GUIDE Phoenix · Valley of the Sun

Things to do with toddlers and little kids in Phoenix: the parent guide.

Phoenix works best with little kids from fall to spring, when the zoo, the gardens and the train park are pleasant all day.

Around town17 spots · checked Oct 26

The Phoenix places we go back to, again and again.

The places we go back to all year. Where to eat with a toddler, where to burn off energy when it rains, where to splash, what’s worth the admission, and where to spend a night without going far.

Eat

Kid-friendly restaurants

Places where a dropped fork is no big deal and nobody minds a little noise.

2 spotsMost $$

Pizzeria Bianco (Heritage Square)

$$
Downtown, 623 E. Adams St.

A well-known pizza spot at Heritage Square, a short walk from the Science Center.

Good for: Lunch after the Science Center.
Skip if: your toddler can’t wait for a table.
Mon–Sat 11am–9pm · closed SunSite ↗ for Pizzeria Bianco (Heritage Square)
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Joe’s Farm Grill

$$
Gilbert, 3000 E. Ray Rd.

Burgers in a 1960s ranch house at Agritopia, made with produce from the farm there.

Good for: An early dinner in the East Valley.
Skip if: you’re based downtown and don’t want the drive to Gilbert.
Daily 7:30am–9pmSite ↗ for Joe’s Farm Grill
Report a problem
Featured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Phoenix that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →
Play

Indoor play and rainy days

For rainy mornings, cold afternoons and anyone who needs to run in circles for an hour. For toddler classes and every indoor playground we’ve checked, with prices and sock rules, see indoor play in Phoenix.

All indoors4 spots1 free
Free

Burton Barr Central Library

Midtown, 1221 N. Central Ave.

Phoenix Public Library’s main branch, with a big children’s area and free storytimes.

Good for: Free storytime downtown, then the Art Museum up the street.
Skip if: you need it on a holiday.
Site ↗ for Burton Barr Central Library
Report a problem
$$

Kids Empire Phoenix Greenway

North Mountain, 1849 W. Greenway Rd.

An all-day indoor playground off I-17 with a multi-level maze, slides and ball pits. Two adults get in free with each child.

Good for: A hot afternoon with kids who need to run.
Skip if: you want somewhere calm.
Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sun 10am–10pmSite ↗ for Kids Empire Phoenix Greenway
Report a problem
$$

Leo & Luca

Biltmore area, 6102 N. 16th St.

A drop-in play space for little kids, open in the mornings.

Good for: A weekday morning with a crawler or new walker.
Skip if: it’s Wednesday afternoon; it closes at noon.
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 8am–4pm · Wed 8am–noonSite ↗ for Leo & Luca
Report a problem
$$

Jordan’s Corner

North Scottsdale, 8541 E. Anderson Dr. #106

Open play in 90-minute sessions; babies under 7 months play free with a waiver.

Good for: A morning with a baby and an older sibling.
Skip if: it’s a weekend afternoon; it closes at 2.
Mon–Fri 8:30am–6pm · Sat–Sun 10:30am–2pmSite ↗ for Jordan’s Corner
Report a problem
Featured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Phoenix that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →
Splash & ride

Parks and outdoor play

Pools, fountains, zoos and theme parks: the big all-day outings.

2 spots
Papago Park, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy.$$

Desert Botanical Garden

Desert trails and cactus gardens next to the zoo, open early in the morning before the heat.

Good for: An early stroller walk.
Skip if: it’s a luminaria night and you planned an afternoon; it closes at 4 those days.
Oct 1–Dec 31: daily 7am–10pmSite ↗ for Desert Botanical Garden
Report a problem
Scottsdale, 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd.$

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

A Scottsdale city park built around trains, with a ride-on railroad. Rides are $3 each and kids 2 and under ride free.

Tickets
  • Kids $3 per ride
  • Adults $3 per ride
  • 2 and under ride free
Good for: A train-loving toddler.
Skip if: you need shade at midday in summer.
Site ↗ for McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Report a problem
Featured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Phoenix that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →
Explore

Museums, zoos and big outings

Museums, animals and farm days that hold a little one’s attention.

7 spots

Phoenix Zoo

$$$
Papago Park, 455 N. Galvin Pkwy.

A big desert zoo in Papago Park. Kids 2 and under get in free, and guests under 14 need someone 14 or older with them.

Tickets
  • Kids 3–13 $32.95
  • Adults 14+ $44.95
  • 2 and under
Good for: A cool-weather morning with toddlers.
Skip if: it’s a summer afternoon; go early in the day.
Daily 9am–4pmSite ↗ for Phoenix Zoo
Report a problem

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

$$
Downtown, 215 N. 7th St.

Three floors of exhibits for pretend play and climbing, including a space for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Tickets
  • Kids $19
  • Adults $19
  • Under 1 and members
Good for: A morning of hands-on play for ages 0 to 8.
Skip if: you want a quiet visit on a holiday week.
Daily 9am–4pm (closed Nov 7 and Nov 26)Site ↗ for Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Report a problem

Arizona Science Center

$$
Heritage and Science Park, 600 E. Washington St.

Hundreds of hands-on exhibits downtown, plus a five-story giant-screen theater.

Good for: A hot or rainy day with a curious preschooler.
Skip if: it’s a Monday; it’s closed most Mondays.
Tue–Sun 10:30am–4pm · closed MondaysSite ↗ for Arizona Science Center
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OdySea Aquarium

$$$
Arizona Boardwalk, Scottsdale

A big aquarium on the Arizona Boardwalk, with a stingray feeding lagoon. Butterfly Wonderland is next door.

Good for: An indoor morning that pairs well with Butterfly Wonderland.
Skip if: you want a cheap outing.
Today 9am–7pm (hours vary by day)Site ↗ for OdySea Aquarium
Report a problem

Butterfly Wonderland

$$
Arizona Boardwalk, Scottsdale

A large indoor butterfly conservatory, warm and calm, steps from OdySea.

Good for: A short, gentle outing with a toddler.
Skip if: your child is scared of things that fly.
Today 9am–5pm (hours vary by day)Site ↗ for Butterfly Wonderland
Report a problem

Phoenix Art Museum

$$
Midtown, 1625 N. Central Ave.

Kids 5 and under get in free, and Wednesday evenings are pay what you wish.

Tickets
  • Kids 6–17 $13
  • Adults $23
  • 5 and under
Good for: A short art stop with a preschooler in a stroller.
Skip if: it’s Monday or Tuesday; it’s closed.
Wed 10am–8pm · Thu 10am–5pm · Fri 10am–8pm · Sat 10am–5pm · Sun noon–5pm · closed Mon–TueSite ↗ for Phoenix Art Museum
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Musical Instrument Museum

$$
North Phoenix, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd.

A huge museum of musical instruments from around the world.

Good for: A loud kid who likes to bang on things.
Skip if: you only want 20 minutes.
Daily 9am–5pmSite ↗ for Musical Instrument Museum
Report a problem
Featured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Phoenix that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →
Stay

Staycation spots

A night away without a long drive.

2 close to home
Scottsdale (Salt River)$$$

Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale

A 80,000-square-foot indoor water park kept at 84 degrees, included with your room.

Good for: A summer weekend out of the sun.
Skip if: you’re on a tight budget; the room is your water park ticket.
Site ↗ for Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale
Report a problem
Phoenix, by South Mountain$$$

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa

A resort with the 7-acre Oasis Water Park, including a wave pool and Wild Cat Springs for younger kids.

Good for: A splashy spring or fall weekend in town.
Skip if: you’re going over the holidays; Oasis Water Park is closed Dec 23 to Jan 3.
Site ↗ for Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Report a problem
Featured partnerThis spot is open.Run a place in Phoenix that belongs in this section? One featured spot here is set aside for a local partner, and it’s always labeled.About featured spots →

These don’t change week to week. Last checked . Hours and prices change, so check the place’s own site before you go. Know a spot we missed? Tell us at hello@littlesweekly.com.

No ticket needed

Free things to do

Where a family can go in Phoenix without paying for admission. For free days, free events and this week’s free outings, see every free thing to do in Phoenix. For regular free days, Museums on Us and EBT discounts in 2027, see free museum days in Phoenix.

Midtown, 1221 N. Central Ave.Burton Barr Central LibraryPhoenix Public Library’s main branch, with a big children’s area and free storytimes.FreeIndoor
Every week

Library storytimes

Recurring and free. Times change by branch, so check the calendar. For every weekly storytime by day and branch, see library storytimes in Phoenix.

Weekday and Saturday mornings

Phoenix Public Library

Free BabyTime and Family Storytime at branches across the city.

Schedule ↗
Weekday mornings

Chandler Public Library

Baby and preschool storytimes in the East Valley, like the 9:15am sessions at Sunset Library.

Schedule ↗
Babies and 1-year-olds

Things to do with a baby or a 1-year-old in Phoenix

Baby storytimes, places where babies get in free, and where to change and feed. For rainy days, see indoor play places; for zero-cost ideas, see free things to do.

Baby and lap-sit storytimes

Tuesdays at 10:15am · Basha

Baby Time · Chandler Public Library

0-18 months. Stories, songs and interactive play in a 20-minute parent-child program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Tuesdays at 9:15am · Hamilton

Baby Time · Chandler Public Library

0-18 months. Stories, songs and interactive play in a 20-minute parent-child program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Mondays at 9:15am and 10:15am, Tuesdays at 9:15am and 10:15am · Agave

BabyTime · Phoenix Public Library

Up to 2 years. Play, sing, and read with your baby in a warm and nurturing program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Mondays at 10am · Burton Barr Central

BabyTime · Phoenix Public Library

Up to 2 years. Play, sing, and read with your baby in a warm and nurturing program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Tuesdays at 10:15am, Thursdays at 10:15am · Century

BabyTime · Phoenix Public Library

Up to 2 years. Play, sing, and read with your baby in a warm and nurturing program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Wednesdays at 11am · Cholla

BabyTime · Phoenix Public Library

Up to 2 years. Play, sing, and read with your baby in a warm and nurturing program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Thursdays at 9:15am and 10:15am · Desert Broom

BabyTime · Phoenix Public Library

Up to 2 years. Play, sing, and read with your baby in a warm and nurturing program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Tuesdays at 9:30am and 10:30am · Ironwood

BabyTime · Phoenix Public Library

Up to 2 years. Play, sing, and read with your baby in a warm and nurturing program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Tuesdays at 9:30am and 10:30am · Juniper

BabyTime · Phoenix Public Library

Up to 2 years. Play, sing, and read with your baby in a warm and nurturing program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Mondays at 9:15am and 10:15am, Fridays at 9:15am · Mesquite

BabyTime · Phoenix Public Library

Up to 2 years. Play, sing, and read with your baby in a warm and nurturing program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Wednesdays at 9:15am and 10am · Prickly Pear

BabyTime · Phoenix Public Library

Up to 2 years. Play, sing, and read with your baby in a warm and nurturing program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Mondays at 9:15am · Saguaro

BabyTime · Phoenix Public Library

Up to 2 years. Play, sing, and read with your baby in a warm and nurturing program.

Storytime calendar ↗
Thursdays at 9:15am and 10:15am · Yucca

BabyTime · Phoenix Public Library

Up to 2 years. Play, sing, and read with your baby in a warm and nurturing program.

Storytime calendar ↗

Babies get in free

By season

Seasonal spots

Santa visits and Christmas lights only run part of the year, so they have their own pages with this season’s dates and prices. For holiday and indoor rinks with season dates, prices and skate aids, see ice skating with kids in Phoenix.

Santa in PhoenixBreakfast with Santa, Santa photos and Santa trains, with 2026 pricesChristmas lights in PhoenixDrive-thru and walk-through displays, start times and 2026 prices
This week

What’s on this week in Phoenix

The guide is the evergreen list. Here’s what’s happening in Phoenix right now.

  1. Chandler Halloween SpooktacularChandler Community Center · Free
  2. Itty Bitty Boo BashSouth Mountain Community Center · Free
  3. Spooky Safari at the Phoenix ZooPhoenix Zoo · $18 per person
See all 45 this week →
Good questions

Things to do with toddlers in Phoenix: the FAQ

Is the Phoenix Zoo good for toddlers?

Yes. Kids 2 and under get in free. In warm months, go right at opening.

Where can kids play indoors in Phoenix when it’s hot?

Kids Empire on Greenway Road is open all day. For babies and toddlers, Leo & Luca and Jordan’s Corner run smaller drop-in play.

Is Phoenix Art Museum good for little kids?

For a short visit, yes. Kids 5 and under get in free. It’s closed Monday and Tuesday.

Are there free things to do with little kids in Phoenix?

Yes. Burton Barr Central Library is free or have a free entry. See the free list.

What can we do with a baby, 1-year-old or 2-year-old in Phoenix?

Phoenix Zoo: 2 and under free. Children’s Museum of Phoenix: Under 1 free. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Burton Barr Central Library and Leo & Luca are also easy with a baby or toddler. Free for the littlest: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (2 and under ride free) and Phoenix Art Museum (5 and under). See best for under 3s.

Where are the free storytimes in Phoenix?

Phoenix Public Library: Weekday and Saturday mornings. Chandler Public Library: Weekday mornings. Library storytimes don’t need a ticket, but times change by branch, so check the calendar first. See library storytimes, and this week’s dated sessions are on the Phoenix weekly list.

How do you choose the places in the Phoenix guide?

Every one of the 17 places is somewhere we’d take a baby, toddler or preschooler, with a note on who it suits and when to skip it. Prices, hours and menus come from each place’s own site, and 4 of them have checked admission or menu prices. The guide was last checked Oct 26, 2026. How we choose and check.

How much is the Phoenix Zoo for a toddler, and who gets in free?

2 and under; kids 3–13: $32.95; adults 14+: $44.95. We checked this on its official site on Oct 26, 2026. Prices change, so confirm before you go.

How much is Children’s Museum of Phoenix for a toddler, and who gets in free?

Under 1 and members; kids: $19; adults: $19. We checked this on its official site on Oct 26, 2026. Prices change, so confirm before you go.

Get the list every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the five things we’d leave the house for in Phoenix.