Phoenix is the capital and largest city of Arizona, a state that is a recognized center of Native American art. That’s one of the reasons why you can find a great variety of educational attractions, such as museums, which include all kinds of hands-on exhibits for children to learn more about the city’s history, art, and culture.
From art galleries to botanical gardens and zoos, there’s plenty of family entertainment to choose from in Phoenix, including kid-friendly libraries, laser tags, and more.
Now, with no further ado, here’s a list of must-see museums and attractions for kids in Phoenix. Each venue has hours and contact information to call ahead for fee information or anything else you need to know.
Most Popular Museums and Attractions for Kids in Phoenix
1
600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Arizona Science Center
Arizona Science Center is the best place for curious minds! Check out the permanent exhibits and learn how our bodies work, understand the science of flight, or experience what it’s like to be in the middle of a tornado. You can also visit one of the largest and most technologically advanced planetariums in the nation: Dorrance Planetarium. These and so much more await you at Arizona Science Center; it’s one of the best interactive science museums! You will not know where to begin!2
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Desert Botanical Garden
If you are looking to spend a day strolling with the family, some time enjoying Arizona’s music scene, or a spot for a date night, the Desert Botanical Garden is the place for you! Find thousands of species of cactus, trees, and flowers from all around the world, art exhibitions, festive events, educational museum programs, such as a variety of classes, and so much more. Depending on the season, you can attend a variety of events for all ages!3
11300 N Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA
Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden
You can find more than twenty-nine Sonoran Desert plants in this 8-acre garden, founded as a wildlife preserve. From rock formations to animal life and desert flora, you will have a nice family time sharing the views of this Botanical Garden in Fountain Hills.4
4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, USA
Goldfield Ghost Town & Mine Tours
Visit Main Street and take a look at the historic buildings in Goldfield Town. You can even purchase something at the many shops and, of course, visiting the Mammoth Gold Mine and the Goldfield Museum is a must! And this is not all: you can have first-row seats to an old west gunfight performed by the Goldfield Gunfighters!5
6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Hall of Flame
With almost an acre of fire exhibits, including uniforms, equipment, fire apparatus, artwork, and much more, the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty or who have been decorated for heroism. Not only can you see pieces from different European countries and America, you can also visit a mini-theater, a two-room safety house, and many exhibits that kids will enjoy. If you were looking for children's and toddler zones at museums, they have a special children’s area that they’ll love the most.6
2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum centers its exhibitions and collections on the advancement of American Indian art. The collections use a first-person voice to tell the stories of American Indian cultures, and you will find changing exhibitions that even include shows for all the family to learn about Arizona’s past. On the first Fridays of the month, they offer free museum days in Phoenix!7
113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Heritage Square
If your little ones love history, this is the place for your family to visit! The square dates to the late 1800s, and once you start exploring, you will immediately feel like you’re living in the Victorian past. If you get hungry, there are many options of good food for the whole family, and the best part: the Rosson House Museum, a fully restored 1895 Queen Anne Victorian house that interprets the history of Arizona’s capital city.8
12901 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA
River of Time Museum
The focus of this interactive museum is the history of the Lower Verde River valley and the people who settled here: the ancient Hohokam, the Yavapai, early ranchers, and modern-day settlers. You will see different exhibitions that will teach you what brought these ancient people to this land and how they’ve found ways to create an oasis in the Verdes.9
Camp Verde Way, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USA
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Out of Africa Wildlife Park If you love animals, you will love Out of Africa Wildlife Park! It is said that cats don’t like water… It’s not the case for these big felines! Watch how Bengal and Siberian tigers interact with each other, playing and splashing in a large pool. You can interact with different animals and take amazing pictures of hyenas laughing, carnivores feasting, and even touch and hold a giant snake. Instagram will love it. Visit Out of Africa Wildlife Park, it's one of those attractions for kids that they’ll all want to enjoy again and again!10
1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum is the largest in the Southwestern U.S. Its permanent collection galleries include works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern, and contemporary art, and fashion design. You can find photography exhibitions as well as a great variety of public programs, including films, lectures, tours, you name it. There’s something for every taste in the Phoenix Art Museum, even for your little ones! They offer hands-on exhibits for children, so it’s a great learning experience for the whole family.11
17 S 2nd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
Phoenix Police Museum
After World War II, many changes to police work occurred, from uniforms to weapons. This is an example of what you will find at the Phoenix Police Museum. You will visit Phoenix’s first Marshall Office and Jail history, learn about early law enforcement of the Arizona Rangers, and even be sworn in as a Police officer in a Police uniform! Doesn’t this make it one of the most exciting museums and attractions for kids in Phoenix?! Your kids will love it.12
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Phoenix Zoo
The largest zoo in the United States will always make any list of the best attractions for kids in Phoenix. The city will suddenly become Africa, and you will find yourself meters away from Asian elephants, tigers, giraffes, and many other species (the Phoenix zoo is home to over 400 species and more than 3000 animals… so, you get the picture). A day will not be enough to see it all, so you will want to revisit it many times. Or you will love it so much you will go back. Either way, your first visit will not be the last one.13
4619 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
Pueblo Grande Museum
If you want to learn more about Pueblo Grande and the Greater Southwest, this museum is the place to visit. With hands-on exhibits for children of all ages and interests, you will learn about the Hohokam people, archaeology, and much more!Learning is a habit you should never quit – especially at a young age. Luckily for your little ones, Phoenix offers exciting classes of almost anything you can imagine! From cooking classes to dance, music, or enjoying the challenges of the awesome LEGO Clubs in the city’s libraries or museums.
