Kid-Friendly Places in DTPHX

Learning is a joy at the Children's Museum of Phoenix with three floors of hands-on, interactive, educational and fun activities for children ages 0-10. A cool day of play is guaranteed with featured experiences like the Foam Zone, where kids can bounce around in bubbles all summer long.

Open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Indulge your curiosity and never stop wondering at Arizona Science Center. The activities are endless, with tons of hands-on learning for children of all ages.

During your visit, you can lie on a bed of nails, feel the rain of a monsoon in Forces of Nature and explore over 300 more interactive exhibits. The Science Center also offers in-depth learning experiences, like the CREATE Skill Studio Workshop.

Open Tuesday - Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Valley Youth Theatre is a safe place where young people from diverse backgrounds can learn and grow as individuals, performers, and leaders through a transformational performing arts experience. The theatre also offers various camps and programs, where students are encouraged to let their special talents and personalities shine.

VYT produces six mainstage shows each season, two of which are produced at the Herberger Theater Center.

Hours vary. Contact (602) 253-8188 to learn more.

Known by every parent looking for a way to entertain their kids, every student looking for a place to study, and every bookworm looking for their next read, Burton Barr Central Library provides a host of educational resources and entertainment options for Downtown Phoenix and beyond.

The library also offers a free makerspace on the fourth floor, where little makers (and adults) who love to tinker can learn various technical and mechanical skills.

Open Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Tuesday - Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

With shady seating, nearby dining options, and a fun, welcoming vibe, the Arizona Center is your one-stop hub for kid-friendly fun. This open-air entertainment and shopping destination goes beyond the usual with free, family-focused events occurring on a regular basis.

Don’t miss Family First Friday, featuring local food vendors, interactive activities, live music, and an on-site roller rink with Zoni Girls. Every first Friday of the month from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Stop by with the whole family for a Community Play Date: a free event packed with games, crafts, giveaways, and activities designed especially for kids ages 0–6. Every fourth Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

With exciting plays, crowd-pleasing entertainment, and a fully air-conditioned stadium (a must during those triple-digit summer days), it’s a homerun for families. Little fans will love the D-backs Kid’s Club, special themed nights, and the Sandlot, an interactive play area designed just for kids—complete with a whiffle ball field, playground, and batting cage.

Click here to view the Arizona Diamondbacks game schedule.

Phoenix Center for the Arts offers a wide range of community classes, performances, exhibitions, and events for children (and adults) of all ages. Explore a wide range of classes, including fine arts, photography, ceramics, glass, metals and jewelry, printmaking, dance, performance, and music.

Open Monday - Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Friday and Sunday.

Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll through the park or visiting one of their many special events throughout the year, Hance Park offers 32 acres of beautiful, public landscape in the heart of the city. The park features plenty of amenities for the whole family to enjoy, including:

- Dog Park

- Drinking Fountains

- Grill/Picnic Area

- Playground

- Restrooms

- Shade Structures

- Splash Pad

- Volleyball Court

Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

This hidden gem offers a serene and scenic escape where kids can explore winding pathways, spot koi fish in the ponds, and experience a bit of Japanese culture. While it’s a quieter, more reflective space, families will appreciate the lush greenery, gentle waterfalls, and the opportunity to slow down and connect with nature.

Open Tuesday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and Friday - Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Make core memories with the family by treating them to a seat at Arizona's Center Stage. This dynamic performing arts venue offers a delightful lineup of kid-friendly plays, musicals, and interactive workshops designed to spark creativity. In addition to its professional-quality performances, HTC offers various Youth Arts educational programs, designed to give Arizona's youth opportunities to excel, learn and heal through their experience with the arts.

Click here to view upcoming shows.

A lively Saturday morning tradition, the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market offers a casual atmosphere with a fantastic blend of locally-grown produce and products, hand-crafted art, and amazing food and coffee options – a great, free event for the entire family to enjoy.

Main Season (mid October - mid May): Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Summer Season (mid May - mid October): Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This indoor skate spot at the Arizona Center is a great way for kids to stay active and try something new. Zoni Girls offers skate rentals, themed events, open skate sessions, and lessons for all ages and skill levels. Enjoy the energetic atmosphere with the family, or celebrate your little ones with a themed birthday party.

Bonus: you’ll find plenty of kid-approved food options nearby, so post-skate pizza or ice cream is just a few steps away.

Open Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to midnight.