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Scottsdale Stories

6 After-Hours Activities for Families

Fun for all ages doesn’t have to set when the sun does. Keep the excitement going into the night with these family-friendly activities. Not only can you beat the heat, but you can explore even more of what our desert destination has to offer.


Flashlight Tours at Desert Botanical Garden

6 after hours for family - body

Go on a sensory adventure through the Desert Botanical Garden and keep your eyes and ears open for nighthawks, snakes, insects and night-blooming flowers. This makes for a fun and educational outdoor activity for kids! Note: Offered only in summer.

 


Fireworks at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

6 after hours for family - body

Staying at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess? Take in the thrill of a firework show against a vibrant Sonoran Desert backdrop every Saturday Memorial Day through Labor Day.  

 


Sweet Treats at the Sugar Bowl

6 after hours for family - body

At the Sugar Bowl, it’s more than ice cream sundaes and banana splits; it’s also a trip down memory lane thanks to a working retro soda fountain and original artwork from Family Circus creator Bil Keane.

 


Dive-in Movies

6 after hours for family - body

Keep your family cool and entertained with dive-in movies from several Scottsdale resorts that show kid-approved films poolside. Participating resorts include: include: Fairmont Scottsdale PrincessHyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, and the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.  Note: Offered only in summer.

 


Kart Racing at Octane Raceway

6 after hours for family - body

The electric European racing karts at Octane Raceway have a top speed of 45 MPH – perfect for high-speed laps on the 1/3-mile indoor/outdoor track any night of the week. Feeling brave? Take on marauding zombies or travel to a secret space station with Octane’s Velocity VR experience. Octane also offers an arcade, mini-bowling, Jumbo Jenga and the Brickyard Grille. 

 


Night-Vision Desert Tours

6 after hours for family - body

Cruise through the vast Sonoran Desert after sunset with one of Scottsdale’s off-road outfitters. You’ll don high-tech night-vision gear to spot owls, coyotes, javelina, and other nocturnal creatures. Find more of the top kids activities in Scottsdale and reach out today!

Katarina Kovacevic is an Arizona-based writer, traveler, wife and mom who is always on the hunt for her next big adventure. Her favorite Scottsdale gems are the Valley views from the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, hydrotherapy at Civana Spa and the kid’s pool beach at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch.