The 50 best things to do with kids in Phoenix

The Phoenix Zoo is such a fun place to visit! Definitely bring good walking shoes — there’s plenty to see and explore. We went in December, and the weather was perfect, though we did need light jackets. We especially loved seeing the lion, and the ZooLights experience was an absolute blast. A great place for families or anyone who loves animals!

It is a good size and very accessible with adult scooters, kid and adult animal themed scooters, and stroller rentals. The zoo membership was worth it since it pays for itself in about 2 visits. The cafe is decent and if you come on less busy days or less peak hours, it is really peaceful and serene with lots of areas to sit. The animal variety is pretty good for being in the desert and it even has a Siberian Amur tiger, one of the most expensive zoo animals and endangered big cats, that not even the San Diego Zoo has.

Had a great time at the Phoenix Zoo! The animals seem well taken care of. Enclosures are fairly large and well kept. There are animal ambassadors at most of the areas that are very informative and knowledgeable. They were able to answer all our questions and some were quite funny. They have the only open walk through attraction with squirrel monkeys in the United States, which is in my opinion a must see for any visitor to the zoo. Also you can feed giraffes, ride a camel or play in the water park. Their is something for everyone. Overall my experience was enjoyable and I recommend if your are in Phoenix to add a stop at the zoo!

We recently went here for zoo lights as part of an event from work, and it was beautiful. We have never been here for this, but now that we have, we enjoyed it very much. All of the lights and the details that they did to make all of it happen was worth it. I didn't take many pictures as I was enjoying my self that I forgot.. but it is beautiful and a really great experience. The animals are sleeping so you dont really see them. The trails are closed to some areas, but they make the animals come to life with, all the lights! There was only a few things open for snacks and drinks, and they had long lines so I guess bring yoir drinks and snacks with you? Otherwise is a really great experience for everyone!

Beautiful zoo. Lots of remodeling and upgrades being done. Nice tram tour of park, only $6. Today was the Dia de los muertos event, was awesome.

We had a wonderful time at the Phoenix Zoo! The grounds were clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. For being in the desert, there was plenty of shade, which made walking around very comfortable even on a warm day. There were lots of drink stations and food options throughout the zoo, so it was easy to grab a refreshment or snack without having to go far. The layout was easy to follow with maps and signs everywhere, which made exploring stress-free and enjoyable. The giraffe area was absolutely huge, and we loved the elevated platform walkway that connects exhibits that gives a unique view of the animals below. Overall, the Phoenix Zoo is a fun, family-friendly place that clearly takes pride in both guest experience and animal care.

You can't go wrong with the Phoenix Zoo. Plenty of wild animals and you'll get your steps in. They offer strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters for a fee. Kids love this place. Annual pass is affordable for the entire family.

A little pricey, but a great place to keep the kids active indoors. The gigantic play structure reminds me of the City Museum in St Louis Mo (another excellent museum). Kids spent a lot of time in the grocery store and kitchen area.

Thank you Yelp and all the vendors for organizing another great event. "Yelp Under the Stars at the Phoenix Children's Hospital" was the event of the year and such a worthy cause! This hands-on, interactive museum in downtown Phoenix, with over 300 play experiences across three floors, is designed for children up to age 10. Key features include a giant climber, the "Noodle Forest," an Art Studio, a miniature grocery store, and various programs for different age groups. Admission is currently $19 per person (children under one are free), and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. There were over 50 vendors at the Yelp Under the Stars event. Local businesses provided food, drinks, and entertainment for hundreds of Yelp Elites and the community. Everything was wonderful and so well organized; the food was delicious, the liquor vendors matched the food in diversity, and a great time was had by all in attendance. Thanks again, Bailey, and all the Yelp organizers for inviting us to this wonderful event.

I raided 3 kids in Arizona and never took them to the Children’s Museum… why? Now that I have a grandson I took the time to go and wow! What a great place! Activities for every child meeting each personality. My grandson loves cars and trains he also loves balls and movement. They have it all. He also enjoy imaginary play in the fun kitchen and shopping area. We bought a membership that’s how much we loved it and made sure dad could come along to take him through the giant play place. Warning though I bought the membership on a Monday in the summertime and then discovered they aren’t open on Mondays, the rest of the year. Grandma has Mondays off, so it’s a bit of a bummer. We can’t take him on that day. He now asks when we can go to the Museum!

So impressed with this museum! It was 3 stories packed full of activities! The market and the kitchen were our granddaughter’s favorite! The Grand Atrium is massive and so fun! Totally recommend!

I used to work here back when I was in high school and so much has changed (in a good way). My fiancé and I too our daughter (toddler) here for her to explore. We bought tickets online a week prior (pricy given the play time is for our toddler not us adults) , showed up, scanned our tickets and were in within a few minutes. Everything was great, but for sure was busy. I wish there were days where your ticket reserves time slots as we could not enjoy certain areas having too many kids not sharing. Due to how busy it was, our daughter could not enjoy all rooms. She was able to play in the toddler room, art room, and a bit in the grocery store. Other rooms were too busy, hot, and kids not letting her play in the areas they were taking over. Plus side was that the coffee was delicious in the cafeteria and good food options

It was cute. The younger you start the better. Our kids were a bit too old for some of the things but they had fun anyway.

Went with school field trip. Love that they have outdoor activities. Dislike the garden water pump and did note it to one of the staff that not only are they wasting water in the desert as it just falls but it also makes mud creating hazardous stepping for children who are just refilling their garden watering pails. Then there's the steps into the café entrance. Too wide, not even rails, and no wheelchair accessibility ramp on that entrance or out in the garden area. Inside I have no issues with! There is enough bathrooms and complimentary hand sanitizer on each floor, along with stairs and elevator options. Enough activities for children to stay busy. Love the art making and rocket painting room where kid's imagination are endless! Recommend this place for anyone looking to keep your kids entertained for hours at a time. Even adults can play!

This is one of our favorite "happy places"! Friendly staff, beautiful scenery, unique and fun events, educational support for our own plants, and so many more things are what keep us coming back. It has something for everyone. Some of our favorite things so far have been getting married here, enjoying the yearly Boo-tanical Garden with the kids, having regular date days/nights here, and attending their plant sales. The restaurant and cafe are delicious, and the gift shop always has something worth taking home. We absolutely love the Desert Botanical Garden and would recommend to anyone looking for a nice date night, family time, or even just some "me time".

I’d give this place 10 stars if I could! The Desert Botanical Garden is absolutely beautiful and so well maintained. Every trail and exhibit is thoughtfully designed, and you can really see the care that goes into keeping everything in top shape. The staff were attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable; they were happy to answer questions and share insights about the plants and desert landscape. It’s such a peaceful and inspiring place to explore, whether you’re a local or just visiting. There’s also a restaurant on site that feels like fine dining without being stuffy. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was relaxing, and they cater to a wide range of dietary needs. Overall, it’s a must-visit spot in Phoenix.

The botanical garden is a must visit. The trails are no lesser than any state park/national park. The gathering tours were really informative. The staff is friendly. Gift store is so beautiful. There are water stations every now and there. Hydration is not all a problem. Loved watching butterflies and hummingbirds in the butterflies trail. Saguaros are unique.

Must experience. Absolutely beautiful. We were fortunate to arrive after the monsoonal rains. Everything was green and blooming. We arrived a little before sunset, so we're able to see the gardens during the day, at sunset with a beautiful Arizona sky, and the gardens lit at night. The Botanical garden is open till 9:00 pm. If you have a layover at Phoenix Airport, the gardens aren't very far away. I would encourage anyone younger old to take time to visit.

The park is lovely. I went later in the afternoon at the end of October and it was still very warm. You can bring your own water bottle to fill at multiple filtered water stations - water comes out cold. Bring sunglasses, water bottle, sunblock and a hat. Gift shop is very nice.

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is absolutely incredible! I was blown away by the breathtaking views—towering saguaros and colorful cacti create this surreal, almost magical desert landscape. There are so many cool cactuses, from spiky barrels to funky agaves, and I loved wandering the shaded trails snapping photos. It’s super peaceful, like a total escape from the city, with hummingbirds zipping around adding to the calm. The paths are easy to navigate, and the sunset glow on the red buttes was unreal. It’s about $40 to enter, but worth every penny for the curated beauty. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves nature or just wants a chill, inspiring outing. Bring water if it’s warm, and go early for fewer crowds. I’m already excited to come back!

I was somehow expecting an overpriced patch of sand with a few saguaro cactus in it. I instead found a magnificently curated and highly developed garden featuring the huge diversity of plant life to be found in a seemingly empty desert space. There is a surprising amount of beautiful garden infrastructure and architecture in place that enhances an enchanting desert experience. This is a totally morthwhile experience and it's a mere three miles from a major airport. It could not be more convenient. This garden is a participant in a National Garden.Reciprocity program so is easily accessible in terms of admission cost. My local garden card gave me access to this beautiful place at no cost

We love using the ASTC Passport Program when we travel. This is the first museum we visited on the ASTC Passport Program that we had to pay for a family member to get in. It was total chaos on a Friday afternoon with school field trips attending the museum. We had a hard time using the elevator and not having our service dog get touched. Be aware the SkyBike costs money to do. We didn’t realize until my son had already waited in line for 30mins. It’s less than $10 to experience something pretty unique. The kids liked the health section and the poison exhibits the most. Fun afternoon at the Science Museum- happy we took a moment of our trip to experience.

We bought actual passes for our grandkids almost a year ago. We've been to the science center and average of about once per month. The kids love coming. They validate parking, so it costs $1 to park. Today there was an event, and the signs for parking said $40. After validation, it was $1. Also with the membership, you're able to come one hour early at 930am. That's been really nice, because for the first hour, there aren't a lot of people there. Recommended.

Expensive and disappointed, I unfortunately came on an event day of “heritage event center” . Paid $30.00 parking and recommended bringing your ticket to their desk for a discount. They give maps and this place has gone down hill lol sorry it’s more for smaller kiddos…

We loved our visit! Our 2-year-old had a ton of fun. Lots to do and I think as he gets older he’ll enjoy it even more!

Great time for my family! My almost 5 year old really enjoyed our time here the other day. There are three levels of exhibits ranging from the human body, physics, and a special temporary exhibit on poison. My daughter enjoyed engaging with the different exhibits and looking at everything. She was super excited! The exhibits are really good at helping kiddos understand the different concepts in a more hands-on way. I will say that some exhibits seemed to have seen better days. I hope they freshen these exhibits up soon to create a better experience for the kids in the future. The planetarium is temporarily closed until October — they renovated and reimagined it so we will absolutely be back for it!

Have been before and had a great time however this visit a lot of the exhibits were broken. We primarily went to see the planetarium which is very nice but thought we'd stroll through the rest of the museum. My kids were pretty disappointed that so much of the interactive museum hasn't been maintained well.

What in the PBS 1998 outdated museum is this? It's nostalgic for millennials and older, but needs some serious upgrades to its graphics, videos, and displays for being a so called "Science Museum". 6 displays were out of order. The only saving grace is it's traveling displays and it's live science presentations. Other than that I can't see coming here every 5 years.

Excellent museum! It is a huge place. You wear a headset which plays music as you approach the various exhibits. Exhibits are well labeled and so many interesting details. I loved hearing and seeing people playing the instruments on display via the headset and videos. There is a room where kids and adults can play a variety of instruments. Highly recommend!

Very amazing and educational museum. Would definitely recommend to anyone to go! 2 stories of history and cultures! Plan for it to take a good portion of your day. They have a cafeteria on site that has amazing food as well! Also an interactive instrument room where you can try out some of the different instruments you saw in the exhibits!

This museum is now firmly within my top 5 favorite museums in the world. I was pleasantly surprised at how large the museum is after deciding to visit last-minute. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and include not only visuals but optional audio for everything you are viewing. With interesting facts about instruments, artists, and music styles from around the world. I only had the chance to see about 1/4 of all they have in my quick 2 hour visit so I’d recommend planing a few hours to come here and experience it all. There is a gallery where you can play a variety of instruments which as a musician was a dream. I’ve always wanted to play a harp and got the chance to do so here! The gift shop had such a fun variety of unique items, I came away with jewelry made from piano strings that I love! And on top of it all, this museum was truly inclusive for folks who need special accessibility accommodations. I recently injured my foot putting me on crutches. The staff kindly offered my choice of a wheelchair or electric scooter at no charge to use while in the museum. I can’t wait for the day I can come back to experience more!!

It is the best museum I ever seen! I am not a fan of music, but I am deeply touched by all kinds of music and instruments from all over the world, hundreds of countries and hundreds cultures. Staff in this museum are super nice, they are ready to answer your questions and provide useful information you need. This museum is not only good for adults, but also great place for kids! If you want your kid to learn instruments, bring kids to this museum and kids will start to fall in love with music. I will definitely come back to this museum again with my kid. Overall, I strongly recommend this museum. It is the No.1 best museum among the hundreds of museums I have seen.

An incredible collection of instruments spanning the globe. Our visit was particularly auspicious as it coincided with the "Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars" exhibit. The violins and bows were exquisite. Plan to spend the day wandering through the various rooms to learn about cultural context and history.

MIM is worth the drive, no matter where you're staying in Phoenix. It's not just for music lovers, but also about history and engineering. We drove up from Tempe with our ASU student - we already plan to go back! The mechanical music room was fascinating and the artists room had so much variety - do not say no to the headphones. The experience of floating in and out of the sounds of the instruments on display really was magic. We finished with watching the short introduction film they offered. After experiencing the museum, it really brought home the universality of music through out all of human history... and it seems all to be represented right there in MIM. Really well organized and displayed: unique instruments, how instruments are made, antidotes from artists, instruments and musical styles from every corner of the world. Love!

A very fun place to visit! I thought a museum about musical instruments may not be very large or interesting, yet MIM changed my mind completely. It not only shows music from different countries, but also demonstrates the deeper cultures behind the music. As the picture shows, “Music is the language of the soul.” I think everyone who love music should visit this place, and you will see a much bigger world!

This is a great park. The new splash pad is small and isn't shaded directly, but there is plenty of shade around it with seating. The outdoor playground is huge and recently got sun sails so it mostly shaded. There are a few things that you need to pay for to do, but they are small amounts. The indoor playground, the train ride, and the carousel. The train ride is a ten minute ride around the park field and is so fun for the kids. There is a gift shop, and an ice cream/ snack bar also which are indoor and really nice. Plenty of seating throughout. Love this park.

Such a neat place! Large retired train cars throughout the park. They have a small train ride that's about an 8-10 min ride, a large carousel that you can ride either for $3 per person. Ages 2 and under are free. Huge outdoor playground with many unique obstacles. Lots of space to run and play. Small restaurant, museum, gift shop and a large miniature train set with interactive buttons. You can pay $12 for a wrist band for unlimited train and carousel rides for the day. Highly recommend and such a great value!

Nice place to visit. They have several different buildings to explore. The one with the miniature train sets is free and quiet expansive. The grounds are well kept and they have several areas for kids to play along with a small locomotive to take a ride on. Overall a wonderful place to go with large trees, benches, and beautiful shade.

I completely forgot to post my review last christmas. Me and my family went during christmas time and it was so beautiful. I can say it was a magical time especially with the music and reasonable food prices. We mustve rode the train 100times that night. We will be there again this year!!! Highly recommend

Amazing place. I got to spend the morning there today with my godsons, and it was as I remembered it. They LOVED the train. The conductor handled the teen standing on the track very well, but the office staff we told couldn't do anything about it since they left. If you want a place that has both indoor and outdoor sections, this is the place!

Great place to take the kids. The highlight for me was the model train building. It was a huge building with model train lay outs from N scale to O scale. Unbelievable, the detail in the layouts. The train ride is more for kids, and is a short ride around the facility. The serve ice cream and good lunch foods. I had their chili with corn bread. It was home made I thought. Lots of train history to explore. It's not very expensive to get in , and is worth the time to experience.

I had the best ditch day with my mini me!!! From the indoor playground to the outdoor playground to the train ride to my babygirls favorite the carousel was a blast.. but she also loved cooling at the splash pad. Thanks for an awesome day.

Great kid-friendly aquarium at Arizona Mills Mall! The price is just right for the size of the Aquarium. It is fun to see the variety of aqua life in an easy-to-follow floor plan. It was fun to see the turtles and tank with stingrays. I loved the bubble like viewing areas for little kids. The tour ends with a small but nice gift shop.

SEA LIFE Aquarium is such a fun and beautiful experience! The tunnel tank with sharks and rays is breathtaking, and the touch tanks and interactive displays make it hands-on for all ages. Everywhere you turn there are great photo opportunities — from seahorses to schooling fish. The exhibits are well kept, staff are friendly, and the whole place is easy to enjoy at your own pace. A perfect mix of education, visuals, and interactive fun!

We’ve always enjoyed our visits to SEA LIFE Arizona! The aquarium is beautifully done, and my daughter especially loves the scavenger hunt and all the fun little viewing areas and photo spots throughout. It’s a great family activity, and the exhibits are engaging and well cared for. That said, the prices do feel a bit high for the length of the visit. We’ve gone three or four times over the past couple of years, and while it’s always a good experience, the cost may keep us from visiting as often in the future.

My daughter and I came as she in in college here and We had fun. It was a good time. Blew me away it was in a mall like experience but I would absolutely go again. Good time.

Amazing experience, especially for a first-time aquarium for my partner. We bought the behind the scenes tickets in advance and Aj was a wonderful guide, and he was an absolute delight to talk to Massive reccomendation for adults and kids alike to visit this place! Especially if you're from out of town, on a budget, and on a time crunch! It's worth it, and should I visit Arizona again I might have to take a peek at their other exhibits!

Visiting the Sea Life aquarium with my family was an incredible experience! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by vibrant displays of marine life that captivated both the kids and adults. The variety of sea creatures was impressive, with everything from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks swimming overhead in the underwater tunnel. The interactive exhibits were a highlight for the kids, allowing them to touch starfish and learn about different species in a fun, engaging way. We also enjoyed the informative talks from the staff, who shared fascinating facts about the animals and their habitats. The atmosphere was lively, and it was wonderful to see everyone, including my family, so excited about the wonders of the ocean. Overall, the Sea Life aquarium made for a memorable family outing. It was both educational and entertaining, and we left with a greater appreciation for marine life. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun day out with family!

Great aquarium for all ages! They have sensory friendly offerings for guests with autism and guided tours. The gift shop is nicely organized and kept clean. They have a great selection of good quality stuffed animals and keepsakes to choose from for great prices. The animals enclosures seem well maintained, spacious, and engaging for the animals while maintaining great views for guests. The employees kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. It's very easy to have a self guided visit if you prefer to as well.

I recently visited LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Phoenix with my daughter, and honestly, I was disappointed. The only reason I’m giving it two stars instead of one is because the staff was genuinely friendly and helpful throughout our visit. They really tried to make it fun for the kids and were patient and welcoming. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. This place is extremely overpriced for what you get. We paid over \$30 per person expecting a mini amusement park experience, but it felt more like a glorified indoor play area. There are only a couple of small rides, which were okay but not worth the price of admission. After 20 minutes, my kid was already bored — and we had seen and done just about everything. The activities are very limited. A small indoor playground, and a couple of LEGO build stations, there really wasn’t much else to do. It might be okay if tickets were under \$10 or part of a larger entertainment complex, but at full price, it just doesn’t offer enough. Save your money and try something else.

A neat place to check out as a family, read more about the 4 stars f your kids love, it’s worth checking out. The inside is bright, colorful, and has something for everyone. The big Lego play structure is always a hit, and the race car station where kids can build and race their own cars is hands down the highlight. There’s also a nice little play area outside the entrance, plus a gift shop with member discounts (10% off), which is a nice perk. Parking is easy if you get close to the door, and once you walk in, LEGOLAND is right on the right-hand side. We also love that there’s a frozen yogurt place right next door with a few non-dairy flavors a fun little add-on treat. That said, there are a few downsides. Some of the attractions are really small, like the little indoor train game where you “zap” zombies (not my favorite). There’s also a mini ride and a mini movie theater, but the attractions sometimes lean a little on the scarier side for younger kids. The hours don’t make a lot of sense no evening hours during the week, which isn’t very helpful for families with school aged kids. Depending on the time of day, there aren’t always many staff around. And if you go during a field trip, it can get really busy, so it’s worth checking online before heading out. Overall though, we’re members, and our kids enjoy it every time we go. It could use more seasonal updates and interactive features, but for a small space, it’s a great place for Lego-loving kids. I’d give it 4 stars.

Went to adult night at the Discovery Center and had a great time. There were build challenges, free play, games, prizes, and more. The employees were super friendly and available for assistance. There is a store attached if you are more interested in shopping for Lego or of you want to grab something afterward. There are bathrooms on site and a café where you can purchase water, coffee, soda, and get snacks.

I was not a fan of the Legoland resort in California so I had low expectations going here. This place was GREAT. If we were locals we would totally do the annual pass. One of the rides were down and they were actively trying to fix it (and did!). All of the staff were friendly and we would come back again in a heartbeat. Our kiddo is 2 and a half and loved it. There is even a play area and mini Cafe inside. If you have a few hours to kill come here.

I didn't realize this was inside the mall. The first couple rooms are really dark, kinda scared my almost 2 year old. The place is small but pretty spacious, fun and cute, had little activity centers for the kids. Has a little coffee and food shop, a really big and clean bathroom. Its a cute experience to do once.

I took my four year old son a few days ago. They were having a Halloween special event where you make your own Lego potion. There was only one person working at the table and we waited in line for quite a long time- no problem. When it’s our turn, my four year old who had a stammer (it’s like a stutter but he repeats whole words instead of syllables) was excited. He was being polite and started to talk to the lady. She interrupted him and repeated what he said in a mocking way. He started to say we-we-we want to… and she interrupted and said We-we-we. Extremely rude, mean spirited and hurtful. I was honestly shocked and didn’t say anything at first other than to tell her that he’s just excited and has a stammer. I was able to speak to a manager who said he would talk to the employee. But he didn’t really apologize or offer us a free ticket or anything at all. I didn’t ask for anything I was just very hurt that someone working around kids would be so mean. My kid loves this place so we will probably return, but I really hope that someone in management does something about the young lady who treated us this way. She shouldn’t be interacting with children until she changes her attitude.

Awesome place and you get a discount if you show you went to the aquarium next door, the 4d movie was cool, but just seeing my grandson so happy was the best part, if he could write this review, he'd give it 2 thumbs up. And thats what its all about

OdySea is an amazing aquarium. The theme follows the journey of a drop of rain. The exhibits are well maintained and the staff is very knowledgeable. The environment is welcoming and easy to navigate. There are tons of graphics sharing information in many areas of science and conservation. They offer encounters and the SeaTrek which is pretty cool for those who are not dive certified. You can spend an entire day taking photos of all the animals and reading all the signs and graphics. I visited on a Sunday and the number of people that day was not crowding so it was even more enjoyable. The penguin encounter is $100 but it is definitely an investment and an unforgettable experience.

We had a great time at the aquarium. The tanks are very clean and the species look very healthy. The signage is informative. The educational staff is more than willing to chat. Id particularly like to thank the woman of color (not sure of her name.. she is light skinned and has long hair) who talked to us about the sturgeons. We then saw her again downstairs by the jellyfish. She demonstrated such passion for fish, reptiles, oceans, ...all things aquatic! The variety of species is excellent, and the signage was informative and easy to read. A few comments/suggestions... I think it would be nice if this facility was not-for-profit or if a portion of the proceeds went towards charity. I also think the tanks need plant life. Plastic plants rubbed me the wrong way. This is the only home these creatures know. It should mimic natural conditions as much as possible, even if that means more work cleaning the tanks. The entry fee is also way too expensive for the average person. We only did the aquarium, not the other attractions, because of price. Overall, we were impressed by the variety of species, many ways to interact with them, the bright, clean and well-lit facility, lots of benches to sit on, and the Voyager "ride" was fun. I do wish Voyager was less geared towards kids. The recordings that played at each "stop" were very juvenile. Also, the gift shop was way too kid-oriented. We wanted to buy things, but the selection was limited for adults.

This was a super fun experience! Large variety of see life and I especially loved all the jellyfish! I didn't expect to see a sloth at the aquarium but it was adorable! We really enjoyed the rotating seats show for the sea lions, sharks and stingrays. This is a wonderful family thing to do in Phoenix!

One of the nicest aquariums I've been to! Ive been to aquariums in NYC, Toronto, and Boston and OdySea might be my favorite. All the tanks are in pristine condition and the animals look well taken care of. The large tanks and layout make it really easy to navigate and view everything. There's a huge variety of animals and multiple touch tanks. The voyager exhibit is the main attraction and while the concept is neat, I think it'd be much nicer to just be able to view these tanks without having to sit in the rotating room. You only get 5 minutes per exhibit and the seats are somewhat far from the tanks so you arent able to see anything up close. When I went, 2 of the 4 tanks weren't viewable (one was under construction and the other one was empty) so that was a little disappointing. A lot of people mention the cost but you can easily spend 2+ hours here so I feel that the price is justifiable.

We ended up going on a Saturday afternoon. The line was short and even though there were plenty of people inside, it didn't feel overly crowded. The fish all look healthy and well taken care of. The staff were all friendly and very accommodating to my niece who is in a wheelchair. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend the aquarium for locals and visitors.

I really did enjoy it but the price on it is insane like that's not reasonable whatsoever. You guys also have time slots but for some reason the aquarium is always packed to the brim like what's the point of the time slots if it's always going to be way too busy anyways? Still had a really good time. All the employees were helpful and nice.

Amazing aquarium that focuses on animal welfare and conservation! The staff are incredibly friendly and customer service oriented. One of the educators (I believe her name was Rainey) was such a delight to talk to and was very informative about the animals and exhibits! Will definitely come back again in the near future.

Fun simple place for kids under 12 years old. Be smart BRING A COOLER AND LEAVEBIT IN THE CAR. Water bottle costs $4 each. Food is so so nothing special. Allowed leave the park and come back. Plenty places close by to eat

Great spot for family, couples, kids, group fun. Great selection of rides and different activities to from arcade in the AC, or mini golf outside, and the rides too. For being super hot AZ summers, they have good shade around the park too. Food and drinks are expensive yes, but cheaper than disney -land and it’s local.

Lots of fun, but the food area needs some work Castles N’ Coasters is such a fun spot in Phoenix! It’s got a great mix of thrill rides, family activities, and that classic amusement park vibe that makes you feel like a kid again. The Desert Storm roller coaster is wild — fast loops and twists that definitely get your heart racing. I also really liked the Skydiver drop ride and the Splashdown log flume, which is perfect on a hot day. The go-karts were a blast too, and the arcade has tons of games — some new, some old-school favorites. The staff around the park were friendly and helpful, and it felt safe and family-friendly the whole time. Mini golf was cute and well-designed, and the park overall was clean and easy to get around. The only real downside for me was the indoor dining area. When you order food, it comes in paper cartons instead of on plates or trays, so it’s kind of awkward to eat — especially if you’re sharing or have kids. Also, the tables in the food area weren’t very clean; a few still had crumbs or spills from other guests. It wasn’t terrible, but it definitely stood out compared to how well the rest of the park is run. Other than that, it’s a great place to spend a few hours or even the whole day. There’s something for everyone, and the prices are pretty fair for what you get. I’d definitely go back — just hoping they improve the dining setup next time! Along with tighten up on the restroom.

We travelled a long way to come here and were extremely disappointed that the entire amusement park was only half opened. I don’t think I’ve ever witness that in my entire life to be honest. So all that we could go on and do was mini golf, arcade, race cars, & water bumper tubes. The roller coaster was why we really wanted to come here. We had a really fun round of mini golf which was 9 hole 🕳️ and extremely confusing but was fun. We had fun with the race cars and unfortunately were stuck behind a mom and her small small child. Which I feel they should have sat this one out and waited until the next. We were there and all of us were extremely fast. When we finally past them the race was over. So that was a let down. But at least our son won the race that was epic for him. Once we got to the water bumper cars the same family was on the water so it was game on and we let it all out and bumped them and splashed them with everything we could. That was the best part of the entire day. 😂 lol Then our son wanted to play in the arcade so we were there eating and chilling waiting for him to finish up. Over it was great but wish the roller coaster was on. Maybe next time we will get a chance. I think that this was also way over priced. Staff was lazy and clumsy and took forever to help a crowd of maybe 18/20 people on the entire premise not including the staff which seemed like there was maybe 3/4.

Hard never been here before (well once as a child when we lived in S.D.) but it was actually a lot of fun. Most of the games were in working order. It was crowded, but not close to uncomfortable. My son is on the spectrum so this was a very huge deal for us. We went in the evening to try and beat the heat (didn't work was 105 at 8pm). The mini golf course was fun for my family. I believe I saw 4 different courses to play. Didn't do any of the big rides as we wanted more of a chill night. But, the prices are more than fair in my opinion and the food was actually rather good. I say food, we had church's shakes and icees. Definitely would recommend.

Awesome arcade deal. $10 for two hours of gaming per person. Wife and I had a really good time. I'd say maybe 10%-20% of games did not work. Either they were out of order, or the card scanner was not working. The Batman racing game, another racing game. Played the old TMNT game upstairs, buttons were sticking. Overall was really fun and worth the $10 to spend a couple hours hanging out.

Their sale for Elite pass $45 is so worth it. We had so much fun. We spent the entire day, for my kids birthdays. It was their first visit. They had a blast. We did everything. Prior to the visit was asking questions via email, guest services was SO helpful. The visit was great. For the most part staff was pleasant and helpful. CnC has really stepped up since the last time I visited.

An absolute gem! There is so much history and exhibits at this museum. From the paintings, to the baskets and sculptures, Bob Haozous and HOME exhibits. Incredible collection of Hopi dolls and beadwork. I loved the substance of stars and courtyard. Learning the history of Indian boarding schools was also a highlight. I highly recommend if you want to learn about the history of Native Americans.

What an amazing place — this museum honestly blew me away! 💛 It’s modern, spacious, full of light and air — every corner feels alive. The exhibits are interactive and beautifully put together, and there was even a whole section about the stars — unexpectedly inspiring and so well done. We joined a guided tour that was supposed to be 45 minutes — but it went closer to 55, and it still felt like five minutes. The guide was incredible — so passionate and easy to listen to, sharing fascinating stories about Native American history and art. That hour just flew by. They also have a Family Room — a really lovely space for kids to explore and play while learning. I was there without my children this time, but I know they’d absolutely love it. It’s one of those places that’s interesting for both adults and kids — there’s something for everyone. I came around 2 p.m., and the museum closes at 4 — big mistake, two hours weren’t nearly enough. I didn’t get to see a couple of galleries, and I barely had time to peek into the gift shop — which, by the way, is fantastic. So many handmade things — pottery, jewelry, paintings — all authentic, unique, and full of soul. I could’ve easily spent another hour just there. There’s also a cozy café and a small bookstore — perfect if you want to sit for a bit and soak in the atmosphere. Next time I’m in Phoenix, I’m definitely coming back — and I’ll make sure to spend the whole day here. Such a beautiful, thoughtful, and inspiring place. 🌿

Marvelous museum, so glad we were able to go while I was in Arizona. Many interesting artifacts, artwork, exhibits from Native American artists showcased in several galleries. There are tours you can take with docents. We went through the museum on our own. Highly recommend a visit if you are in the state of AZ.

This is a beautiful museum with lots of exhibits and history. It is nice to get an honest account of what has happened to this culture. The "away from home: American Indian boarding school stories" is a must-see. The docents that work there are very friendly and take you on the tours. The only reason I gave it a four is because the lady behind the counter was not very friendly and very gruff. Maybe she had a bad day. Do not bring small backpacks. There is also a lot of security patrolling the museum at all times.

The architecture of the museum was quite unique and even a bit whimsical—I really liked that. Each gallery had its own distinct vibe, which made exploring the space enjoyable. Everything was beautifully curated and visually striking. However, the overall concept left me feeling emotionally overwhelmed. I usually enjoy viewing art, but the tragic history of Native Americans and the way they were treated made me feel incredibly sad—so much so that it gave me a stomachache. You can truly feel the pain, sorrow, and suffering expressed through their artwork, which is deeply moving but also incredibly heavy and heartbreaking.

My first time at the Heard Museum was memorable. It's not the biggest museum, but it has a lot of galleries and rooms. What strikes me about this museum is that it's has the best Native American antiquities and my favorite was the American history of taking away Native American children from their family to be reeducated in a white American school and way of life. The part that moved me was all the children being ripped away from their parents and once they reached their destination, each child was given a mandatory hair cut, the first step of stripping them of their heritage, culture and identity. It was horrific what these children went through, and having a Native American heritage myself, it was really moving Another part of this museum worth going to is their cafe. The people there are so friendly like our server, Christopher. The atmosphere and the food was worth the money spent. I bought the hummus sandwich since I'm a vegetarian and for dessert my partner and I shared a fried bread sundae which was delicious 😋🤤. I definitely recommend this place and the museum itself

Wonderful place to visit, particularly for their amazing collections featuring Native American art, crafts, and history. It is a beautiful complex including a sculpture garden. Highly recommend.

Extraordinary museum. Their collections are excellent! There's something for everyone here. We spent a long time chatting with docent Alice in the Baroque exhibit. I learned so much. It was a fascinating conversation. All the employees and volunteers here are friendly. The gift shop is fun, too. The girl at the ticketing desk was informative about the museum's layout and contents. She was so smiley and happy. I had a great time. Free lockers available to store your personal items, such as water bottles.

So many interesting exhibits! Anna Sui is featured now and it was so impressive to see her unique, artistic style in the many examples of her clothing designs! Worthy of a visit just for this. After this fun and entertaining showing, we made our way to a serious, thought provoking exhibit on immigration. Don't miss the sheer panels imprinted with the names of the people who did not make it across the desert from Mexico to the US! Helps to make you realize every name listed was a real living, breathing, person just trying to get somewhere better to live and prosper... Add in all of the other halls with more art representing all different media and you have a great place to spend a few hours on a hot summer day in Phoenix!

The building itself is an architectural treat to enjoy. The collection is varied with some interesting items, but it also seems small compared to other art museums its size. We also did not find what was offered to be as compelling as other exhibitions. Overall, still glad we came and enjoyed what was there.

Wow. The Anna Sui exhibit was absolutely fascinating. If you’re into fashion, I highly recommend visiting this exhibit in the Phoenix Art Museum before it is done in September. The wings of this museum are gorgeous. I really enjoyed the photo gallery on the top floor and the Anna Sui fashion exhibit. The presence of these exhibits really set the phoenix art museum apart from other art museums I’ve visited. Great place for an afternoon with family or friends; also ideal to escape the sun and enjoy art from various eras ✨

Have been here several times over the years and I really appreciate the main collection. The collection of American art, specifically the art of the southwest, is inspiring. The special exhibitions are usually always good too. I have wanted to see Avedon's work in person for years and was thrilled when they recently brought some of his images to the museum. I loved the Anna Sui exhibition and their focus on fashion has been evident over the years... it's a fun time. Worth the drive from east mesa.

I had a great time here. The exhibits were beautiful and I enjoyed walking through seeing all the different cultures and pieces. I wish it was a little bigger. Was able to make it through everything in under 45 min. Definitely will be going back sometime soon! Highly recommend.

I went here with my toddler and I was pretty disappointed with their lack of family friendliness. There is no kids section. I like that Wednesdays are a pay what you want day, and the staff were kind and not too harsh when reminding me and my kid about being safe around the art. For example I had a backpack for my baby bag, and they have a policy about keeping it on one shoulder to avoid hitting art behind you. Totally understandable and they were very kind about it. My kid played with the ropes at one point and they asked him not to. But they did it in such a kind way I didn't feel like I was being scolded. It's a great was to escape the heat during the summer, and I appreciate that it's open because there's a lot of museums that go under renovation this time of year. They have a cafe, but it closes pretty early (4:30 I think?) so we missed it. TLDR; Not kid friendly, but great staff and AC.

My sister/best friend of 34 years set out on the journey today. It was definitely majestic even with all the chatter that was going. Word to the wise if you go for meditation be sure to find a spot away from folks. That was definitely the only downfall of the day.

This park is definitely always wonderful in nature and peace! It’s an easier park to travel through since your agility level may be beginner yet it’s fun and always memorable. It’s a clean park and a safe one as well. The sunset is my favorite, definitely have been here for 15+ times, and recommend this place to lots of people!

This was much needed stop and reflect location. Being out with nature when it was not too hot or cold. Such beautiful views and area. I loved that there were bikers and walkers on the same trails.

This is a beautiful, picturesque park with a lot of different amenities! The walking trails on the mountain are easy to do and breathtaking, but even the more common features are in excellent shape! We have utilized the archery range many times, and it’s a neat addition to the area. You won’t be disappointed if you visit!

Nice park with lots to see. The zoo is also near. Level walking path, the hole in the wall climb was easy to navigate

Absolutely gorgeous park! Plenty of spots to sit and chill with breathtaking views of the mountains. The grounds are clean and well maintained. There are plenty of walking and biking paths, which is nice for a bit of solitude even when other people are there. There are picnic areas, water fountains, and restrooms as well. The famous hole in the rock formation overlooks the park, however it was slightly crowded when I went so I chose not to climb it. It was still pretty cool to see! Good place to kick back and enjoy some fresh air. Parking is easy and close by to everything.

We visited Papago Park to catch the sunset from the iconic Hole in the Rock, and it was truly breathtaking. The short hike up is manageable for most, including families with kids, though the gravel path can be a bit slippery—so wear sturdy shoes. Once at the top, the panoramic views of the city and desert landscape are worth every step. It's a popular spot, so expect a crowd, especially around sunset, but the atmosphere is friendly and communal. Facilities like restrooms and free parking are available at the base, making the visit convenient. Don't forget to bring water and perhaps a flashlight if you plan to stay after dusk. Highly recommend for anyone looking to experience a beautiful Arizona sunset!​

We attended a birthday party here and had a great time! My son was still too young, but we walked around the park with him and took note of the rides he could try for next time. The entire park was very clean, and the staff was very nice! The host of the party rented out the cove area and we had a BBQ. It was a great option for birthday parties!

Such a fun amusement park for little kids! We love coming here for the holiday events and also to get wristbands for all-day rides. It’s always clean and not that crowded, and in a beautiful area of Encanto park.

🎠 Attractions & Rides Enchanted Island boasts nine rides and attractions designed with young children in mind: C.P. Huntington Train: A leisurely, seven-minute tour around the park aboard a replica steam engine. Encanto Carousel: A historic carousel that has been delighting visitors since 1948. Dragon Wagon: A kiddie roller coaster perfect for introducing little ones to the thrill of rides. Parachute Tower: Offers panoramic views of the park as guests experience a gentle drop. Red Baron: A flying experience where children can "pilot" their own plane. Bumper Boats: A splash-filled adventure on the water. Splash Zone: A seasonal water play area featuring slides and interactive water features. Pedal Boats & Canoes: Explore the park's lagoon at a leisurely pace. Castle Clash Game: A medieval-themed water battle game.

Great party for my great niece. On time, organized, clean, stress free and extremely help. A must for a birthday party!!

This is a very fun place for kids, especially younger kids. There are rides and a splash zone where kids can play in the water. Food is not bad.

Great place to take the kids. The rides are more for toddlers but there are some things for older kids such as the rock climbing wall. It can get a bit pricey but it's worth it to see the little ones have fun. They have a snack bar there and the food is not too bad.

We took our daughter here for the Winter Wonderland play area they had and were very disappointed. We used to come to just the amusement park all the time and that part looked pretty run down. We went to buy tickets for the Winter Wonderland part and we’re very disappointed were told that even though as her parents we wouldn’t be participating in the snow slide or bouncy castles we still had to pay for a full price ticket. They made you take the train around to get in which just took us in a big circle and when that wasn’t necessary. They told us she would be able to do the slide for 15min or 20min. Even on the unlimited you only got a few minutes before being kicked out of that area and would have to go all the way out and take the train again to play on that again. We chose to get the 1 time pass instead however I timed it from the time we got off the train to the time that they told us we had to leave that area and it was exactly 6min 32sec. That gave my daughter time to only slide 2 times and there was about 20 people on the train we took. If there were anymore we may have only gotten her on 1 time. No where near 15 which we told was the minimum time. We could go to the bounce area and play for as long as we wanted however there are no bathrooms for portapotties in the fenced off area. You have to leave to go and if you don’t have an unlimited pass they would not let us back in if we left to use it. And the unlimited passes would have to take the train to get back in. Even if you have an older kid they would not allow them to go in by themselves selves. It was basically a way to get a lot of money and provide very little. If they are going to make everyone pay then you would think that they would also have something that you could do/play with your kids and at the very least restrooms or access to one without having to leave. One things for sure we will not be going back and I suggest you don’t either. I have included pics so you can see how small the snow slide is. The workers also had their family there and their kids who were “helping” and able to play and slide as much as they wanted. They were rude at the ticket counter and lied about the time you would get to get your money. That’s all they cared about. This the season. So sad.

It was a wonderful spot to escape the heat, though the water slides had very long lines, preventing us from riding many of them. The expenses added up quickly—tickets, food, cabanas, and more—especially considering how much time was spent waiting in line. Despite that, the kids had a great time and really enjoyed themselves.

Spent the day here. Went on a Thursday so it wasn’t horribly crowded. They seem to have changed their opening hours from 9am to 10:30 am so we sat and waited a while. Overall the slides are all well done and functional. The lazy river was good but needed more inner tubes. The wave pool was broken in the morning and was up in the afternoon but it isn’t a monster wave pool like the place in Mesa used to have. Food was good value. The cheese burger had 2 patties and probably a half pound. The chicken tenders had like a half dozen and the fries had plenty is seasoning. I bought a beer. Only 1 beer… because it cost $20!!!! For 1 beer. Maybe that was a little overpriced…. Lockers are available for use and you keep the code all day. The park was clean and staff seemed nice. We would likely come again

Awesome day. We went the week school started in Phx so it wasn't very busy which made it amazing.. I recommend going on off days highly.. otherwise the water was refreshing cause I was very afraid the summer heat was gonna be too much. The food is expensive but I got the admission tickets half off on a groupon so we had budgeted for extras. They have a small store if you forgot anything and plenty of rides to keep every age busy. We rented a cabana but we really didn't need it as there were a lot of open chairs but I imagine those get filled up much faster on full regular busy days

Hurricane Harbor was a pleasant surprise! We went on a Friday afternoon and the lines weren’t too bad. There are a few slides that are super fun! I don’t know that I need multiple days here but it’s a great way to spend one day. The website made it sound like they were strict on bringing in your own food/water but we took our own stuff in w no issues. The ground gets super hot so you’ll want sandals you can take off and hold on the rides or socks to wear around (personally I’d go for the socks).

Went on a Friday around 12 the lines were super long for the slides. If you try to pay attention to wich have shorter lines it isn't so bad. The splash play area for young children is excellent though. They also have a small wave pool and a lazy river. The misting systems for the slide lines is very helpful. I wish there was a "fast pass" I would absolutely purchase one to skip long lines. The food is beyond unreasonable the main bummer was really just how long every line was. I didn't feel like it was super Crowded at least not enough to make the lines so long.

Very busy. Hard to find a chair so we rented a cabana. It was a little expensive but it came with 4 rental tubes, a little fridge with 6 bottles of water a couch and table and ceiling fan. The lines were quick so we got on all of the rides.

Visited on the very last day of the season (our first ever visit) and we were very impressed! Every ride in the park was open and fully operational. The lines were extremely short (usually under 5 minutes), so we were able to enjoy everything multiple times. The slides were a blast, with a great mix of raft rides, racing slides, and even a water coaster. The staff were all friendly and upbeat, and even the food was decent (though pricey), with every option still available despite it being the last day of the 2025 season. A fantastic first experience—we’ll definitely be back next year!

We hiked the Kiwanis Loop Trail. Its an easy to moderate trail. The first 1.5 miles were the easiest. There's a lookout tower at the 1.5 mile mark. You can see most of the valleys on both sides of South Mountain. This hike would be great for families. Take lots of water and start early in the morning.

Beautiful mountain drive with many places to stop and hike! Picturesque views of Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs! Plenty of picnic spots and a very informative visitor center. There is also horse tours available close by. Totally worth the drive and completely FREE!

One of my favorite local cycling climbs. The new parking area and covered lookouts at the TV towers are great after making the final ascent. San Juan is an awesome add on for more miles and some easier climbs after the towers. Park ranger staff are excellent and always there to help.

One of my favorite local hikes. Mormona trail coss on National to Fatman's pass, thru hidden Valley back to Mormon trailhead loop. ❤️

Absolutely loved hiking the South Mountain Park trails! The views were beautiful, the paths were peaceful, and the whole experience was so refreshing. Definitely will be going again with my brothers and sisters.

I've been hiking South Mountain Park since 2020. The variations in trails and trail difficulty makes this area one of my favorites!

This is a favorite spot . I think of my girl Leti C.. when I come here. Catching a cloud or 2 with her was unforgettable.

Nice museum where you can see ruins of a native american village. There's a small trail that loops around the area with signs explaining each site. The museum inside tells the story the story of the people who lived there and how different periods in history changed their way of life and surroundings. There's also a small giftshop where you can souvenirs.

A small but mighty museum. I really expected more exhibitions inside but even if small it was very informative and interesting to find out about the canals and how people have made Phoenix their homes for many centuries. I specially loved the outside houses and structures to get a better idea of what life was like then

My only lament is that I did not have all the time I wanted to spend here. The archeological site of the va'aki was impressive to behold and contemplate. I loved getting to connect with the physical site and imagining the life of the O'odham people a thousand or so years ago and imagining their lives, pondering their engineering and how it made this unforgiving environment liveable. The bonus is realizing this museum represents a ground zero of Phoenix's origin story. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Wonderful indoor/outdoor museum. I recently stopped by on a long layover. Perfect distance to head over to kill some time on a layover. The outdoor area provides some great views of the airport and Valley.

I would have given five stars if there were more to explore inside but that is neither here nor there. I enjoyed looking at all that they have outside as well. I loved that they have a garden and kitchen props and that you could see how the inside of the homes looked. I went on a Sunday and there was minimal people there.

I used a library culture pass to see this. It also counts as an Arizona 250 site. I hadn't been here since a kid. It's very interesting for those who appreciaye archeological sites. The docent gave an interesting and informative talk. I appreciated the quiet and gentle walk thru and on top of the ruins. It gives you a better understanding of the size and depths of the structures. I would recommend visiting in the mornings, as it still gets warm even during the Fall. This museum is located in the heart of the city, so it's really a juxtaposition of the old amongst the new. There's a lot of signage to read in the museum, but we mainly enjoyed the stroll.

We took our youngest two here as a starting point for discussions about native American history month. It is very informative and the children liked the hands on areas

This was such a beautiful hike, it is pretty difficult but so worth it. You hike most of your elevation in the beginning and so perfect. It’s super busy on the weekends, I recommend early in the morning on a weekday.

It was one of the most amazing experience I’ve ever had. Even though I’m an athlete, it was very difficult probably because I went at 12pm midday in the month of May. It was difficult but the view at the summit was worth it. Parking was free and access was also free. Stay safe, follow safety rules and stay hydrated.

The hike was hard but rewarding!! Anyone can do it if you put your mind to it! I did it 15 weeks pregnant and made it to the top and down! Take a water bottle back pack !!! Hydration and multiple stops helps make it bearable. Took us about 3 hours up and down

A hard hike. If you don't usually exercise, I recommend training before going. But it's nice; the trail is well marked, and handrails are installed in difficult areas to prevent falls.

Very crowded on the weekends with limited parking. I would go early, like 5am early! 😌Beautiful scenery. Bring your hiking boots, hiking gloves and plenty of water!! No dogs allowed and nice clean restrooms.

Was in PHX for a conference and could see this place from my hotel room. So got up a 4:30 am and took a scheduled Uber (15-20 minute ride from the Sheraton/downtown) to hike during sunrise. - I hike a lot, but this is pretty rugged. Took me an hour to get to the top at a moderate pace. - about halfway up, there are several spots that require all four limbs. A non-technical climb of sorts. No climbing gear needed though. It’s doable but you’ve got to be adventurous. - I took the Cholla trail, which I understand to be the easier of the two trails (but not “easy”) - look for blue hash marks mark the trail all the way up — especially around the climbing parts - coming down is slow too. Plan for time. Less physical effort but got to be careful about foot placement. Some rocks are slippery. I suggest keeping three points of contact at all time. - a dozen or so people on the trail too when I went; so very public; everyone was friendly and polite. - I was worried about sticking my hand in a rock and getting a snake bite, but it’s so highly used, I’d bet they stay away. Wasn’t an issue. - it was cool and windy mid-May. Maybe 60 degrees; but the day before a colleague of mine did it at the same time of day and it was hot. So plan for both. Best to have a sweatshirt in a back pack. - bring ample water; I drank 60 ounces of fluid on this trek; bananas are a good idea too. My colleague said someone put a box of them out for hikers when she went; none when I was there. - the moon was out too on my hike (see photo) Gorgeous. I’m so glad I didn’t this. Great way to start the day — before sitting in a conference room all day!

This hike is tough but rewarding! Some sections are a full body workout! I avoid the railings for extra challenge. Once in June, I nearly got heat exhaustion, so bring plenty of water! Spotted big lizards, but watch for bees everywhere, even at the fountain. Parking is limited. The mountain will close for rescues or extreme heat index.

As a season ticket holder at Chase Field, I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite places to be. The atmosphere is always exciting, and I enjoy the games so much that I only miss maybe 15 a season—and that’s usually just because of work. The ballpark itself is a great home for the Diamondbacks, and the fan experience keeps me coming back year after year. My only real complaint is that it’s a cashless stadium. Having to constantly load prepaid cards just to grab a beer or snack is inconvenient and takes away from the otherwise smooth game-day flow. Overall, Chase Field is a fantastic spot to catch a game, but I really hope they make payments easier for loyal fans in the future.

What a great day! Went for Taiwan Heritage Day and the D-backs vs. Phillies game — the D-backs did not disappoint! The stadium is packed with restaurants, entertainment, and more. For a place that holds around 50,000 people, everything flowed smoothly with no hassle at all. We were able to do everything we wanted and still get in and out easily. Awesome experience!

I am from Los Angeles and first time coming to Chase! What an amazing stadium and atmosphere! I see the passionate fans and state of the art facility! It's a dome stadium and I could've used a little lower temperature but I loved the downtown atmosphere, the parking isn't a nightmare like other stadiums I won't name and i would have to say the nicest stadium I've been to and I've been to about a dozen! Good job Dbacks!

We had a fun night and day game at Chase Field watching the Diamondbacks play. The stadium is very comfortable with a lot of great amenities. We sat behind home plate with a great view. The stadium lets you bring your own food and drink in clear containers which is a huge help with my dietary needs. Also, they have gluten free, vegan, and other food needs covered. The stadium is easy to drive or take public transit to and there’a a lot of parking. The staff is very friendly and helpful. We didn’t try the restaurants but heard that they are great.

We went to see the Diamondbacks and had a great time. It was 112 outside but nice and cool inside. The pizza was good and the ice cream even better. After the game my son got to “round the bases” on the field. We waited about 15-20 mins after the game but it was worth it. My son loved it, highly recommended.

Enjoyed this field so much!! Came here for my first ever MLB game! No complaints! I love the enclosed field & no matter where your seat is, you will have wonderful views!!

⚾️Chase field is one of the best stadiums⚾️ It’s located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, there’s plenty to explore before or after the game like restaurants and bars. Inside the stadium, there’s a wide variety of concession stands offering everything from classic ballpark snacks to creative local food. The atmosphere is fun, the food hits the spot, and the convenience of the location makes it a great outing. Great place to hang out whether you’re a die-hard fan or just out for a good time! ⚾️

We we're able to buy discounted tickets from Groupon and boy were they worth it, so much so that I highly recommend taking your children, family, or friends. The museum doesn't look that big, however when you start your tour and notice that you have been there two hours you will understand what I'm sharing. We never knew that the Hall of Flame Museum even existed, almost every large city in America 🇺🇸 has one. They all share things in common such as lay down your life for others, the many sacrifices made by the men/women are incredible. And this history has been preserved for us, please learn about how American's are a loving nation. ❤️

This museum was great for both me and my toddler. He loved the firetrucks, and I was very moved by the displays honoring the sacrifices that have been made by firefighters. They have a firetruck that kids can climb on, and there's a great kids play area learning all about fire safety. They have a truck that was there on 9/11, and also one from our Arizona Hot Shots. The staff were so friendly and sweet to my kid. Give this place some love, they're totally worth it.

We had a good time at the museum. Great place for kids if they are interested in fire trucks. The displays are great visually and if you are interested in doing a little reading and paying attention you can learn a great deal about Fireman history. The staff is knowledgeable and I think we would have spent more than two hours there if we weren’t already tired from touring museums all day.

Absolutely wonderful place. Greeted and given an overview by a member of staff, then wandered the halls taking it all in. So much fascinating history, emotional stories, tributes to those who work in the service, and so many beautiful trucks. Even a kids play area! Spent a good hour wandering around taking everything in. Fantastic.

Had so many cool fires trucks and things to see! It has a great variety of things to look at and learn about for the adults as well as a play place and truck to climb on for my 3 year old! We will definitely be coming back and bringing friends!

I wasn't sure that I would enjoy the Hall of Flame museum. I knew I'd have a good time because I was with several friends. We got there and Bob, who works on various Fridays, took it upon himself, after we entered and looked around to take us on a personal tour. I think we got halfway through the first room of the multi-room tour, and realized that two and a half hours had past. Bob was extremely well-educated regarding the history of firefighting and he gave us a delightful tour. I bought an annual pass so that myself and group members can come back for more tour stories and interesting history from Bob on future Friday's when he is there. I'm sure the other volunteers and employees are also excellent tour guides. We were incredibly impressed with the history of firefighting and the fire engines/ machines. Bob and the other men there were very cordial and knowledgeable. I would very highly recommend this to anybody who wants a unique experience and a walk through the past!!

Worth every penny! What a wonderfully maintained, fun, incredibly informative Museum. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and super helpful with any questions. What an extensive collection of Fire Trucks! Very family friendly, and fun things throughout for children to do. My family had a great afternoon here!

We thoroughly enjoyed the Arizona Capitol Museum. The museum is well curated and a really great interactive experience. Can’t believe this museum was free, because it didn’t feel like a free museum. The outside exhibits are really great too. Plan at least 2-3 hours if you are a museum/history junkie.

FREE Museum. Free parking: on Google Maps enter Bolin Memorial park to access free parking. This was an outstanding museum that showcases Arizona's history and culture. The Bolin Memorial sculpture garden is an integral part of the experience. It was emotional when you go through the park and realize how much Arizonans have sacrificed in the wars we entered. It's a beautiful and dignified way to honor our soldiers and peace keepers. In the Capitol, I loved learning the history of the building, viewing the legislative chamber and the Arizonans who made major contributions to the state. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Free museum and there are like 4 floors to explore! Each room has its own unique exhbit that explores the history of the state, from the room of governors, Uss arizona, the chambers of Congress, and the senate. The governor office, the military history, the construction of the capitol, and more.

The Arizona Capitol Museum is a wonderful place to visit if you want to learn about the state’s history and government. The exhibits are informative and well presented, giving a great look into Arizona’s past and its path to statehood. The staff are very friendly and helpful,Best of all, admission is free! Definitely worth a visit guys.

Awesome guided tour of the museum and State House of Representatives. Free parking just across the street. Vietnam Memorial dispells a lot of the myths about the war in a prfessional manner. WELL DONE!!! Entrance is free, but make reservstions for guide.

There's a lot of history to learn from here, not only about the State but the whole country. Plan to spend here between 1 and 2 hours to visit all halls. There are also guided tours if you are a big group. Don't forget to visit the souvenir store.

This has to be one of the best State Capitol buildings/ museums I’ve ever visited. It is filled with many historical artifacts and great information. There is also a phenomenal Pioneer and Military Memorial Park right across the street from the Capitol! The best part? It is FREE!

Interesting buildings from the 19th century and small telephone museum, which can be seen in about 1-1.5 hours. There are a variety of buildings like homes, church, dentist office that were either original and moved here or replicas from the late 1880s. Though we couldn't go inside, most had a sign on the exterior giving its history then an open door where you could see the interior contents. Recommend getting a map from the front as there are not maps once inside. We came the day before Thanksgiving and it wasn't busy at all, but did have the modern Christmas decor being put up for the nighttime winter wonderland. It was a bit unusual to see modern lights and frosty displays on 19th century buildings, but am sure it's beautiful in the evening. The workers were very friendly and helpful. Restrooms near the front were clean, and a few cold sodas and waters were sold for $1-2 each.

Some of the buildings looked like they were starting to show signs of neglect, which was a little disappointing. A few houses had open doors or uncovered windows so you could look inside, though they were blocked off to prevent entry. There were still some interesting sights — the miner’s house had old tracks and carts nearby, and the schoolhouse was pretty cool. There was even a wedding happening at the chapel, which added a nice touch. Overall, it was something to do for the price, but I left feeling a bit underwhelmed.

Wow this museum more than blew me away. There was so much to see. In the front room where you check in, there's various antiques. Then, you walk through a small museum of telephones, and the displays are jam packed. From there, you walk outside. If you go to one side, they have a small shaded picnic table and the Spanish mission with murals. On the other side - you'll see most of the old buildings (and the buildings are genuine; the signs show how some of the buildings were moved over too from other sites). You loop around and see various cabins, a miner house, school house, and more. They all have the doors open so you can look in, and there's interpretive signage so you can look more. For animal lovers, they have a rooster pen, a peacock pen, and also goats. I spent about two and a half hours walking around, there was a lot to see! Accessible parking and they do have accessible paved paths, though some exhibits require you to walk up on sloped gravel path.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had such a wonderful time at the Pioneer Living History Museum! It felt like stepping back in time — the buildings, the scenery, and all the little historical details were incredible. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, and you can tell they really care about preserving the history and making it come alive for visitors. It’s a perfect place for families, kids, or anyone who loves learning about the past in a hands-on way. We’ll definitely be coming back!

What an absolutely wonderful place! A fun gander back in history with things to learn and see! Connie Jo greeted us with such cheer and a background on the museum. Very friendly and positive atmosphere! I would definitely visit again! Beautiful area and lots to experience! Thank you!

Oh my goodness! If you love old towns, museums, reenactments, dressing in old western wear, or if you have a class that does field trips in the fall, this is the place for you! We had so much fun. The woman who checked us in was awesome and knowledgeable. The parking lot is massive and gravel. There is an RV park nearby as well as a shooting range if that is something you like to do too. They have festivals in the fall, you can have weddings on site, and it makes for a great morning out and about just a little ways from Phoenix. They have picnic tables on site, and you can bring your water bottles/ lunch bag in with you.

Was looking for something to do on a recent trip to AZ. Stopped in at this site after reading reviews and checking the museum’s website. We arrived to find the entire property was closed. This was a Wednesday when they should have been open. No indication they were closed on the website or Facebook. Poor form not to post an unexpected closure. That is one of the beauties of social media. Wished we could have toured.

The amusement park is for little kids only. Wish I would have known that before buying tickets for the bigger kids. Splash park was basically a dribble of water. Several rides had no workers no riding them. Lots of families enjoying the park itself. Feeding ducks peas and lettuce was fun. Playground was fun as well.

I will definitely will be coming back once the temperature drops. Such a beautiful park we took our daughter for a small photo shoot and also we took advantage and had some ourselves the park was clean lots of wildlife my daughter was very excited to see the wildlife, plenty of parking. I didn’t really walked around just because it was very hot and had my daughter.

Encanto Park in PHX, AZ is a great spot for a family outing. Enjoy a peaceful walk, feed the ducks, and grab a bite at the small fun fair. The mini rides and casual food make it a charming, relaxed place to spend the day with loved ones.

Our family loves going to this park! always an amazing time! we love packing up our stuff for a nice picnic and play fun games

Our favorite spot to hang out and have fun. We take walks and sometimes feed the geese and ducks. So many great memories here. ❤️

Had been here a few times before. Had our company picnic here today. Great turnout. Lots of fun, sack races, tug of war, 3 leg race. Rode the little train that was neat, and pedal boats. Something for everyone here. Its a must stop.

Super fun haven't caught any,fish but my buddies have

Review for Pangea Land of the Dinosaurs – Scottsdale Boardwalk Pangea was a fun adventure! Located right on the Scottsdale Boardwalk, we’ve seen it many times and finally decided to check it out—and we’re glad we did. The exhibits were well maintained, and there were plenty of interactive options for the kids, including a fossil dig that they really enjoyed. We also attended a live presentation, and the host made it both educational and entertaining—definitely a highlight! The staff overall were friendly and helpful, which added to the positive experience. If you or your kids are dinosaur lovers, this is a great spot for a fun and engaging outing.

Kids had a blast, the whole exhibit is done really nice w statues of dinosaurs and animatronics. There's also crafts for kids if you get the kids VIP ticket. For a lil more the kids can sluice for stones. Very cool!

Its a fun experience, its a smaller place for sure but fun for families and people who enjoy dinosaurs. There is an arcade here and some hands on activities for the children to do at the end. Not sure why there are so many negative reviews. My kids had a great time. The only negative is the guy that talks during the presentations, he is just too loud. This is a fun place but is a little overpriced for the size of venue

It goes by pretty quick but you can walk through as many times as you'd like. The arts and crafts crew were on their game this visit and made it so fun for the kids! You have to download an app to follow along with the QR codes for a prize, would rather not buy did for the babes.

I think my dino-obsessed 6yo was right in the sweet spot for this place. A toddler would probably run right through it and an older kid might be bored. I do think it would be better if the dinosaurs were more spread out and we avoided the arcade (because why??). The guy running the kids activities was great. He clearly loved dinosaurs and jumped right in with facts and suggestions. We spent an hour and probably would have been longer if we had more time.

I took my 2 year old here and she had a fun time, she was excited about the dinosaurs; however, it is definitely not worth the price. It is extremely small I doubt you would spend longer than 25-30 minutes here. I think it definitely would have been more worth it if you at least got one adult for free but the fact you have to pay for everyone is ridiculous. Considering this is basically the same price as the children's museum I wouldn't pay for this again.

We really enjoyed it. Fun dioramas and the real experience is going on a guided tour and speaking with someone who really knows what they're talking about. In addition to just talking about the static displays our guide also talked about the latest research and what we know now vs what was believed before, and she was able to answer all our questions.

For anyone that loves butterflies and other insects, this is the place for you. An awesome video at the beginning that talks about stages of the butterfly, thought was very interesting. Once in the butterfly area, it was awesome, had a few land on me, that was cool. Go here early, when its cooler, but definitely a must see!

Butterfly Wonderland is awesome, let me start with that before getting into the few downsides. The whole concept is brilliant and beautiful. Not only are they helping preserve butterfly species and supporting conservation efforts, but they’re also giving the public a chance to experience these incredible creatures up close. That’s amazing! My only real complaint is the price. For two people, it’s about $75 for an experience that lasts roughly an hour or two at most. It’s a bit steep, but it feels better knowing the money goes toward something meaningful rather than just another theme park. Overall, I’d definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the area. Be sure to spend enough time in the sanctuary, you’ll want to slow down, take it all in, and hopefully have a few butterflies land on you!

You cant go wrong walking through a tropical jungle with butterflies flying all around you! It was so soothing and calming! The staff were super helpful answering all our questions and giving us directions! Be warned, it's humid so dress accordingly! You won't regret stopping here in your visit to Phoenix!

Awesome attraction especially if you have kids, my 2 small toddlers really enjoyed themselves, and it was a fun mixture of entertainment and education. Staff are all very friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to share info on the butterflies. They have some small indoor exhibits with fish and reptiles as well. They also have inclusive options for children with processing difficulties or other challenges. Definitely a worthwhile place to visit when at the boardwalk

10/10 would recommend this place to anyone in the area! They had a short video on the monarch butterfly migration. They also have a near area where they show the life of a butterfly and the stages there before they release them with the others. There were so many and they were so gorgeous and perfect! Their snack area was clean and tidy. The staff was super friendly. There was so much to look at and I wanted to take pictures of everything. It’s def worth every penny!

Love bringing my daughter here! We have so much fun. Beautiful butterflies and fun experience. We go first thing when they open because they get pretty busy! Worth the money in my opinion.

Fascinating world of butterflies. From their birth to their death, and everything in between. Neat facts to learn about migration, and other things about butterflies. 3-D movie explains it, then you can walk in a huge garden with lots of butterflies. They also have some reptiles, sea life, and bees.

It’s definitely an easy adventure to the lovely hole in the rock center, usually a crowd to witness the beautiful horizon. We always love coming here and enjoying Mother Nature at its finest. The great outdoors! Plenty of parking and everyone is friendly, safe and enjoyable for a short yet mesmerizing experience, been here many times and will keep visiting!

It is actually a very short hike up to the hole in the rock. Who was easily able to do this in slides. I would definitely recommend bringing some water, because it gets very hot, and there is nothing else around unless you want to pay to get into the zoo. The hole was pretty cool, and we were also able to go through it and sit on the other side in the rocks and get a really nice view.

What a fantastic way to kick off our Phoenix adventure! As our very first stop on the trip, this quick and easy 0.3-mile out-and-back trail in Papago Park was the perfect low-key intro to the city’s desert vibes. The path is super family-friendly—mostly flat with just a gentle 45-foot elevation gain and a few simple stairs carved into the red sandstone—butte, making it a breeze even if you’re not a hardcore hiker. We zipped through it in about 10 minutes, leaving plenty of time to soak in the magic.

An amazing rock formation with a natural hole, surrounded by a park with a few scenic ponds. The trail offers a unique hiking experience, surprisingly close to built-up areas and road access. It’s well worth walking the trail to enjoy the view through the rock’s opening. Also an ideal spot for birding, especially at dawn or dusk. I even spotted a few species, including a roadrunner, around midday.

Breath-taking views. Especially at sunset. There is a fairly easy climb up. If you are going to watch the sunset get there early to get a good seat.

Fantastic place to watch the sunrise. It gets crowded but everyone is polite and respectful. Parking is alittle difficult but it’s a very laid back atmosphere. Everyone is there for the same reason and no one is in a rush. When the sun starts to set it gets really quiet and as the sun disappears behind the mountains everyone showed their appreciation to God for the beautiful of it all by cheering and clapping.

Great place to hike, walk around the lake, and take beautiful pictures. There is ample parking. You could even have a picnic lunch.

Stepping into The Sugar Bowl is like stepping back in time in the best way possible. This charming little gem in Scottsdale has been around for decades, and it's easy to see why it's still going strong. The pink aesthetic is absolutely adorable – from the striped walls to the nostalgic decor, it feels like you're dining inside a vintage postcard. The framed photos of the original soda fountain setup add a nice historical touch and give you a real sense of the place's legacy. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even sweeter. The food was great – I had some classic tea sandwiches that were fresh and tasty, and we couldn’t resist trying one of their sundaes. It was everything you'd want from an old-fashioned ice cream treat: rich, creamy, and topped with the perfect cherry. And don’t miss the arcade in the back! It’s such a fun, unexpected addition – full of retro games that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Whether you're a local or just visiting Old Town Scottsdale, The Sugar Bowl is definitely worth a stop. It's not just a meal – it's a full experience packed with nostalgia, flavor, and charm.

They didn’t lie with the name—my sundae was pure sugar. I ordered the Creamed Walnut Fudge Sundae and somehow tasted no chocolate, no marshmallow, no pecans, not even ice cream. Just sweet and cold. I genuinely wondered if it was my taste buds malfunctioning… until I tried my sister’s food. Her finger sandwiches (egg salad and corned beef) were delicious. The kettle chips? Perfectly crisp and salty. Her Coke float was solid too, but that’s hard to mess up—just Coke and vanilla ice cream. Meanwhile, folks around us seemed thrilled with their banana splits, so maybe I just picked the wrong item. Despite the sundae flop, our server Olivia was an absolute gem: kind, attentive, and genuinely lovely. She made the experience feel cared for, even if the dessert didn’t.

The Sugar Bowl is a must of you are visiting Old Town Scottsdale. We went in the evening on a Friday night. I had the Tin Roof Sunday, and my wife had the Golden Nugget!! They were both delicious! The atmosphere is very much old school, and it will hit the nostalgic vibes. The staff was very kind and efficient. Don't forget to buy a coffee much for the collection in the way out.

This place is straight out of the 60s, pink walls, diner booths, and the kind of vibe that makes you feel like you should be wearing a leather jacket and ordering a sundae with a jukebox playing in the background. The ice cream was everything you want ice cream to be, cold, creamy, and full of flavor. I went with a double scoop because I keep it simple, and it was spot on. My partner got a parfait and it looked like something straight out of a magazine, stacked and layered perfectly. The best part is you actually sit down, order, and it comes out made fresh, none of this “stand in line, get scooped, and shuffle away” routine. Portions were generous, the flavors were dialed in, and the whole place just nails that classic throwback charm. If you have not been here yet, fix that. Seriously. It is ice cream that tastes like happiness, nostalgia, and childhood all mixed together, and it is absolutely worth the stop.

Stopped in last Friday for a traditional banana split. What a treat! Absolutely delicious. A little slow getting service at first, but the server was so sweet and the dessert came so quickly, we didn't mind at all. If you're new in town and love delicious ice cream in a vintage setting, don't miss this Scottsdale landmark!

I had passed the Sugar Bowl many times. After a night out at a different restaurant I decided to stop here for a desert. Oh my... This restaurant has been here since 1958 and is in resemblance to a 1950's ice cream parlor. I loved the atmosphere. And even at 9 pm, it was still fully packed with customers. I had the "Gosh-Awful-Gooey Banana Split. It had coffee and strawberry ice cream to die for. Covered in Whipping Cream and Carmel sauce. With a Cherry on top. Definitely coming back. Such a great happy atmosphere.

Friendly and quick service. A lot of choices and the ice cream is delicious. Don’t pass on the root beer float! It was delicious! Great way to cool down with the Arizona heat!

Awesome experience extremely nice and helpful staff. Nate in particular helped us over the phone and then checking us in and figuring out our ride schedule. It was awesome. Great entertainment for a seven-year-old boy!

Really fun experience for the price!! The track is well designed and the karts have both adult and junior speeds for the whole family! Very friendly workers and an arcade for the wait time. Highly recommended

I surprised my husband for a date at this place and we had a fantastic time!! The go karts are super fun and go fairly fast!! Definitely get your heart pumping and your competitive streak revving!! There were a couple self absorbed jerks who take it too seriously with their racing gloves and their better than everyone attitudes. But whatever, we didn’t let it get our panties in a twist, it was still a great time! We will definitely be back!

Our family had an excellent time - kids had a blast racing and running from game to game. Food came out quick & was good quality. Hospitality was also excellent. Manager Brandon was great with work with and very accommodating to our large party. We’ll definitely be back when visiting the Scottsdale area.

We had an absolute blast at Octane in Scottsdale! Our whole management team came out for a little team bonding, and it couldn’t have been more fun. From start to finish, the energy, the staff, and the experience were top-tier. It was the perfect mix of adrenaline and laughter—definitely a memory-maker. Highly recommend for any team outing or just a fun day with friends!

It was fun, however expensive. $146 for two people to have two races and one hour of ax throwing.

Octane Raceway is an absolute blast! This place is awesome. There is so much to do here - from go-kart racing, axe throwing, a virtual reality arena, an arcade, plus a full bar and kitchen as well. Seriously, something for everyone! Came here for a work event, and everyone had a great time. We played the Virtual Reality and had so much fun! If you're into zombies, you have to play Outbreak! I definitely recommend trying the VR if you've never done it before, it's intense, and so life like. Plus, you get a video of everyone running around screaming at the end to laugh at! There is truly something for everyone here at Octane Raceway! Even if you're just grabbing a drink and watching the indoor go-kart racing, this place is a ton of fun. Whether it's date night or family night, 10/10 would recommend!

This is an excellent small museum with very interesting trails, featuring petroglyphs from hundreds to thousands of years ago made by the original Arizonan tribes. The information about this site is very well presented in both the museum and on the trails. This was a very quiet place on a Thursday morning; there were maybe five other people here when we visited. This is a HIGHLY recommended stop if you're in Phoenix and into archaeology. Also, I saw my first chuckwalla and it was really cool.

I can't believe we've lived here this long and never made it here. It's an easy walk. The museum is small but worth checking out.

It was cool to learn more about the people's who used to live in this area. $14 was a little steep for what was there, but it was fun to visit.

Amazing experience with attentive and informed staff. Audio tour was fun, all in all a great way to spend the morning!

Very cool! So worth a stop! Dont even think about it, you won't be sorry in the slightest!

The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona, is a fascinating gem that beautifully blends ancient history with modern preservation efforts. Home to over 1,500 petroglyphs etched into volcanic basalt boulders by the Hohokam, Patayan, and Archaic peoples between 500 and 5,000 years ago, this 47-acre site offers a captivating glimpse into the past. The petroglyphs—mysterious carvings of animals, humans, and abstract symbols—hint at stories of migration, ritual, and survival, though their full meaning remains intriguingly elusive. A short quarter-mile trail winds through the desert landscape, letting visitors get up close to these ancient artworks while surrounded by native plants and wildlife. What makes this preserve truly unique is how it emerged from a feat of engineering and architectural ingenuity. In the 1970s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers planned the Adobe Dam and spillway to control flooding from Skunk Creek, a project that could have erased this archaeological treasure. Instead, they collaborated with Arizona State University and architect Will Bruder, who designed the striking boomerang-shaped museum in 1994. Built with steel and concrete, it seamlessly connects the urban sprawl of Phoenix to the sanctity of the preserve. The dam itself, now a subtle backdrop, protects the valley below while leaving the petroglyphs intact—a testament to balancing progress with history. This thoughtful integration keeps the site’s cultural significance alive, making it a must-visit for anyone curious about the Southwest’s deep roots.

This was such a peaceful and relaxing spot, perfect for a date day. The modern facilities and short hike made it easy to enjoy some quiet time together. It’s really cool to imagine how people lived here so long ago.

This is a fun place to visit. Buy the premium seats so you have a better view because some of the puppet work is on the floor and not the stage.

I absolutely love this Phoenix gem! Every show I’ve brought my children to, over the last few years, has been engaging and creative. The puppeteer is wonderful and staff is friendly. I highly recommend this theatre for making family memories!

I saw the Jack-o'-lantern Jubilee with my 2-year old granddaughter. We both really enjoyed it. They are top-notch puppeteers. It's a variety show. The sketches were adorable.

This is a wonderful place to bring the children. They provide wonderful puppet performances and after the show they let show some of the puppets and how they work. My children and I love to come here.

We’ve gone to two shows so far and have loved them! I appreciate the museum quality of the lobby, being able to see the variety of puppets that have been used in the past. My son has been captivated by the shows and even before we finish clapping at the end of one show he asks when we can go see another.

I was very surprised by this! We watched the Little Red Hen! Small location, but everything was made with care. The lady that was doing the puppet show is simply amazing. How can someone make all those voices so fast? wow!! My boys want to be back for the Christmas show.

This was my first experience with adult puppet theater, and I won't return.I am fairly sure that the children's puppet theater is much better than last night's adult puppet slam! There were eight different acts. I enjoyed two of them, the ones by the professional visiting puppeteer from back east. The rest were either lame, bad, just okay, or much too long. However, the pink kitten and cathead puppets that were the MCs, were incredible. Beautiful old building with some interesting puppet displays. Glad we went once, but won't return.

This was an Amazing experience.!! My parents and I went for my birthday bc I wanted to try something new and im truly glad we went. Our server Jason was amazing.!! The show was really good. The staff and performers were great.!! Def a must experience to check out.

As a family who went in with no expectations and only a word of mouth review, this experience was ASTOUNDING. The food was delicious, the seats were stupendous, the souvenirs, the drinks, and the costumes were outstanding, and the best part was definitely the people. Our waitress Rylee was by far the highlight of the experience! She was extremely kind, kept us well fed, was immersed in her role and was just a genuinely incredible person! Two other notable people of the show were the Red and Blue knights! They were so sweet and chatted with us a bit after the show! Overall, this experience was by far the most amazing show we have ever gotten to experience! We will definitely be back!

This is definitely something everyone should do at least once! There is a lot to look at and a lot to do before the show starts I loved the food was amazing and they had a lot of people coming around selling different items throughout the game! Justin was our server and he had such a great spirit! I don't think this place takes cash so just bring your card. It was such a great time by the end of the night weve already talked about doing it again soon! The meal I believe was worth the price!

Spent about $200 for two of us. The food was cold and mediocre at best. The King and queen must've had their lips directly on the microphone as it was very hard to hear them. The horses and the tournament were fun to watch. Drinks were good but weak considering what we paid for them. The service was good. It was 1 server for the whole section. So the food was lukewarm when delivered. Overall, the experience was just ok. Ill wait for the Renaissance fair to come back.

So much fun. We went to the educational show with our homeschool group and got a lower rate. I would definitely recommend that as it costs a pretty penny. It does feel worth it at that price however at full price I don't think so. The kids really enjoyed it and I thought the food was pretty good, well seasoned and hot meal of chicken, potato, and corn. The bread was like a Texas toast but while we thought there was a GF option, the GF people just didn't get bread at all. Then there was a packages cookie for dessert GF people got Italian ice. Overall great show and fun experience. Memories made!

Absolutely outstanding experience. The service, the food, the fun, all top notch. Great fun for the whole family. Good beer with cheap refills. One of the folks in my party had the vegetarian meal and loved it. Its definitely worth every penny!

Great show! All staff was friendly and in character! From the greeter to our servers to the actors - everyone was amazing! Food is ok. Would go back again!

They have nine different attractions. If you buy each ticket individually, it will get expensive. It is best to purchase multiple attractions at once. You can also purchase an annual pass for the OdySea Aquarium, which will pay for itself after a couple of visits. Plenty of photo opportunities throughout the boardwalk. There are a few food options to choose from as well.

Really cool place to visit the Odysea Aquarium and Butterfly experience were very cool especially the Aquarium lots of cool shops great place to take kids and grandkids, as well as adults too.

We absolutely love Foam Frenzy at AZ Boardwalk! 🌊🫧 It’s so much fun for the kids (and honestly the adults too!) tons of bubbles, music, and nonstop laughter. The whole atmosphere at AZ Boardwalk makes it even better with great food spots and other activities nearby. A perfect place for family fun and summer memories. We can’t wait to come back!

There’s a lot of different attractions here for all age groups. We mostly come here for the aquarium since we as seasonal pass holders. My kids love going there. But the dinosaur and butterfly attractions are also super fun and kid friendly. You can easily spend a few hours here.

We had a fantastic day doing the American Diabetes walk here. It was so beautifully designed. They have something for everyone. Food, activities, and a wonderful area in the middle of is circular design that was great to hang out and see the large dinosaurs on display, drink our coffees and take photos on the multiple displays

We were really disappointed with our experience at the boardwalk carousel today. My wife and I went just to make sure our one- and two-year-old kids were sitting up straight and safe during the ride, but the lady at the register still charged both of us admission. The sign clearly says “admission per rider” and that kids should be accompanied by an adult — it does not say that adults also have to pay just to supervise. We weren’t riding for fun; we were literally there to keep our toddlers safe. It honestly feels like penny-pinching to charge parents who are just making sure their babies don’t fall. I really hope they rethink this policy because it’s not fair to families with little ones.

Sea Odyssey Aquarium and Butterfly attraction were awesome! We had a fun time. The Minors Rock Shop was very cool!

It was fun. Plenty of different activity stations to enjoy. Once you pay to get in you don't have to use money for any of the activities unless you want to buy tokens for the crayon making station or modeling clay. Get there early so that you have enough time to spend at each coloring station. We got there 2 hrs before closing so we had to rush. Be prepared to spend money in the gift shop. They have some great stuff. Next time we will get there at opening!

Awesome experience! My kids loved it. We went on a Friday morning, We were just passing through Chandler/Phoenix, but decided to spend a few hours here! It's sad to hear that this location is closing in June. I recommend going before they close, or going to one of their other locations after! We did their melted crayon art, create a shape (Race cars, emojis, and rings!), put a name on a crayon, have their AI draw a picture, meet a crayon, and many other fun items. Many of these things we did multiple times too, the kids were having a blast!

I took my three-year-old son here and we had a blast! We did all kinds of fun stuff, like turning his picture into a coloring page, making custom crayons, playing with the water wall, and grabbing a slushie. It’s a bit pricey, but if you go in the last two hours, you can get in for half price.

10/10 there is so much to do. It is so much fun and I cannot wait to take my daughter back. She absolutely loved it. She is seven years old, I am 38 and I loved it just as much!!! 🖍️

Great place to take kids, there are quiet a few things they can do. They can melt crayons into a picture. They can wrap their own crayon, they can sculpt with clay.

The Crayola Store in Chandler, AZ is closed since June 15 2025. I am so sorry to hear that. We had so much fun. Thank you for the lifetime memories. Our 2yo twin girls loved our time at Crayola. We got some coins at the entrance and made our own crayon labels for 50 cents. We picked out modeling clay for 50 cents and made a snowman. You can color white Model Magic with markers, so you don't have to buy each color. There are great christmas crafts until the seventh of January. You can write a letter to Santa and put it in the mail carrier for Santa's mail or color a page and do lots of other crafts, like ornaments or pop up cards. You can pose, choose a background and print your own coloring pages. We had a great time and it was so much fun playing with the giant Brite-Lite board. There was an interactive projection, too. They also have some arcade games and a sifting station that costs extra. They have a big sand table with projections. And there was a mining station. You can do the scavenger hunt and win 4 crayons. We were there for 2 hours, got a stamp and went back after lunch. The fact is that you can also paint or do crafts at home, but there were also lots of things that you can't do at home. For us it was worth every penny, we had so much fun and a great time with our family 😊.

The Crayola experience is a lot of fun for younger kids. I'd say 10 and younger works fine. There are a surprisingly large number of activities in the small space, and they seem to really engage the kids well. You can melt your own crayon into a mold, melt a crayon and spin it on a plate, color a custom truck that goes a view screen, chalk up a wall and floor, paint watercolor, do molding clay, regular coloring, rubs, do a giant light brite, get a custom crayon wrapper and do several digital activities where the kids jump around. This is great for about a 2 hour visit. The price is a bit high in my opinion, especially since adults pay full price, but you are using consumables and have some souvenirs you can take home. It's probably a one off visit at 85 bucks for a parent and 2 kids. However, if you are close, then you can get a membership and save yourself a load of money. That would make it well worth multiple visits.

This is a must experience, not fast pace but really nice horses and team that manage. Lots of horses.?the one hour tour is more than enough due to horses walking slow. Very nice for a family as well. Great nature scenery as well

As a horse owner, I’m kind of a snob when it comes to trail outfits when I’m traveling, and these guys passed muster! Horses are fit, clean, and well cared for. Staff are friendly, the trails are beautiful, and I think I saw more wildlife on this ride than I have on any other ride I’ve had in my life.

The family did the sunset trail ride and had a good time. From beginner to expert, the staff was easy to work with and very knowledgeable. Can't speak to the other activities they have on the ranch, but the trail ride was fun and worth the time.

Clean family fun Pumpkins galore Live Pony rides for kids Horseback rides for adults. Food fresh Old Farm charm Sweet kettle corn. Friendly family atmosphere.

Amazing spot to enjoy the desert and the beautiful horses. Andrew and Kyle were amazing guides and went above and beyond to help and talk to the littles ones so much, which gave them so much courage to ride the horses. I would love to go on a sunset tour or enjoy the cowboy dinner. The morning trail ride was an awesome experience for out of towners ☀️

Been coming here roughly 8 years. Prices have risen significantly. I understand inflation has much to do with this however the cost is far too large for a family experience anymore. The admission plus the extra cost of food and experiences inside the ranch just is not worth it. Our cost for our family of 12 was 172 to get in and then plenty more for the different things we did once inside. Better to take your family to a nature preserve enjoy the outdoors there and still have family fun for far less cost. We will find something else next October.

This was our second visit to McDonald’s Ranch, and we absolutely love it! The scenery is breathtaking, making for a beautiful and peaceful ride through the desert. The horses are incredibly well-trained, making it an enjoyable experience for riders of all skill levels. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do. Our guide, Lauren, was amazing—so sweet, knowledgeable, and made our ride an absolute delight. She ensured we were comfortable and made the experience even more enjoyable with her kind and positive attitude. If you’re looking for a fantastic horseback riding experience in Arizona, McDonald’s Ranch is the place to go. We can’t wait to come back!

Absolutely beautiful! Their gift shop is awesome. I could sit there for hours watching the koi fish swim around. Definitely going back. It is so peaceful. If you live in the Phoenix area definitely go check it out

The price is fair to me for entry. For those did not know, no professional photography. So you are limited to photos. The point is to enjoy this garden on what they have to offer. I felt very relaxed when walking through the garden. Very peaceful. Bathroom is very clean. I do wish to revisit this garden again to participate the tea they do offer.

The Japanese Friendship Garden is peaceful and beautifully maintained. The landscaping and koi ponds are nice, yet it felt smaller than I imagined and didn’t take long to walk through. Maybe I’d appreciate it more with some background on its history or cultural significance, but overall, it was just okay—calm and pretty, but not quite worth a $14 admission fee in my opinion.

Prices are fair for the amount of care put into it, but the garden feels quite small. Very tranquil and beautiful, with a cozy gift shop full of goodies and Japanese imports. Loved my experience here! Great parking, too.

Small but pack a punch. Great place to relax and watch the fishes - kois. Many tourists come to walk around. I did find the fake cicada sound a bit weird but must fit the theme. This is a playground nearby. Gets very noisy very close.

Played hooky today and went to the Japanese Friendship Garden for the first time today. We did the tea experience which was worth it, if not a little on the long winded side regarding the tour. It was very informative and we learned a lot about the history of the gardens and Japanese green tea.

Popped in on a Tuesday, it’s an absolutely lovely area. Shady trees, beautiful koi pond and naturescapes. There’s a sand garden and lots of photo ops. It was quite pricey though - not sure of the breakdown, but 2 adults and 1 student was 39$ for a 30 minute stroll. There’s a small gift shop, though not much there to see - it’s jewelry trinkets and maybe some snacks - I’d expect more culturally significant items Or more memento type things? This was a second stop on a tour of the arts area, so it was a fun excursion, but not sure if it’s worth a solo trip out unless you plan to sit/stroll a while. Too expensive to go again, but worth it once!

This place was fun. Wait time was less than 5min. It was kind of busy. Our group was around 15 people or so. The tour guides were welcoming and friendly. My sister took her toddler twin girls, with us, which were, at times, somewhat inpatient as kids are and it felt that some guests weren't welcoming of that (rude, since it's a family friendly activity) but if the guides had a mic to enhance their voice louder I think it would help them not get winded or have to raise their voice so high. But a beautiful historic scenery and learned such a beautiful story about the history of the castle and its founder. Definitely recommend it. It's worth a visit!

A great historic find! I’ve been living in Arizona for 20 years and I just heard about this place! I love the history to this home and all the eccentric details! We were giving enough time to really look around and take in the views. The tour guide was nice, maybe a little quick with the speaking, but it wasn’t bad! The tickets were only $10 and you’re allowed to take video and pictures every where with the exception of the gift shop area. Definitely come by and check it out. It’s amazing to hear the story behind the mystery castle.

This is definitely a quirky odd the beaten path spot but worth it. It’s only $10 and they bring you through the entire house. The people working there truly love it and have worked there for 20+ years so they have lots of personal antidotes and dad jokes, lots of dad jokes. It’s right by a ton of hiking paths and a good addition for a full day adventure. I went on a Saturday at 12pm and joined a tour right away. I PAID CASH. Make sure you bring cash.

For $10 dollars it was pretty great to get a firsthand look at this family legacy. Not all of the rooms of the house are open. When you get there you will have to wait. I suggest going early and bring cash. They take a group of 10-20 ppl at a time every 20-35 minutes. You can take pictures but no video. They usually have two tour groups going at once. Bring water with you because it will be hot, especially if you are waiting for a tour to finish. You will not pay until the start of your tour.

I'd visit it because of the unusual way it was built and unique materials used. Before you go know, the caretaker and family give tours for $10 (cash) per person. Pictures are allowed in most areas but not all. Limited souvenirs are for sale in the gift shop. The history is interesting but questionable if all the details are correct or enhanced. The view from the home is of Phoenix and the surrounding mountains (Dobbins overlook a nearby drive with awesome views).

Cool, out of the way place to explore. Interesting history and fun to learn about the area. Lots of odds and ends to see. Tour guide had great personal stories to recount. No matter when you show up, you just hop on the tour and follow it til you get back to where you started, which is neat that you don't have to worry about specific timed tours.

A very enjoyable tour of a very unique house built under very unique circumstances. As soon as you turn down the unpaved and rocky road and turn the corner you can see “the Castle” which lets you know you’re in for a unique and fun experience. The staff, especially Ramon, was very polite and knew the property very well. In short it’s a home built by a dying but dedicated man for his family. It was really enjoyable to step inside and be able to look all around after hearing his story. They have a small gift shop up top and I would suggest bringing in a mask because sometimes you will be inside around a lot of people less than a foot away. It is $5 for children and $10 for adults. I would recommend for any fan of the offbeat.

Singh Meadows in Tempe is a beautifully tranquil farmers market experience tucked into neighborhood green space. The fresh produce selections feel local and high quality, crisp greens, colorful fruits, artisan items, and the café side complements perfectly with vegetarian dishes and fresh juices. The ambiance is serene, with outdoor seating near water features and plenty of shade, making it more than just shopping, it’s a peaceful morning out. Whether I’m there for groceries, a juice, or just the vibe, Singh Meadows always delivers a warm, nourishing experience

Singh Meadows is a peaceful gem in Tempe for anyone who loves fresh produce and a relaxed market experience. The selection of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and handcrafted items feels local and thoughtful. The café side is a nice bonus, healthy bowls, sandwiches, and fresh juices that complement the market well. The setting is calm, with outdoor seating near water and shade, making it more than just shopping, it’s a moment of calm in your weekend. If you value quality local goods in a pleasant, low-key environment, Singh Meadows is a favorite stop.

Remember you're paying for the atmosphere when you order your food. I'm not going to lie, it's pricey but also delicious. Hummus plate: $10.95 gets 1/2 cup hummus, 5 cherry tomatoes, 4 broccoli florets, 4 cauliflower florets, 4 cut up radishes, 1 sliced small carrot & 1 small sliced pita. Very fresh and organic. Breakfast chibatta $9.95 plus I added 1 thick slice bacon for $2.50 but wasn't there supposed to be cheese and avocado? Large coffee: $5.40. 3x3x3 piece of oatmeal cake. $5 plus tax. Maybe I'm just out of touch after being away from restaurants this last year because I thought everything was overpriced. Maybe it's just me. Very peaceful and relaxing except I could have done without the music. I'll be going back when it's cooler (hey owner if you're reading this... install some overhead fans) and when I have deeper pockets.

Poor garden soil quality. Needed to rebuild my garden and wanted to use Singh Meadows mulch and soil. The soil was 90% river silt and nothing grew in it for two seasons now. The small amount of organic material was used to color the silt. Ended up digging up and replacing with a different provider. Alot of time and money wasted. If you want productive garden do not use.

Beautiful place. Great produce and price! Lines are a bit long and they only have one register is the only down fall. I was going to go back and grab a jar of honey before leaving but the line was too long.

This is the place to be on the weekends, farmers market, so you have all your fresh veggies for the week, they also have a grill for breakfast/lunch foods, plus fresh baked breads, homemade golden honey, pickles, fresh juices and teas and a ton of other goodies. The space outside opens up TO a HUGE grassy area, with a pond and an area for volleyball. Bring a blanket enjoy the birds, the sun and enjoy the weekend and Singh Meadows.

This place is wonderful, and the best use of an old golf course I have seen. It is beautiful, the staff are friendly, and there is a mellow atmosphere. We brought our dog this past weekend, and it was great for our morning walk. Also, since we’ve had so many monsoons lately, the wash that borders it looked like a river.

The food was good. I had the pancake flight and the snooze classic (I think is what’s it’s called) with chicken sausage. I liked the pancakes a lot except for the pineapple upside down one. And they have flavorful chicken sausage.

This is a wonderful brunch place, with the best pancakes I have ever had! The French toast is amazing as well, they serve it with mascarpone! The coffee was high quality, and the bacon was also the best bacons I have ever had. Lauryn was our server and she was fantastic. This is a friendly, hip, high quality breakfast/brunch stop.

Delicious brunch spot! The breakfast fried rice with sunny-side-up eggs was so flavorful, the shrimp & grits were creamy and packed with flavor, and the French toast was light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Great coffee, fun atmosphere, and friendly service. Definitely a must-try in Phoenix!

Best breakfast ever! Had such a great experience here and will definitely try to find another one closer to me!

I've been to a few of the locations. The staff is great about gluten allergies and I feel safe eating here with plenty of options, including the Chile Verde Benedict! I recommend. Also found on the Find Me Gluten Free app!

One of the best breakfasts we had on our Arizona road trip. The eggs Benedict were excellent, especially the hash browns. But the cinnamon roll pancakes? Absolutely incredible—honestly, the best pancakes I’ve ever had. Our server was super friendly and made the experience even better. Highly recommend!

I love the Snooze chain and will be back! The service here was great, very friendly and helpful. The food just took a while to come out. The OMG French toast was amazing!! I will definitely get that again. The Snooze Breakfast Burrito lacked flavor.

Family Fun Day Done Right First Impressions We headed to Main Event for some classic family fun; bowling, bites, and a break from the Arizona heat. Between their Kids Bowl Free passes and Kids Eat Free Tuesdays, it was already a win before we even laced up our shoes. Atmosphere & Vibe Energetic, a little loud (in the best way), and totally geared toward keeping kids and adults entertained under one roof. It’s the kind of place where the energy bounces off the neon lights and you leave feeling like you actually did something fun. What I Tried We ordered a mix of chicken tenders, BBQ chicken sandwich, wings, and fries, and everything hit the spot. But the surprise standout? Their fried pickles. Legitimately some of the best we’ve had. Crispy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned. Pro tip: don’t skip ’em. Service & Experience Even though it was packed, we had fantastic service, especially from Roy at the bar. There’s usually a server for the bowling lanes, but that server let us know things were backed up and encouraged us to order directly with Roy at the bar. He was hustling, juggling a slammed bar, and still made time to get our food and drinks out quickly, with a great attitude. Total MVP. Pro Tips or Heads-Up • Take full advantage of their promotions, they add real value (in this economy?!). • Go early on busy days if you want a less crowded experience. • Bring a little extra for arcade play. It’s hard to walk past the games without getting pulled in. Final Verdict Main Event is a go-to for affordable family fun with solid food, awesome service, and just the right level of chaos. Great way to stay cool and entertained in an AZ summer without breaking the bank. We’ll definitely be back, and we’ll be asking for Roy! ⸻ #MainEventAZ #FamilyFunNight #FriedPickleFanClub

Great experience at The Future for Kids charity event. Staff was great at hosting, thank you! We enjoyed our time for this amazing cause ♥️

I recently visited Main Event in Tempe, and I have to say, it exceeded all my expectations! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was electric and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or family. The space is well-designed, with a great mix of activities that cater to everyone, from bowling and arcade games to laser tag. What really stood out, though, was the exceptional service. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. They were quick to assist, whether we had questions or needed help with our games. The bartenders were also top-notch, crafting delicious drinks with a smile and making us feel welcome.

My boys and I love to come here to bowl and grab some lunch. We ate their double burger and pepperoni pizza while bowling. It was a great time! Will definitely do it again. Pricing was great and my boys had a great time.

I went to Main Event for a work event and had a blast! They’ve got everything from bowling and Lazer Tag to arcade games, obstacle courses, pool tables, and darts, plus a good selection of apps and drinks. It’s more geared toward a younger crowd, but it’s still super fun for everyone I’m already itching to go back for more Lazer Tag!

Arcade was pretty good. Runs on a credit system. Each game costs about $1.75 to play which is probably fair for some “big” games but a complete rip off for tiny dinky games the cost the same for some reason. Out of about 20 plays, 4-6 were broken machines that just took our money. Have to keep complaining and getting refunded. A LOT of broken machines and we eventually gave up on asking for refunds. Service was abysmal. Multiple trips to the host stand to get service. When the food came there were no wraps, no waters, hamburger came out as a cheeseburger for a dairy allergy. Server was nice enough but completely overworked. At checkout they accidentally double charged me and the wait to get that fixed has been about 30 minutes so far. Overall we have spent about 90 minutes on waiting for service in various forms tonight. Doesn’t seem like anyone understands the eat and play promo that is advertised everywhere. They keep try to charge me for it over and over again. Waited around a while for my receipt. Never got a receipt. Understaffed. Really need about double the waitstaff. Food came out quick once it was ordered. Cheeseburger that our toddler couldn’t eat was tasty, just not what we ordered. They were out of chicken strips. Salad was wilted, like it had come in frozen and they defrosted it for our meal. Pizza was a high point of the night. Fries were good. Oranges seemed fresh not frozen. There’s much better managed competition in the “overpriced family fun” category. Doubt we will be back.

We came with a group on a Monday night to let the kids have some fun. Our server checked on us once over a 2-hour visit. The other two times we had to flag him down. Every interaction seemed like we were bothering him. Sad, because he could have made better money on a Monday evening with just the tiniest bit of effort. Pretty good food though, and the kids all enjoyed themselves.