Things to Do with Kids in Scottsdale, AZ
37 kid-tested activities: museums, parks, zoos, restaurants, and more.
By Kit, KidPaths editor
Covers 71 cities. Reads a lot of parent reviews.
Scottsdale family activity overview
Scottsdale, AZ gives families a desert trip with both cactus-filled outdoor stops and reliable indoor play.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the nature anchor, while Ninja Kidz Action Park - Phoenix or Museum of Illusions Scottsdale can rescue a hot afternoon. Families often come for winter break, spring training season, or a warm-weather escape. Best for kids who like active play, short nature walks, and breaks from the sun.
The KidPaths guide for Scottsdale currently includes 37 KidPaths-vetted activities, including 12 free options, 20 indoor or mixed-weather picks, 21 outdoor or partly outdoor picks, 26 stroller-friendly stops. Use it to balance one anchor outing with a backup plan, especially when weather, naps, or meal timing start driving the day.
Start with Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground, Ninja Kidz Action Park - Phoenix if you want a quick scan of the strongest local picks, then use the filters below for age fit, stroller access, cost, and rainy-day backup options.
Top kid-friendly places in Scottsdale
Plan Scottsdale by age, weather, and budget
Jump straight to the pages parents search for most, with only indexable KidPaths listings linked here.
Paid attraction planning
Check pass savings before booking Scottsdale tickets
If your plan includes several major museums, aquariums, observation decks, or tours, a city pass may beat buying every ticket separately. Always compare against direct prices for your exact dates.
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Scottsdale with kids: common questions
What are the best free things to do with kids in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale has 12 free family activities. Top picks: Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground, Eldorado Park Playground North, Horizon Park Playground, Chaparral Park, Mountain View Park. See all free activities at kidpaths.com/scottsdale.
What can we do with kids on a rainy day in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale has 19 rainy-day options. Top indoor picks: Ninja Kidz Action Park - Phoenix, Museum of Illusions Scottsdale, Slick City Action Park, Rush Extreme, Glow Putt Mini Golf.
What are the best activities for toddlers in Scottsdale?
25 activities in Scottsdale are rated for toddlers (ages 1 to 3). Parent favorites: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground, Eldorado Park Playground North, Horizon Park Playground, Chaparral Park.
Which Scottsdale attractions are stroller-friendly?
26 of 37 activities in Scottsdale are fully stroller-friendly. KidPaths rates stroller access as yes, limited, or no for every listing.
What are fun things to do with teens in Scottsdale?
27 activities in Scottsdale are rated for teens (ages 13 to 17). Top picks: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Ninja Kidz Action Park - Phoenix, Museum of Illusions Scottsdale, Slick City Action Park, Chaparral Park.
How much do family activities cost in Scottsdale?
KidPaths tracks family-of-4 cost estimates for 37 activities in Scottsdale. 12 are completely free. Each listing shows the real cost for a family of four, not just per-person pricing.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up, especially nature-curious kids
FreeScottsdale Rotary Park Playground
Ages: 1, 10 years
Ninja Kidz Action Park - Phoenix
Ages: 5, 15 years
Museum of Illusions Scottsdale
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
FreeEldorado Park Playground North
Ages: 1, 10 years
FreeHorizon Park Playground
Ages: 1, 10 years
Slick City Action Park
Ages: Best for ages 4 and up
FreeChaparral Park
Ages: All ages
Rush Extreme
Ages: 5, 17 years
Glow Putt Mini Golf
Ages: Best for ages 4 and up
FreeMountain View Park
Ages: 1, 12 years
The Rush Fun Park
Ages: Great for all ages from infants to teens
Partially FreeTalking Stick Entertainment District
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
FreeFountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
FreeVista Del Camino Park
Ages: All ages
FreePima Park Playground
Ages: 1, 10 years
The Phoenix Zoo
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
FreeEldorado Park
Ages: All ages
Stratosphere Adventure Park
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
FreeDesert Horizon Park
Ages: All ages
Play & Stay
Ages: Best for ages 0-6
Children's Museum of Phoenix
Ages: Best for ages 0-10
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience - Tempe
Ages: Great for all ages, especially 3 and up
Cyber Quest at Arizona Boardwalk
Ages: Best for ages 2-10
FreeIronwood Park
Ages: All ages
FreeDesert Breeze Hummingbird Habitat
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Ages: 5, 17 years
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
Elevate Trampoline Park- McDowell Road, Mesa
Ages: 5, 17 years
Partially FreeArizona Boardwalk
Ages: Great for all ages
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up, particularly nature-curious kids
Uptown Jungle Fun Park
Ages: Best for ages 2-14
Puttshack - Scottsdale
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
Partially FreeQueen Creek Botanical Gardens
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
Altitude Trampoline Park Phoenix
Ages: 5, 17 years
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Ages: Best for ages 5-16
Browse by Age
Scottsdale Family Guides
In-depth guides with real costs, age-by-age picks, and parent tips.
Best Scottsdale Activities for Toddlers (Ages 0–4)
Read guide →Rainy DayRainy Day Activities for Families in Scottsdale
Read guide →3-Day Itinerary3 Days in Scottsdale with Kids: The Perfect Family Itinerary
Read guide →Free & CheapFree & Cheap Things to Do with Kids in Scottsdale
Read guide →Cost GuideWhat Families Actually Spend in Scottsdale: Real Activity Costs
Read guide →Big Kids GuideBest Scottsdale Activities for Big Kids (Ages 6–12)
Read guide →Common Questions About Scottsdale with Kids
- What are the best free things to do with kids in Scottsdale?
- Scottsdale has 12 free family activities. Top picks: Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground, Eldorado Park Playground North, Horizon Park Playground, Chaparral Park, Mountain View Park. See all free activities at kidpaths.com/scottsdale.
- What can we do with kids on a rainy day in Scottsdale?
- Scottsdale has 19 rainy-day options. Top indoor picks: Ninja Kidz Action Park - Phoenix, Museum of Illusions Scottsdale, Slick City Action Park, Rush Extreme, Glow Putt Mini Golf.
- What are the best activities for toddlers in Scottsdale?
- 25 activities in Scottsdale are rated for toddlers (ages 1 to 3). Parent favorites: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground, Eldorado Park Playground North, Horizon Park Playground, Chaparral Park.
- Which Scottsdale attractions are stroller-friendly?
- 26 of 37 activities in Scottsdale are fully stroller-friendly. KidPaths rates stroller access as yes, limited, or no for every listing.
- What are fun things to do with teens in Scottsdale?
- 27 activities in Scottsdale are rated for teens (ages 13 to 17). Top picks: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Ninja Kidz Action Park - Phoenix, Museum of Illusions Scottsdale, Slick City Action Park, Chaparral Park.
- How much do family activities cost in Scottsdale?
- KidPaths tracks family-of-4 cost estimates for 37 activities in Scottsdale. 12 are completely free. Each listing shows the real cost for a family of four, not just per-person pricing.
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