As the weather cools down and the summer sizzle turns into a crisp fall breeze, there’s no better time to explore Arizona. Whether you’re a family looking for kid-friendly activities or an adult seeking some R&R, this is the season where the desert truly dazzles. Here’s our autumn bucket list of exciting activities you should check out!
Family Fun: Where Autumn Magic Happens
Dora’s Scavenger Hunt at the Zoo – July 1 – September 15, 2024 @ Phoenix Zoo
Join Dora the Explorer for an adventurous quest at the Phoenix Zoo. Kids will love the interactive hunt, and the grownups get to enjoy the animal antics while they search for clues. It’s educational and entertaining—what more could you ask for? Tickets to Dora’s Scavenger Hunt is included with admission, and guests of GoodNight Stay can get a special discount for Phoenix Zoo tickets!
Candytopia – August & September, 2024 @ Scottsdale Fashion Square
It’s like Willy Wonka’s factory meets the real world! This sweet spectacle is a sugar-coated fantasy land perfect for kids (and those who are young at heart). Dive into a world of candy-themed art and interactive exhibits. Just try not to eat the props!
Salt River Tubing – Season passes available until September, 2024 @ Tonto National Forest
Why not check out the outdoors while you are visiting the Grand Canyon State? For a family-friendly nature outing, float down the Salt River on a tube. Enjoy the scenic beauty and keep an eye out for wildlife. It’s the perfect way to relax and soak in the cooler temperatures. They also have events to spice up the peaceful float, so make sure to check out their calendar of events!
Fall at the Princess – September 5 – November 15, 2024 @ Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Seasonal events at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a Scottsdale staple enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Enjoy fall activities and events at the luxurious setting. From mouthwatering fall menus featuring seasonal ingredients at Bourbon Steak, the annual Nightmare on Princess Drive Halloween event, to calming spa treatments fitting for the season, it’s a fantastic place for a family getaway. What is really neat is that the annual event is really for everyone—seasonal cocktails and late-night dancing for the grown-ups, while children can have their fun with s’mores and games!
Arizona State Fair – September 20 – October 27, 2024 @ Arizona State Fairgrounds
It’s not fall without a good state fair! Arizona prides in its annual state fair, going strong for 140 years. Dive into classic fair fun with rides, games, gun shows, concerts (psst, The All American Rejects are playing at this year’s fair), petting zoos, art displays, monster truck shows, and of course delicious food. It’s the quintessential fall experience that’s sure to entertain the whole family. Tickets are on sale now, so make sure to secure your spot!
Spooky Safari – October 23 – 24, 2024 @ Phoenix Zoo
Get ready for a wild Halloween experience at the Phoenix Zoo with Spooky Safari. Expect costume fun, creepy crawlies, and plenty of treats (and maybe a few tricks). It’s a great way to enjoy some frightful fun in a family-friendly setting!
The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships – October 26, 2024 @ WestWorld of Scottsdale
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your fall festivities, the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, also known as the Scottsdale Polo Cup, is an event you won’t want to miss. This isn’t just any polo match—it’s the largest and most attended polo event in the country. The Scottsdale Polo Cup is also known for its vibrant party atmosphere, with multiple events happening throughout the day. From the car shows featuring classic and exotic cars to the Canine Couture dog fashion show, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a polo aficionado or just looking for a unique and stylish day out, the Scottsdale Polo Cup offers a blend of sport, culture, and entertainment that’s hard to beat. What makes the event even better is that admission is free for children 12 and under! This is a fantastic opportunity to spend quality family time in the sun, with horses, dogs, cars, and more, creating a family outing the kids will remember.
ZooLights – November 27, 2024 – January 12, 2025 @ Phoenix Zoo
As the nights get cooler, the zoo lights up with millions of twinkling lights. A beloved local holiday tradition, ZooLights is a breathtaking display that transforms the zoo into a sparkling wonderland. Tickets go on sale starting October 1, 2024, so mark your calendars, and get ready for some razzle dazzle, including the return of the tallest floating tree in North America, showcasing a synchronized light show. But wait, there’s more—a s’mores station will be there to sweeten your visit, so bring the whole family and create some magical memories!
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
All aboard for some nostalgic fun! This charming park features train rides, playgrounds, and a carousel. The 30 acre park located in the heart of Scottsdale is a fantastic spot for a family day out. Take a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad—an exact 5:12 replica of a Colorado narrow gauge railroad, complete with with diesel engines and steam locomotives. Or pick one of the 30 beautiful antique horses on the Scottsdale Charros Carousel. Or if rides aren’t your thing, simply enjoy the peace of the park and visit some of the shops and museums located inside the park.
Butterfly Wonderland
Step into a lush indoor rainforest and be surrounded by thousands of butterflies at Butterfly Wonderland, the largest butterfly convertor in the country! Learn about the magnificent creatures, get up close to unique reptiles that inhabit the rainforests with the butterflies, and even try out their selection of edible insects! From painting classes to yoga sessions in nature, Butterfly Wonderland hosts a wide range of family friendly events throughout the autumn months, so make sure to keep an eye out on their website. It’s a fluttery, fabulous experience that’s perfect for all ages!
Comicx Restaurant Bar
All the fun and excitement is bound to leave you hungry for a bite. If you’re looking for a family meal with a side of fun, ComicX at the Desert Ridge Marketplace offers a playful atmosphere with superhero themed decor and tasty food. Under the slogan “this is where your favorite superheroes unite,” ComicX is a hit with kids and adults alike. Get ready to geek out with legendary Marvel heroes, beloved Disney characters, and more!
Hot Air Balloon Rides with Rainbow Ryders
Soar high above the desert in a hot air balloon. Rainbow Ryders, our proud partner and the largest hot air balloon business in the Southwest, can take you on an unforgettable journey above the Sonoran landscape. With the temperatures in the 80’s, enjoy a hot air balloon ride that isn’t literally hot. Take in stunning aerial views of the fall foliage and the sprawling landscape. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s as uplifting as it is breathtaking. To make things better, GoodNight Stay guests can enjoy sunrise shared basket flights with an exclusive discount!
Day Trip to Sedona
Arizona is known as the Grand Canyon State, but to be honest, Grand Canyon can be a bit far if you are staying in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area (it’s a 4 hour drive). A closer option that is just as wondrous is Sedona. A little less than a 2 hour drive will lead you to Sedona’s red rocks and breathtaking scenery. Explore the trails, enjoy the views, and experience the serene beauty of this desert gem. Fun fact: there is a McDonald’s with blue arches in Sedona that is a famed tourist attraction! If you want to enjoy the desertscape, but even a 2 hour drive is too much to pack in to your itinerary, try off-roading with Desert Dog Off-road Adventures, located in Fountain Hills, just 30 minutes from Scottsdale!
Adult-Only Escapades: For the Grown-Up Adventurers
Fish N Sips – August 23, 2024 @ OdySea Aquarium
Dive into an evening of underwater elegance at the OdySea Aquarium’s Fish N Sips event. This isn’t your average aquarium visit—it’s a sophisticated night out where you can sip on drinks with live music, all the while exploring aquatic exhibits—all in a more intimate adult setting.
Saturday Night Starlight – Saturdays until September 14, 2024 @ Verde Canyon Railroad
For a magical evening that blends adventure with a touch of romance, the Saturday Night Starlight train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad is a must-experience. Picture this: the sun sets over the Arizona desert, and as twilight deepens, your train journey begins. The train’s outdoor viewing cars are the perfect spot to take in the fresh night air and gaze up at the starlit sky, while the sound of the train’s steady rhythm lulls you into a state of relaxation. If you’re looking to add a little more romance to the evening, consider upgrading to a private caboose or booking the Grape Train Escape, which is a popular wine-tasting event held in the same train runs, on select Saturday evenings.
Float Fridays at Maya – Fridays until September 20, 2024 @ Maya Day Club
Summer might be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the pool parties are over! Dubbed Scottsdale’s best pool party, Float Fridays at Maya is the perfect adult-fun event to cool off and float your worries away. It’s the ultimate Friday escape with a vibrant party atmosphere, and the fun is long-lasting with doors opening at noon! The club features a massive pool, surrounded by luxurious cabanas and daybeds, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and high-energy fun. But it’s not just about lounging—Maya is known for its electric atmosphere, with live DJ performances that keep the energy levels high all day long. Whether you’re floating around the pool with a cocktail in hand or dancing the day away with friends, a Scottsdale local or just visiting, this is one party that should definitely be on your Arizona fall bucket list.
Ales on Rails – September 17 – October 31, 2024 @ Verde Canyon Railroad
Ales on Rails is another annual Arizona event that marks the start of autumn. Sip on a glass (or pint) of hoppy beer while enjoying a train ride through the stunning Verde Canyon, providing an incredible backdrop to this one-of-a-kind tasting experience. The vibrant autumn colors of the canyon paired with the flavors of finely crafted beers make this a must-add to your fall bucket list. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and, of course, some of the best beer Arizona has to offer.
Dreamy Draw Music Festival – November 1 &2, 2024 @ Scottsdale Civic Center
Mark your calendars for the Dreamy Draw Music Festival, a two-day celebration of country and Americana music set in the heart of Historic Old Town Scottsdale. Let your creative juices flow, as art installations, local artisans, and musicians all with a unique Western twist surround you. And of course, there’s a tasty line up of food trucks and artisanal drinks waiting for you to take the festival experience to the next level. Tickets are selling fast, so make sure to secure your spot!
Caesars Palace Scottsdale
Newly opened and ready to impress! The iconic Las Vegas hotel’s first Arizona location opened in March 2024, is an impressive 11 floor hotel with two pools, two restaurants from Celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis, and a rooftop bar and lounge overlooking Camelback Mountain. Synonymous with luxury entertainment, Caesars Palace is already a must-visit Scottsdale attraction. Especially with its extravagant pools and bars, it’s the ultimate spot for a luxurious day of relaxation. Want to take a dip in the pool, but don’t want to stay at the hotel? We got you. Our partner ResortPass offers day passes and cabana passes, starting at just $25. GoodNight Stay guests can receive a special 10% off on top, so don’t miss the opportunity to save!
Talking Stick Resort
Love a good gamble, and a good time? Head on over to Talking Stick Resort & Casino, one of Scottsdale’s hottest attractions. Boasting a 240,000 square foot casino, the state-of-the-art gaming floor offers more than 700 of the latest slot machines as well as classic card games. The resort also hosts a fantastic line up of shows and events, there’s bound to be one that you like. A trip to Arizona doesn’t have to be about the desert—take advantage of this impressive entertainment giant and roll your dice for the game of fun!
Why Fall is the Perfect Time
With summer’s heat in the rearview mirror, Arizona’s fall weather is ideal for exploring everything the state has to offer. The cooler temperatures make outdoor activities more enjoyable, and the state’s natural beauty is even more striking against the backdrop of autumn. Plus, the variety of events and activities available from September to November ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re traveling with family or planning an adults-only getaway, there is something for everyone to enjoy. As our way of celebrating pumpkin-spice season, we are offering 10% off our Arizona homes with code AZFALL2024 for reservation dates between September 1st – November 30th, 2024.
So why wait? Plan your Arizona escape now and experience the best of what this stunning state has to offer this fall.
