Phoenix is our absolute favorite place to travel with our kids. It started with a 5 day trip when our oldest was just 2 months old. We’ve been back yearly ever since.
Here are some of our favorite things to do and eat (the MOST important).
Phoenix Eats
Shake Shack
Listen I realize this might look like a basic fast food restaurant but its SO MUCH more. The burgers are amazing, I’m obsessed with the fries and I insist that you dip them in ice cream. Trust me.
The Baked Bear
Give me all the ice cream sandwiches please. Here you get to pick your cookie and ice cream flavor. My kids are obsessed.
Snooze: The Best Breakfast Ever
If you haven’t eaten at Snooze yet then you haven’t lived. Its a breakfast only joint and I’ve never had a thing that wasn’t amazing. Give the OMG french toast a try, second place prize goes to the Bennys.
Pita Jungle
If you’re looking for fresh and healthy this one wins for me. Their salads and gyros are super tasty and I’m a big fan of the kids meals where you can pick a protein/grain/fruit/veggie.
Bianco’s Pizza
This pizza is DEVINE. Beloved by Oprah and Jimmy Kimmel I had to give it a try and I was not disappointed.
Hash Kitchen
Another breakfast joint for you. A strong second runner up to Snooze. While snooze is a good everyday breakfast place, Hash Kitchen is where you want to go for Brunch. They have a huge bloody mary bar + lots of other wild cocktails. DJs on the weekend, eclectic food. It’s super fun.
We visited here with our kids during the week when it was a little less crazy, I’d still take them during the weekend!
Crumbl Cookies
This was a new addition for us on our most recent trip to Arizona and we were obsessed. The cookie flavors change weekly and once my oldest found out they could be delivered she’s been bugging me to have some cookies shipped to our house.
Things To Do
Phoenix Children’s Museum
The children’s museum in Phoenix is one of the best I’ve ever been to. It starts with a huge 3 story treehouse when you walk in which my kids love to get lost in every single time.
Does this stress me out? Yes, but it’s still a lot of fun.
There is also an entire art room, a play grocery store, trike wash, and so much more. I recommend getting there early and bringing your own snack/lunch. The food is meh there and expensive for what it is.
Phoenix Zoo
So there are 2 zoos in Phoenix. The regular zoo and the Wildlife World Zoo. Do not go to Wildlife World, DON’T DO IT. It was kind of gross and left me feeling like the animals weren’t well cared for.
The Phoenix Zoo on the other hand is one of our favorites. Make sure to take the time to feed the giraffes. Always a favorite of my kids.
McCormick & Stillman Railroad Park
This a 30 acre park in Scottsdale that has a train, carousel, and playground. My kids think it is so much fun to go back and forth between riding the carousel, hopping on the train, and swinging on the monkey bars. It’s a good place to spend a few hours, hop over to Shake Shack at Fashion Valley mall when you’re done!
Top Golf
Top Golf is an 3 level outdoor driving range and it is one of my favorite things to do in Phoenix. I’ll admit that I’ve never taken my kids, though I think my 6 year old would be a fan, this probably isn’t the thing to do with little kids. Ages 5+
Food and drink here are great and it’s a good way to get a little golf in without having to go play 9-18 holes.
Hiking
Family hikes are a mixed bag for us. My 4 year old, loves it. My 6 year old complains a lot. The baby is indifferent.
Personally we always hike at Telegraph Pass, but there are so many options in Phoenix. This post rounds up the best ones for kids/families.
Medieval Times
Ok so this not a typical thing that our family would do, but my friends asked if our kids wanted to go the last time we were in town and they LOVED IT.
It’s a whole show with dinner and my kids were most impressed with the fact that there were no utensils for the food and they had to eat with their hands.
It’s the little things I guess.
OdySea Aquarium
I will be honest, this place is not cheap so look for coupons, but it is a lot of fun.
The kids love to be able to run around and ooh and ahhh over all the fish. Touching the stingrays is hilarious to watch. They are so nervous and have to talk themselves into it, but then they squeal with delight.
Fun fact, my friend almost accidentally dropped my kid in the stingray pool once. So many laughs.
Scottsdale Quarter/Kierland Commons
The American Girl doll store Is in the Scottsdale Quarter area so walk around a bit while you’re there. Just across the street is Kierland Commons which has some additional shopping. Some of my favorite stores are here including:
Lorna Jayne
West Elm
CB2
Gjoriana Jewelry
Amazon Bookstore
Free People.
Plus the fountain area is a lot of fun to let the kids play in.
That’s it! As we visit more places I’ll make sure to update the post. If you visit any of these make sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see what you’re up to!
I want to hear from you!
What are some of your favorite Phoenix/Scottsdale Attractions? Let me know in the comments
