KidPaths

One Day in Phoenix with Kids

A full family day in Phoenix, morning to evening. 3 stops picked from 26 kid-tested activities based on ratings, variety, and parent tips. 1 stop is free.

9 AM
MorningStart the day with energy
Arizona Falls

Arizona Falls

Water drops 20 feet about an arm's length from where your kid is standing, and it is loud enough that they have to raise their voice to be heard over it. The de

3 to 10 is the sweet spot. Little kids come for the roar and the mist, and grade schoolers are old enough to follow the actual story here, which is that this drop in the canal made the first electricity in Phoenix. Toddlers enjoy it but need a hand held the entire time, because the canal runs fast and open right alongside the walkway. Teens will give you about ten minutes unless you make it part of a longer bike ride on the canal path.Free4.4 stars
2 PM
AfternoonThe main event
Lizards for Kids and More

Lizards for Kids and More

Almost every kid has a phase where lizards are the most interesting thing on earth, and this is a room built entirely for that phase. Instead of watching a snak

Best for about ages 5 to 15, and specifically for the kid in your house who already knows the difference between a bearded dragon and a leopard gecko. Little kids from 5 up can hold a calm animal with a hand under it and an adult beside them. Big kids and tweens are the core audience, since this is where the questions get good. Reptile-obsessed teens do fine here too. Toddlers and infants are a hard sell, because the whole experience depends on gentle, controlled hands.Walking in and looking at the animals costs nothing, so a browse is a free stop in Glendale5 stars
4 PM
Late AfternoonWind down
Rappel Arizona

Rappel Arizona

Backing off the edge of a 100 foot cliff is the kind of thing kids assume adults will never actually let them do, right up until a guide clips them in and says

Roughly 7 through 17, with tweens and teens getting the most out of it. Rappel Arizona does not publish a minimum age on its site, but the company does describe hosting families with members ranging in age from 7 to 45, which is the closest thing to a published floor. The half day rappelling package works on a 100 foot cliff, and top rope climbing sessions cover slab, aretes, corners and a 70 foot chimney, so what a kid needs is not strength so much as the ability to listen carefully, trust a rope and manage nerves at height. Some seven year olds are naturals at that and some thirteen year olds are not, which is why the honest answer is to call (866) 222-4703, describe your kid, and let the guides tell you whether the package fits. Little kids, toddlers and babies are not a fit for any of this.Rappel Arizona does not publish package pricing on its site, so this is a call for a quote outing rather than one you can budget from a webpage5 stars

Tips for Your Day

  • → Start outdoor activities in the morning before it gets hot.
  • → Pack snacks and water; saves money and avoids meltdowns.
  • → Check hours before you go. Museum hours change seasonally.
  • → Arizona Falls is stroller-friendly; bring it for little ones.

Common Questions

What should I do with kids in Phoenix for one day?
A great one-day itinerary: start at Arizona Falls in the morning, grab lunch at Lizards for Kids and More, then visit Rappel Arizona in the afternoon. 1 stop of these is free.
How much does a day in Phoenix with kids cost?
A full day with a family of four costs roughly Free + Walking in and looking at the animals costs nothing, so a browse is a free stop in Glendale + Rappel Arizona does not publish package pricing on its site, so this is a call for a quote outing rather than one you can budget from a webpage. Every listing on KidPaths shows family-of-4 cost estimates.
What order should I visit Phoenix attractions with kids?
Start outdoors in the morning when kids have energy and it's cooler. Do indoor attractions after lunch when it's hottest. Save easy, free activities for late afternoon when everyone's winding down.

More Ways to Explore Phoenix

Free ActivitiesRainy Day ActivitiesIndoor ActivitiesOutdoor ActivitiesStroller-FriendlyToddlerInfantLittle KidsBig KidsTweensTeen

Phoenix weekend picks, in your inbox

Get one short, practical Phoenix outing idea each week, plus age fit, cost notes, and rainy-day backups.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.