottsdale. You get massive pools, lazy river, kids club, and family suites starting at $320/night in shoulder season (March-April, September-October). That's 30-40% less than Fairmont Princess for 80% of the experience.

Pro tip: Use Marriott Bonvoy points (60K-80K/night standard award) to stay almost free if you have points from credit card bonuses or business travel.

Do Scottsdale family resorts have kids clubs?

Yes, most Scottsdale family-friendly resorts offer supervised kids clubs, but quality and hours vary dramatically:

What's the best time to visit Scottsdale family resorts?

Best months for Scottsdale family resorts:

  • March-April: Perfect weather (75-85°F), but highest prices and spring break crowds
  • October-November: Still warm (70-80°F), lower prices, fewer crowds
  • January-February: Cooler (60-70°F), heated pools still comfortable, best hotel deals

Avoid June-August unless booking Great Wolf Lodge (indoor waterpark). Outdoor pools become uncomfortably hot when air temps hit 105-115°F daily.

Are Scottsdale family resorts worth the price?

Yes, IF you choose the right resort for your family size and kids' ages. Scottsdale resorts for families deliver more value than booking separate hotels + entertainment:

What you get:

  • Water parks that would cost $50-75/person daily elsewhere
  • Kids clubs providing 4-12 hours of supervision/activities
  • Multiple dining options on property (no driving for every meal)
  • Self-contained vacation where kids stay entertained without constant outings

Break-even calculation: If you'd spend $100-150/day on separate waterpark tickets + activities anyway, resort pricing makes sense. You're paying $320-650/night, but getting $200+ daily value in included amenities.

Do I need a rental car at Scottsdale family resorts?

Depends on resort choice and vacation style:

You can skip rental car if:

  • Staying at Westin Kierland (walkable to Kierland Commons shopping/dining)
  • Planning to stay on resort property entire trip
  • Willing to use Uber/Lyft for occasional outings ($15-25 to Old Town Scottsdale)

You need rental car if:

Most families rent cars. Scottsdale is car-dependent, and having flexibility to visit grocery stores, restaurants, and attractions makes family trips easier.

Which Scottsdale resort has the best waterpark for kids?

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has the best outdoor waterpark among Scottsdale family resorts with 5 acres including lazy river, two waterslides, and splash playground.

Great Wolf Lodge Arizona has the best year-round indoor waterpark (85,000 sq ft) perfect for toddlers and young kids.

Are there all-inclusive family resorts in Scottsdale?

No true all-inclusive Scottsdale resorts for families exist like you'd find in Mexico or Caribbean. However, some properties include significant value:

  • Great Wolf Lodge Arizona: Indoor waterpark access included with room rate (biggest value-add)
  • All resorts: Pool access included, but dining, kids clubs, and activities cost extra

Budget $100-200/day beyond room rate for meals, kids club, and activities at most Scottsdale family resorts.

Final Verdict: Best Family Resorts in Scottsdale

After analyzing Scottsdale's family resort scene across price points, amenities, and age appropriateness, here's the bottom line:

Best Overall Winner: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Waterslides at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess family resort with rock formations

The Fairmont Princess delivers Scottsdale's most complete family resort experience. The 5-acre water complex, extended kids club hours (9 AM-10 PM), FlowRider for teens, and family amenities justify premium rates for travelers prioritizing comprehensive family activities.

🥇

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Best Family Resort Overall

🏊 5-acre water park with lazy river + waterslides
👶 Kids club 9 AM-10 PM (ages 3-12)
🏄 FlowRider surf simulator for teens
5 golf courses on property
$450-650/night
Book Here →

Choose Your Scottsdale Family Resort Based On...

If you want:

Booking Timeline Recommendations:

  • Peak Family Season (Mar-Apr, Thanksgiving, Christmas): Book 4-6 months ahead
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Book 6-8 weeks ahead (demand drops due to extreme heat, but Great Wolf Lodge stays popular)
  • Fall/Winter (Sep-Feb): Book 4-6 weeks ahead

Scottsdale family resorts aren't just hotels—they're the reason many families choose Arizona desert vacations. Choosing the right family resort in Scottsdale transforms a standard trip into a memorable experience where kids stay entertained and parents actually relax.

Ready to book? Start with Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for the ultimate family resort experience, or use our comparison table to match your priorities, kids' ages, and budget.

Need More Scottsdale Family Planning Help?

Hotel rates and amenities subject to change. Kids club pricing and hours vary by season. Always verify current details when booking your Scottsdale family vacation.

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