Family Travel with Kids

Offering a mix of kid-friendly activities and outdoor adventures, Arizona is a top destination for family fun. With hands-on science exhibits, massive water parks and quirky themed attractions, find the ultimate playgrounds for kids throughout the state.

Start at zoos and wildlife parks for unforgettable animal encounters. Kid-friendly destinations such as the Phoenix Zoo feature critters from around the world. At Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, animals native to the desert Southwest such as mountain lions, coyotes and javelinas steal the show. Enjoy more wildlife encounters at aquariums, a drive-through bear sanctuary, a big-cat exhibition and a roadside ostrich ranch.

Add other kid-friendly destinations to the agenda to make sure Arizona leaves a lasting impression. See life-sized dinosaur fossils, tour historic trains or dabble in science experiments. Hop aboard historic train cars, such as the wildly popular Polar Express excursions at Grand Canyon Railway. Also discover Arizona’s Wild West history on display at the daily reenactments of the OK Corral shootout in captured-in-time Tombstone.

Families have many options to stay the night at resorts with epic pools and water parks built in, such as Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale. The Arizona Wild Bunch Family Pass has more recommendations for kid-tested, parent-approved activities across the state. Plus, Junior Ranger programs at the Grand Canyon and other select state parks will give kids an appreciation for the state’s natural wonders.