The 16 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale: Can’t Miss Activities for the Whole Family

Scottsdale, Arizona is a desert oasis brimming with sunshine, stunning landscapes, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Scottsdale offers something for everyone. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, your family is sure to create unforgettable memories.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to the 16 best family-friendly things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Hike at McDowell Sonoran Preserve

For families who love the outdoors, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers over 30,000 acres of pristine desert landscape to explore. The preserve features more than 200 miles of trails that range from easy, family-friendly hikes to more challenging routes. AllTrails has a list of 10 easy to moderate kid-friendly hikes.

If you go in the summer, consider early morning hikes to avoid the midday heat, and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks.

Make a Splash at the Odysea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale is the largest aquarium in the Southwest, offering an incredible underwater adventure for families. The aquarium features over 2 million gallons of water and showcases a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, fish, sea lions, sea turtles, otters, penguins, and stingrays.

Your adventure begins in the Aqua Lobby, which has large, circular aquariums hanging overhead. The OdySea Voyager is a unique rotating experience that gives you an overview of the Aquarium’s largest exhibits. During this 20 minute “voyage,” you’ll rotate past towering viewing windows filled with sea life. The experience is narrated by members of the animal care team, so you get interesting facts and personal anecdotes about their experiences with the animals.

For kids (and adults!) who want a hands-on experience, the aquarium has four touch pools, allowing guests to get a close-up view of sturgeon, rays, sea stars, and anemone. There’s also a VR experience and an interactive water table activity in the Kids’ Cove.

Located within the Arizona Boardwalk complex, OdySea Aquarium is surrounded by other family-friendly attractions, making it a perfect destination for a day of exploration and fun.

Explore Old Town Scottsdale

Experience the old and the new, the traditional and the contemporary at Old Town Scottsdale. This collection of walkable neighborhoods has shopping, restaurants, art galleries, public art installations, museums, and historic sites. The Western Spirit: Scottsdale Museum of the West, for example, features everything from Hopi pottery to model trains to Old West items like saddles and badges.

To get around, families can take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, or use the free Scottsdale Trolly that has three routes around the city.


Family-friendly restaurants are plentiful when you need a bite to eat. Enjoy Bavarian Pretzels, hot dogs, and brats at Brat Haus, or grab pizza at Oregano’s, where kids can play with a ball of pizza dough while they wait. For a classic or not-so-classic burger, try Rehab Burger Therapy. Those with a sweet tooth can grab an ice cream cone, sundae, or float at Sugar Bowl Scottsdale, a made-from-scratch brioche donut from Chin Up Donuts, or a scoop of Italian gelato from Pussycat Gelato.

The weekly Farmer’s Market held October through May on Saturday mornings is a great place to pick up local produce and artisanal goods.

Saddle Up for a Horseback Riding Adventure

For an unforgettable experience, take the family horseback riding through Scottsdale’s stunning desert landscapes. Many local ranches in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Cave Creek offer guided horseback riding tours suitable for all skill levels. Here are a few options:

• Cave Creek Outfitters has guided horseback rides and cowboy cookouts.
• Wild West Horse Adventures has private guided tours for one, two, or three hours. They also have sunset rides, which provide stunning views of Arizona’s beautiful sunsets.
• In addition to horseback riding, MacDonald’s Ranch has picnic tables, a petting zoo, and games. You don’t need a reservation to enter the ranch, but you do need a reservation to go on a horseback ride.
• Arizona Horseback Adventures offers multiple day and sunset packages, so you can pick the destination and length that works best for your family.
  
  

Discover Native American Culture at the Heard Museum

Introduce your family to the rich cultural heritage of Native American tribes at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. The museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and exhibits that celebrate the traditions and history of Native peoples.

Permanent collections include baskets, drawings and prints, hopi Katsina dolls, paintings, pottery, textiles, beadwork, fashion, jewelry, photography and video, and sculpture. There are also temporary exhibitions, including Art and Sole, which will feature shoes painted, beaded, and styled by more than a dozen Native artists. The exhibition Away from Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories explores the history and impact of American Indian boarding schools on Native communities.

You can explore the museum on your own, or take advantage of one of several tour options: a free public tour, personalized private tour, or a self-guided tour. There’s also a museum shop and cafe.

Embark on a Desert Safari with a Jeep Tour

For a thrilling adventure, consider booking a desert jeep tour. These guided tours take families deep into the Sonoran Desert, where you’ll learn about the area’s geology, history, and wildlife. Experienced guides will navigate rugged terrain, giving you an up-close look at the desert’s unique landscape. There are several options in the area, including Scottsdale Adventure Tours, which offers daytime and sunset tours by experienced guides. (They also offer astronomy tours and Scottsdale city tours, if a jeep tour isn’t your style.)

Take a Scenic Ride at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

For a unique and nostalgic experience, visit the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. This family-friendly attraction features a 15-inch gauge railroad that takes visitors on a scenic ride through the park. The park also includes a vintage carousel, playgrounds, a model railroad building, and a museum dedicated to railroad history.

The park hosts seasonal events like holiday lights displays and concerts. It’s a great spot for a picnic, so bring along some snacks and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Visit the Butterfly Wonderland

Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly conservatory in America and offers a magical experience for families. Walk through a lush rainforest environment filled with thousands of free-flying butterflies. The attraction also features an insect exhibit, a 3D theater, a bee hive, an edible insects station, a gift shop, and a cafe. Don’t miss the Butterfly Emergence Gallery, where you can witness butterflies emerging from their chrysalises in real time.

Cool Off at McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center

Arizona’s desert climate can be quite warm, especially during the summer. Cool off with a visit to the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center. The facility features a large lap pool, a lazy river, water slides, and a play pool for younger children. It’s the perfect place to spend a day splashing around and beating the heat. Pack a picnic lunch and take advantage of the shaded seating areas.

Discover the Art at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Scottsdale is known for its vibrant arts scene. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has exhibitions that showcase the world of modern art. Additionally, Scottsdale Public Art features outdoor sculptures and installations that you can explore as you stroll through the city. View the map of current art installations here.

Kids 18 years and younger are free, and admission is free for active members in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) program, making it a budget-friendly option for families looking to explore the arts.

Do a Family Movie Night Under the Stars

Scottsdale’s clear, starry skies make it the perfect place for an outdoor movie night. Several local parks and venues offer family-friendly movie screenings under the stars. Harkins Theatres, for example, has outdoor movies every Friday and Saturday in the winter, complete with a walk-up concessions stand. Depending on the venue, you might want to bring a blanket, chairs, and snacks.

Experience the Thrill of Go-Kart Racing at Octane Raceway

For families with older kids or teens, Octane Raceway offers a thrilling go-kart racing experience. The indoor/outdoor track allows for high-speed fun in a safe and controlled environment. The facility also features an arcade, a mini bowling alley, and a VR arena, providing a full day of excitement for the whole family. Octane Raceway offers special family racing packages and deals, so be sure to check their website for promotions before you go.

Play a Tune at the Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Scottsdale, AZ, offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. It houses an extensive collection of over 8,000 instruments from around the world, showcasing the rich diversity of global musical traditions. The museum features interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to hear, see, and even play instruments from various cultures. The MIM also hosts live performances and educational programs, making it a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts and families alike.

Explore the Wonders of the Desert Botanical Garden

A visit to the Desert Botanical Garden is a perfect way to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. Open year-round, the garden spans over 55 acres and is home to thousands of species of cacti, trees, and flowers. There are multiple trails to choose from, including the Sonoran Desert Nature Trail and the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail. And most of them are stroller-friendly, so young kids can enjoy the scenery without getting too tired.

In addition to the permanent trails, there are a variety of family-friendly events that happen throughout the year, like Flashlight Nights, Storytime, Strange Garden (a Halloween event), and Día de Muertos.

Sunscreen, water, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Pets aren’t allowed in the garden.

Get Hands-On at the Arizona Science Center

Just a short drive from Scottsdale, the Arizona Science Center features over 140,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits on the human body, the forces of nature, physics, space, and more. Kids can also watch films in the Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater, including Space: The New Frontier and Blue Whales: Return Of The Giants.

Like the Desert Botanical Garden, the Arizona Science Center hosts seasonal events throughout the year, like Science Skele-bration and Astronomy Week.

Play at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a paradise for younger kids, offering a wide range of interactive exhibits designed to inspire creativity and learning. The museum features a three-story climbing structure, a pretend grocery store, an art studio, and much more. It’s a place where kids can let their imaginations run wild.

Parking is free, and there’s a café where guests can purchase sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. You’re also welcome to bring food from home and eat in one of the designated eating areas.

Explore the Animal Kingdom at the Phoenix Zoo

Located in nearby Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals (representing nearly 400 species) from around the world. Families can explore various habitats, including the African Trail, the Tropics Trail, the Arizona Trail, and the Children’s Trail. The zoo also features a petting zoo, a splash pad, and a carousel, making it a full day of fun for kids of all ages.

The zoo offers animal encounters where kids can get up close with creatures like giraffes and stingrays, or they can ride a camel.

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

After a day of exploring all that Scottsdale has to offer, you’ll want a comfortable and welcoming place to unwind.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Scottsdale Resort offers a luxurious and family-friendly retreat in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona. The resort features spacious villas, perfect for families, with fully equipped kitchens, separate sleeping areas, and private balconies. Guests can enjoy four outdoor pools, including a zero-entry pool with interactive water features, ideal for children. The on-site amenities, such as a fitness center, activity center, and nearby golf courses, ensure that every member of the family has something to enjoy during their stay.

Located near top Scottsdale attractions, such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Old Town Scottsdale, the resort provides easy access to a variety of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert or immerse yourself in the local culture, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Scottsdale Resort offers the perfect home base for your family’s Arizona adventure.

Check Out Seasonal Events In Scottsdale

Scottsdale has multiple events nearly every week, from art walks and theater productions to festivals and rodeos. Check out a list of upcoming events on the Experience Scottsdale or the City of Scottsdale website.

Scottsdale is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that offer a perfect blend of adventure, education, and fun. From exploring the stunning landscapes of McDowell Sonoran Preserve to immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences at the Heard Museum, there’s no shortage of memorable moments to be had. No matter how long you plan to stay, these 17 activities ensure that your time in Scottsdale will be filled with joy, learning, and unforgettable experiences for the whole family.