Searching for kids’ activities in Arizona? Look no further. Our Arizona Insider’s Guide has the best activities for kids and the whole family, ensuring a day of fun and great memories.
This story is from our special edition IN AZ 2024 issue. Read the full issue online here for more inside intel on where to stay, dine and everything in between IN AZ this season and all year round.
Arizona Science Center
Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix is one of the state’s largest museums. Surrounded by food options and other activities in Heritage Park, the Science Center makes for the perfect family outing. Since its founding in 1984, the center has seen over 400,000 visitors annually. The museum has a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits and welcomes visitors of all ages. The Dorrance Planetarium shows films and exhibitions in a five-story IMAX theater. The center offers stargazing simulations, solar system presentations, laser shows and more in IMAX. See documentaries in the Irene P. Flinn theater in 2D or 3D. Let your imagination run even further with kids’ camps, adults-only nights, volunteer opportunities and special events. Support the Science Center by getting an annual pass or visit from $15.95 per person. www.azscience.org
Bearizona
Bearizona, 2.5 hours from Phoenix and west of Flagstaff, is a nature park full of critters for the whole family. The park is divided into a drive-through section and a walking section where you can see the animals up close. Driving through the park, you have the opportunity to see bears, wolves, bison, deer, panthers, bighorn sheep, javelina, foxes, donkeys and more. In the walk-through area of the park, you can see bobcats, beavers, snakes, otters, porcupines, raccoons, prairie dogs and more up close. Visit the petting zoo or see an animal encounter to interact with some of the friendlier critters. View creepy crawlies and nocturnal animals at the mine shaft. Be sure to stop by one of the two restaurants on-site and the gift shop after your visit. The park is open daily at 9 a.m., letting the last cars in at 4 p.m. Tickets are between $20-35 per person and kids under 3 get in free. www.bearizona.com
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix houses three floors of hands-on exhibits for kids up to 10 years old. Kiddos can climb, crawl, learn, socialize and engage in sensory activities. From gardens, stages, tunnels and a kids-only supermarket, the Children’s Museum has every activity imaginable for little ones to engage with the world around them. The museum hosts permanent and rotating installations, as well as camps and special events, including free First Fridays every month. Don’t forget to visit the cafe and gift shop after exploring everything the museum has to offer. Tickets are $17 per person. Annual memberships are available from $135 for unlimited visits. www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
Explore the world of LEGO at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona, located in Arizona Mills Mall. This indoor playspace has a variety of activities for hands-on fun. Explore rides, virtual reality, jungle gyms, 4D cinema and meet and greets with your favorite LEGO characters. Walk through MINILAND, a replica of Arizona’s most famous landmarks, made with over a million LEGO bricks. Head to the Build & Test zone to build and race LEGO vehicles with other LEGO lovers. Show off your ninja skills in the all-new LEGO NINJAGO Ninja Training Camp, featuring a daring Laser Maze. Meet a real-life Master Model Builder and check out the larger-than-life LEGO creations. Don’t forget to stop at the gift shop on the way out to take the LEGO fun home. Book the LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE Aquarium package tickets together for twice the fun at the shopping center. Stop by the LEGO cafe before heading to the Rainforest Cafe in the mall for even more interactive fun. Tickets start at $20.99, or get an annual pass to visit over and over. www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona
Slimeatory Gilbert
Slimeatory Gilbert allows kids and adults to create their own slime. Explore sensory play for all ages with this unique activity. Located at SanTan Village, this hands-on shop allows kids to get their own pre-made slime or create their own. From $16, kids can design a custom 8-ounce slime at the Slime Bar. Start with a textured base (regular, clear, butter or ice cream) and add color and scents. Choose up to five toppings from over 50 beads, sprinkles, glitter and charms. Finally, name your slime with a fun custom label. The shop also sells slime ingredients and kits for those who want to take the fun home. Weekly classes are held on weekends for all levels. www.slimeatory.com
