Tuck Into Tasty Treats On A Farmers Market Food Tour
Best Things for Families to Do in Scottsdale AZ
You can discover a lot about a new destination through its cuisine, and food here in Scottsdale is a big part of the local culture.
Join an expert foodie and sample some of the regions finest delicacies at different venues across town.
Youll be popping into restaurants, cafés, and food stores to try delights such as chimichangas and the popular Sonoran hot dog.
Dont miss Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market where local growers and specialty producers tempt you with their goods.
Devour artisan bread, homemade jams, and delectable mellow cheese, then quench your thirst with some cloudy apple cider.
Explore More Things To Do In Arizona
Scottsdale is beautiful year-round. Explore the best outdoor activities in Scottsdale, which are fabulous during fall, winter, and especially spring. Visiting in winter? Take a look at the best Christmas activities in Scottsdale. If youre planning a summertime trip, then be sure to read our tips for a Scottsdale summer vacation.
Headed to Northern Arizona? Youll definitely want to read my Grand Canyon tips!
To explore Americas biggest ghost town, check out my tips for visiting Jerome, Arizona.
Discover the charms of Arizonas territorial capital in my guide to Prescott.
Top 10 Best Things To Do In Scottsdale
Jeff Gee
Having lived in Arizona since 2001, Jeff has become an expert on the local Scottsdale area, making him the perfect contributing writer to the Checking In travel blog. His favorite local activities include eating at all the unique restaurants, riding his ATV and camping with friends in the desert wilderness.
From picturesque landscapes and trekking across hiking trails to world-class golf and unique attractions, Scottsdale is filled with fun for families, couples, friends and solo travelers alike.Its a well-rounded vacation destination with a little bit of everything activities, adventure, entertainment, relaxation, exploration.To help you narrow down some activities for your next getaway in our amazing desert oasis, below Im sharing my list of the 10 best things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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Ride The Rails At Mccormick
Dreams come true for train lovers at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
After hitching a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, visit the model railroad building which houses 10,000 square feet of interactive model trains. Then climb aboard the Scottsdale Railroad Museum, housed in historic railway cars.
In addition to all the train fun, this park features a vintage 1950s carousel and multiple playgrounds with a water feature. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch. Plenty of picnic tables and grassy lawns cover the grounds.
Take a look at our guide Arizona Train Ride for Kids for more rail riding fun.
Talking Stick Entertainment District
Editor’s Note: Photo taken from the establishment’s official social account
Posted by Talking Stick Entertainment District on Tuesday, January 5, 2021
A day is never enough to enjoy and experience everything Talking Stick Resort has to offer. From family-friendly activities to nightlife entertainment, youâll find anything you want here. Thereâs a casino on-site, where visitors can play poker, slots, keno, and table games. Meanwhile, those looking for a more relaxing alternative can head over to the spa for a full-body treatment. Dining opportunities are plentiful, whether youâre looking for fine dining with a view, authentic Creole cuisine, or Southwestern hearty food.
Opening hours: 24 hours
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Take A Stroll Through History At Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale has so much to do, from beautiful art installations and historic sites to wineries and ale trails. Whether you tour with a guide or on your own, youll love exploring all the shops and restaurants.My personal recommendations? After wandering the town, fuel up at the funky Rehab Burger Therapy and be sure to try one of their award-winning, specialty burgers.And if you saved room for dessert, go around the corner to Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor and experience an old-timey soda parlor.Old Town Scottsdale also features the Scottsdale Artwalk every Thursday, which is great for an easygoing evening of strolling through the towns local galleries.
Tour Old Town Scottsdale By Segway
Discover the Old Town of Scottsdale in style as you roll by on a fun-filled Segway tour.
Youll take in some of the major landmarks as well as a few off-the-beaten-track gems that most tourists miss.
The pedestrian-friendly Old Town streets are the place to go for internationally renowned art galleries, eclectic restaurants, and a whole host of local museums.
Dont worry if its your first time on a Segway, youll soon get the hang of it with a few handy hints from your trusty guide. Its so much better than exploring on foot!
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Old Town Farmer’s Market
This seasonal outdoor market runs October through May on Saturday mornings. You will find amazing local fresh produce, baked goods, meats, eggs, flowers and so much more. With over 100 vendors, you will be sure to check off everything on your grocery list, and go home feeling good about what you purchased from these local vendors.
Save This List Of Things To Do In Scottsdale
The BEST Arizona Family Travel Guide | Amazing things to do!
Dreaming of a Scottsdale family vacation? Be sure to save this list of the top things to do when visiting Scottsdale, AZ with kids. Just pin the image above to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow while youre at it!
Would you like to visit Scottsdale with kids? Have you ever been? Share your tips or questions in the comments below!
A Note from The Travel Mama: I received monetary compensation from Expedia related to this blog post. My family was also hosted by The Phoenician and Medieval Times. All opinions are mine, as always.
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Best Kids Activities In Scottsdale
Best known for its world-renowned golf courses, luxurious spas and resorts, and vibrant nightlife in Old Town, you may think of Scottsdale, AZ, as the perfect destination for a romantic getawaynot the next spot for your family vacation.
But wait! Even though Scottsdale might be better known for its adult activities, you might be surprised to discover the amount of fun, educational things available for you and your family to enjoy while visiting Scottsdale with kids.
From interactive museums, indoor mini-golf courses, and tons of animal encounters, kids of all ages will have an unforgettable time exploring all the fun, kid-friendly activities that Scottsdale, AZ, has to offer.
Mcdowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center
Significantly smaller and less expensive than the other options listed above, the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center is the only water park included thats actually located within Scottsdale. One winding waterslide, a pleasant lazy river, high and low diving boards, and a zero-entry splash play area make this an affordable and fun place for families to cool off.
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The Arizona Boardwalk & The Talking Stick Entertainment District
The Talking Stick Entertainment District and the Arizona Boardwalk combine to form Scottsdales biggest family entertainment center so if you are traveling with children, there is a pretty strong chance that you will be spending at least a few hours here. The Boardwalk is home to the OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, Ripleys Believe It or Not, a Laser & Mirror Maze, Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, Surprise Your Eyes, VR Extreme, and Polar Play Ice Bar. You can also try your hand at medieval jousting, pretend to soar through the air at Indoor Skydiving, or cruise around the racetrack in Go-Karts at the . There are also free events held in the outdoor courtyard which combined with or two of the attractions can create a very exciting day out!
The Talking Stick Entertainment District provides hours of family-friendly fun and has an incredible range of activities located under one roof. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to see everything there, especially if you want to do more than one of the attractions.
Butterfly Wonderland
The Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly pavilion in the United States and is located in its own rainforest environment. Thousands of butterflies from around the world swirl around you like a mini-United Nations as you walk through the glass atrium. When you are done, you can check out real ant and bee colonies, watch a show at the 3D theater, or buy a cute souvenir at the gift shop.
Odysea Aquarium
Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs
Watch Baseball In The Salt River Fields Stadium At Talking Stick
Salt River Fields is a Major League Baseball stadium built on Indian land not far from Scottsdale.
The Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies collaborated with the Native American community to build a complex that showcases cultural diversity in the region.
Its a popular Spring Training venue for the players, so why not catch a game while youre in town. Book ahead as tickets sell out fast.
The landscape here is scenic too, with unrivaled views of the McDowell Mountains, Camelback Mountain, and Four Peaks.
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Become A Detective During An Escape Game
Sometimes its just too hot to explore outside, and its days like these when an escape game really comes into its own.
Get stuck into some sleuthing in this air-conditioned venue, where clues and challenges will lead you on a merry dance.
Make those brain cells spring into action as you try and decipher riddles with your teammates.
Youll have 60 minutes to crack codes and figure out puzzles so keep your wits about you.
The escape room will test your creative thinking and put your problem-solving skills to the test. Have you got what it takes?
Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
Also located in Old Town Scottsdale is the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, a beautiful outdoor space filled with whimsical sculptures, flower-filled gardens, and burbly fountains. Pop into the expansive Scottsdale Public Librarys childrens section to cozy up with a good book in a make-believe castle. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts are also located here.
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Best Things To Do With Kids In Scottsdale
BY Patricia EscarcegaPhoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson Local Expert
Scottsdale is known for its upscale boutiques and lively nightlife, but this desert metropolis also happens to be a great family vacation destination.
If you’re traveling to Scottsdale with young kids, be sure to plan a visit to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, a free attraction where kids can get up close to historic locomotives, visit a model railroad museum, and even ride a train through the park.
Kid of all ages will enjoy a visit to the Musical Instrument Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to collecting instruments from around the world. Interactive, hands-on exhibits encourage younger visitors to experiment with different instruments and sounds.
All kids love butterflies, so take the tikes on a trip to Butterfly Wonderland, one of Scottsdale’s newest attractions. It’s the largest indoor butterfly atrium in the country and the perfect place to give the kids a fun glimpse into the secret life of everybody’s favorite insects.
One of the best things about visiting Scottsdale is getting to experience the wonder of the desert. For a fun family night that celebrates the natural scenery and Old West history of the Southwest, head to MacDonald’s Ranch in beautiful north Scottsdale. You can enjoy hayrides, singalongs around the campfire, and authentic Western barbecue.
Scottsdale With Desert Splash Adventures
14 Fun Family Friendly Things to do in Scottsdale Arizona – Living in Scottsdale AZ – Real Estate
Google Review: 5/5
Address: 15115 N Airport Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
- Operated by Island Air Express
Why you should visit: This is a thrilling adventure that will give you the most scenic view of Scottsdale from above. You will be aboard Arizonas only Cessna Caravan.
Things to do: Take this adrenaline-charged ride across Scottsdale to experience the breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert, Roosevelt Lake, and Lake Powell.
The Cessna Caravan is an amphibious seaplane. The highlight of your ride will be the plane landing on the water at the end of your ride. How cool is that!
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The Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden At Chaparral Park
The Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden at Chaparral Park is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat that features over 7,000 plants and 200 species. Fed by a vast underwater reservoir, the expansive 5.5-acre garden was established to protect and preserve regional plant species and provide an educational resource to raise awareness about local plant species and sustainable landscaping using reduced water usage.
Visitors to the garden can move around easily, following clear signage and an interactive plant guide that highlights the facts about the low-water-use plants and trees and water harvesting. The guide also gives excellent tips for caring for desert landscapes.
SE corner of Hayden & McDonald Road, Scottsdale, Arizona, Phone: 480-312-3111
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Stroll Over The Soleri Bridge
Down on the buzzing waterfront, youll find the stunning Soleri Bridge.
Designed by Paolo Soleri, an architect, philosopher, and artist of great acclaim, the pedestrianized bridge is a popular gathering place in downtown Scottsdale.
This remarkable feet of engineering also acts as a solar calendar, bringing together past and present by celebrating key cosmic events defined by the suns shadow.
The bridge is popular with both residents and visitors who come to admire the totemic panels and the towering silver pylons.
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Hot Air Balloon Ride Over The Sonoran Desert
If youve never been in a hot air balloon before, Scottsdale is the place to do it. Glide over cacti and witness coyote running about down below. The balloon floats so effortlessly in the morning sun, and its such a peaceful way to spend a few hours. Hot Air Expeditions provided us with a flawless morning and an experience Ill remember for years to come. I mean cmon, whats better than hanging out 3,000 feet above the desert during sunrise?
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Its worth the early morning wake up call, trust me. With the flight starting so early in the morning, you can save the afternoon for another activity! However, you might want to take a cat nap mid-day or spend an hour or two by the pool before venturing out again!
If theres one thing to splurge on during your weekend in Scottsdale, a ride in a hot air balloon wins every single time.
Where To Eat In Scottsdale
The culinary delights of Scottsdales trendy restaurant scene make it one of the top dining destinations in the United States.
Start your day with the creative menu at Hash Kitchen. Popular dishes include Almond Crusted French Toast and Fruity Pebble Pancakes.
Or stop by Butterfields Pancake House for made-from-scratch breakfast, including mouth-watering crepes and some of the best omelettes in Arizona.
For a delicious burger in a fun, beach-vibes environment, go to Rehab Burger Therapy. Reviewers rave over the Mac and Cheese burger and sweet potato tots. And if you are brave enough to try the PBJ & Bacon Burger, you wont regret it.
A visit to the southwest deserves a southwestern meal. Old Town Tortilla Factory offers up southwestern cuisine with a Mexican twist in a 1930s adobe home. The spicy Red Chile Pork Chops topped with Ancho raspberry sauce bring just the right amount of kick. And the Achite Ribs are a crowd favorite.
A tour of Scottsdale wouldnt be complete without a stop by Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant. This historic pink building has been providing classic American dishes and decadent ice cream treats to customers since the 1950s.
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Don Bluth Front Row Theatre
Want the best seats in the house? You cant go wrong at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre! Thats because there are only 73 seats, which surround the stage on three sides. You just might be surprised by the caliber of talent this little live theater puts forth. I know I was! Look for family-friendly productions like , Its a Wonderful Life and The Wizard of Oz.
Indulge All Your Senses At The Spa
Looking for relaxing things to do in Scottsdale? Then book a spa session to recharge those batteries and focus on nothing but you for a few hours.
After all, you deserve a bit of pampering after all that hard-core city sightseeing and desert hiking.
The spas in Scottsdale are veritable temples of health with an eye-popping range of treatments and experiences to choose from.
Relieve stress and give your immune system a boost in the salt caves or enjoy a spot of meditation in the floatation tank.
Traditionalists can opt for soothing facials, cleansing saunas, and of course a whole range of different massages.
Youll leave feeling like a new person!
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