Fun Things to Do in Scottsdale with Kids — Family Friendly Activities!

Scottsdale has destinations intended for all family fun. From water parks to a children’s museum and a butterfly sanctuary, this desert city offers family things to do galore.

Here are some suggestions for things to do in Scottsdale with your family:

1. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park — South Scottsdale

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park features a miniature train ride, a historic carousel, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a model railroad exhibit. Kids who love trains that go “Choo, choo!” will have the time of their lives here. The park’s attractions for kids include the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, the Scottsdale Charros Carousel, and the Arboretum Train. After experiencing their rides, there’s a museum to explore and a playground to end the visit. You also might want to catch their special events for extra fun.

7301 E. Indian Bend Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85250

2. McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center 

Spanning across 75 acres, McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center has 3 soccer fields, an aquatic facility, a skate park, and a fitness center. 

The aquatic facility is a family favorite, with its eight-lane lap pool, a dive well with four diving boards, a large tube water slide, a 600-foot river, an interactive spray pad, and several water play features. There are even shaded areas next to the water park, perfect for parents. Enjoy the views or some barbecue while the children and the teens burn off their energy.

15525 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

3. Scottsdale Civic Center Mall — Downtown Scottsdale

While at Old Town, don’t forget to drop by the historic Scottsdale Civic Center Mall and enjoy its current scenery. Replete with flowers, statues, fountains, and the best views of the Camelback Mountain, the Civic Center Mall is a spot to relax from too much walking.

The Scottsdale Public Library, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts are just a stone’s throw away from here if you want to visit them.

3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251

4. iFLY — South Scottsdale

This “skydiving” experience makes you float in the air inside a tunnel constructed by professional engineers, instead of falling all the way down.

This indoor skydiving activity lets you remain hovering and experience a bit of what it’s like to really fly. A short orientation and iFLY’s world-class professional instructors will guide you through the ropes of the activity. Another fun variation of the flight is opting for virtual reality as you hover.

You’ll get that exhilarating feeling of flying over the world’s most exotic locations like Hawaii or the Swiss Alps.

9206 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

5. Wonderspaces Arizona — Downtown Scottsdale

Wonderspaces Arizona is amazing to get your creative juices flowing! Every art installation was amazing and fun! Experience 14 extraordinary artworks like Parastella by Christopher Schardt year-round inside Scottsdale Fashion Square

No outside food or drinks but there is a bar where cocktails, juices and coffees are sold.  It’s also conveniently located right off the food court of Scottsdale Fashion Square.

7014 E Camelback Rd. Scottsdale 85251

6. Octane Raceway — South Scottsdale

Octane Raceway is the first of its kind in Scottsdale and is the only full-time indoor/outdoor track. Go crazy with high-speed kart racing at Octane Raceway, one of the underrated yet fun things to do in Scottsdale with kids. Octane has a 1/3 mile indoor/outdoor track, and both adult and junior races are available. Aside from kart racing, virtual reality games, arcades, laser tag games, a mini bowling alley, and outdoor games are also available onsite.

9119 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85250