Kid Friendly Things to Do in Scottsdale

Exploring your own town like a tourist is one of the best things you can do to support your community. You will find amazing shops you’ve never noticed before and will be supporting local. Once you’ve conquered all there is in your town, its always fun to check out a neighboring town to see what they have to offer. This is why we decided to hunt down all the kid friendly things to do in Scottsdale.

Kid Friendly Things to Do in Scottsdale

We have tackled Gilbert many times as it keeps growing but we decided it was time to check out Scottsdale. Scottsdale is known for their nightlife and high-end shopping and restaurants but where do families fall in? It may appear Scottsdale isn’t family friendly but it actually is! To help navigate around, I have compiled my favorite kid friendly things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Kid Friendly Play

From simple parks to more extravagant options, there are plenty of kid friendly Scottsdale play options. Our personal favorite is McCormick as they boys love going for a train ride and its all fairly inexpensive to enjoy.

McCormick Stillman Railroad Park – Recently voted one of the best parks in the state, McCormick Stillman Railroad Park offers mini train rides, a train museum, full-size trains, parks and more! We always have a blast relaxing in the shade or taking a train ride.
Scottsdale Civic Center – The love sign is here!
Scottsdale Sports Complex
Scottsdale Green Belt

Kid Friendly Food

Nothing is more annoying than going to a restaurant with kids only to find out it was a bad idea. The guests are annoyed and your kids and making messes as they do. Have no fear, these kid friendly Scottsdale food options have got you covered.

The Local Donut – I love a good donut shop and the local donut delivered. The “normal” doughnuts were great but the specialty ones are amazing!
Grassroots – If you’ve got a kid’s menu on your homepage, it’s going to be a win for me. Grassroots offers great food for you and the kiddos. Their meals come on a tray with fruit and a sweet treat voucher!
Don & Charlie’s – This place is a Chicago style Baseball themed American food restaurant. The keyword here being American food aka mac and cheese aka the only thing many kids will eat.
The Vig
Isabella’s Kitchen
O.H.S.O. Paradise Valley

Kid Friendly Sweets

After hanging out in the Arizona heat, stop in to get something sweet too cool off and bring your temp back to a normal level. These kid friendly Scottsdale sweet shops know just the treat you need.

The Sugar Bowl – The Sugar Bowl has been serving deliciously classic ice cream creations since 1958. The building easily catches your attention as its bright pink and I have yet to taste something that wasn’t tasty. Don’t worry, once they’re all hopped up on sweets there is a small arcade in the back they can play at.
Sweet Provisions
Sprinkles Cupcakes
Piccolo Family Italian Ice

Kid Friendly Attractions

Yes mama, your kids can run and interactive to their hearts desire at these local kid friendly Scottsdale attractions. Nothing like a little sensory play to keep them entertained.

OdySea Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the valley is OdySea Aquarium. The tickets can be pricy so look into a family membership or check Groupon to get a good price.
Butterfly Wonderland – While you’re in the area, check out the Butterfly Wonderland! The first time I visited I decided to get a year membership because it was so neat and peaceful visiting. So many species of butterflies and moths!
MacDonalds Ranch – When I first moved to Arizona, MacDonalds Ranch was one of the first places I visited. They have an awesome pumpkin patch, petting zoo, snacks, and more that I couldn’t resist checking it out. Off Holiday season, they offer pony rides and the petting zoo still. They have a good variety of animals too which is always fun for learning!
Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs
Musical Instrument Museum
Arcosanti
Ollie the Trolley
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

Don’t Forget the Necessities

When we head out around town it does take some planning with three kids. We have a Highlander which I love but the trunk space is definitely limited so we need compact and necessary items only. For instance, we need our stroller because B gets so heavy now so we always pack our smallest folded option. We also make sure to have one of our JJ Cole Outdoor Mats in the back as I’m pretty sure my boys are allergic or at least sensitive to grass and itchy kids are no fun. Not to mention, we live in Arizona so the ground is always 100+ degrees! Our mat helps protect us from getting burned and the fact that it folds up so small is a godsend.

My last, most favorite, and obviously needed accessory is my Brookmont diaper bag which, of course, is always stuffed full thanks to the 15 pockets it offers. I have used many, many diaper bags but I would be lying if I said this one really wasn’t my favorite. These bags are gorgeous and JJ Cole has incorporated a much-needed option that I haven’t seen on other bags before. This diaper bag has built-in stroller straps that loop right around your stroller handle. Yes, you read that right. I am not a fan of carrying around stroller straps with diaper bags and usually just toss my bag in the bottom basket of the stroller because it’s easier than worry about where the straps are. Um, yes! Thank you, JJ Cole, for finding a sleek way to work these straps in.

Besides their clever incorporation of the straps, this bag is simply stunning and comes in three colors. Being crafted from premium, 100% vegan leather makes it as smooth as a baby’s bottom and easy to clean.

Have you tried exploring your area yet? What are your favorite kid friendly Scottsdale places? I’d love to check them out and possibly add to my list.