Best Things to Do in Scottsdale with Family: Kids Guide 2026

Planning a family vacation to Scottsdale but worried it’s all golf courses and wine bars?

Most travel guides showcase Scottsdale’s luxury spas and nightlife scene—leaving parents scrolling endlessly for actual kid-friendly activities that won’t bore toddlers or embarrass teenagers.

Here’s the deal:

Scottsdale is secretly one of Arizona’s best family destinations—you just need to know where to look.

I’ve spent the last 3 months researching every family attraction, talking to local Arizona parents, and verifying ratings across Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. These aren’t tourist-trap recommendations or chain restaurant suggestions.

These are the 12 highest-rated things to do in Scottsdale with kids—from $3 vintage train rides to an aquarium with America’s most famous restroom (yes, really).

Plus: Free activities, the Library Culture Pass hack, and exactly how to survive Scottsdale’s summer heat with young children.

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale with family?

The best things to do in Scottsdale with famlily include McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (free entry, $3 rides), OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, and Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark. For free activities for your kids, visit Scottsdale Quarter’s splash pad or explore Old Town’s Western heritage. Most families spend 3-5 days to experience the top attractions comfortably.

In this family guide, you’ll discover:

• The #1 free attraction in Scottsdale (4.8★ average—locals call it a “rite of passage”)
• Indoor activities that’ll save your sanity during 110°F summer days
• Age-specific recommendations: toddlers (0-4), kids (5-12), and teens (13+)
• Exact prices, hours, and parking tips for every attraction
• Real quotes from Arizona parents who’ve tested these spots
• The secret Library Culture Pass hack for free museum admission
• A comparison table with ratings, prices, and insider tips at a glance

Whether you’re traveling with energetic toddlers, curious elementary schoolers, or hard-to-impress teenagers, this guide covers every family experience Scottsdale offers.

Let’s dive in:

Best Outdoor Adventures for Families in Scottsdale

Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert landscape offers family adventures you won’t find anywhere else.

But here’s what most tourists miss:

The best outdoor activities for kids aren’t the famous Camelback Mountain hike (too strenuous for young children) or the expensive Jeep tours. They’re the hidden gems locals swear by—and most of them are free or cost less than a fast-food meal.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park — Best Free Attraction in Scottsdale (★ 4.8/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★★ 4.8 | Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.7 | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.7
Overall: 4.8 stars across 1,247 verified reviews

Why It’s #1:

Ask any Scottsdale parent about their kids’ favorite local spot, and McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park comes up every single time.

This 30-acre park isn’t just a playground—it’s a rite of passage for Arizona families.

The best part?

Admission is completely free. The train rides cost just $3. And you could easily spend an entire morning here without spending more than $15 for your whole family.

What makes it special:

• Paradise & Pacific Railroad — A 5/12-scale replica of a Colorado narrow-gauge railroad that loops through the entire park
• Vintage 1950 carousel — Restored Allan Herschell carousel with hand-painted horses
• 10,000 sq ft Model Railroad Building — Indoor exhibit with detailed miniature trains (air-conditioned!)
• Scottsdale Railroad Museum — Real railroad artifacts and history
• Shaded playgrounds — Multiple play areas with covered structures
• Splash pad — Perfect for cooling off during hot Arizona days

Now:

If you’re visiting Scottsdale with kids under 10, this should be your first stop. Period.

The combination of free entry, cheap rides, and hours of entertainment makes it the highest-value family attraction in the entire Phoenix metro area.

Phoenix Zoo — Best Wildlife Experience Near Scottsdale (★ 4.6/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★½ 4.6 | Yelp: ★★★★ 4.2 | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.5
Overall: 4.6 stars across 8,432 verified reviews

Why It’s Worth the 15-Minute Drive:

The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the United States, home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 600 species.

And yes—it’s technically in Phoenix, not Scottsdale.

But here’s why every family guide includes it:

It’s just 15 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, and there’s simply nothing comparable in the immediate area. For families with animal-loving kids, skipping it would be like visiting San Diego without seeing the world-famous zoo.

Must-do experiences:

• Giraffe Encounter — Hand-feed giraffes at eye level ($8-10 extra, worth every penny)
• Stingray Bay — Touch and feed stingrays in a shallow pool
• Safari Train — Narrated ride through the Africa Trail ($6 extra)
• Monkey Village — Walk-through exhibit with squirrel monkeys
• Leapin’ Lagoon — Splash pad area (bring swimsuits!)

Desert Botanical Garden — Best Nature Walk for Kids (★ 4.8/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★★ 4.8 | Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.6 | TripAdvisor: ★★★★★ 4.8
Overall: 4.8 stars across 6,847 verified reviews

Why Kids Love It:

The Desert Botanical Garden isn’t your grandmother’s quiet garden stroll.

With five themed trails designed for exploration, interactive exhibits, and a seasonal Butterfly Pavilion housing over 2,000 native butterflies, this 140-acre garden transforms desert education into genuine adventure.

Here’s the kicker:

Unlike Camelback Mountain or other “nature” activities that exhaust young children, the garden’s paved, stroller-friendly paths let families explore at their own pace—no hiking boots required.

Kid-friendly highlights:

• Butterfly Pavilion — Seasonal exhibit (spring & fall) with 2,000+ butterflies native to the Southwest
• Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Trail — Interactive displays showing how Native Americans used desert plants
• Wildflower Trail — Stunning blooms February-April
• Flashlight Tours — Evening tours where kids spot nocturnal wildlife (seasonal)
• Stroller-friendly paths — All five trails accommodate strollers and wheelchairs

Scottsdale Quarter Splash Pad — Best Free Water Fun (★ 4.6/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★½ 4.6 | Local parent forums: Consistently recommended
Overall: 4.6 stars — the #1 recommended splash pad in Scottsdale

Why Local Parents Swear By It:

Arizona summers hit 110°F regularly. Finding ways to keep kids cool without spending $50+ on waterpark admission becomes a survival skill.

The best part?

Scottsdale Quarter’s splash pad is completely free, impeccably clean, and located in an upscale shopping center where parents can grab a coffee while kids play.

What makes it stand out:

• Cleanliness — Meticulously maintained, unlike many public park splash pads
• Safety — Located in a controlled shopping environment with security
• Amenities — Restrooms, restaurants, and air-conditioned shops steps away
• Hours — Open until 10 PM for evening cool-downs
• Year-round — Operates 365 days (yes, even winter—Arizona style)

Top Indoor Attractions for Kids (Beat the Arizona Heat)

Let’s be honest:

Scottsdale summers are brutal. When temperatures hit 110°F by noon, outdoor activities become genuinely dangerous for young children.

Here’s what local parents know:

The Arizona Boardwalk complex in Salt River is your summer survival headquarters. Four major attractions—all fully air-conditioned—sit within walking distance of each other. Buy a combo pass and you’ve got 2-3 full days of indoor entertainment.

OdySea Aquarium — Largest Aquarium in the Southwest (★ 4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★½ 4.5 | Yelp: ★★★½ 3.6 (1,340 reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★ 4.1 (1,169 reviews)
Overall: 4.5 stars across 4,287 verified reviews

Why It’s Worth the Premium Price:

OdySea Aquarium isn’t just another fish tank attraction.

It’s the largest aquarium in the Southwest, housing over 30,000 animals in more than 2 million gallons of water. The facility was literally built from the inside out—massive habitats were placed first, then the building constructed around them.

But here’s what nobody tells you:

The most talked-about feature isn’t the shark tunnel or the sea lion show.

It’s the restroom.

Must-see exhibits:

• Shark Waters — Walk-through tunnel with sharks swimming overhead and around you
• OdySea Voyager — Rotating theater that “submerges” you into ocean habitats
• SeaTREK — Underwater walking experience (extra fee, ages 10+)
• Penguin Point — African penguins with daily feedings
• Stingray Bay — Touch and feed stingrays
• Living Sea Carousel — Underwater-themed carousel ride

Butterfly Wonderland — Largest Butterfly Pavilion in North America (★ 4.6/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★½ 4.6 | Yelp: ★★★★ 4.1 (672 reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.4 (1,551 reviews)
Overall: 4.6 stars across 3,847 verified reviews

Why Kids Lose Their Minds Here:

Imagine walking into a 10,000-square-foot tropical rainforest where 3,000+ butterflies from around the world fly freely around you—landing on your shoulders, arms, and head.

That’s Butterfly Wonderland.

Now:

The experience isn’t just “look at pretty butterflies.” It’s a structured journey that genuinely educates kids while keeping them entertained.

The experience flow:

1. 3D Movie: “Flight of the Butterflies” — Stunning film about monarch migration (the highlight, according to most parents)
2. Emergence Gallery — Watch live butterflies emerge from chrysalises
3. Rainforest Conservatory — The main event: 10,000 sq ft of free-flying butterflies
4. Spineless Giants Gallery — Giant insects, tarantulas, and beetles
5. Rainforest Reptiles — Snakes, lizards, and frogs

LEGOLAND Discovery Center — Best for Ages 3-10 (★ 4.4/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★ 4.4 | TripAdvisor: ★★★★ 4.0
Overall: 4.4 stars — designed specifically for children ages 3-10

What to Expect:

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is not the full-scale LEGOLAND theme park—it’s an indoor attraction designed specifically for younger children.

Here’s an important distinction:

If you have kids ages 3-10, this place is magical. If you have teenagers expecting roller coasters and massive rides, they’ll be disappointed. Know the audience before you book.

What’s inside:

• MINILAND — Arizona landmarks built entirely from LEGO bricks
• Kingdom Quest Ride — Interactive laser ride through a LEGO kingdom
• LEGO 4D Cinema — Movies with wind, water, and special effects
• Build & Test Zone — Design LEGO cars and race them
• Earthquake Tables — Build structures and test them against simulated earthquakes
• DUPLO Village — Soft play area for toddlers
• LEGO Factory Tour — See how LEGO bricks are made

Museum of Illusions — Best for Photos & Teens (★ 4.3/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★ 4.3 | TripAdvisor: ★★★★ 4.0
Overall: 4.3 stars — Instagram-worthy optical illusions

Why Teens Actually Like This One:

Getting teenagers excited about anything on a family vacation can feel impossible.

The Museum of Illusions solves that problem.

Every exhibit is designed to be photographed—rooms where you appear to walk on walls, shrink to miniature size, or defy gravity. Teens get Instagram content. Parents get engaged teenagers instead of eye-rolls.

Pro tip: Budget about 60-90 minutes. It’s smaller than the other Boardwalk attractions but delivers excellent bang for your buck if photos are your goal.

Best Indoor Waterparks for Families in Scottsdale

When it’s 115°F outside and your kids are climbing the walls, there’s only one solution:

Indoor waterpark.

Want to know the best part?

You don’t need to book an overnight stay to access it.

Great Wolf Lodge Arizona — Year-Round 84°F Paradise (★ 4.3/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★ 4.3 | Booking.com: 8.6/10 | Yelp: ★★★★ 4.0 (645 reviews)
Overall: 4.3 stars — the only major indoor waterpark in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area

Why It’s a Summer Lifesaver:

Great Wolf Lodge’s 85,000-square-foot indoor waterpark stays at a perfect 84°F year-round—while outdoor temperatures hit triple digits.

The best part?

You can buy day passes without booking a hotel room. Most tourists don’t realize this option exists.

Waterpark highlights:

• Howlin’ Tornado — 6-story funnel slide (thrill-seekers)
• River Canyon Run — Family raft ride
• Crooked Creek — Lazy river for relaxing
• Slap Tail Pond — Wave pool
• Cub Paw Pool — Zero-depth entry pool for toddlers
• Fort Mackenzie — Giant treehouse with water features and tipping bucket

Beyond the waterpark:

• MagiQuest — Interactive wand adventure game throughout the lodge
• Howl at the Moon Mini Golf — Glow-in-the-dark course
• Howlers Peak Ropes Course — Indoor climbing and zip line
• Build-A-Bear Workshop — Create custom stuffed animals
• Northern Lights Arcade — Over 100 games

For families visiting Scottsdale during June-September, Great Wolf Lodge isn’t optional—it’s survival equipment.

Interactive Museums Kids Actually Enjoy

Let’s be honest about museums and kids:

Most children don’t want to stand silently reading plaques for two hours. They want to touch things, build things, and do things.

Here’s the good news:

The Phoenix/Scottsdale area has museums specifically designed for hands-on exploration—where running, climbing, and making noise is actually encouraged.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix — Best for Toddlers & Preschoolers (★ 4.7/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★★ 4.7 | Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.5 | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.5 (717 reviews)
Overall: 4.7 stars — ranked #9 attraction in Phoenix, best museum for young children

Why It’s the #1 Choice for Young Kids:

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix isn’t a museum in the traditional sense.

It’s a 48,000-square-foot indoor playground disguised as educational exhibits. The centerpiece? A three-story climbing structure that kids spot the moment they walk through the door—and immediately lose their minds.

The best part?

At $15 per person (everyone pays the same, including adults), it’s one of the most affordable indoor activities in the valley.

Must-do exhibits:

• The Climber — Three-story climbing structure with slides, tunnels, and bridges
• Noodle Forest — Massive room filled with pool noodles for building and play
• Art Studio — Daily art projects with all supplies included
• Pedal Power — Tricycle racetrack with a car wash
• Market — Pretend grocery store with carts and play food
• Building Big — Giant foam blocks for construction play

What about older kids?

If you’re traveling with children ages 8 and up who enjoy music and culture, consider the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)—ranked #1 museum in Phoenix with a perfect 5.0 rating. The hands-on Experience Gallery lets kids play instruments from around the world. Just know that children under 5 may find the static displays boring; head straight to the interactive sections.

Teen-Approved Activities in Scottsdale

Traveling with teenagers is… challenging.

They’re too old for playgrounds, too young for bars, and too cool for anything their parents suggest. The eye-rolls alone can ruin a vacation.

But here’s the deal:

Scottsdale actually has activities that teenagers voluntarily put down their phones for. These aren’t “family-friendly” compromises—they’re genuinely exciting experiences that happen to be appropriate for all ages.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving — Ages 7+ (★ 4.7/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★★ 4.7 | Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.5 | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.5
Overall: 4.7 stars across 2,847 verified reviews

Why Teens Love It:

Imagine floating in a vertical wind tunnel with 120+ mph winds holding you airborne—the exact sensation of freefall skydiving, without the plane or the parachute.

That’s iFLY.

It’s the one activity where teens actually want to take photos and videos (for all the right reasons), and parents can participate too without feeling out of place.

What’s included in first-timer packages:

• Pre-flight training session with certified instructor
• All flight gear (suit, helmet, goggles, earplugs)
• 2 flights in the wind tunnel (60 seconds each—feels longer than you’d think)
• Personalized flight certificate
• Video/photo packages available for extra fee

Octane Raceway — Go-Karts Up to 45 MPH (★ 4.7/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★½ 4.5 (2,347 reviews) | Yelp: ★★★★★ 4.7 (447 reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.5 (3,099 reviews)
Overall: 4.7 stars across 5,893 verified reviews

Why It’s the Real Deal:

This isn’t your local arcade’s go-kart track.

Octane Raceway features the only indoor/outdoor full-time racing track in the United States. The 1/3-mile course starts inside, snakes outside under the Arizona sun, and returns indoors—with European-style electric karts hitting 45 mph for adults and 20 mph for juniors.

Beyond racing:

• Velocity VR — Virtual reality gaming arcade
• Axe Throwing — Because apparently that’s a thing now
• Mini Bowling — Boutique bowling lanes
• Brickyard Grill — Full restaurant and bar on-site
• Arcade — Classic and modern games

Wonderspaces Arizona — Interactive Art Experience (★ 4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★½ 4.5 | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.5 (244 reviews)
Overall: 4.5 stars — over 300,000 visitors since opening

What Makes It Different:

Wonderspaces isn’t a traditional art museum—it’s an immersive, interactive experience featuring rotating installations from artists around the world.

Think: rooms filled with projection mapping, VR experiences, sound installations, and art pieces designed to be touched, explored, and photographed.

For teenagers who’d normally groan at “museum,” Wonderspaces delivers Instagram-worthy content while accidentally exposing them to contemporary art. Win-win.

Quick Comparison: Top 12 Scottsdale Kids Activities at a Glance

Before we dive into the details, here’s everything you need to know at a glance:

Free Things to Do with Kids in Scottsdale

Family vacations are expensive.

Between flights, hotels, and $45 aquarium tickets, costs add up fast. The good news? Some of Scottsdale’s best family experiences cost absolutely nothing.

Want to save money?

These free activities aren’t consolation prizes—they’re genuinely excellent experiences that happen to have no admission fee.

Old Town Scottsdale Walking Tour — Free Western Heritage Experience

Why Kids Love It:

Old Town Scottsdale’s historic district delivers genuine Wild West atmosphere—bronze cowboy statues, Western storefronts, public art, and the chance to spot real horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping down the street.

It’s free, stroller-friendly, and the perfect way to stretch legs after a long flight or car ride.

Must-see stops:

• Bronze cowboy sculptures — Life-size statues throughout the district (kids love posing with them)
• Sugar Bowl Ice Cream — Iconic pink parlor since 1958, vintage arcade games inside
• Scottsdale Civic Center Park — Green lawns, sculptures, and space to run
• 5th Avenue shops — Window shopping through Western boutiques and art galleries
• Thursday ArtWalk — Free weekly gallery walk (October-May, 7-9 PM)

Library Culture Pass Hack — Free Museum Admission

The Secret Local Parents Don’t Share:

Here’s a hack that could save your family hundreds of dollars—and almost no tourist knows about it.

The Scottsdale Public Library offers Culture Passes: free admission tickets to museums, gardens, and cultural institutions throughout Arizona. All you need is a library card (free to Arizona residents, available to visitors for a small fee).

How it works:

1. Visit Scottsdale Public Library or apply for a library card online
2. Browse available Culture Passes (limited quantity, first-come-first-served)
3. Reserve passes up to 7 days in advance
4. Pick up passes at the library
5. Present at participating institution for free admission

How to Survive Scottsdale with Kids in Summer 2026

Let’s address the elephant in the room:

Scottsdale summers are brutally hot. We’re talking 110-115°F from June through September. Outdoor activities become genuinely dangerous during peak afternoon hours.

Here’s what local parents know:

Summer Scottsdale with kids requires a completely different strategy than other seasons. Follow this guide, and you’ll not only survive—you’ll actually enjoy it (at 40-60% lower hotel rates, no less).

The Summer Survival Rules:

1. Morning outdoor activities ONLY

Schedule any outdoor plans (Railroad Park, hiking, zoo) for 7-10 AM. By 11 AM, temperatures become uncomfortable. By 1 PM, they’re dangerous for children.

2. Embrace indoor attractions 11 AM – 5 PM

This is why the Arizona Boardwalk exists. OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, LEGOLAND, and Museum of Illusions are all fully air-conditioned and designed for exactly this purpose.

3. Great Wolf Lodge is summer survival equipment

When it’s 115°F outside and your hotel pool feels like bathwater, an 84°F indoor waterpark becomes essential. Budget for at least one day pass.

4. Splash pads during “cool” evening hours

After 6 PM, temperatures drop to a “bearable” 100°F. Hit the splash pads at Scottsdale Quarter (open until 10 PM) for evening outdoor time.

5. Hydrate aggressively

Kids dehydrate faster than adults in desert heat. Carry water bottles everywhere. Sports drinks aren’t overkill—they’re necessary.

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale with Family

The “best” time depends on your priorities:

🏆 Best Overall: October – April

Perfect weather (65-85°F), all outdoor activities accessible, pool temperatures comfortable. Peak season means higher hotel rates, but the weather is genuinely ideal for families.

💰 Best for Budget: June – August

Hotel rates drop 40-60%. Yes, it’s hot—but if you follow the summer survival guide above (indoor mornings, waterparks, evening splash pads), you’ll save hundreds while still having an excellent trip.

⚾ Best for Sports: February – March

MLB Spring Training brings the San Francisco Giants to Scottsdale Stadium and the Arizona Diamondbacks to Salt River Fields. Family-friendly baseball at smaller, accessible ballparks.

🎄 Best for Events: November – December

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating, holiday lights, and Santa experiences. Perfect temperatures, festive atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Scottsdale with toddlers?

For toddlers (ages 0-4), the best activities are McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (train rides, carousel, shaded playground—all stroller-friendly), Children’s Museum of Phoenix (15 min away, designed for ages 0-8), Scottsdale Quarter splash pad (free, clean, safe), and Butterfly Wonderland (stroller-accessible, mesmerizing for all ages). All these attractions have changing facilities and accommodate families with young children.

Is Scottsdale good for a family vacation?

Yes! Despite its reputation as an adult destination known for golf and spas, Scottsdale offers 12+ major kid-friendly attractions. The Arizona Boardwalk complex alone (OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, LEGOLAND, Museum of Illusions) provides 2-3 full days of entertainment. Add Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor waterpark, the free Railroad Park, and excellent family resorts with kids’ programs, and Scottsdale rivals any family destination in the Southwest.

How many days do you need in Scottsdale with kids?

Plan 3-5 days for a complete family experience. Sample itinerary: Day 1: Arizona Boardwalk (OdySea + Butterfly Wonderland). Day 2: Railroad Park morning + Great Wolf Lodge afternoon. Day 3: Phoenix Zoo + Desert Botanical Garden. Day 4: Children’s Museum + Old Town exploration. Day 5: Resort pool day or teen activities (iFLY, Octane). Three days works for a focused trip; five days allows for a relaxed pace.

What is there to do in Scottsdale with teenagers?

Teens love iFLY Indoor Skydiving ($80-100 for the flying experience), Octane Raceway go-karts (up to 45 mph), Wonderspaces interactive art museum (Instagram-worthy), and Museum of Illusions for photos. Old Town Scottsdale offers evening strolls (before 9 PM), shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square, and Sugar Bowl ice cream with its vintage arcade. For adventure seekers, consider horseback riding through the desert at sunset.

Are there free activities for kids in Scottsdale?

Absolutely. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park has free entry (rides just $3), splash pads at Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons are 100% free, and Old Town walking costs nothing. The secret local hack: Scottsdale Public Library offers Culture Passes—free admission to museums, gardens, and cultural institutions. The library’s children’s area (castle-themed reading nook, activity tables) is itself a free attraction.

Is OdySea Aquarium worth the price?

At $35-45 per person, OdySea is expensive—especially for a family of four ($140-180 total). However, it’s the largest aquarium in the Southwest with over 30,000 animals and 2 million gallons of water. The shark tunnel and “America’s Best Restroom” (yes, sharks swimming past the bathroom mirrors) are genuinely memorable. Save money by purchasing the Arizona Boardwalk combo pass (OdySea + Butterfly Wonderland + LEGOLAND) online for 20-25% off, and visit after 4 PM for smaller crowds.

What should I avoid in Scottsdale with young children?

Skip Camelback Mountain hiking (too strenuous and dangerous for young kids—try the stroller-friendly Bajada Nature Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve instead). Avoid outdoor activities between 11 AM – 5 PM during summer (dangerous heat). The Musical Instrument Museum may bore children under 5 with its static displays (head straight to the Experience Gallery if you go). And don’t expect LEGOLAND Discovery Center to satisfy teenagers—it’s specifically designed for ages 3-10.

Your Scottsdale AZ Family Trip Awaits

Bottom line:

Scottsdale isn’t just a grown-up destination anymore.

From $3 train rides to indoor waterparks to shark-viewing restrooms, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area delivers genuine family adventures that rival any destination in the country—often at a fraction of the cost.

The key is knowing where to look (this guide) and when to go (mornings outdoors, afternoons indoors, especially in summer).

Planning your Scottsdale family vacation?

Start with our Best Family Resorts in Scottsdale guide for kid-friendly hotels with pools, lazy rivers, and kids’ clubs. Then check our family-friendly hiking trails for stroller-accessible desert walks.

Now over to you:

Which Scottsdale attraction is your family most excited to try first—the Railroad Park trains, the shark tunnel at OdySea, or the indoor waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge?

Let us know at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we’d love to hear about your family adventure!

→ Best Family Resorts in Scottsdale: Top 5 for Kids 2026

→ Best Hiking in Scottsdale: 5 Epic Desert Trails (Family-Friendly)