The city of Scottsdale is the perfect place to take your family on a weekend trip. This post is for anyone planning a family trip to Scottsdale, Arizona. Read on to find out things to do in Scottsdale with kids, where to stay in Scottsdale, and fun things to do in Scottsdale…here’s how to spend a weekend in Scottsdale with kids.
Looking for some fun and sun with the family?
Then the desert city of Scottsdale, Arizona is the place for you. Known for its golf courses, spa resorts, and trails, Scottsdale is not only the perfect place for adults to unwind but a place for families to relax and find adventure. From nature walks to kayaking, city tours to foodie adventures, Scottsdale has you covered. Just 2 days in family-friendly Scottsdale will make you want to go back for more.
Here is our 2-day family fun vacation itinerary, which you can simply make your own.
Where to Stay in Scottsdale
First and most important is finding family-friendly accommodation in Scottsdale. For large groups, we suggest looking into renting an Airbnb. You can rent this luxury estate with a huge backyard, resort pool, beautiful hot tub and blue crystal fire pit for as little as $175 per night. For additional luxury home rentals in Scottsdale, you can check out The Platinum Experience.
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If you’re interested in Airbnb and have never used it before, you can use this link to save $40 on your first Airbnb booking.
If Airbnb is not you’re thing, there are plenty of family-friendly hotels in Scottsdale. Click here to check out and compare the latest prices.
When to Visit Scottsdale
Scottsdale is one of the cities located in an area known as The Valley of the Sun; it gets approximately 330 days of sunshine every year, which is incredible! The best time to visit Scottsdale is during the months of November-March aka winter through spring. Summer’s can get unbearably hot and humid, followed by a period of monsoon rains, so if you’re thinking of visiting Scottsdale with family, it’s best to avoid that period.
How to Spend a Weekend in Scottsdale with Kids
DAY ONE
Breakfast at Hash Kitchen
A fun place for brunch with the family (hours are 7am-3pm). They have an amazing Bloody Mary bar for the adults to enjoy that I got to try during my visit. Hash Kitchen serves up comfort food that is fun and what I love most is that it consists of delicious food options for the kids. They are well known for their “hash” so pick one and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Take a Tour with Joy Rides AZ
There’s no better way to travel with kids than by golf cart! Yes, and boy did we love it. Our extremely knowledgeable and helpful guides at Joyrides AZ took us on a private tour of Scottsdale that many have never seen. Affordable for the whole family, we took the Sunset Tour our Old Town Scottsdale for only $45 per cart for a 1-hour tour, what a beautiful experience it was.
Get Musical
Discover unique instruments and music from around the world at MIM. High-tech headphones and multi-media displays immerse you in global musical traditions, while the hands-on Experience Gallery lets aspiring musicians of all ages try their hand at instruments like guitars, gongs and gamelans.
Finish up the Evening with a Good Burger
Take a stroll in the evening in Scottsdale Fashion Square then have your burger fix at Handcut Chophouse & Burgers. They are changing the way people eat burgers and steaks one meal at a time. While they take pride in the high quality and authenticity of their grass-fed beef, they also pledge that the meat they serve is responsibly sourced (from the Arizona Grass Raised Beef Company) with respect to the animal, as well as respect for the land the animal has been raised on. If you’re headed there with the family for dinner, we recommend coming before 6:30 pm because it gets crowded!
DAY TWO
Spend the day Kayaking with AOA
A Class I rafting experience on the Salt River outside Phoenix means its easy and perfect for a family day out.
It is a great way to see the destination’s most hidden treasures and provides an introductory thrill of whitewater, flatwater rafting in a scenic and relaxing desert oasis. In Arizona, the rivers are the desert’s lifeblood. Arizona Outback Adventure (AOA) will set your entire family up with everything you need for a great day out. Look out for wild mustangs, blue heron, and majestic bald eagles, they are everywhere. This wild and natural land has been an attraction for tourists and locals alike for decades.
Get Some Ice cream at Sugar Bowl
The Scottsdale landmark began serving classic American fare and decadent ice cream creations in 1958. They’re one of Scottsdale’s Founding Businesses and have been placed on the Historic Preservation Register. After a long day at the river, if you’re craving a dessert.
We highly suggest stopping by Sugar Bowl before heading back to your Airbnb to soak up the sun before you mini winter break ends.
The family will thank you for it! Interested in more family-friendly dining experiences? Check out our kid-friendly restaurant guide to Scottsdale, Arizona!
Disclaimer: A couple of our meals were comped thanks to Experience Scottsdale. However, as always, all opinions expressed on the blog are our own.
Looks like a lot of fun…and OMG, the food looks awesome!
Right?! Definitely ate my way through Scottsdale!
What a fun getaway! Perfect for fall once the temperatures are a bit cooler. Thanks.
Yes, it makes for a great warm winter family-travel destination!
I clearly have been missing out & need to visit Scottsdale. Love Airbnb too.
Yes, you have Elaine 🙂 Miss yah!
Can you believe I have never been to Phoenix or Scottsdale even though I have lived in Los Angeles for more than 10 years? I hope I can visit before the end of the year (still deciding what to do for my end of year shutdown). This place looks great! So many activities and then, cannoli donuts! That is genius!
Oh geez! It’s really gorgeous, even more so in the Fall. If you get a chance, give it a visit.
I’ll take one of those sundaes….:)
HAHA!!!