Best Family Hotels in Phoenix & Scottsdale

One of the largest privately owned zoos in America, the Phoenix Zoo houses 3,000+ animals in 125 acres of beautifully landscaped Sonoran Desert habitat. The Children's Trail, Africa Trail with giraffes, and Arizona Trail with native desert wildlife are consistent family favorites.

💡 Tip: Visit early morning in cooler months — animals are most active before 11am. In summer, visit during the ZooLights evening event (November–January) for a magical nighttime experience when the zoo is illuminated with millions of lights.

140 acres of Sonoran Desert plants showcasing over 50,000 specimens including hundreds of rare and endangered species. The Desert Discovery Loop introduces families to saguaro cacti, desert wildlife, and Native American plant traditions in a stunning natural setting.

💡 Tip: The Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition (when running) adds stunning blown glass sculptures among the cacti. Spring wildflower season (February–March) is the most beautiful time to visit. Evening butterfly exhibit in spring is magical for young children.

The world's most extraordinary music museum, housing instruments and performance videos from every country on Earth. Wireless headphones automatically play local music as you approach each exhibit, creating an immersive around-the-world musical journey unlike any other museum experience.

💡 Tip: The Experience Gallery lets kids play actual instruments from around the world — drums, marimbas, and more — and is a highlight for all ages. Expect to spend 3+ hours here. The museum cafe is excellent for lunch.

One of the largest inland aquariums in the United States, OdySea features a massive underwater tunnel, 360-degree ocean tanks, a penguin habitat, sea turtle rescue center, and interactive touch pools with rays and starfish.

💡 Tip: Buy tickets online in advance — OdySea sells out on weekends and holidays. Combo tickets with Butterfly Wonderland next door offer excellent value. The penguin feeding times are announced at entry and are a must-see for families.

Phoenix's most iconic landmark offers two challenging hiking trails — Echo Canyon and Cholla — with stunning 360-degree views of the Valley. Not recommended for young children or beginners; the Echo Canyon trail gains 1,280 feet in elevation over 1.5 miles.

💡 Tip: Start hiking by 7am at the latest in any season — the parking lots fill completely and turn people away by 8am on weekends. In summer, only attempt the hike before 6am or avoid entirely. Bring twice the water you think you need.

Award-winning hands-on children's museum in downtown Phoenix with three floors of interactive exhibits including The Noodle Forest climbing structure, Imagination Playground building blocks, and STEAMworks science lab.

💡 Tip: The Noodle Forest — a massive climbing sculpture made of foam pool noodles — is unique and beloved by toddlers through 8-year-olds. Free First Fridays gives families free admission on the first Friday of each month.