Summer in Arizona with kids doesn’t have to mean hiding indoors all day. Sure, the temperatures soar, but with the right planning and plenty of hydration breaks, your family can create some seriously cool memories. The key is knowing where to go, when to go, and how to keep everyone happy, hydrated, and out of the direct sun during peak hours. From underwater adventures to ice-cold treats, Arizona offers tons of family-friendly activities that’ll have your kids talking about their summer long after they’re back in school.
OdySea Aquarium
Start your aquatic adventure at OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, where over 6,000 sea creatures call home in more than 2 million gallons of water. The kids will lose their minds watching sharks glide overhead, penguins waddle around, and the Giant Pacific Octopus show off its eight-armed moves. The best part? You can actually walk underwater with their SeaTREK experience or catch a show in Voyager, the world’s only revolving aquarium theater. Pro tip: book the Penguin Encounter if your little ones are obsessed with these tuxedo-wearing cuties – it’s a 45-minute behind-the-scenes experience that’ll have them waddling with excitement. With everything indoors, it’s a convenient escape from high temperatures.
Mavrix
After exploring the wonders of the ocean, keep the fun going just around the corner at Mavrix—an all-in-one indoor entertainment hub perfect for cooling off and letting loose. With 22 bowling lanes, 85 arcade games, and a state-of-the-art laser tag arena all under one air-conditioned roof, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The kids can dive into the arcade while parents relax with craft lemonades in flavors like cotton candy, passion fruit, and dragon fruit. Their summer season pass is basically a golden ticket: two free games of bowling daily, free shoe rental, and arcade play all summer long. It’s your go-to indoor HQ where everyone from toddlers to grandparents can find their groove—no sunscreen required.
Museum of Illusions
Get ready to question everything you think you know at Museum of Illusions Scottsdale, where over 60 exhibits will have your family doing double-takes and scratching their heads. Your kids will walk on walls, grow and shrink before your eyes, and basically defy the laws of physics while you capture Instagram-worthy photos that’ll make all your friends wonder how you pulled off those impossible shots. The staff are basically wizards at helping you snap the most mind-blowing pictures, and the best part is watching your kids’ brains work overtime trying to figure out what’s real and what’s just messing with their minds. It’s located right at Arizona Boardwalk, so you can easily hop between attractions without spending too much time in the outdoor heat.
Pangaea
Time travel is totally possible at Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, where more than 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs are ready to transport your family back 65 million years. Your little paleontologists can dig for fossils, create clay masterpieces, and come face-to-face with a T-Rex that’s likely more impressive than anything they’ve seen in movies. The summer camps are where the real magic happens – the Hatchling Group (ages 4-7) and Dino-Mite Group (ages 8-14) combine education with entertainment, complete with live animal visits and arts and crafts that’ll keep them busy for hours. Plus, Pangaea Grill serves up dinosaur-themed food that’s way more appetizing than whatever the real dinosaurs were munching on, and since everything is indoors, your family can explore these prehistoric habitats without breaking a sweat.
Butterfly Wonderland
Step into America’s largest indoor butterfly conservatory where thousands of butterflies from around the world flutter freely in a tropical rainforest that feels like pure magic. Your kids will be mesmerized watching over 60 species of butterflies dance around while learning about their life cycles in the Emergence Gallery – it’s like having front-row seats to nature’s most beautiful transformation. The conservatory is climate-controlled year-round, offering a calm, comfortable escape surrounded by colorful koi fish, buzzing honeybees, and butterflies that might just land on your shoulder for the perfect photo op.
Arizona Valley Splash Pads
Arizona has mastered the art of staying cool with splash pads scattered across the Valley—basically summer survival tools disguised as playgrounds. Plan visits for early morning or late afternoon to dodge peak heat hours. Here are a few must-visit splash zones:
- Vista del Camino Park: Large splash area and shaded playground in South Scottsdale
- Chesnutt Park: Neighborhood-friendly spot with shaded play zones in Central Scottsdale
- Paiute Park: A quieter gem with open water features perfect for toddlers
- Scottsdale Quarter: Celebrate Summer Fridays at the Quad with splash pad fun, water toys, inflatables, retailer swag, and a DJ – the first 100 kids each week get free toys to take home
- Civic Space Park: (Phoenix) – Urban splash pad in downtown with plenty of green space
- Mountain Vista Park: (Phoenix) – Features water jets and shaded benches for lounging
Pack sunscreen, water, and dry clothes—no one walks away dry.
Salt River
The Salt River offers the ultimate Arizona summer adventure where families can tube down this iconic waterway while spotting wild horses along the banks. If you’re renting tubes through a guided service, be sure to follow their safety rules—kids must be at least 8 years old or 4 feet tall to tube. However, many people bring their own tubes and float independently, in which case these specific rules may not apply. The 2-4 hour float gives everyone plenty of time to soak up the scenery, while the gentle current does most of the work for you. Don’t forget to grab your $8 recreational day pass, pack tons of sunscreen, and bring waterproof snacks—this Arizona experience offers the perfect mix of relaxation, fun, and scenic beauty.
Live the Resort Life with Resort Pass Pools
Treat your family to a VIP day with ResortPass, which grants access to top Arizona resort pools without the hotel stay. Here’s where to dive in:
- Arizona Grand Resort & Spa: 7-acre water park with lazy river and big slides
- Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: 110-ft waterslide and Adventure Water Park
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Splash pad, pools, and family-friendly luxury
- Talking Stick Resort: Sleek pools with cabanas and nearby casino for adults
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows: Chill desert vibes with a gorgeous pool
- Hotel Valley Ho: Mid-century modern fun with colorful poolside energy
- Rise Uptown Hotel: Retro-cool pool experience with snacks and slushies
- Westin Downtown Phoenix: Great for a quick pool day in the city center
It’s your own personal oasis—minus the overnight cost.
Keep the Fun Going After Dark
Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean the fun has to end – Arizona’s nighttime entertainment scene is built for families who want to keep the good times rolling. Dave & Buster’s combines arcade games, sports viewing, and dining all under one roof, making it the kind of place where parents can catch the game while kids master the latest arcade challenges. PopStroke takes mini-golf to the next level with Tiger Woods-designed courses, full-service dining, and entertainment options like cornhole and ping pong that keep everyone engaged long after dark. Octane Raceway brings out everyone’s competitive side with high-speed electric karts on their unique indoor/outdoor track, while Bam Kazam offers the most unique experience of all – a “human arcade” where your family becomes the players in physical and mental challenges that’ll have you working together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
Plan Your Coolest Summer Yet
Ready to turn your Arizona summer into an adventure your kids will never forget? Don’t let the heat keep you from creating those special family moments that become treasured memories for years to come. Right now, we’re making it even easier to plan your summer getaway with our Arizona Summer Sale – for reservations booked now through August 31st, use code HELLOAZSUMMER at checkout and get 15% OFF select homes. Start planning your family’s coolest summer yet with a GoodNight Stay home as your comfortable, air-conditioned headquarters for all these amazing adventures.
