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Outdoor Activities for Kids in Greater Phoenix

Phoenix Zoo 

455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Papago Park, Phoenix, AZ 85008 
(602) 914-4301 

The Phoenix Zoo offers the perfect fun outdoor activity for kids with an animal-adventure-packed day for visitors and locals alike. Nestled in stunning Papago Park, the zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including Bornean orangutans, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, Komodo dragons, and many more. The whole 125 acres are family-friendly, but kids might particularly love the splash pad play areas, the petting zoo, and the interactive walk-through squirrel monkey exhibit. 

Enchanted Island Amusement Park

1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85007 
(602) 254-1200

Located in the heart of Phoenix’s lush Encanto Park, Enchanted Island offers a nostalgia-packed adventure with nine whimsical rides designed for kids ages 1 to 10. Take a spin on a 1940s-era carousel, tour the island on the C.P. Huntington Train, or rent a pedal boat for the whole family to drift through the park’s geese and swan-filled lagoons.  

Butterfly Wonderland 

9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 
(480) 800-3000 

Butterfly Wonderland is home to the largest butterfly conservatory in the U.S., immersing visitors in a rainforest filled with thousands of butterflies and other exotic animals. Interactive exhibits, a 3D movie on Monarch migration, and live chrysalis displays offer educational and engaging outdoor activities for kids. The boldest visitors can even explore rainforest reptiles and taste edible insects. 

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 
(623) 935-9453 

If you’re seeking a more exotic and interactive zoo experience than the norm, venture to the West Valley for Wildlife World Zoo. With 600 different species, an African Safari Train, Australian Boat Ride, Wildlife Skyride, petting zoo, and several daily shows, this zoo promises to leave kids and adults with one-of-a-kind memories. 

Boyce Thompson Arboretum 

37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85713 
(520) 689-2723 

Head to the East Valley for the day to explore the state’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Featuring 343 acres of winding paths and hidden gardens with more than 3,900 different plant species, the arboretum offers an enchanting day spent in nature. Bonus — kids under 5 are admitted for free. 

Arizona Science Center 

600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 
(602) 716-2000 

Curious kids can explore four levels of playful, immersive exhibits at the Arizona Science Center, learning about everything from human anatomy to the science of flight to green energy production. Plus, a state-of-the-art planetarium brings the great outdoors inside for some interactive stargazing. It’s the perfect spot for tech outdoor activities for kids.

Falcon Field Airport and Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum 

2017 N. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, AZ 85215 
(480) 924-1940 

There’s just something about airplanes that captures the attention and imagination of kids. They can get a front-row seat to takeoffs and landings for small aircraft at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa. The airport is free to visit and features viewing binoculars, a kid-size runway, and a small pay-to-enter hangar turned museum full of rare, historical combat planes. 

Lowell Observatory

1400 W. Mars Hill Rd., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 
(928) 774-3358 

If you’re heading up north for a weekend getaway to cooler temps, check out Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff with your budding astronomers. Head to Mars Hill for the best views of the world’s first International Dark Sky City and gaze at the constellations through the observatory’s giant Clark refractor. 

Oasis Water Park at Arizona Grand Resort & Spa 

8000 South Arizona Grand E., Phoenix, AZ 85044 
(877) 800-4888 

Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort has plenty of outdoor water activities for kids from infants to teens. The seven-acre park boasts a meandering lazy river, a wave pool, an eight-story slide for thrill seekers, and a splash pad and play area for smaller tots. The whole family can spend the day relaxing and catching some shade in one of the park’s luxurious cabanas. 

Tubing the Salt River 

9200 N. Bush Highway, Mesa, AZ 85215 
(480) 984-3305 

For older kids (must be at least 4 feet tall), a morning spent tubing down the Lower Salt River is a Phoenix must-do. Salt River Tubing & Recreation offers tube rentals and shuttle service from May to September for $19, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Make sure to bring along plenty of drinks, snacks, and sunscreen, and go early to avoid the bigger crowds and higher temps.  

Splash Pads 

Splash pads are an essential element for surviving Arizona summers with kids. They are scattered throughout the Valley, but some of our favorites are at Margaret T. Hance Park, where kids can also hit the thoughtfully designed playground. At Luci’s at the Orchard, parents can grab a smoothie or iced coffee at the restaurant and watch from their sprawling patio. Or stop by McCormick Stillman Railroad Park, where the whole family can catch a train ride or hop on the merry-go-round.