Families traveling to the Scottsdale-area will discover a treasure trove of kid-friendly activities and attractions, many boasting great on-site dining options – perfect for when fun and exploration overlap mealtime. From grab-and-go snack bars to casual cafes, there are plenty of choices that will satisfy both kids and adults.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
When visiting Scottsdale’s 30-acre crown jewel, your children can ride on a narrow-gauge train, take a spin on the 1950s vintage carousel, check out the model train exhibits or visit one of the park’s playgrounds. In between activities, pop into Hartley’s General Store & Snack Shop, housed in a historic railroad depot, where your kids can munch on corn dogs, chicken tenders, pizza, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and ice cream along with cold drinks and sweet treats made by a local bakery. Hartley’s also stocks grab-and-go snacks, including carrots, apple slices, cheese sticks and potato chips.
Wonderspaces Arizona
Located just off the food court at Scottsdale Fashion Square, Wonderspaces features an ever-changing art show with immersive, interactive installations that will captivate your kids’ imagination. When hunger strikes, walk down to Moxie’s, a lively, full-service restaurant with an outdoor patio. Your little ones will have a hard time choosing from the robust kids’ menu that features chicken bites, cheeseburgers, grilled chicken, grilled salmon or linguine Bolognese. If you’re more in the mood for coastal Italian fare, check out Élephante restaurant, just steps from Wonderspaces. While this chic eatery doesn’t have a dedicated kids’ menu, the kitchen whips up a large selection of pizza and pasta dishes that your little travelers will enjoy.
Musical Instrument Museum
Take a break from the museum’s exhibits, which feature more than 7,500 musical instruments from over 200 countries, and visit Beats Coffee Bar where you’ll find a “kid pack” with choice of a hot dog, grilled cheese sandwich or a turkey and cheese wrap, served with chips, fruit and a cookie; or stop off at Café Allegro, a cafeteria-style experience that offers sandwiches and sides (think kid-friendly macaroni and cheese and French fries) and an ever-changing global menu. Pick up healthy grab-and-go snacks at both restaurants and enjoy sweet treats made by MIM’s in-house pastry chef.
Heard Museum
Learn about Native American artists and culture on a visit to Heard Museum in nearby downtown Phoenix. The 95-year-old museum houses a carefully curated selection of Indigenous art exhibits and offers hands-on art activities and interactive experiences for families, along with cultural performances. After visiting the museum, stop by the inviting Courtyard Café for a bite to eat. The indoor/outdoor cafe features a kids’ menu with a choice of chicken nachos, chicken tacos, grilled cheese sandwich or a quesadilla, served with a drink and chips. Adults will find a seasonal selection of salads, sandwiches and Southwestern specialties that includes posole and street tacos.
Phoenix Zoo
While exploring the 125-acre Phoenix Zoo, stop by the Savanna Grill, a casual eatery that sports a kid’s dream menu with cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, mini corn dogs, hot dogs and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The kid-friendly meals include a beverage, fruit snacks and choice of fries or mandarin oranges. Savanna Grill also caters to hungry adults and offers burgers, sandwiches, salads and personal pizzas. For kids who like to eat on the run, the Zoo has snack shacks scattered throughout the property for cold drinks, popcorn, soft-serve ice cream and other goodies.
