Scottsdale is one of our favorite places for family fun, with tons of activities that kids will love! There’s plenty of interactive exhibits to discover at the OdySea Aquarium, check out the brand new Bubble Planet experience, and even ride miniature trains at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. For even more fun, discover unique attractions by spending the day creating art at the Crayola Experience or see thousands of butterflies flutter around you at Butterfly Wonderland. Want more fun? Keep scrolling for our list of the best things to do with kids in and around Scottsdale!
1. Visit this colorful Bubble Planet!
Bubble Planet has taken the world by storm, popping into cities from Abu Dhabi to London, and now it has landed in Tempe for a limited time! Discover 10 different themed rooms, from a massive ball pit with a larger-than-life inflatable man to the dreamy cloud room! One guest shared that it’s “a beautiful experience that made me feel like a kid again. It was like traveling through a virtual world!” The entire family will have fun, and if you have children under 2, they can go for free.
📍Location: 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282
2. Get hands-on at the Crayola experience
Looking for something creative? Then you have to plan a visit to this Crayola Experience in Chandler for your little artists! You can name and wrap your very own Crayola crayon, bring your artwork to life as a melted wax masterpiece, and learn how to master Drip Art.
📍3111 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
4. Go on an underwater adventure at the OdySea Aquarium
The sprawling 200,000-square-foot OdySea Aquarium is one of the largest in the Southwest and just happens to be one of our favorite things to do with kids in Scottsdale! We love their special experiences like the shark tour, Sea Trek helmet diving, and unique encounters with penguins and sloths!
📍9500 East Vía de Ventura Suite A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
5. Witness thousands of butterflies at Butterfly Wonderland!
Experience thousands of beautiful butterflies swarming around you at Butterfly Wonderland. Enjoy seeing them as you walk through an exquisite indoor rainforest environment.
📍9500 East Vía de Ventura F100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
6. Impress the kids with one of these stunningly haunted Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight Concerts are a great way to introduce your kiddos to world-class music, from classical genres to rock legends, pop artists in awe-inspiring venues.
Check out the full list of options here, and get ready to be surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles.
📍Multiple locations
7. Love trains? Visit the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park this month!
If your kids love trains, you absolutely can’t miss the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park! You can ride the miniature trains and even hop on the carousel. We could spend hours exploring the train museum with its amazing model train sets. We especially loved checking out the historic Pullman train car at this volunteer-run adventure!
We could spend hours exploring the train museum with its amazing model train sets. We especially loved checking out the historic Pullman train car at this volunteer-run adventure!
📍7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250
8. See 360-degree desert views on a hot air balloon ride
Take the whole family on a hot air balloon ride to soak in those stunning desert views! You can wake up early in time to watch the sunrise or there’s a trip during the sunset. One thing’s for sure, it’ll be unforgettable.
📍Several options!
🌅 Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise: Grab tickets!
🍳 Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Phoenix with Breakfast: Book here!
🎈 Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix: Secure your spot here!
🌄 Sunrise Sonoran Desert Hot Air Balloon Ride from Phoenix: Get your tickets!