Scottsdale, Arizona has numerous family-friendly activities that are sure to win anyone over to the Grand Canyon state. Whether you are looking for a full day of adventures, or a quick picnic at a park, Scottsdale has you covered. With all the sunshine available year-round, Scottsdale has incorporated many indoor and outdoor activities to encourage families to get out and explore the area.
Parks and Water Parks
George “Doc” Cavalliere Park
27775 N. Alma School Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
If you and your family are looking for a fun day outdoors, Cavalliere park has got you covered. This award-winning oasis has over 34 acres of park space with attractions, including: shaded playgrounds, picnic areas, fully-lit basketball courts, ramadas, and a casual hiking trail. The park is renowned for is wildflower gardens and the preservation of desert landscape while incorporating the traditional park offerings. George “Doc” Cavalliere Park is a perfect way to experience outdoor life in Arizona, while in a comfortable setting.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E Indian Bend Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a train lover’s paradise. The park offers train rides, carousel rides, playground and picnic areas, and a 10,000 square foot train museum. Kids will be entertained for hours with all there is to explore at this unique park. This budget-friendly activity will be an instant hit for a family activity.
Big Surf
1500 N. McClintock Dr.,
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-994-2297
Just south of the Scottsdale area is a local-favorite, Big Surf. This waterpark offers a wave pool (rafts and boogie boards are available to rent), water slides, surfing lessons, and a kid’s themed pool for younger children. Big Surf is the third largest water park in the world and is sure to provide a day of fun in the sun.
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center
15525 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park is the ultimate oasis for Scottsdale visitors and residents. The park includes a fitness center, aquatic center, skate-park, sports fields, and a playground/park area. The aquatic center features multiple pools, slides, diving board, splash pads, lap pools, and a lazy river. Families can also rent out the island inside the lazy river for private parties or picnics. With all the amenities and space available at this park, everyone in the family is sure to find something to entertain themselves for hours on end.
Sports and Active Life
AZ Air Time
13802 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite 145
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-427-2000
AZ Air Time is the top-rated trampoline park in the Scottsdale area. If your family is looking for an indoor activity that is fun for all ages, AZ Air Time is a great choice. Whether you want to practice your flips, play trampoline dodgeball, or play in the foam pit, there is an activity for everyone.
CrackerJax Family Fun and Sports Park
16001 N. Scottsdale Rd.,
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-998-2800
Families will love all the activities available at CrackerJax. The park offers laser tag, bumper boats, miniature golf, and more. There are activities for people of all ages, and plenty of opportunities for some good family competition.
Spring Training
*Locations throughout the valley, please visit their website for all locations and dates.
Spring training is a staple in Phoenix life. These affordable games give the family a simple outing that is enjoyable for all ages. Most fields offer both general seating along the first and third base lines, and leave the areas behind the outfield as a grassy area for families to picnic and hang out in the grass to watch the game.
Scottsdale Sports Complex
8081 E. Princess Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-312-7529
The Scottsdale sports complex is the athletic dream. The complex homes over 10 soccer/football fields, a lit basketball court, shaded playgrounds, walking paths, and open greenbelt areas. The fields can be rented out for practices and tournaments, but there are also “free play” fields to practice your skills on your own.
Legoland Discovery Center
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle,
Tempe, AZ 85282
(877) 526-3960
Located just south of Scottsdale, is the Legoland Discovery Center. This massive indoor playground allows families to walk through massive Lego reproductions, go on rides, and use your imagination to build any project you desire with thousands of Legos. If you have a Lego lover in the family, this is a must-see!
Wildlife Activities
OdySea Aquarium
9500 E. Via de Ventura,
Scottsdale 85256
(480) 291-8000
The OdySea Aquarium is a recent addition to the activities available in Scottsdale and has become a popular activity. The aquarium includes over 30,000 animals within 50 different exhibits in their 200,000 square foot building. Some experiences include the SeaTREK underwater experience, Living Sea Carousel, 3D theater, and touching pools.
Dolphinaris Arizona
9500 E. Via de Ventura,
Scottsdale AZ 85256
(480) 407-5161
Connected to the OdySea Aquarium is Dolphinaris Arizona. Families can meet and interact with the dolphins while being educated on conservation and protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. This unique adventure gives kids of all ages the opportunity to be up-close and personal with dolphins, in or out of the water.
Butterfly Wonderland
9500 E. Via de Ventura
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(480) 800-3000
The Butterfly Wonderland is the largest indoor rainforest-conservatory in the U.S. The conservatory is not only home to over 3,000 butterflies, it also has exhibits of rainforest reptiles and bees. Families can walk throughout the facility and explore and if you sit still long enough, the friendly butterflies will even land on people and hang out with them for a little. This unique experience is sure to impress not only the children, but adults as well.
Pangea: Land of the Dinosaurs
9500 East Via de Ventura C-100
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(480) 362-3466 (DINO)
Pangea Land of the Dinosaurs is an educational and interactive learning center. Entrants can enjoy over 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, fossil excavations, dinosaur rides, face-painting, food, and more!
Scottsdale has many family activities to offer that are bound to be a hit with everyone. So get out, enjoy the nice weather, and enjoy the activities available in Scottsdale, AZ. This article was brought to you by the Scottsdale Pediatric Dentists at Children’s Dental Specialty Group.