Looking to make unforgettable memories with your kids, but tired of the same old playground routine? Scottsdale is filled with unique and entertaining spots where children can let loose, try something new, and explore—all while parents relax or join the fun.
Let’s get to it.
Cluville Kids Escape Room Scottsdale
Tired of letting your kids zone out on tablets? Cluville Kids Escape Room Scottsdale is a welcome break from screen time. Located inside Arizona Boardwalk, this spot is built for kids ages 6 to 14. They’ll work together to crack codes, follow interactive storylines, and even field the occasional mystery phone call.
You can choose from four adventures: Alien Invasion, Old Wizard, Secret Potion, and Detective Agency. A Game Master stays nearby to offer hints and keep everyone on track. If you’re planning a birthday, you get a party host, private space, and packages for up to 25 guests. Parties start at $380 for eight kids, and parents can join in or watch from a comfy viewing area.
Everything feels safe and relaxed, with puzzles that challenge young minds without overwhelming them. The rooms are hands-on, with just the right mix of teamwork and storytelling. Even folding up your stroller feels easy thanks to the open layout. It’s a fun, low-stress way to get kids talking, laughing, and thinking—no gadgets required.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Growing up around Scottsdale, you probably know McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park even if you haven’t been. Spanning 30 acres, this family favorite has playgrounds, picnic tables, open lawns, and even a working train you can ride. Admission is free, and you can wander the railroad museum or model train building at no cost. Rides like the train and a 1950s carousel have small fees but won’t break the bank.
Come summer, there’s a fenced splash pad where toddlers can splash safely. The carousel has wheelchair-accessible chariots and classic hand-carved horses. ADA ramps and paved paths make it easy to get around, and the vintage charm never feels dated. Inside the model building you’ll find elaborate layouts that hobbyists love. The museums close for part of the summer, but in 2025 a 10,000-square-foot indoor train-themed play space will open. Between the rides, open spaces, and historic artifacts, there’s plenty to keep every member of the family entertained.
Bam Kazam
At Bam Kazam, playtime meets puzzle-solving under one roof. This indoor playground is filled with mini escape rooms and obstacle zones where kids can climb, crawl, and crack codes. Climate control keeps the Arizona heat at bay, and the venue is open from 10 a.m. until late.
You can drop in anytime or reserve a two-hour slot if you want to be sure you’re not rushing. A general admission ticket is $36 per person and grants access to every room. Themes range from Mayan Tomb to Art Heist, and even a giant rat trap that’s more silly than scary. Groups of three to twenty can tackle challenges together, and Game Masters are on standby to offer hints.
The venue is set up for different needs and abilities, and there’s even a small bar for parents or older kids. Between the puzzles and the physical courses, two hours fly by. It’s a playful, active way to mix up family time or squad nights without missing out on a few brain workouts.
Imagine 3D Mini Golf
Imagine 3D Mini Golf brings a neon glow to classic putt-putt. Blacklights highlight hand-painted murals of dragons, aliens, and unicorns that almost jump off the walls. You’ll get 3D glasses at the door, so every creature pops as you make your way through 18 holes.
Players of all ages can swing a club here. Families, teens, even grandparents try to one-up each other while hunting for hidden names painted into the scenery. The course sits at a medium difficulty level, so it’s challenging without being frustrating. You’ll usually finish in about an hour.
The whole space is air-conditioned and wheelchair-accessible, which is essential in Arizona. Staff keep everything running smoothly, and they’ll help with scores or extra golf balls. There’s also a small arcade and a graffiti wall where you can tag your art before you head out. Replay rates apply if you just can’t get enough glow-in-the-dark fun.
Glow Putt Mini Golf
At Glow Putt Mini Golf you’ll find an 18-hole indoor course that looks like a neon jungle rave. Everything—from the carpet to the wildlife murals—glows under UV lights. You can even power up your balls at “ball charger” stations. It’s fully air-conditioned, so you forget about that brutal Arizona heat.
Kids aged four to nine get a discounted rate, and little ones three and under play free with an adult. Everyone nine and up pays the regular price, but there’s a replay deal if you want back-to-back rounds. No need to book in advance or worry about tee times—just drop in. The course handles parties of all sizes, whether it’s a birthday group or a few friends. Wheelchair accessible pathways, ADA restrooms, non-slip flooring, and helpful staff keep things safe and comfortable. It’s a laid-back, family-friendly spot that actually lives up to the hype.
Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland turns a glass-walled building in Scottsdale into a tropical rainforest at a constant 80°F and 80 percent humidity. Once you step inside, you’re surrounded by live butterflies flitting through lush greenery.
The experience goes beyond strolling under fluttering wings. Check out the emergence gallery to see chrysalises open in real time, catch a 3D film about monarch migration, or join a story time for little ones. There are art and bug demonstration stations, koi feeding, and even a butterfly fairy craft area. Everything is wheelchair accessible and allergy friendly, with sensory kits and a quiet corner for kids who need a break. Admission can feel a bit steep if you bring a large group, but the mix of exhibits, expert staff, and hands-on activities makes it worth the price.
Arizona Boardwalk
Arizona Boardwalk really goes all out, packing an aquarium, butterfly pavilion, dinosaur exhibit, and more under one roof. You’ll watch stingrays glide around a rotating tank, stroll through a butterfly garden, or take a breather in a 3D theater.
Dino fans can check out life-size animatronic dinosaurs, dig for fossils, or try a fun etching activity. For action and intrigue, there’s a mirror maze, a laser obstacle course, and Cluville—a kid-friendly escape room for ages six to thirteen. A 60-animal carousel and a prize-oriented arcade round out the scene. Most attractions are indoors, which is a relief in a Scottsdale summer, though you’ll find seasonal outdoor events and the carousel in the open air. Admission to the complex is free; you buy tickets for each experience as you go. Families, school groups, and grandparents will all find something to love, and the staff here is impressively patient.
KTR Scottsdale
If extreme sports meet an indoor playground, you get KTR Scottsdale. Kids, teens, and even parents who wish their knees still cooperated can try skateboarding, parkour, trampolines, or BMX without sweating in the Arizona heat. The Mini Zone for kids 5 and under is fully padded and supervised. Classes cover everything from basic board skills to video-game-worthy parkour moves. Drop-in sessions run all week, so you can swing by on a Wednesday afternoon or a Saturday when everyone’s already climbing the walls at home.
Everything is padded, helmets are mandatory, and you sign a waiver and grab grip socks before jumping in. No Tony Hawk experience is required, but certified instructors lead small groups for more focused coaching. Prices vary by session, though snagging an online pass usually saves a few bucks. The ninja course delivers warped walls, salmon ladders, and high jumps that melt off birthday cake calories in no time.
It’s open year-round, so you dodge the scorching sun and sudden monsoons. That makes it a solid spot for action fun any time of year—especially if you still think you can land a backflip.
Museum of Illusions Scottsdale
Step inside Museum of Illusions Scottsdale and you’ll find displays that defy logic and amplify your selfie game. Tilted floors make you question your balance, while the Vortex Tunnel spins your vision around. Mirrors of every shape create endless reflections and optical puzzles.
It’s fully air-conditioned, which means no heat stress while you explore. Families line up for the Clone Table and the Ames Room, where reflections turn you twice as tall or shrink you down. Friendly staff help frame every group shot, and they’ll remind you that the puzzle bar has answer cards if you get stuck.
This museum blends hands-on fun with light brain teasers, but there’s no test afterward. Kids, parents, and grandparents all find something to giggle over. The floors are comfy, routes are wheelchair-accessible, and every exhibit invites interaction. It’s a smooth mix of science, art, and entertainment that keeps the whole crew engaged from start to finish.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
If you’re in the mood for a full medieval throwback, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament has you covered. You step inside a giant “castle” in Scottsdale—fully indoors and air-conditioned—so nobody’s sweating through their chainmail. The main event is a dinner show with knights clashing swords, horses thundering around the arena, and even live falconry.
For families, there’s a Jr. Knight Training session on select Saturdays in July for kids ages five to twelve. It’s free with a child’s ticket (around $45.95), and includes hands-on sword play, lessons in knightly virtues, and a meet-and-greet with the King and Queen. Arrive early since only the first group gets in. Everything is run by professional knights and the Weapons Master—far more exciting than “Assistant Manager.” Safety is top priority: closed-toe shoes, plenty of supervision, and each child becomes an “Honorary Knight” after a big ceremony. It’s over-the-top and a bit cheesy, but kids absolutely gobble it up.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Phoenix
So, iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Phoenix is all about that flying-without-a-plane vibe. Located in Scottsdale, this spot uses a vertical wind tunnel to let anyone ages three and up float on air. You suit up, grab your goggles, and a certified instructor guides you the whole time.
The standard package isn’t cheap—about $90 for two flights—but it includes all the gear and a safety briefing so you’re not flipping upside down by accident. They’re open year-round, so you never have to worry about desert heat canceling your flight. Beyond public sessions, iFLY offers STEM field trips, Girl Scout programs, and a “flight school” for kids who want to level up their spins. Small groups mean everyone gets personal attention, and you’ll often see parents on the sidelines, cheering—or nervously clutching their coffee. Bottom line: it’s safe, well run, and feels pretty futuristic.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Arizona
At Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Arizona, you get a Northwoods-style water wonderland that runs year-round. Campfire storytelling vibes meet log cabin decor and goofy wolf mascots roaming the lobby. There’s plenty of snack spots and themed treats to keep everyone fueled between slides. Toddlers score their first Pup Pass adventures, while teens can dominate MagiQuest or the Northern Lights Arcade.
If your crew is into heights, Howler’s Peak Ropes Course and the climbing wall are must-tries. For a slower pace, the Wave Pool, arts and crafts stations, and gem mining keep little explorers busy too.
The resort leans into accessibility with ADA rooms, pool lifts, and sensory guides so families know when things get loud. Lifeguards are always on watch, rules are posted everywhere, and wristbands help keep track of everyone.
It might not be Lake Havasu, but this climate-controlled spot delivers fun and ensures everyone sleeps hard after a full day of splashy action.
