Three days gives you enough time to hit both the outdoor character of the Phoenix metro and the concentrated indoor entertainment options that make Scottsdale work for families in any season. Here's how to structure it without wasting hours driving across the metro.
Day 1: Scottsdale Core + Talking Stick Entertainment District
Morning (9–11 AM): Start at Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground in the Gainey Ranch area. 4.9 stars, free, well-maintained. Let the kids burn energy before the paid activities start. Bring water and snacks. In summer, this needs to wrap up by 10:30 AM.
Late Morning (11 AM–1 PM): Head to Glow Putt Mini Golf in the Shea Business Park area. Blacklight 18-hole indoor course — a great transition activity before lunch. Budget $50–$80. Plan 1–1.5 hours. The arcade adds more time if you want it.
Lunch: Grab food in the Shea/Scottsdale Road corridor — the area has solid quick-service options. Budget $15–25 for the family.
Afternoon (2–5 PM): The Talking Stick Entertainment District is the highest-density family entertainment zone in the metro. Slick City Action Park is the anchor — indoor foam slides in a massive complex. $90–$140. Or pair a shorter Slick City session with Bam Kazam next door ($80–$120 with activity bundles). Both are 4.7–4.8 stars. Talking Stick Entertainment District also hosts KTR Scottsdale (indoor action sports) — a good add for skating-obsessed kids.
Evening: Dinner near the Scottsdale Resort corridor or order in. Day 1 total: $200–$300 for activities depending on how many Talking Stick venues you hit.
Parking note: The Talking Stick complex has ample free parking. Park once in the afternoon and walk between venues.
Day 2: Nature + Indoor Play Balance
Morning (8:30–11 AM): Drive to Boyce Thompson Arboretum — Arizona's oldest botanical garden in a dramatic desert canyon. This is 60 miles from central Scottsdale, so build in drive time. Budget $35–$55 for the family. Plan 2–3 hours. The 4.9-star rating is not exaggerated — it's a genuinely interesting place for curious kids. Includes the Wallace Desert Garden section.
Pack water and snacks — the on-site café has limited options. Bring sunscreen and good walking shoes.
Midday: Stop for lunch on the drive back toward Scottsdale. The Queen Creek/Gilbert corridor has good family restaurant options.
Afternoon (2–5 PM): Activate Scottsdale (Paradise Valley) in the Paradise Valley Village area. Motion-sensor gaming rooms where kids physically run the games. Perfect 5.0 rating. Budget $80–$120 for a family of four. Sessions run 1–2 hours. Book online in advance.
Alternative afternoon: Ninja Kidz Action Park - Phoenix in the Bell Towne area — ninja warrior obstacle course, 4.9 stars, $80–$120. Best for kids 6 and up. Plan 2–3 hours.
Evening: Museum of Illusions Scottsdale at the Arizona Boardwalk makes a good 90-minute early evening stop. Free parking. Budget $60–$90. 4.8 stars.
Day 2 total: $175–$285 depending on afternoon and evening activity choices.
Day 3: Zoo/Wildlife + Indoor Finish
Full morning (9 AM–12 PM): The Phoenix Zoo in the Camelback East Village area is a full half-day stop. 4.6 stars. Budget $90–$150 (adults ~$30–35, kids 3–12 ~$20–25, parking ~$10, food ~$25–40). If you have an AZA reciprocal membership from your home zoo, check if it applies — you might get in free or discounted.
Plan to arrive at opening (9 AM) to see the most animal activity before the afternoon heat sets in.
Alternatively for a more affordable morning: Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center runs guided tours for wolves, mountain lions, and bobcats. $60–$100, 4.9 stars. More intimate than the zoo — requires advance booking.
Lunch: Picnic near the zoo or Camelback East area restaurants.
Afternoon (2–5 PM): Head to Kids Empire Tempe in South Tempe (off Elliot Rd, easy I-101 access). Perfect 5.0 stars. Indoor playground with multiple zones for all ages. Budget $50–$70. Plan 2–3 hours. Book online.
Or if you've saved the Arizona Boardwalk for your last day, OdySea Aquarium (~$30–40/person) is one of the largest inland aquariums in the US and a strong closer. Plan 2–4 hours.
Evening: Dinner near Old Town Scottsdale or your hotel.
Day 3 total: $190–$290 depending on zoo vs. Wildlife Center and afternoon activity.
3-Day Budget Summary
| Day | Main Activities | Estimated Cost | |-----|----------------|----------------| | Day 1 | Rotary Park + Glow Putt + Slick City/Bam Kazam | $150–$230 | | Day 2 | Boyce Thompson + Activate Scottsdale + Museum of Illusions | $175–$285 | | Day 3 | Phoenix Zoo + Kids Empire Tempe | $140–$220 | | Total | (excl. food, lodging, transport) | $465–$735 |
Add $60–$100/day for meals and you're looking at $645–$1,035 total for three days of family activity.
Logistics Notes
- Summer heat: Plan all outdoor time before 10:30 AM. The indoor options are excellent — lean into them.
- Talking Stick cluster: Slick City, Bam Kazam, KTR Scottsdale are all walkable from each other. One afternoon in this district can hit 2–3 venues.
- Arizona Boardwalk: Free parking, multiple separately ticketed venues. Budget carefully — it's easy to add "just one more thing."
- Tucson day trips: If you have a 4th or 5th day, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is 2 hours away and worth the drive. Reid Park Zoo in Tucson is another affordable option.