This family-friendly destination is packed with variety, fun, and perpetual sunshine.

Scottsdale, AZ has something to offer everyone; nature lovers, sports fans, foodies, culture enthusiasts. Plus, it’s the perfect place to escape harsh winter climates. Let’s dive into some of the top activities to do in Scottsdale (with or without the kids!).

Activities to do in Scottsdale

See a Spring Training Game

Fifteen MLB teams play in the Cactus League where they prepare for their season during Spring Training in Arizona.

We are a family of Milwaukee Brewers fans. Here are our top tips for catching a game at American Family Field – Phoenix.

• Parking is about $10 to $15. The American Family Field – Phoenix isn’t located in the greatest of areas, so for the safety of your vehicle and belongings, it may be wise to park onsite.
• Weekday games deliver a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of seats available, allowing you to experience the game in comfort.
  
  For the best value, purchase the cheapest ticket, which is typically lawn seating, and enjoy the flexibility of sitting almost anywhere you’d like.
• Check in at guest services if it’s the children’s first time attending a game. They’ll receive a special certificate and a free ice cream (normally $10)!
• Stop by the gift shops to check out the fun cactus-themed Brewers apparel, perfect for commemorating your visit. The focus on family and children is evident, with players often engaging with young fans by throwing balls into the stands, making each game an exciting and interactive experience for all.
• Arrive early at the ballpark to catch the team in action during a practice session on one of the adjacent fields. If you hang around as they leave, a player/staff might just hand you a ball!
• Wait where the players walk off the fields, and you might be lucky enough to have one of them stop to sign a ball for your kid(s)!

Attending a spring training game is a great choice for families searching for fun activities to do in Scottsdale.

Musical Instrument Museum

Music lovers, meet rows and rows of instruments from all over the globe when you visit the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). From guitars and pianos to exotic instruments you’ve probably never heard of, they’ve got it all.

This museum is ranked in the Top 10 Music Museums in the country by USA Today.

You can listen to different instruments being played through headphones as you wander around. They have over 4000 instruments in the collection.

They have touch-screen displays where you can learn about the culture and context behind each instrument.

Before you go, check their event schedule online, you may be able to catch one of their programs. The Mini Music Makers (Ages 0-4) is a favorite for families.

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale is the perfect place to discover some old west charm.

The Scottsdale Historical Museum in the Little Red Schoolhouse, tells the tale of the city’s early settlers.

For a taste of the Old West, swing by the Rusty Spur Saloon, one of Scottsdale’s oldest bars.

Boutiques, specialty stores, and upscale shops offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to Western apparel and gourmet teas. The Scottsdale Waterfront and Fifth Avenue Shopping District are hotspots for retail therapy.

Art enthusiasts should plan to be in Old Town Scottsdale from 7-9pm on Thursdays for live music, artwork, and artist demos at the ArtWalk.

Hike Camelback Mountain

Conquer Camelback Mountain for a quiet escape from the city and beautiful panoramic views.

Start your day with a morning hike up Camelback’s challenging trails. The 2.6 mile Echo Canyon Trail, known for its steep ascents and boulder scrambles, is a great workout and perhaps the most popular trail here.

For a slightly less intense but equally rewarding experience, the 3 mile Cholla Trail winds its way up the mountain’s eastern slope. This path showcases the desert’s quieter side, with sweeping views of Paradise Valley and the Phoenix skyline as your reward at the summit.

Bring a lot of water and start early! Even if you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll want to beat the heat.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

We get to a point on our city breaks where we know the kids just need unstructured play time. That’s when we head to this Railroad Park. The playground is well shaded and has clean restrooms, plus for extra novelty, kids can ride the miniature train (the Paradise & Pacific Railroad) or carousel.

And if you’re visiting during the holiday season, the place transforms into a winter wonderland.

Train enthusiasts will enjoy the historic train museum as well.

Desert Botanical Garden

One of the many attractions within Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden is one of the top activities to do in Scottsdale. The gardens feature over 50,000 plants across 140 beautiful acres. Bring your water bottle and be ready for lots of walking!

Save money with an AHS membership with your local garden at home. Our family membership from Milwaukee got us in free.

Year round, there is a kids’ area where kids can experience the garden with all their senses. (It includes herbs that they can taste.)

In the cooler months, they have a huge open space called Cactus Clubhouse for kids to play and explore the natural world.

Kids will also love the butterfly garden (open through winter) and giant Saguaros, a word I learned I’d been saying incorrectly my entire life. Sa – WAH – ro

We use an app called Seek and it helps hold my kids’ interest longer while we look at plants. Kids earn badges as they collect more and more species of plants and animals.

Hole in the Rock

One of the most urban (central) ‘hiking’ activities to do in Scottsdale is an easy walk up to the Hole in the Rock, located within Papago Park. It’s a super short hike up from a free parking lot with a pretty view of the city through the hole.

Visitors can extend the hike by continuing around the rest of the butte.

Our kids had a great time crawling amongst the crevices while I guarded the steep edge.

More to do in Papago Park

Also located within Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo is a great stop for families. The zoo cares for 3,000 animals (from 400 species). Admission prices range from $28 – $40 per person and children under 3 are free.

South Mountain Park

If you want a breathtaking view to start or end your day, head down to South Mountain Park.

I’d never before seen sunsets like the ones I saw in Arizona. It turns out it’s because of the dry air! Drier are means more vivid colors. Bring a blanket, maybe a picnic basket, and just soak it all in. It’s magic.

Another perk is that you can park right next to the lookout, this way you aren’t hiking after dark. Dobbin’s Lookout is about 15 minutes’ drive from the base of the mountain.

The lookout sits at 2,330 feet above sea level.

The remnants of a stone structure were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Rent a Boat on Tempe Lake

A body of water is a welcome change of scenery after a few days in desert territory.

One of the best ways to experience the lake is by renting a boat. You can choose from paddle boats, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the calm waters.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

The cooler morning temperatures and calm winds make dawn the perfect time for hot air balloon excursions. The morning balloon rides often finish with a post-flight champagne toast and a light breakfast.

It’s a hair raising experience to feel the heat of the flame as the pilot inflates the balloon and the peaceful ascent is indescribable. A hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable activity to do in Scottsdale.

Hit the Spa

Visiting Scottsdale, AZ, offers a prime opportunity to indulge in some of the best spa experiences around.

Three spots worth checking out (and booking far in advance) are Spa Avania, New Serenity Spa, The Sanctuary – Camelback Mountain.

Golf Courses Galore

Scottsdale and Phoenix are a golfer’s paradise with over 200 courses to choose from, catering to every level of golfer.

The TPC Scottsdale, known for hosting the Phoenix Open, features the famous Stadium Course with its lively 16th hole, nicknamed the “Coliseum.” Snag a tee time for $275-299.

For something a bit more budget friendly, check out Mountain Shadows. That’s where we took our kids.

Where to Eat in Scottsdale, AZ

In old town, you can dive into modern Latin cuisine at The Mission, savor innovative dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients at FnB, or opt for a creative and health-conscious menu at The Herb Box.

Looking for a fun brunch spot? Head to Hash Kitchen. Do not pass up the chance to get brunch at one of their three local spots. Adults will love the creative cocktails and BYO Bloody Mary Bar and kids will be entertained by the DJ and upbeat atmosphere. They get pretty busy, so try to arrive earlier than 10am to avoid a wait.

Day Trip to Sedona

First off, Sedona is about a 2-hour drive from Phoenix, so an early start is your best friend. The drive itself is a big part of the experience.

For the iconic red rocks that Sedona is famous for, head to Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. These monolithic formations are perfect for hiking enthusiasts or hobby photographers.

If you enjoy shopping and perusing art galleries, head to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.

Can you do all this in one day? Absolutely! It’ll be a jam-packed adventure and probably a late night, but totally doable.

Montezuma Castle

On the way to Sedona, don’t miss the opportunity to stop at Montezuma Castle.

I know the day is already packed, but you can make this a really quick spot, and trust me photos of this place do not do it justice.

Embedded in the cliffs of Verde Valley, these remarkably preserved cliff dwellings were once home to the Sinagua people over 600 years ago.

What’s mind-blowing is how they built these five-story limestone marvels without cranes or power tools!

To visit, head to Camp Verde, about an hour and a half drive from Phoenix. The site itself is a quick hop off the highway. Once you’re there, a short walk from the visitor center takes you to the viewing platform.

Extend Your Arizona Trip

If you can add a couple days onto your Arizona Itinerary, consider including Tucson in your plans. It’s only 1 hour 45 minutes from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and there’s a ton to do!

Closing Thoughts on Activities to do in Scottsdale

Whether you crave the thrill of rugged trails, the charm of historic sites and art havens, or the indulgence of dining, shopping, and spa days, Scottsdale promises incredible variety and beautiful sunshine.

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