Things to Do in Scottsdale with Kids: A Family-Friendly Travel Guide
- May 21
- 9 min read
Scottsdale is not just for golf trips, spa weekends, winter visitors, and adults looking for sunshine.
It is also a great destination for families.
With warm weather, outdoor activities, easy desert walks, pools, parks, museums, kid-friendly attractions, nearby Phoenix experiences, restaurants, day trips, and plenty of space to relax, Scottsdale can be a fun and comfortable home base for families visiting Arizona.
For parents, grandparents, and multi-generational groups, the key to a successful Scottsdale family trip is balance.
You want enough activities to keep kids engaged, but you also need downtime, meals, laundry, flexible schedules, and space to spread out.
That is why professionally managed vacation rentals work so well for family travel.
At iTrip Scottsdale, our vacation rentals give families the bedrooms, kitchens, laundry, parking, living space, Wi-Fi, and flexibility they need to enjoy Scottsdale more comfortably than they could in a standard hotel room.
Whether you are planning a spring break trip, winter family visit, summer pool getaway, holiday stay, Spring Training trip, or long weekend with kids, this guide covers some of the best things to do in Scottsdale with kids — and why choosing the right place to stay can make the whole trip easier.
Why Scottsdale Works Well for Family Travel
Scottsdale is a strong family destination because it offers a mix of outdoor fun, low-stress activities, warm weather, and easy access to the greater Phoenix area.
Families can enjoy:
Pools and patios
Easy hikes and scenic walks
Parks and playgrounds
Kid-friendly museums
Shopping and dining
Scottsdale also works well for multi-generational trips.
Grandparents, parents, kids, and extended family can all find something to enjoy, whether that means golf, hiking, pool time, shopping, museums, baseball games, or simply relaxing together at the rental.
Why Vacation Rentals Are Ideal for Families Visiting Scottsdale
Family trips usually require more than a place to sleep.
Families need room to function.
A professionally managed iTrip Scottsdale vacation rental can make a family trip easier by offering:
Multiple bedrooms in many homes
Full kitchens
Laundry
Parking
Living rooms
Outdoor areas when available
Wi-Fi
Space for kids’ items, groceries, and luggage
Room for grandparents or visiting family
Flexible schedules
A comfortable place to rest between activities
For families, these features matter every day.
A kitchen helps with breakfast, snacks, picky eaters, bottles, early mornings, and family meals. Laundry helps with swimsuits, sports clothes, spills, and longer stays. Parking makes outings easier. Extra bedrooms help everyone sleep better.
A vacation rental lets the family trip feel less rushed and more comfortable.
Planning a Family Trip to Scottsdale?
Choose an iTrip Scottsdale vacation rental with the bedrooms, kitchens, laundry, parking, living space, and flexibility families need.
Spend Time at the Pool
For many families, pool time is one of the biggest reasons to visit Scottsdale.
A pool can turn the vacation rental into part of the entertainment, not just a place to stay.
Depending on the property, families may enjoy:
Private pool access
Year round heated pool
Community pool access
Patio seating
Outdoor meals
Relaxed afternoons
Pool breaks between activities
Quiet evenings after busy days
Pool time is especially helpful for families because it creates built-in downtime.
Instead of scheduling every minute, parents can plan one outing, return to the rental, and let everyone relax.
Family Tip
Always confirm pool details before booking, including whether a pool is private or community-based, whether it is heated, whether heating fees apply, and what safety rules are in place.
Explore Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale can be fun for families because it combines walking, shopping, dining, art, public spaces, Western character, and plenty of places to stop.
Families may enjoy:
Souvenir shopping
Ice cream or sweet treats
Casual restaurants
Public art
Western-style streetscapes
Galleries and shops
Seasonal events
Easy walking
Old Town works especially well when families do not want a strenuous outing.
You can walk, browse, eat, take photos, and head back to the rental when everyone is ready for a break.
Visit Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden is a great family-friendly activity because it offers a beautiful introduction to Arizona’s desert environment without requiring a difficult hike.
Families can enjoy:
Desert plants
Walking paths
Seasonal exhibits
Cactus and wildflowers
Educational experiences
Easy outdoor exploration
This is a good option for families who want nature, but also want amenities, paths, and a more structured experience.
It can pair well with Papago Park or Phoenix Zoo for a fuller day in the area, as they are all located together. Some of the best views of the valley are from Papago Park.
Go to Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions near Scottsdale.
It works especially well for younger kids, animal lovers, and families who want a structured activity that still gets everyone outside.
Families can combine the zoo with nearby attractions such as:
Tempe activities
Casual lunch stops
Easy scenic drives
Because the zoo involves walking and sun exposure, families should bring water, hats, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and plan around warmer parts of the day. Tempe Marketplace is right up the street, and Tempe Town Lake has bike paths, parks, and things to do and see on both sides of the water that are great for families and kids.
Take an Easy Family Hike or Desert Walk
Scottsdale is surrounded by beautiful desert scenery, and family-friendly hikes can be a great way to experience Arizona together.
Not every hike needs to be difficult.
Families may prefer:
Short scenic trails
Easy loops
Nature walks
Sunrise walks
Greenbelt paths
Desert overlooks
Trails with manageable terrain
Possible areas to consider include:
Pinnacle Peak area
Scottsdale greenbelt paths
Fountain Hills lake area and the tallest fountain in the U.S. and fourth tallest in the world.
Cave Creek-area outdoor spaces
The goal is not to push everyone too hard. The goal is to enjoy the scenery, take photos, look for birds or cactus, and create a memorable family experience.
Family Hiking Tips
Bring more water than you think you need, use sun protection, wear closed-toe shoes, stay on marked trails, avoid midday heat, and choose trails based on the youngest or least experienced person in the group.
Enjoy Spring Training Baseball
For families visiting in late winter or early spring, Cactus League Spring Training can be one of the best Scottsdale-area experiences.
Spring Training is more relaxed than regular-season baseball and can be a great fit for kids because games are often smaller, sunny, and easier to experience casually.
Families may enjoy:
Day games
Seeing favorite teams
Visiting different stadiums
Baseball snacks
Team gear
Photos at the ballpark
Pairing games with pool time or dinner
A vacation rental is especially helpful during Spring Training because families need parking, laundry, multiple bedrooms, and space to rest between games.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is one of Scottsdale’s most family-friendly attractions.
It is especially appealing for younger children and families who want an easy, playful outing.
Families may enjoy:
Train rides
Play areas
Open space
Picnic-style outings
Seasonal events
Casual family photos
This is a great option when families want something simple and kid-focused without committing to a full-day attraction.
Explore Butterfly Wonderland and Nearby Indoor Attractions
Butterfly Wonderland and nearby indoor attractions in the Salt River / Talking Stick area can be useful options for families, especially on hot days or when kids need a break from hiking and outdoor sun.
Depending on family interests, this area may offer access to:
Butterfly exhibits
Indoor entertainment
Dining
Nearby shopping or family-friendly stops
These types of attractions can be especially valuable during summer, warmer spring days, or travel days when the family needs something easier and more structured.
Plan Hot Day Activities
Scottsdale is beautiful, but Arizona heat is real.
For families visiting during warmer months, hot day planning matters.
Good hot day ideas may include:
Pool time
Indoor museums
Aquarium or indoor attractions
Early morning walks only
Shopping centers
Movie time
Casual lunch indoors
Board games or downtime at the rental
Early dinner after the day cools slightly
A vacation rental can be a major advantage on hot days because families have space to rest, nap, cook, do laundry, and enjoy the pool or indoor comfort without feeling stuck in one small room.
Visit Family-Friendly Museums and Cultural Stops
Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area offer several museum and cultural options that can work for families, depending on kids’ ages and interests.
Families may consider:
These activities can be especially helpful for multi-generational trips where grandparents, parents, and kids want something educational and meaningful.
Take a Family Day Trip
Scottsdale is a great home base for family-friendly day trips.
Depending on the season, kids’ ages, and family interests, possible day trips may include:
Day trips work best when families avoid overplanning.
Pick one main destination, allow extra time, pack snacks and water, and return to the rental before everyone gets too tired.
Try Birdwatching or Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching can be a surprisingly good family activity in Arizona.
Kids may enjoy looking for:
Quail
Roadrunners
Hummingbirds
Owls
Hawks
Woodpeckers
Waterbirds
Desert wildlife
Families can make birdwatching simple by bringing binoculars, using a birding app, or turning a walk into a “what can we spot?” activity.
Good areas may include:
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Papago Park
Rio Salado
Scottsdale greenbelts
Fountain Hills lake area
This is a great activity for families who want outdoor time without a major expense or complicated schedule.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Dining
Scottsdale has plenty of dining options for families.
The best family dining approach is often flexible:
Breakfast at the rental
Lunch out during activities
Casual dinners
Patio dining when weather is comfortable
Snacks and easy meals at home
Special dinner one or two nights
Treat stops in Old Town or shopping areas
Having a kitchen changes the family travel experience.
It lets parents avoid restaurant fatigue, manage picky eaters, keep snacks available, and create easier mornings.
Build in Downtime
This may be the most important family travel tip.
Do not overschedule every day.
Kids need downtime. Parents need downtime. Grandparents need downtime.
A good Scottsdale family trip may include:
One main activity per day
Pool or patio time
Flexible meals
Quiet afternoons
Easy evenings
A few unplanned hours
Shorter outings instead of full-day marathons
A vacation rental supports this kind of travel because the property becomes part of the vacation.
Families can rest, regroup, swim, cook, watch a movie, do laundry, and enjoy time together without constantly being on the go.
Suggested Family-Friendly Scottsdale Itinerary
Here is a simple example of how a family might structure a Scottsdale trip.
Day 1: Arrival and Settle In
Check in, unpack, pick up groceries, and enjoy an easy dinner or pool time.
Day 2: Old Town Scottsdale
Explore shops, treats, lunch, public art, and family-friendly dining.
Day 3: Desert Botanical Garden or Phoenix Zoo
Choose one main attraction, then return to the rental for downtime.
Day 4: Pool and Relaxation Day
Keep the schedule light. Swim, cook, play games, or enjoy patio time.
Day 5: Easy Hike or Scenic Walk
Visit McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Papago Park, or a greenbelt path early in the day.
Day 6: Spring Training, Museum, or Indoor Activity
Choose based on the season and family interests.
Day 7: Family Day Trip
Visit Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, Saguaro Lake, Sedona, or another destination that fits the group.
For longer stays, this rhythm can spread out across several weeks.
What Families Should Look for in a Scottsdale Vacation Rental
Choosing the right rental can make the entire trip easier.
Families should look for:
Enough bedrooms
Comfortable living space
Full kitchen
Laundry
Parking
Wi-Fi
Outdoor areas when available
Pool or community pool access if desired
Family-friendly layout
Kid friendly activities or games
Convenient location
Professional local management
Clear house rules
Direct booking options
The right rental gives families space to be together without feeling crowded.
Why iTrip Scottsdale Vacation Rentals Are a Smart Fit for Families
iTrip Scottsdale vacation rentals are a strong fit for family travel because they offer the practical features families need.
Depending on the property, guests may benefit from:
Multiple bedrooms
Furnished homes and condos
Full kitchens
Laundry
Parking
Comfortable living rooms
Outdoor spaces
Pool access where available
Wi-Fi
Space for kids, grandparents, and luggage
Local support
For families, this can create a smoother and more comfortable Scottsdale experience.
Instead of trying to fit everyone into one or two rooms, families can enjoy a real home base.
Book Direct With iTrip Scottsdale
When guests book direct with iTrip Scottsdale, they can:
Communicate more directly with the local team
Ask questions about property layout
Confirm amenities
Better understand parking, pool access, and location
Avoid some third-party platform fees
Build a relationship for future stays
Make repeat booking easier
Many families return to Scottsdale for school breaks, Spring Training, winter visits, holidays, and family gatherings.
Once you find a property and management team you trust, booking direct can make future trips simpler.
Start Planning Your Scottsdale Family Vacation
If you are planning a family trip to Scottsdale, choosing the right home base matters.
iTrip Scottsdale vacation rentals give families the space, comfort, kitchens, laundry, parking, and flexibility they need to enjoy Arizona more easily.
Whether your trip is built around pool time, Spring Training, desert walks, Phoenix attractions, Old Town Scottsdale, family visits, or a relaxing warm-weather escape, the right vacation rental can help the whole family feel more comfortable.
Explore more great family friendly things to do on your trip to Arizona on our:
Make Scottsdale Your Family Home Base
Book direct with iTrip Scottsdale for a more comfortable family stay and an easier return trip.
