Touting the hottest city in the United States, Phoenix, Arizona is also one of the largest cities in the country. Besides being home to many politicians and influential dignitaries, Phoenix has also carved out a reputation of cultural and economic prosperity. If you’re traveling with your kids to this fine city, you’ll be happy to know there is a diverse and plentiful array of fun activities to choose from even in the summer.

Credit: Children's Museum of Phoenix

Explore Indoors!

Children’s Museum of Phoenix: Located in a beautiful historic school building, this museum features hands-on, sensory experiences for kids of all ages.  The museum has an emphasis on early-childhood education and thus there are lots of imaginative role-play features, an art studio, a yarn ball launcher, and even a bike wash (no cars allowed!). Kids of all ages will enjoy this nice air-conditioned museum for hours!

Photo by Judy Hedding

Life’s a Mystery, find out why!

Mystery Castle: I can’t think of anything more fascinating than a trip to a castle made completely out of found or salvaged materials. This house was built by a dying man who’s last wish was to build his daughter a beautiful castle made of junk…I’m sure she spent some time in therapy pondering over that one. The house is a huge 18-room, three story building made of car parts, telephone poles, goat milk, and train tracks. Oh, and it even has a dungeon! To this day, the daughter still lives there and routinely presents herself during guided tours. 

Arizona Aquatics!

SeaLife Aquarium: Check out the brand new SeaLife Aquarium in Tempe. Combine the fun of Legos with fascinating sea life. Go on an underwater submarine adventure, touch some invertebrates in the tide pool, and then venture into a Mayan temple to discover the wonders of sea horses. Kids of all ages will be thrilled with this state of the art outdoor aquatic museum! See thousands of different marine life in 12 very different and distinct habitats.

Evening explorations

Desert Botanical Garden: Like dessert plants? This Phoenix botanical garden shows off more than 50 acres of outdoor plant life and exhibits! Let the kids run around while you enjoy a bite to eat at the beautiful patio cafe. Starting in May on Thursday and Saturdays, families love visiting in the evening for a Flashlight tour to check out the nocturnal dessert life that you never see during the day. Family members of all ages are encouraged to participate.

Photo by Sharlene Earnshaw

Get up and get wild!

Phoenix Zoo: What’s Phoenix with kids, if not a visit to the zoo? Voted one of the best zoos in the nation, Phoenix sports an expansive variety of programs, events, and educational initiatives. Climb the rock wall, play in one of the stellar parks (including a splash area), or if you’re really adventurous take a ride on a camel! There are a few rides and a guided train that highlights many of the major aspects of the zoo. From June through September, the zoo opens at 7am to help kids avoid the heat.

Here’s a list of more activities for kids in Phoenix, Arizona.