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Arizona does get a bad rap for its desert heat. However, it has much more to offer than an excess of sunshine. Arizona is an excellent location for families to relax and explore its natural beauty. These are some of the best spots for families to check out next time you visit this Southwest state. 15 Cheap Family Activities To Do in Arizona.
1. Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Families can enjoy a lovely day at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum while learning about life in the desert. The museum includes a zoo, botanical garden, natural history exhibit, and aquarium. The highlight might be the hummingbird aviary, where people can get up close and personal with these fluttering birds.
2. Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
Your family will love riding in these restored vintage train cars as you travel from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. From there, you can explore the Historic Village and the views of the Grand Canyon. The train will then take you back through the scenic Arizona desert.
3. Spend a Day at Golfland Sunsplash
Golfland is an excellent place for a family to enjoy a fun-filled day outdoors. This amusement park in Mesa has attractions, including miniature golf, arcade games, laser tag, go-karts, and bumper boats. Afterward, you can cool off in the lazy river, wave pool, and various-sized water slides. That will help you stay cool in the desert heat.
4. Take a Dip in McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center
Another way to cool off in the Arizona heat is to head to the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center in Scottsdale. The facility is a dream for kids who love to swim. You and your family will have a blast in the lazy river and giant tube waterslide. You can also enjoy a picnic or relax in the sun on the grassy seating area.
5. A History Lesson at The Arizona Museum of Natural History
This museum has several hands-on learning activities geared for kids of all ages who want to learn about the history of the Southwest. It has collections of Paleoindians and the Hohokam cultures, as well as a Dinosaur Mountain, which simulates a flash flood on its three-story exhibit. The place also has a soft-shelled turtle and a Gila monster, creating great photo opportunities.
6. Get Under the Sea at OdySea Aquarium
If you need to escape the heat and enjoy some air conditioning, an afternoon at the aquarium is hard to beat. The aquarium immerses you underwater in its Voyager exhibit, rotating you 360 degrees. From there, you can go to the Deep Ocean Gallery and watch sharks, rays, turtles, and other sea life swimming around you. Above water, you can see adorable otters and penguins to round out your aquatic experience.
7. Listen to Some Music at the Musical Instrument Museum
Located in Phoenix, the Musical Instrument Museum guides visitors on an interactive journey through various instrument exhibits. Kids can learn about different musical cultures worldwide, and even let them play unique instruments like a Peruvian harp, a West African djembe drum, and a massive gong.
8. Camp at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Just two hours north of Phoenix, Dead Horse Ranch State Park allows you to rent rustic cabins with the necessary amenities to feel like you’re camping without completely roughing it. You can enjoy bike trails, fishing spots, and evening campfires here. Get out into nature, but want a cozy bed in these custom cabins.
9. Explore the Petrified Forest National Park
The Petrified National Forest is a great way to spend the day learning about the site’s petrified trees and fossils. Here, you can find trees for the Late Triassic Period, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The park has many hikes for all levels and a Junior Ranger Program for kids wanting to learn about the park’s ecosystems.
10. Ride a Hot Air Balloon with the Rainbow Ryders
Floating 3,000 feet above the desert can be a memorable moment for you and your family. These balloons fly just outside of Phoenix and can take you for a ride, providing epic sunset or sunrise views. I guarantee this will be one of the highlights of your trip to the desert.
11. Step into the Old West in Tombstone
Put on your boots and saddle up because you’re about to return to the Old West frontier. These are the same streets walked by Western icons like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. You and your family can enjoy simulated gun fights, horseback rides, exploring silver mines, and learning about life in the old West. Whether you’re a kid who loves cowboys or a history buff, you’ll love a day in Tombstone.
12. Explore Sedona
Sedona is one of the most beautiful towns in the United States and a mecca for adventurers. Families can book an off-road ATV tour in a Jeep or a souped-up dune buggie. Wildlife sanctuaries like Bearizona and the Out of Africa Wildlife Park are nearby. If you’re not a fan of high-powered vehicles and dangerous animals, there are plenty of world-class restaurants and shops where you can spend your day.
13. Enjoy a Game at Chase Field
If you stay in Phoenix, you’ll regret not attending an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game. The team plays in the competitive National League, and budding all-stars like Zac Gallen and Corbin Carroll are on the roster. Enjoy a night of hot dogs and nachos, and cheer on the team that almost won last year’s World Series.
14. Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals and 400 species. Built in the 1960s, it’s one of the largest non-profit zoos in the United States. Kids will learn about various species, including lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my!
15. Explore Scottsdale
Scottsdale might be known for its nightlife, but it also has great activities for kids. The city has a Railroad Museum with full-size locomotives and train cars, where kids can learn about the history of railway systems. Afterward, you can ride on a vintage 1950s carousel and enjoy Scottsdale’s evening breeze.
