The 37 Essential Things to Do in Phoenix (By a Local)

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I’m a Phoenix local and I’ve spent the majority of my life exploring the city and its beautiful surroundings. I’m here to make sure you don’t miss out on the best of Arizona’s capital.

Phoenix offers plenty of things to do for every type of traveler. Tube the Salt River, explore Old West ghost towns, dine at 5-star establishments, and peruse some of the best museums in the Southwest. I’ll cover all the popular sites and attractions, plus a few of my favorite hidden gems!

My 37 Top Things to Do in Phoenix

Desert Botanical Garden

Explore 140 acres of natural Arizona beauty.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 941-1225 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 9 pm daily (varies seasonally, see website) | Entrance: $32.95+ adults, $14.95+ youths 3-17

Located less than 10 minutes from the airport (PHX), you can easily fit this must-see attraction into your Phoenix itinerary. Learn about the Sonoran Desert and the plant life that makes it so unique at the Desert Botanical Garden.

See hundreds of beautifully landscaped scenes full of gorgeous cacti, flowers, trees, and more. This is the perfect place to spend the day with family and friends among the desert plants, or even take that special someone on a romantic date.

👉 Pro Tip: Visit during the spring to see the vibrant desert in bloom. Avoid the summer months if you don’t want to be uncomfortably sweaty.

Phoenix Art Museum

Admire an expansive collection at the largest art museum in the Southwest.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 257-1880 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Wed-Fri, 10 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun, Closed Mon & Tues | Entrance: $28 adults, $25 seniors, $23 students with ID, $18 youths 6-17, pay what you wish after 3 pm on Wed | 👉 Buy Phoenix Art Museum tickets

The Phoenix Art Museum is the perfect attraction for art lovers, history buffs, and general admirers of beauty. It’s the largest art museum in the Southwest with over 20,000 pieces by internationally renowned and local artists. 

But you won’t just be perusing framed works on the walls. The Phoenix Art Museum features interactive art that you can literally step into, like the infinity mirror room. Before going, make sure to check the museum’s website to find out which traveling exhibitions are on display when you visit.

Wildlife World Zoo

See Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals and feed giraffes with your little ones.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (623) 935-9453 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily (Oct-May), 8 am – 4 pm (June-Sept) | Entrance: $49+ adults, $27+ youths 3-12

If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, the Wildlife World Zoo is the place to be! Boasting Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals, you’ll gasp at the sheer magnitude of this place. 

215 acres of wildlife exhibits lie just west of the greater Phoenix area. The baby animal nursery will surely pull on your heartstrings, and the giraffe feeding exhibit will give your little ones a thrill. From rare sea creatures to scaly reptiles to massive mammals, this safari park makes for a fantastic family outing in the desert.

🦛 Moo Deng Who? Jellybean is all the rage now, the park’s new baby pygmy hippo! Visit him before he gets much bigger.

Baseball at Chase Field

Take me out to the ballgame! Cheer for the Diamondbacks in downtown Phoenix.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 514-8400 | Website | 👉 Get Diamondbacks tickets

If you’re a baseball lover like me, you don’t want to miss out on a Diamondbacks game at Chase Field. This facility is pleasantly air-conditioned (a big plus in the summertime), so you can see a game no matter the weather. 

Tickets are usually super affordable, so you can take the whole family or a group of friends for a day of excitement for cheap. Enjoy an MLB experience, then spend the rest of your day exploring shops and restaurants downtown!

Salt River Tubing

Float down the natural lazy river of Phoenix.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 984-3305 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm seasonally (check website) | Rentals: $28

This is by far one of the most fun things to do on this list of Phoenix activities. Tubing is an absolute must if you’re visiting during the summertime. When the desert sun reaches its hottest temperatures, native Arizonans and visitors alike flock to the banks of the Salt River.

Here, you can take a refreshing float down the cool waters of the Tonto National Forest. Just make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen so you don’t get cooked along the way (I ended up a lobster last time I went). Learn more about tube rentals in my day trips from Phoenix article!

🚗 How to Get There: Park in the free lot at the bottom of the river if you plan to take the bus via the tube rental agency.

Old Town Scottsdale

Bar hop and shop the grand streets of one of the top luxury areas in the country.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Similar to downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale is an excellent starting point if you want to hit many attractions in one day. This area is well known for its luxury resorts, making it one of the best places to stay in Phoenix. Take advantage of nearby hiking spots and walkable shopping streets.

When out on the town, check out Scottsdale’s exquisite bars and restaurants. You can also go to Whiskey Row, a section of Old Town Scottsdale, where you can go club hopping until the wee hours of the night. This is an adult vibe, so leave the kids at home when you visit Old Town.

Phoenix Zoo

Wander exhibits featuring animals from around the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 286-3800 | Website | Hours: Vary by season, see website | Entrance: $39.95 adults, $29.95 youths 3-13 when purchased online | 👉 Buy Phoenix Zoo tickets

The Phoenix Zoo is the largest privately owned zoo in the US! This 125-acre property houses everything from playful sea creatures to majestic cats to massive beasts. 

Whether you’re taking the little ones out or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon, the Phoenix Zoo is a great place to spend a day in Phoenix. Don’t forget to check out the tropical bird aviary and the petting zoo for hands-on fun!

📚 Related Reading: Check out the Phoenix Zoo blog for a closer look at how the animals live.

Heard Museum

Peruse the nation’s greatest collection of Native American art.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 252-8840 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $26 adults, $21 seniors, $10 youths 6-17

Calling all history and art lovers! The Heard Museum is a testament to the importance of Native American history in Arizona. The museum showcases rare American Indian art collections with stunning displays and presentations. If you appreciate culture, history, and art, you can’t miss the Heard Museum.

Imagine 3D Mini-Golf

Take mini golf to the next level under the black lights of these 3D neon courses.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 291-7906 | Website | Hours: 2 pm – 9 pm Mon-Thu; 2 pm – 10 pm Fri; 12 pm – 10 pm Sat; 12 pm – 9 pm Sun | Entrance: $12.95 adults, $9.95 seniors/police/military, $8.95 youths 4-9

Enter the fantastical world of glow-in-the-dark 3D mini golf at this awesome local spot. Hand-painted art pops from floor to ceiling under the black-lighted courses. Venture across new dimensions as you putt your way through 18 challenging holes.

This family-owned business is one of the most unique in the Scottsdale and Gilbert areas. You and your best buds will have a blast in this nostalgic setting. I truly felt like a kid again when I visited for a double date — keep in mind that Thursday night is BOGO!

Phoenix Sites & Attractions

Basketball at the Mortgage Matchup Center

See the best ballers in Arizona.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 379-7800 | Website

If you’ve been keeping up with the NBA over the past few years, you know that the Phoenix Suns are a legitimate team. With Devin Booker leading us through multiple great seasons, it’s no wonder the Mortgage Matchup Center (previously the Footprint Center) fills up for every game. 

Fear not – if you book your tickets in advance, you should be able to get a reasonable price for your seats. And isn’t a chance to see one of the best teams play in the NBA priceless anyway?

Tempe Town Lake

Kayak or paddleboard the day away in the heart of Greater Phoenix.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Who doesn’t love a day on the lake? If you’re into boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, rowing, and other leisurely water sports, Tempe Town Lake is calling your name.

Located less than 10 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport, Tempe Town Lake is easily accessible from anywhere in the Central Phoenix area. Instead of driving an hour outside of town to Canyon Lake or Lake Pleasant, this nearby attraction offers a city beach setting. 

Rentals are available at Northshore Water Rentals if you don’t have your own equipment. You can also enjoy a walk, bike, or roller skating session along the water’s edge. Make sure to stay for sunset so you can see the brilliant Arizona colors reflect on the lake.

Japanese Friendship Garden

Stroll through these serene gardens to escape the city chaos.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 274-8700 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Tues-Sun, closed Mon (varies seasonally, see website) | Entrance: $14 adults, $12 seniors, $11 students/military/youths 7-17

We all need to slow down from time to time. What better place to do so than in the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix? Located downtown, this 3.5-acre plot of trickling streams, relaxing waterfalls, and flowing trees is living art.

There is also a tea house on-site, so you can grab a freshly steeped beverage before strolling the gardens. I am a huge fan of the Japanese Friendship Garden and would recommend it to locals and visitors alike. There’s something so inviting and calming about this place, so it adds great balance to a busy Phoenix itinerary.

👉 Love Tea? Experience “The Way of Tea” at this professional demonstration.

Taliesin West

Experience authentic desert architecture.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 516-0811 | Website | Hours: Vary by season, see website | Entrance: $39+ adults, $19+ youths 6-17

If you don’t know who architect Frank Lloyd Wright is, you haven’t seen true Arizona history. He designed over 1,000 structures, incorporating Mother Earth into the very foundations of his designs. Taliesin West is one of his most beloved and popular works in the Greater Phoenix area. 

A visionary until his death in 1959, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation keeps the master’s influence alive in Arizona. Art and architecture students hail his inspirational work. You simply cannot miss Wright’s stunning desert creations. Visit during the summer months for cheaper tickets!

Golf in Paradise Valley

Swing the day away in this golfer’s paradise.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Are you a golf fanatic? Paradise Valley, one of the best Phoenix neighborhoods, is calling your name. Hit the greens at PV Country Club for a standard 18-hole course. Or take on faster greens at Camelback Golf Club just east of the former. There are several other public golf courses located here, but these draw golfers from around the country for their pristine fairways.

Aside from golfing, this is a wonderful area to shop, relax at luxury resorts, or dine at high-end bars and restaurants. Paradise Valley is a more residential version of Scottsdale, which is just a short drive south.

💡 Good Idea: Phoenix is home to over 200 golf courses, so there will likely be a stellar course near you no matter where you stay! Check them out on the city website.

Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall

Shop ‘til you drop at the biggest (and grandest) mall in Arizona.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 941-2140 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 6 pm Sun

If shopping is your religion, Fashion Square Mall is the promised land. Peruse over 2 million square feet of luxury brands and big-name stores. Shopping here is an all-day affair, perfect for a hot summer day indoors. Explore Old Town Scottsdale once you’ve had your fill of retail therapy.

Downtown Phoenix

Wander this bustling area for a full day of attractions.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Downtown Phoenix is one of the most hopping areas of the city. If you don’t want to devote your day to one attraction, you can simply make your way to the middle of downtown and go from there. 

This square mile overflows with fun opportunities. Enjoy street art, shops, restaurants, bars, museums, and entertainment. Get to know Arizona in a condensed area and make the most of the Phoenix nightlife or enjoy some of the top places to eat in Phoenix.

You can also catch a Suns basketball game or a Diamondbacks baseball game if you want to experience Arizona sports. The Mortgage Matchup Center and Chase Field mentioned above are excellent facilities that any major sports fan would appreciate.

Goldfield Ghost Town

Go back in time to the Wild West days.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 983-0333 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily

If you’ve ever seen the movie Tombstone, you’re going to be a fan of Goldfield Ghost Town. This reconstructed mining town from 1890 will make you feel like you just stepped into a time machine to the Wild West.

Quirky shops, historic buildings, a restored train, and a history museum line Main Street. This is where you’ll see a gunfight reenactment performed by the famous Goldfield Gunfighters! The whole family will get a kick out of spending the day immersed in Western history. Then, take a hike in the gorgeous Superstition Mountains down the road.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Take a train ride on a restored iron horse.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 312-2312 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily (varies seasonally, check website) | Entrance: $12 all-day wristbands

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a fascinating Phoenix attraction. With 30 acres of vintage locomotives to explore over a vast number of time periods, this train park will give anyone a thrill. You can even take a train ride on a restored train around the park!

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is one of my favorite attractions in Phoenix. The park is beautiful, inviting, and super kid-friendly. I didn’t expect to love this place as much as I did, but I ended up spending an entire day here the first time I visited. It made me feel like a kid again. This is truly a hidden gem in Scottsdale!

🎄 Holiday Tip: Visit at night during December and January for a magical view of the park decked out in festive lights and decorations. The kids will love it!

Hit the Casino

Keep your eyes on the prize at some of the biggest casinos near Phoenix.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 850-7777 | Website | Hours: open 24 hours daily

Feeling lucky? If your idea of a great time is a heated game of blackjack or the satisfying pull of a slot machine, Phoenix has a few stellar casinos for you to visit. Blow off steam with a game of poker at Vee Quiva. Or see a show before shooting craps at Talking Stick Resort and Casino in Scottsdale. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Arizona Science Center

Learn about Earth, space, and everything in between.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 716-2000 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $22.95 adults, $20.95 seniors.students/military, $16.95 youths 3-17

The Arizona Science Center is one of the most highly visited museums in the greater Phoenix area. With so many exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, and fascinating attractions, you could spend a week in this museum. And even then, you’d only scratch the surface of what it has to offer.

This is a great stop to add to your Phoenix to-do list as it offers fun for the whole family. Whether you’re a science nerd or you flunked high school chemistry, you’ll find something that interests you at the Arizona Science Center. Make sure to check out the Dorrance Planetarium for an out-of-this-world experience!

Mesa Grande Cultural Park, now Sce:dagĭ Mu:val Va’aki

Explore the intriguing Hohokam ruins in Mesa.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 644-6555 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Sat, 12 pm – 4 pm Sun, closed Mon-Fri | Entrance: $6 adults, $3 children

Yet another must-see for history buffs, Mesa Grande Cultural Park – renamed Sce:dagĭ Mu:val Va’aki at the end of 2024 – is a fascinating place. Here, visitors discover how ancient Native people lived in Phoenix. 

During the Classic Period, 600-900 years ago, the Hohokam civilization thrived in this region. Even today, their preserved structures are still in fantastic shape. You could spend hours envisioning a way of life so foreign from today at this interesting park.

Phoenix Museums & Culture

Wonderspaces

A constantly-changing exhibition featuring interactive installations from artists around the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 718-2156 | Website | Hours: 12:30 – 8 pm Mon, Wed & Thurs; 11 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat, 11 am – 6:30 pm Sun, closed Tues | Entrance: $28 adults, $18 youth 3-12, $50 for premium admission | 👉 Get Wonderspaces Tickets

This immersive art exhibition is one of my favorite Phoenix experiences. The installations change regularly, so you’ll enjoy new art each visit. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time, so make sure to buy them online before you arrive.

Wonderspaces offers a full bar at the entrance, so you can explore each exhibit with a cocktail in hand. It’s conveniently located in the popular Fashion Square Mall, mentioned earlier in the article. You can pack a day with shopping, fine dining, and art when you plan your trip to this amazing exhibition. It really is a ton of fun!

Musical Instrument Museum

Listen to music and see thousands of instruments from around the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 478-6000 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $20 adults, $10 youths 4-12, $15 teens 13-19 | 👉 Reserve Musical Instrument Museum tickets

If you’re a music lover, you can’t miss the Musical Instrument Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the world. This impressive collection of over 15,000 instruments will expand your music knowledge tenfold. The museum also hosts concerts with talents from around the world. 

I haven’t been there yet, but this is one of the most raved-about attractions I’ve been told to visit by friends and family in Phoenix. It’s at the top of my list, and it should be on yours, too!

👉 Pro Tip: Check out upcoming concerts before you visit here.

Pueblo Grande Museum, now S’edav Va’aki Museum

Travel back in time to ancient Sonoran Desert life.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 495-0901 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Mon, Fri & Sat; 9 am – 8 pm Thurs, 12 pm – 4 pm Sun, closed Tues & Wed (Sept-June); 9 am – 2 pm Mon & Thurs-Sat, closed Tues-Wed & Sun (July & Aug) | Entrance: $13 adults, $10 seniors, $6 youths 6-17

The Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park – renamed S’edav Va’aki Museum at the end of 2024 – was donated to the city nearly a century ago. It self-labels as “the gateway to the cultural history of the Phoenix area.”

On a less-than-a-mile trail, you’ll learn about the fascinating remains of the Hohokam people. See replicated dwellings and agricultural settings to see what it was like living in the Sonoran Desert centuries ago. The museum is both indoor and outdoor, so you’ll likely want to visit during the cooler months so you can take your time wandering outside.

Hall of Flame Fire Museum

Examine the interesting changes in firefighting history.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 275-3473 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Tues-Sat, closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: $19 adults, $15 seniors & youths 6-17, $10 children 3-5

This is a firefighter’s paradise! See this unique display of historical firefighting equipment collected from around the world. A seemingly obscure attraction in Phoenix, this museum is highly rated and reasonably priced. There is also a fun children’s section for the little ones to learn about and interact with firefighting equipment.

Phoenix Free Things

South Mountain Park

Hike the desert landscape in one of the biggest municipal parks in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 495-5458 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 11 pm Mon-Fri, 5 am – 7 pm Sat & Sun | 👉 Book a guided sunrise/sunset hike

One of the largest urban parks in the world, South Mountain Park offers a great opportunity to spend a day in the desert without leaving the city. Take a hike to the top of Dobbins Lookout, a challenging trek to the highest summit in the park. Bring lots of water and sunscreen, and wear good hiking shoes!

South Mountain Park is a wonderful place to enjoy a day in nature. Think of it as the Central Park of Phoenix! With over 50 miles of trails to mountain bike, hike, and horseback ride, you’ll certainly get your outdoor kicks here.

💭 Keep In Mind: Take heed of Silent Sundays, which you can read about here.

Papago Park

Fill your day with a variety of outdoor activities in this beautiful park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 495-5458 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 11 pm daily | 👉 Book a Papago Park E-Bike Tour

Papago Park is a one-stop shop for some of the best attractions in Phoenix. Looking for some exercise? Hike, bike, or walk the smooth trails dotted with desert plants throughout the park. You can start small with Hole in the Rock, one of the easiest hikes in Phoenix.

Getting into the swing of the weekend is easy at Papago Golf Course. There are plenty of family-fun attractions here as well, like the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, and the AZ Heritage Center!

Camelback Mountain

Hike your way to breathtaking views of Phoenix.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (612) 599-3616 | Website

Camelback Mountain is the most famous Phoenix landmark. Red rocks in the shape of a single-humped camel form this scenic spot. There are several hiking trails to popular viewpoints like the Echo Canyon Trail, my personal favorite. Some are more difficult than others, so make sure to look up which ones suit your expertise before hitting the road!

👉 Pro Tip: Wear solid hiking shoes for this trip. This area is extremely rocky!

Canyon Lake

Enjoy a day at the beach in a beautiful canyon setting.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 610-3300 | Website

Located less than an hour from Phoenix, Canyon Lake is one of the most picturesque manmade lakes in Arizona. High canyon walls tower over the water, and the desert heat is substantially cooler in this oasis. Head to my article about day trips from Phoenix to learn more about the watersports and rentals you can check out at the lake.

Lake Pleasant

Spend a day on the water in a boat, on a pool toy, or on a lake cruise.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 506-2930 | Website

Also less than an hour from Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is the largest of the manmade Arizona lakes. This body of water is seriously huge, with over 100 miles of shoreline and tons of beaches accessible from different park entrances. 

Rent a speedboat, jetski, or kayak. Book a sunset cruise at the rental shop at the dock. There’s also an inflatable obstacle course at Scorpion Bay that offers hours of beachy fun!

👉 Pro Tip: If you plan on drinking at the beach, do not operate a watercraft of any kind. The lake sheriffs are extremely strict! 

Apache Trail

Cruise a scenic road through superior mountain views.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Named after the Apache Native Americans who once used this same route, the Apache Trail makes for a gorgeous drive. Pass by sparkling lakes and dense forests of cacti on this winding, mostly unpaved road. 

You’ll need a decently sturdy vehicle for this road trip in case the path is mangled from bad weather. If you have the transportation, though, you should definitely check out this gorgeous drive! We trust DiscoverCars for the most reliable rentals. 😉

Phoenix Things To Do With Kids

Enchanted Island Amusement Park

Ride thrilling amusement park attractions with the whole family.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 254-1200 | Website | Hours: varies by season, see website | Entrance: $28.50 all-day ride pass

Enchanted Island Amusement Park is one of the most wholesome attractions in Phoenix. Named one of the top parks in America by Forbes, you won’t be disappointed by this family-friendly amusement park. 

This place features fun rides for even the smallest kids and is located in beautiful Encanto Park. This is a fantastic stop during your Phoenix trip if you’re celebrating your kiddo’s birthday. 

👉 Pro Tip: Check out the park’s regular discounts and deals here.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Give the little ones a thrilling day of play.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (602) 253-0501 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Tues-Sun, closed Mon | Entrance: $19 non-members, $18 seniors, free under 1 

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is the perfect place to visit if you have children anywhere from newborns to 10 years old. There are over 300 exhibits to intrigue your little ones, giving them an educational experience while they play. 

This is an especially good idea if you plan to have a solo night out later in the day. The kids will be so tired after such a jam-packed day that they’ll crash as soon as they get home!

Butterfly Wonderland

Immerse the whole family in a rainforest of butterflies.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 291-8000 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $33.95 adults, $23.95 youth 2-12

Butterfly Wonderland is a great activity for the whole family. This impressive facility is the largest butterfly conservatory in the country. When you step inside, you’ll completely forget you’re in Arizona. The rainforest landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. You’ll be in awe of 60-70 butterfly species fluttering about the exhibit. 

While enjoying this tropical paradise, learn all about where the butterflies are from and what makes them special. There’s also a reptile and insect exhibit for those who like creepy crawlies. You’ll come away from this place feeling butterflies in your stomach from the excitement of it all!

OdySea Aquarium

Experience sea life in the desert.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 291-8000 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: $49.95+ adults, $39.95+ youth 2-12 

Welcome to the largest aquarium in the Southwestern United States! Spend hours viewing the different exhibits, including dolphins, a touch tank, and playful sea lions. 

Although this attraction is slightly more expensive than others in Phoenix, it’s totally worth it to wow the whole family. You’ll be in awe of this incredible facility… even the bathrooms are impressive (hint: you’ll have an aquatic audience on the porcelain throne).

Arizona Boardwalk

Your kids will form core memories at these thrilling attractions, all located in one convenient spot.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 291-8000 | Website | Hours & Entrance fees vary by excursion

Arizona Boardwalk features several of our favorite Phoenix attractions, like OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland discussed above. In addition to these, there are six other unique and exciting attractions, plus tons of delicious restaurants fit for the whole family. From laser tag to alien discoveries to dinosaur digs, there’s something for everyone at AZ Boardwalk.  

Admission to most of these attractions is on the pricier side, but it’s worth it to give the little ones an unforgettable experience. Note that you can buy combo tickets to multiple attractions to get more bang for your buck. Rave reviews are guaranteed! 

Legoland Discovery Center

Experience the world of Legos like never before.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (480) 565-7072 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: $22.99+ per person | 👉 Get Legoland Tickets

This is a must-do if your little one is a fan of Legos. This timeless plaything has been a part of American childhoods for decades. It’s truly fascinating to wander the exhibits of intricate Lego creations. There are plenty of interactive building areas for the kids, and there’s even a 4-D movie theater for the whole family to enjoy. 

Legoland Discovery Center offers a day of exciting amusement for the kiddos in the family, and a blast of nostalgia for the grown-ups. Make sure to check out the Lego factory tour!

🏜️ Read Next: 27 Top Places to Travel in Arizona

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With so many things to do in Phoenix, you’ll fill your vacation with exciting outings in no time. I hope this guide helps you build the perfect Phoenix itinerary, no matter if you’re a local or a visitor. 

Make sure you pick the right time to visit Phoenix, and check out all my Arizona travel guides for more insights. Happy exploring!