Wondering what there is to do in Scottsdale with your family? We’ve got you covered with plenty of family-friendly resorts and hotels, activities for all ages, and restaurants even the pickiest eaters will love. It’s everything you need to keep the whole crew happy and engaged!
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
The Hyatt’s 2.5-acre water playground, which includes a waterslide, sandy beach and rock-climbing wall, screams fun for the whole family. There are eight on-site dining options, a full-service spa, nearby golf and plenty of on-property activities.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Keep the kids busy all day at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ Trailblazers Kids Club where each day brings new hands-on activities, games, swimming and fun in the Family Recreation Center. Also on property are a sport court, waterslides, a playground, and a lagoon for fishing.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
At Westin Kierland’s Adventure Water Park, a 900-foot winding lazy river and bright yellow innertubes await. But the most unexpected activity is the Kierland FlowRider board-sport simulator. Your kids (and you!) will be taking surf lessons in the middle of the desert!
SOUTHWEST WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
Meet some of the Sonoran Desert’s most fascinating inhabitants – including coyotes, bobcats, black bears, foxes and javelina – on a Walk with Wildlife tour at this working sanctuary! While their primary focus is on rescue, rehabilitation and release, Southwest Wildlife provides a lifelong home to any animal that cannot be rereleased into the wild. (Note: reservations are required)
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM
Travel the world through music at MIM! The world’s only global musical instrument museum, MIM offers you a glimpse at more than 5,000 instruments from all the continents of the world through interactive displays and videos. Don’t miss the Experience Gallery, where kids of all ages can play instruments like gongs, guitars, gamelans, a communal Native American drum and more.
Bajada Nature Trail
This easy, ADA-accessible path at the Gateway Trailhead is ideal for everyone because it is completely barrier free, only a half-mile long and has no elevation gain. Educational information and interactive exhibits along the trail keep the kids engaged as they learn about the desert’s fascinating ecosystem.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Spend the afternoon riding the Paradise and Pacific Railroad at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park! There’s also a fully restored 1950s carousel, picnic areas, food concessions, model railroad displays and a museum housing full-size presidential rail cars.
Arizona Boardwalk
The Arizona Boardwalk entertainment complex is home to OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland and Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, all of which offer exciting voyages through different exhibits. There also are fun shops and restaurants to explore.
Hash Kitchen
If S’mores Pancakes don’t scream kiddos, then how about Captain Crunch PB&J French Toast? This creative breakfast joint has everything from short stacks for the kids to a 50-ingredient build-your-own Bloody Mary bar for the adults!
Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant
Scottsdale’s first ice cream parlor debuted in 1958 and still offers a full diner-style menu that includes classic American entrées as well as mouth-watering sundaes, milkshakes and malts. You can’t miss the striking pink building as you drive along Scottsdale Road in Old Town.
PROOF AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT SCOTTSDALE
This north Scottsdale favorite serves up home-style American comfort food sourced from the 50 states for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Grab a table inside the Wild West-inspired restaurant or on the spacious patio and enjoy treats like Huevos Rancheros, Pretzel Knots with spicy cheese sauce, Arizona Citrus Salad and the popular Proof Burger.
