Things to Do with Kids in Scottsdale, AZ

26 qualified activities: museums, parks, zoos, restaurants, and more.

4.6 avgacross 26 rated

6 free

12 stroller-friendly

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Reviews family planning details across KidPaths city guides.

Scottsdale family planning starts with heat management.

Outdoor parks, gardens, trails, and animal experiences are strongest early in the morning, while museums, indoor play, and shaded food stops belong in the hotter part of the day. Crossing the metro for a weak second stop is rarely worth it. Carry more water than a normal city outing and use sun protection even in cooler months.

Desert trails can be exposed, rocky, and unsuitable for strollers, so match the route to the youngest child. Toddlers need shade, bathrooms, and short activity windows. Older kids may prefer climbing, active indoor venues, art, science, biking, or guided desert experiences. During monsoon season, watch current weather rather than relying only on the morning forecast.

Resort activities, tours, and premium indoor attractions can raise the family total quickly. Balance one paid anchor with a free park or neighborhood stop. KidPaths listings compare age fit, stroller access, visit length, weather suitability, and cost guidance so parents can build a safe Scottsdale day with a reliable cooling-off plan.

Top kid-friendly places in Scottsdale

OdySea Aquarium4.5 Butterfly Wonderland4.6 McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park4.8 Arizona Boardwalk4.5 Boyce Thompson Arboretum4.9 Museum of Illusions Scottsdale4.8 Wonderspaces Arizona4.5 Rush Extreme4.7 Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West4.7 Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)4.3 Glow Putt Mini Golf4.7 Stratosphere Adventure Park4.6

Parent planning notes

How to use this Scottsdale guide without overplanning

Start with one anchor activity, then keep one nearby backup in mind. That keeps the day flexible if naps, weather, parking, or meal timing change the plan.

The current public guide has 26 KidPaths-vetted activities, including 17 indoor or mixed-weather options. The strongest shelf right now is tours & experiences, with 7 picks.

Each visible listing has cleared the public listing gate for original description depth, venue-specific photo quality, and basic family-planning usefulness.

Rainy-day backup

16 weather-safe picks

Scottsdale has options that still work when weather changes.

Budget scan

6 free picks

Free does not always mean easy, so check parking, shade, and visit length.

Parent logistics

12 stroller-friendly stops

Listings call out stroller access, age fit, and practical notes that affect the day.

Freshness

Checked during editorial review

Average public rating across rated picks is 4.6. Send corrections when hours, prices, access, or photos change.

Plan Scottsdale by age, weather, and budget

Jump straight to the pages parents search for most, with only indexable KidPaths listings linked here.

One day itinerary →

No admission feeFree Activities6 picks Weather backupRainy Day Activities16 picks Climate controlledIndoor Activities17 picks Fresh airOutdoor Activities13 picks Easy accessStroller-Friendly12 picks

Toddler16 Infant12 Little Kids26 Big Kids23 Tweens20 Teen19

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.

Compare Go City passesGood for packed attraction days

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Scottsdale with kids: common questions

What are the best free things to do with kids in Scottsdale?

Scottsdale has 6 free family activities. Top picks: Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground, Mountain View Park, Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden, Rotary Park, Cactus Park. See all free activities at kidpaths.com/scottsdale.

What can we do with kids on a rainy day in Scottsdale?

Scottsdale has 16 rainy-day options. Top indoor picks: Activate Scottsdale (Paradise Valley), Kids Empire Tempe, Jordan's Corner, Museum of Illusions Scottsdale, Glow Putt Mini Golf.

What are the best activities for toddlers in Scottsdale?

16 activities in Scottsdale are rated for toddlers (ages 1 to 3). Parent favorites: Kids Empire Tempe, Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Wallace Desert Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

Which Scottsdale attractions are stroller-friendly?

12 of 26 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?

19 activities in Scottsdale are rated for teens (ages 13 to 17). Top picks: Activate Scottsdale (Paradise Valley), Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Wallace Desert Garden, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

How much do family activities cost in Scottsdale?

KidPaths tracks family-of-4 cost estimates for 26 activities in Scottsdale. 6 are completely free. These are planning ranges, so confirm current tickets, parking, food, and add-on costs with the venue.