Enjoy Phoenix, Arizona with children to see all that the southwest has to offer. Full of breathtaking views and unique terrain this is a great family vacation destination loaded with plenty for kids and adults to see and do together. Enjoy Arizona’s capital city and unique local fare on our day in sunny Phoenix.
Please note that this is not an itinerary submitted by an actual family. This day was planned by one of our travel experts as a recommendation for a family of children with ages 4 through late teens, based on knowledge of the city. Factors such as time, cost and distance have been considered to make this a great day to get a sense of the city and keep the children and teens interested and engaged.
Address: 455 North Galvin Parkway Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Phone: 602-273-1341
Hours: June 1st – Aug 31st: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Nov 6th – Jan 12th: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sep 1st – Nov 5th: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Jan 13th – May 31st: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Website: http://phoenixzoo.org/
Admission: Adults – $20, Children – $14
The 125-acre Phoenix Zoo is the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the country. With over 1,400 animals, including 30 endangered species and 2.5 miles of walking trails, this zoo has something for everyone to enjoy. The park is divided into four themed areas. The Arizona Trail features wildlife and plantlife native to the area, including desert plants, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats and Mexican grey wolves. The Africa Trail houses giraffes, lions, zebras, rhinos, baboons and other animals from Africa. The two-part Tropics Trail displays residents of the rain forests, such as ring-tailed lemurs and orangutans on the inner trail and Asian elephants, jaguars and anteaters on the outer tropics trail. The Children’s Trail features small mammals from around the world and Harmony Farm, where children can interact with barnyard animals.
Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phone: 480-941-1225
Hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Website: http://www.dbg.org/
Admission: Adults – $22, Students – $12, Children – $10
Enjoy 140 acres of spectacular gardens comprised of more than 21,000 plants. Desert Botanical Garden has several trails and exhibits to engage visitors in the garden experience. The first garden in the park is Ottosen Entry Garden, which features dramatic displays of cacti and succulents to showcase the beauty and diversity of desert plants. This garden connects to the Desert Discovery Loop Trail which passes through cactus and succulent galleries, an agave forest and seasonal butterfly exhibits in the Butterfly Pavilion. The Desert Wildflower Loop Trail encompasses two acres of North American desert wildflowers. For beautiful views of distant mountains and close-ups of the surrounding desert, travel down the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail. Make sure to check out the Garden Shop for unique gifts and souvenirs. The botanical garden is an excellent way to escape the city and enjoy desert wildlife.
Address: 600 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-716-2000
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Website: http://www.azscience.org/
Getting There: The Center is just a few blocks from the 3rd Street and Washington light rail stop
Admission: Adults – $17, Children – $12
With several interactive exhibits, Arizona Science Center proves that learning can be fun. See, hear and smell how the human body works at the All About Me exhibit, where visitors can walk through an enormous stomach in action, explore systems of the human body and watch surgeries being performed. Suspend 15 feet in the air on the SkyCycle and experience the thrill of a high-wire physics lesson. Experience what it feels like to be in the middle of a hurricane, tornado, volcanic eruption and monsoon at the Forces of Nature exhibit. This hands-on science museum will keep the whole family entertained for hours.