5 Great Things to Do with Kids in Phoenix
Copyright Teresa Bitler
Whether you’re planning a week-long vacation here or just need something to do for the day, you’ll find several options for family fun in Phoenix. I could list the obvious choices like the Phoenix Zoo, Children’s Musem and Arizona Science Center, but instead, I want to focus on a few that don’t get the attention they deserve. Here are five great kid-friendly destinations in Phoenix. Do you have a favorite that’s not listed? Please share!
Musical Instrument Museum: This newly opened museum features more than 10,000 instruments representing every country in the world. Watch video demonstrations, listen to recordings, and play instruments. Lessons, concerts and family events make this a must-see for any family. (Details: 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, 480-478-6000. Hours: Mon-Wed, 9-5; Thur-Fri, 9-9; Sat 9-5; Sun 10-5. Cost: Adults: $15; seniors: $13; children 6-17: $10; under 6: free.)
Enchanted Island at Encanto Park: Named one of the top 12 best city parks in America by Forbes, Enchanted Island offers golf, swimming and fishing, but most families come for the amusement park with its train ride, carousel, kiddie cars and mini-coaster. A splash zone and bumper boats cool things off during the hot summer months. (Details: 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. 602-245-1200. Hours: Vary. Check online. Cost: Free to visit, but most rides take 2 tickets. A book of 20 tickets costs $17, or you can purchase an all -day pass for $8-13.50)
Hall of Flame Musem: You’ll discover nearly an acre of fire history exhibits at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting, including a 1951, fully functional engine that kids can play on. Kids will also love the Fire Safety Learning Area, where they can sit in a toy chief’s buggy, climb a fire pole, dress up like firefighters and participate in hands-on activities. (Details: 6101 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix. 602-275-3473. Hours: Mon-Sat, 9-5; Sun 12-4. Cost: Adults $6; seniors $5; students $4; children 3-5 $1.50)
Pioneer Living History Museum: When you want to experience the Old West, you have several options. Goldfield Ghost Town has mine tours and small attractions, Rawhide has gunfights and rides, but the Pioneer Living History Museum offers visitors a chance to step back in time. This 90-acre collection of authentic buildings and historically accurate reproductions include a blacksmith shop, jail, fort, opera house, schoolhouse and complete ranch complex. (Details: 3901 W.Pioneer Rd., Phoenix. 623-465-1052. Hours: Oct-May, Wed-Sun 9-4; June-Sept, Wed-Sun 8-2. Cost: Adults $7, seniors $6, students $5, children under 5 are free.
Shamrock Farms: Kids love farms. Take them on a tour of a working dairy farm to see where the milk in their cereal bowl comes from. You’ll need to make reservations for the open-air tram tour that takes visitors to the general barn, milking barn and calf nursery. (Details: 40034 W. Clayton, Stanfield. 602-477-2462. Hours: Check online. Cost: Adults $9, seniors/military $7.50; children 12 and under $6)
