Six Activities Your Kids Will Love in Phoenix

If your family vacation includes planning activities for kids spanning in age from young children to teen-agers, Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs are waiting to be your playground. But where are the best places for seeing a majors baseball game, traveling through space, and for taking an Australian boat ride? The list of family attractions is long, but these are six of our favorite places.

1. Arizona Science Center:  http://www.azscience.org/

Explore more than 300 fascinating and hands-on science exhibits. For an additional fee, take in the five-story theater and learn about the history of flight, or be transported through space in the planetarium. Be sure to check show times and admission prices. This kid-friendly museum is conveniently located in downtown Phoenix. Hours: 10am–5pm daily.
Address:
600 E. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004

2. Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium:   http://www.wildlifeworld.com/

This zoo is home to Arizona’s largest collection of approximately 350 exotic animals. Two must-see exhibits are a gigantic aquarium chock full of diverse animals and an amazing Dragon World exhibit that is home to the only saltwater crocodile in Arizona. There’s also a baby animal nursery and even a giraffe feeding area. To make the most of your visit, the African safari train, an Australian boat ride, or the overhead Skyride are available for an additional fee. Hours: 9 am-6 pm, 7 days a week, 365 days per year!
Address:
16501 W. Northern Ave.
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

3. Big Surf Water Park:  http://www.bigsurffun.com/

On hot summer days, water activities are a fun option and Big Surf Water Park is one of the best places to enjoy kiddie pools, wave pools and an assortment of water-fantastic rides. Surfing and boogie board lessons are optional! Hours: Mon – Sat, 10 am– 6 pm; Sundays 11 am-6 pm (Subject to change).
Address:
1500 N. McClintock Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281

4. Desert Botanical Gardens: http://www.dbg.org/

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a perfect attraction for families and children of all ages. See the sights on your own or sign up for one of the hands-on activity tours. Youngsters can grind mesquite beans into flour on the Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Tour or experience the desert at night on the Garden Flashlight Tour. Don’t forget to bring your own flashlights! Hours: 7 am-8 pm daily.
Address:
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008

5. Phoenix Zoo:  http://www.phoenixzoo.org/

Located within close proximity to the Desert Botanical Gardens is the Phoenix Zoo which is home to more than 1,300 animals. Experience the walk-thru exhibit at Monkey Village, brush the goats at the Petting Zoo, or take the Camel Ride for a few dollars more. Hours: June 1 – August 31 7 am-2 pm (daily)
Address:
455 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008

6. Arizona Diamondbacks :  http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=ari

What’s not to love about enjoying a hot dog and peanuts at a majors baseball game! The 2001 World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks’ home is the state-of-the-art Chase Field located in downtown Phoenix. Friday night home games are particularly exceptional because, after the game, the retractable roof provides game attendees with a front row seat to an impressive and dazzling fireworks display. Please check the schedule for game times.
Address:
401 East Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004