Phoenix Staycation Ideas For Families

Beth Wood said:  The MIM features over 6,800 musical instruments from around the world. The museum houses special exhibits and six different galleries. The Experience Gallery lets guests play instruments and learn how they're made. The Artist Gallery features instruments from music icons like Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Johnny Cash and more. A Mechanical Music Gallery features instruments that play themselves. The STEM Gallery shows how science makes music happen.

Beth Wood said:  The Children's Museum of Phoenix features three levels of hands-on exhibits and over 300 experiences that encourage children to learn through creative play. Exhibits include the Book Loft, Texture Cafe, Noodle Forest, Pedal Power and more. A Baby Zone and Preschool level are available for younger guests.

Beth Wood said:  The Arizona Museum of Natural History features collections and exhibits focused on paleontology, history, geology, art, archaeology and more. Learn about the creation of the Earth 4.5 billion years ago, see the larger than life dinosaurs and much more. There are lots of fun kids spots throughout the museum where learning through play is encouraged.

Beth Wood said:  The Desert Botanical Garden is the 140-acre botanical garden located in Papago Park that houses the world's largest collection of desert plants. Five different themed trails allow guests to explore the park while learning more about conservation, desert living, wildflowers, flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. Special family-friendly events such as Electric Desert, Flashlight Tours, Concerts in the Gardens, plant sales and more occur throughout the year. On-site dining and shopping options are available.

Cost: Youth $12.95 3-17 years, $24.95 Adult, FREE 2 and under. Memberships start at $79

Beth Wood said:  The Pueblo Grande Museum is located on the largest preserved 1500-year-old archaeological site in Phoenix. There's an accessible 2/3 mile long trail that goes through a prehistoric Hohokam village site as well as three different galleries to visit at the museum. These galleries feature artifacts and lessons on archaeology, Arizona history and Southwest cultures. There is a hands-on children's gallery for the little ones to explore.

Beth Wood said:  Spend a day together at the Arizona Science Center exploring over 300 hands-on exhibits, the Dorrance Planetarium, a five-story IMAX theater, the Create Makerspace, a Cosmic Playground and much more.

Beth Wood said:  Special exhibit areas focus on science, design and technology. ArtVille is a great place for kids up to age 5 to play among different areas including the garden patio, art studio, performing art center and city block center. Older kids can act as helpers in ArtVille or design and create in the HUB. The museum's exhibits change seasonally.

Beth Wood said:  Over 3,000 different animals call The Phoenix Zoo home. From insects to elephants, you'll see animals in an up-close and personal environment as you explore their exhibits. The zoo features a safari train, discovery farm, monkey village, giraffe encounters, splash pad, stingray bay and much more! Behind the scenes and guided tours are also available. There are plenty of dining and shopping options to make your visit more enjoyable. Special events and programs are offered throughout the year.

Cost: $14.95-$16.95 Youth 3-13 years, $22.95-$24.95 Adult, FREE 2 years & under; Membership start at $69

Beth Wood said:  Do your kids love all things dinosaurs? Plan a morning or afternoon at Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs where you can meet "live" dinosaurs, explore interactive stations, see 18 different dinosaur exhibits, get their faces painted, go on dinosaur rides, tackle the T-Rex Obstacle course and more. An onsite cafe and souvenir shop add to your visit.

Beth Wood said:  Featuring over 17,000 different works from around the world, the Phoenix Art Museum is the Southwest's largest art museum. Be sure to grab a Scavenger Hunt guide at the front desk so you can explore the museum's collection together. Family Sundays and other special events are held throughout the year and include free admission, storytime, crafts and activities.

Beth Wood said:  Butterfly Wonderland houses over 3,000 butterflies from around the world. Explore the Butterfly Wonderland conservatory and its plants, trees and flowers while butterflies fly and land around you. Watch live chrysalis turn into butterflies at the Butterfly Emergence Gallery, experience a butterfly's journey in the 3D theater, see honey bees at work and meet reptiles, amphibians, exotic fish and more throughout the exhibits. Stop by the gift shop and cafe to make your visit more enjoyable.

Beth Wood said:  Step back in time to 1893 while you explore Goldfield Ghost Town. Have fun learning about the past in Phoenix's only authentic ghost town. Goldfield's attractions offer something for everyone and include: panning for gold, old west gun fight, underground guided tours through mines, a ride on the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad, reptile exhibit, zip lining, horse back riding, jeep tours, museums, shooting gallery and more. You can also shop for souvenirs at the on-site merchants or grab a bite to eat at the Mammoth Steakhouse & Saloon.

Cost: Free Admission, Price Varies per Attraction

Beth Wood said:  Spend time together exploring the OdySea Aquarium and the different underwater creatures that call it home. You'll find fish, penguins, sea turtles, otters and more in this state-of-the-art aquarium.

Daily programs allow you to have a more personal experience. A sting ray touch pool, submerged escalator that goes through a deep-ocean tank, theater and live demonstration exhibits, the Kids Cove, dining options at the Lighthouse Cafe and the aquarium gift shop all add to your aquarium visit.

Cost: $27.95 Youth 2-12 years, $37.95 Adult

Beth Wood said:  During the sweltering summer months, bring the whole family to cool off at Big Surf Waterpark. Open May - September, Big Surf features the third largest wave pool in the U.S., Waikiki Beach. There are also seven different waterslides as well a Kool Kids Zone with slides and a climbing area for kiddos 48 inches and under, as well as a toddler play area. Covered seating areas, pool decks, concession stands and more make this waterpark a wonderful place to spend your summer days!

Cost: $22.95 youth 4 years - 47" tall, $32.95 general admission, FREE 3 years and under

Open Seasonally May - September

Beth Wood said:  Papago Park is a municipal park to Phoenix and Tempe. It boasts wonderful hiking trails that interlace the area with smooth footing and low elevation. Perfect for hiking, running and mountain biking. The Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden are both located within the park. Guests will also find a fishing lagoon, Hall of Flame Museum, Hunt's Tomb, a baseball/softball complex, golf course, archery range and more. It's a wonderful park to spend time with the family exploring.