Location: Scottsdale
Top Things to do in Scottsdale
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Scottsdale, Arizona (AZ)
Scottsdale has more spas per capita than any other city in the U.S.—so whether you’re looking for the latest medi-spa technology or a new-agey, bohemian vibe, there’s sure to be something for you. It's a good thing, too—after spending all day touring the beautiful desert, you'll be grateful for some pampering.
Restaurants in Scottsdale
1. Off-Road Jeep Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 748 reviews
Scottsdale’s 2019-2020 #1 ranked Trip Advisor outdoor activity. We offer off-road Sonoran desert Jeep tours and other various outdoor activities in the Scottsdale area.
2. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,114 reviews
Reviewed By 110edwardf
We visited the preserve on two different days from two different trailheads. Both Gateway and Lost Dog Wash trailheads had good parking, restrooms and trails. There were good maps and well marked trails in good condition. The trails were interlinked loops, so you could start on one but switch to another if you wanted to see different territory. For example at the Lost Dog Wash trailhead, we started in the Ring Tail trail. But at a junction at a choice to stay on that trail that had city views, but switched to Lost Dog Wash to hike into a different little valley with more birds, plants and cactus to see. WeSaw lots of people both days, but it didn’t feel crowded at all.
3. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 503 reviews
Tours by appointment only. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation facility specializing in wild mammals. Over 70% of the animals that come into our center are returned to the wild. For those that cannot be released, we offer a home for life in our sanctuary. We conduct guided tours of our sanctuary by appointment only. Reservations are required and can be made on our website under the Visit Us tab.
Reviewed By nf0x - Denver, United States
Fun and educational experience for all ages. Passionate and well informed volunteers lead you through this animal sanctuary for Arizona rescued animals. Up close opportunity to see and learn about a variety of animals. See Mexican Gray Wolves that the center plays a role in their repopulation in the southwest US. Tours are outdoors and in the shade.
4. Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is a statewide facility that includes a surrender facility, education program, summer camps and rescue and rehabilitation. Visit over 1700 reptiles in their natural habitat while expert guides describe origin, diet, and conservation status. Students may even interact with some critically endangered animals. See more than 230 venomous snakes in the Venom & Research Lab as well as alligators, crocodiles, Galapagos tortoises, Gila monsters, just to name a few.
Reviewed By Daryl0591 - Sanibel Island, United States
Must make appointment. Great to do with kids. Extensive collection of alligators, crocks, turtles and snakes. Took 2.5 hours.
5. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,215 reviews
Climb aboard the miniature replica of a Colorado narrow gauge railroad to explore this park that features famous railroad cars and an antique carousel.
Reviewed By jssplsn
This is a great way to spend a beautiful day in the Phoenix area if you have kids under the age of 5. There's a large playground and a model railroad for free, and for less than $20 you can buy enough tickets for a family of 4 to ride the carousel and the miniature train and visit the museum, which has real historical train cars to explore. There's tons of space for picnics and just running around, too.
6. Scottsdale Civic Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By earlr877 - Scottsdale, United States
We bought a condo within two blocks of Scottsdale's Civic Center Park. Oddly, at the time of purchase we were unaware of this gem of a park. It contains the Performing Arts Center, Contemporary Arts Museum, the amazing Civic Center Library, City Hall, several restaurants, a major local hotel, interesting fountains, and impressive public art. We enjoy major festivals there throughout the year. It is one of the most photographed areas of any city in Arizona. Just this morning, some visitors asked me to take their pictures in front of Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture, a spot that so popular it's hard for the city to keep the grass alive in front of it. The Scottsdale Civic Center is an exceptional gem, far surpassing similar facilities in much larger cities.
7. Scottsdale Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 430 reviews
Reviewed By Rita23890 - Virginia Beach, United States
This is a great stadium - lots of parking and easy to find. Vendors are very nice. There are also several nice restaurants in the area, Vogue Bistro and Amuse Buche, as well as the typical chain restaurants.
8. Kierland Commons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Kierland Commons is a unique, upscale Main Street outdoor lifestyle center that artfully blends retail shopping, dining and entertainment. The one-of-a-kind development incorporates over 70 high-end specialty stores that include a distinctive selection of national retail choices, such as Anthropologie, Splendid, Michael Kors, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Crate & Barrel, Athleta, Sur La Table, Eileen Fisher, Tommy Bahama and Z Gallerie. Guests may also choose from a variety of the Valley's consistently ranked best restaurants like Zinc Bistro, The Greene House, Mastro's Ocean Club, North, and RA Sushi Bar & Restaurant. Featuring regional cuisine from Continental to French to Japanese, there is something for everyone.
Reviewed By E3698BAstevens - Hewitt, United States
I've been here countless times and they always seems to get better. The service is over the top and the food is amazing. The sleeping rooms are very nice and the golf is out of the world. Another good part is that Kierland Commons is right across the street where there is tons of shopping and restaurants.
9. Scottsdale Fashion Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 586 reviews
Scottsdale Fashion Square is the Southwest's distinctive address for premier shopping, dining and entertainment. Scottsdale Fashion Square offers a compelling retail experience in the heart of the country's fastest-growing major metropolitan area. In Phoenix, where shopping is a top passion for domestic and international visitors, Scottsdale Fashion Square offers the very best in every category. Elite brands beckon at every turn - from Burberry and Boss Hugo Boss to kate spade, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Neiman Marcus.
Reviewed By 91brandil - Turlock, United States
Neimans, Dillards, Nordstrom, Macy’s and designer shops all in one mall. The parking was easy too! Large food court. I’ll be back!!!
10. Salt River Fields
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 422 reviews
Reviewed By Rickconnor - Scottsdale, United States
Salt River Fields, MLB Spring Training facility shared by the AZ Diamondbacks and CO Rockies is incredible. Plenty of parking, lots of great food/beverage options and an incredible view of the Scottsdale McDowell Mountains...take a selfie (ideally at sunset) from the main concourse behind home plate for great shot with the mountains backdrop.
