Travel guide for Phoenix, Arizona, focusing on family activities and tourist attractions for kids and children.
Phoenix, being the capital city of Arizona, is a kid's wonderland. In this big city there are many educational and entertaining things for children of all ages to do.
The Phoenix Zoo is always a great choice. With 125 acres, you can be sure you will see a wide variety of animals. The zoo is split into different environments, including a tropical rain forest, African savanna, and more. These environments let the visitors see the animals live in their natural habitat.
Another popular place for children is located right next-door to the Phoenix Zoo. Desert Botanical Gardens, located in Papago Park, is a beautiful gathering of the desert flora. Visitors can even walk through a special butterfly pavilion.
Children can learn about the lives of the Pueblo Indians at Pueblo Grande, 1,000-year-old Native American village ruins. There are hikes, hands-on activities, and tours offered to strengthen the experience.
The widely known Arizona Science Center is one of the best places downtown to take your kids. The Science Center is a hands-on museum with over 300 exhibits, and rotating exhibits. Kids can get their hands into everything from dinosaurs, to magnets, to animals. Most kids love getting to sit inside their giant eyeball, where you can see the world as your eye sees it.
Being a kid in Phoenix doesn't just mean you're stuck with museums if you want to go out. The city is filled with tons of fun places too.
One of the first amusement parks in Phoenix, Castles N' Coasters has always been a family favorite. There's something for everyone here. The bravest of kids will enjoy their grand roller coasters, while the more timid can choose from many of their other rides. For those who enjoy video games, there is also an incredible 3-story arcade with over 350 games.
Another popular Phoenix amusement park is right in the middle of the beautiful Encanto Park. Enchanted Island is a family oriented park, and has rides geared toward children between 2 and 10. The do birthday parties, and group picnics. Many enjoy the paddle boating across their man-made lagoons.
Cracker Jax, a family sport and fun park, is located just outside of Phoenix, in the neighboring North Scottsdale. Its 2 mini golf courses, and one 18 hole professional putting course have won many awards, and it even offers a golf learning center for beginners. There is also a bumper boat lagoon, with a separate pool for the kids. Even their go-carts have a separate track for the young ones.
For those who like to get wet, there's Waterworld Safari. They put safety above anything else, with many lifeguards all over and a separated, gated area for young children. There's a wave pool, many slides, and even a river rapids ride.
If a real river is more your style, the whole family can cruise down the Salt River's gentle flow with Salt River Tubing's popular services. You can rent a tube, and get a free shuttle ride to a safe floating area. Salt River Tubing teaches kids to pick up litter that they see, and taking pride in keeping their environment clean and enjoyable. Children must be 8 years old, and at least 4 ' tall to tube though.
