Why It’s Fun: Perfect for little artists and curious minds, the i.d.e.a. Museum offers hands-on exhibits, art activities, and creative play areas. Kids can paint, build, and explore interactive displays.
Best Time to Go: Mornings on weekdays are best for avoiding crowds.
Pro Tip: The museum often offers discounted admission days—check their website before visiting!
Why It’s Fun: Dinosaurs! This museum has life-size dinosaur skeletons, a gold-panning area, and exhibits on Arizona’s natural history.
Best Time to Go: Early in the morning to explore before school groups arrive.
Pro Tip: The dino dig area outside is a favorite for little ones, so bring a hat for sunny days.
Why It’s Fun: Nature-loving kids will enjoy birdwatching, walking along scenic trails, and seeing fish and turtles in the pond.
Best Time to Go: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and more active wildlife.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for a better look at the birds and wear comfortable walking shoes!
Why It’s Fun: This large park features playgrounds, a skate park, a fishing lake, and even a mini amusement area with a train and carousel (small fee for rides).
Best Time to Go: Afternoons or weekends when the rides are open.
Pro Tip: Bring a picnic and make a full day of it—there are plenty of shaded areas!
Why It’s Fun: Families can walk along the lake, rent paddle boats, or bring scooters and bikes to explore the paths.
Best Time to Go: Late afternoon for cooler weather and beautiful sunset views.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget sunscreen and water—it can get warm even in March!
Why It’s Fun: This park has it all—sports fields, a lake, playgrounds, and a splash pad for warm days.
Best Time to Go: Mornings are best for playground fun; afternoons are great for renting paddle boats.
Pro Tip: The park has lots of ducks—bring bird-friendly food if your kids love feeding animals!
Why It’s Fun: A beautiful way to explore desert plants, butterflies, and nature trails.
Best Time to Go: Early morning or on free admission days (check their website for dates).
Pro Tip: Bring a camera—the cactus garden is stunning in spring!
Why It’s Fun: Hike, bike, or just explore the desert landscape! The Wind Cave Trail is popular and offers great views.
Best Time to Go: Morning hikes are best before it gets too hot.
Pro Tip: Check the schedule for ranger-led events or guided hikes.
Why It’s Fun: A hub for creativity, featuring free art exhibits, outdoor sculptures, and occasional kid-friendly events.
Best Time to Go: Afternoons when the exhibits are open and the outdoor area is shady.
Pro Tip: Stop by on the first Friday of the month for special free events!
Why It’s Fun: A small but engaging museum that tells the story of Chandler’s history with interactive displays.
Best Time to Go: Midday, as it’s a great spot to cool off after playing outside.
Pro Tip: Admission is free, so it’s an easy add-on to a day of exploring Chandler.
Why It’s Fun: Playtopia is a huge themed playground with areas inspired by farms, forests, and transportation.
Best Time to Go: Mornings before it gets too warm.
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic—there are plenty of shaded tables!
Why It’s Fun: Step back into the Old West with a ghost town featuring a mine tour, shops, and an old-time saloon.
Best Time to Go: Early afternoon to catch the live gunfight reenactments.
Pro Tip: Entry is free, but some activities cost extra, so plan ahead!
Why It’s Fun: Learn about olive oil production on a free self-guided tour, then enjoy a delicious meal in the picnic area.
Best Time to Go: Lunch is a great time to visit.
Pro Tip: Kids love the gelato in the marketplace—worth a treat!
Why It’s Fun: Perfect for train lovers, with real historic train cars to explore.
Best Time to Go: Weekends when the train cars are open for tours.
Pro Tip: Bring a camera—the vintage trains make for great photos!
Why It’s Fun: Incredible views from Dobbins Lookout and easy-to-moderate hiking trails.
Best Time to Go: Mornings for a cool, comfortable hike.
Pro Tip: The drive up to the lookout is just as scenic as the hike!
Why It’s Fun: Home to Hole-in-the-Rock, an easy climb with a great view of the city.
Best Time to Go: Sunset for the best view.
Pro Tip: The Phoenix Zoo is nearby if you want to add another activity!
Why It’s Fun: Great trails for hiking, biking, or even horseback riding.
Best Time to Go: Early morning or late afternoon for the best temperatures.
Pro Tip: Look out for wildlife—you might see deer or coyotes!
Why It’s Fun: A free museum with hands-on exhibits about Tempe’s past.
Best Time to Go: Afternoons when the exhibits are less crowded.
Pro Tip: It’s next to a library, so you can make a reading stop afterward!
Why It’s Fun: Learn about Gilbert’s farming roots in a historic schoolhouse.
Best Time to Go: Mid-morning for a relaxed visit.
Pro Tip: Kids love the vintage farm equipment on display outside!
Why It’s Fun: Enjoy live music performances at Superstition Springs, perfect for a relaxed evening out. They host family-friendly concerts featuring various genres, from rock to country, giving everyone something to enjoy.
Best Time to Go: Evenings during the concert times, typically around sunset.
Pro Tip: Bring chairs or a blanket for a comfortable experience, and don’t forget snacks for the kids!
If you LOVE this list and want to share it with everything, we would be OK with that. If you don’t mind spending a few $$ and want to do something unique, Check out this post about the TOP 10 Things To Do In The PHX East Valley– “Winter Edition”. We got you…Like and Follow us on FB and IG for more FUN, family-friendly activities, local events, and insider tips in Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Chandler, Tempe, and Scottsdale!
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Maree Seiter
7257 S Atwood Suite 105 Mesa, AZ 85212
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