By local contributor
Lauren Wise
Looking for ways to make the most of your evenings in Scottsdale? Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities that come alive after the sun goes down, or just want to get an idea of of all the different things to do in Scottsdale–we have you covered. From twilight baseball games and glowing gardens to late-night arcade fun and seasonal festivals, here’s our guide to family activities and kid-friendly things to do in Scottsdale at night.
Scottsdale shines in the cooler months with festive events the whole family will love. Stroll the Scottsdale Waterfront and explore lighted, interactive art exhibitions during Canal Convergence or browse the Old Town’s fine art galleries during the free Thursday night ArtWalk (year-round). Cultural and holiday favorites include Dia de Los Muertos and Scottsdazzle (pictured) in Old Town, Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden (pictured), and Christmas at the Princess. And when it comes to spectacular holiday light displays, don’t miss ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and the magical Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
Spring Training is a must-do family outing. Scottsdale Stadium (spring home of the San Francisco Giants) and Salt River Fields (home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies) host evening games starting around 6–7 p.m. Kids can run on the grass, eat peanuts, sip a frosty lemonade, and maybe even catch a fly ball. Pro Tip: bring a mitt to play catch with the little ones.
From June to mid-September, the Desert Botanical Garden transforms into a nighttime wonderland with Flashlight Nights. Families can explore the Garden’s trails by flashlight, hear desert sounds, and learn about nocturnal creatures on this unique sensory adventure. If hunger strikes while you’re exploring, snacks and drinks are available for purchase during the event.
Scottsdale is packed with nighttime family fun and games. Mavrix (pictured) is an entertainment destination featuring 22 bowling lanes, 85 arcade games, billiards tables and a state-of-the-art laser tag arena. Right next door to Mavrix, Octane Raceway offers high-speed electric kart racing and Velocity VR virtual reality games for older kids and adults. And in North Scottsdale, Dave & Buster’s serves up more than 100 arcade games, bowling and a full menu of pub-style favorites like sliders, nachos, burgers and flatbreads. And if you’ve ever been frustrated by one of those “claw” prize games, try out the Human Crane where you are the claw and prizes are yours for the grabbing!
Two family favorites – swimming and movies – come together every summer in Scottsdale, when, several local resorts host dive-in movies, letting families float and watch films under the stars. Check out Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, and Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. During “Summer at The Princess,” the Fairmont even adds Saturday fireworks shows and Volcano Glo Parties.
End your evening on a sweet note with a dessert stop at Old Town’s iconic Sugar Bowl. This family-owned Scottsdale landmark on Scottsdale Road is hard to miss thanks to its bubblegum-pink exterior. Inside, pink booths, a retro soda fountain and original artwork from Family Circus creator Bil Keane creates the perfect backdrop for a tasty menu of sundaes, shakes, malts and banana splits.