3 Days of Family Fun
3 Days of Family Fun: Arizona is packed with family-friendly attractions that go far beyond the desert scenery. From world-class zoos and aquariums to hands-on science exhibits and outdoor adventures, there is something to captivate every member of the family.
Arizona is packed with family-friendly attractions that go far beyond the desert scenery. From world-class zoos and aquariums to hands-on science exhibits and outdoor adventures, there is something to captivate every member of the family. This itinerary is designed to keep kids and adults entertained with a mix of education, nature, and pure fun.
Spread across three days, this trip covers the best family destinations in the Phoenix metro area and a day trip to the Sedona and Verde Valley region. The pace is relaxed enough to avoid meltdowns but packed with enough variety to keep everyone engaged. Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a sense of adventure.
Day 1: Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden
Start your family adventure at the Phoenix Zoo, one of the largest privately owned nonprofit zoos in the country. Located in Papago Park, the zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals across four themed trails. Kids especially love the Monkey Village, where squirrel monkeys roam freely around visitors, and the Stingray Bay touch pool. The Arizona Trail section features native animals like javelinas, black bears, and mountain lions in naturalistic habitats.
After the zoo, walk next door to the Desert Botanical Garden, a stunning 140-acre garden showcasing thousands of species of cacti, succulents, and desert plants from around the world. The garden offers a series of looping trails with interactive exhibits that are engaging for children. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds, roadrunners, and jackrabbits along the paths. End the afternoon with a short hike at Papago Park, where the Hole-in-the-Rock trail leads to a natural geological formation with great views of downtown Phoenix.
Day 2: OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland
Spend your second day at the OdySea in the Desert complex in north Scottsdale. Start at OdySea Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Southwest, where you can walk through an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and rays. The SeaTREK experience lets older kids walk on the floor of the ocean tank wearing a special diving helmet. The penguin exhibit and the interactive touch pools are big hits with younger children.
Right next door, Butterfly Wonderland houses the largest indoor butterfly habitat in the country. Walk through a tropical rainforest conservatory filled with thousands of butterflies from around the world. The 3D theater and the emergence gallery, where you can watch butterflies breaking free from their chrysalises, are both fascinating. If the kids still have energy after that, head to Mavrix Entertainment for bowling, laser tag, and arcade games. It is an upscale entertainment venue with a full restaurant, making it easy to combine dinner with an evening of fun.
Day 3: Sedona and Verde Valley Day Trip
Take a day trip north to the Sedona and Verde Valley area for a change of scenery and some outdoor adventure. Your first stop is Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon, where a natural water slide formed by the smooth red rock creek bed provides hours of splashing fun for kids and adults alike. The swimming area is surrounded by towering red cliffs and apple orchards, creating one of the most beautiful swimming holes in Arizona. Arrive early in summer to secure a good spot.
After drying off, drive to Camp Verde and visit Out of Africa Wildlife Park, a unique animal park where you can ride a safari bus through habitats with giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. The Predator Feed show and the Giant Snake Show are thrilling and educational. On your way back to Phoenix, make a quick stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument, a remarkably well-preserved cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people over 600 years ago. The five-story structure, tucked into a limestone cliff face above Beaver Creek, is one of the best-preserved prehistoric ruins in North America.
Planning Your Arizona Trip?
Many visitors who fall in love with Arizona on trips like this decide to make it home. Venture REI helps buyers find the right community, from resort-adjacent Scottsdale to family-friendly Gilbert to emerging west Valley markets. Frank Vazquez and team offer straightforward guidance with no pressure.
Explore Arizona Communities