Children's Museum of Phoenix

Children's Museum of Phoenix is one of the Phoenix metro area's best family destinations — a three-story hands-on museum housed in the renovated Monroe School building in downtown Phoenix, where every exhibit invites interaction rather than observation. With nearly 6,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, it's established itself as a consistent favorite for families with young children.

The museum's design philosophy is straightforward and effective: give kids the tools, materials, and space to explore, discover, and create. The noodle forest — a room of thousands of hanging noodles that kids can run through, hide in, and feel against their skin — is a signature sensory experience that toddlers and young kids respond to with immediate delight. The art studio offers open-ended creative time with real materials.

The construction zone has foam blocks at a scale kids can genuinely build with. The market exhibit creates role-play scenarios with shopping, cooking, and commerce.

The three-story layout means different age groups find their level: younger toddlers gravitate to sensory exhibits on lower floors, while older kids (7-10) engage with more complex challenge-based exhibits higher up. The museum does a good job of mixing active physical play with quieter, more focused creative stations.

For Scottsdale families, the downtown Phoenix location is about 20-30 minutes away — worth the drive for a dedicated museum day. The renovated Monroe School building adds historical character, and the surrounding Heritage Square and downtown Phoenix area offers additional cultural and dining options for extending the day. Closed Mondays; check the website for Target discount days and other promotional admission.