What to Do in Phoenix with A Baby and Toddler

Phoenix with Little Kids

Phoenix, Arizona is an awesome destination for families looking for a winter or spring break getaway. The warm weather, desert landscape, and abundance of kid-friendly activities make Phoenix a must-visit vacation spot for families.

I visited in mid-February with a baby and a toddler, and was absolutely enchanted by the scenery and pleased with how much there was to do.

This was one of my first trips traveling alone with 2 young children, so I was a little nervous about how everything would go.

It couldn’t have gone more smoothly, and my 3-year-old can’t stop talking about the cacti and the cool hikes we did. I would say that’s a parenting win!

Our trip was fairly short, and we were definitely limited to low-key activities, so there are many more challenging hikes you could do while you’re there, but here are my top recommendations for families of young children in Phoenix.

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PHOENIX WITH KIDS: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Rent a car - Phoenix is a city that is very spread out, so you’ll definitely want a rental car to go and see everything you want to see.
Pack layers - This is especially important if you’re traveling in the winter months, but it can get chilly in the desert in the morning and evening. During the day when the sun is out it gets blazing hot, so be prepared for both types of weather.
Bring hiking gear/ walking shoes - There are some beautiful and stunning hikes in the Phoenix area. Even if you’re with a baby and toddler there are some simple ones you can still complete. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes and clothes to hike in.
Consider a day trip - Phoenix is amazing, but you can also find some exciting places within a few hours’ drive. Whether you decided to stay overnight or return to your base in Phoenix, it’s well worth your time to see a different side of Arizona while you’re there.

WHAT TO DO IN PHOENIX WITH KIDS

Our time in Phoenix was fairly short, and I can’t wait to go back (hopefully soon!) to experience more of Arizona’s capital city. Specifically, I’d like to try a few more hikes in the area.

First I’ll share what we experienced on our trip, then I’ll add a list of suggestions for things we didn’t get around to, but would like to!

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN

One of our first and favorite stops in Phoenix was Desert Botanical Garden. It’s located near Papago Park, Hole-in-the-Rock, and the zoo, so you can easily spend a day exploring the area.

We admired desert plants, especially the towering cacti, set against a backdrop of red rock formations. We spotted wildlife like jackrabbits, hummingbirds, and butterflies. In fact, Lewis (my 3-year-old) had a small meltdown because he wanted to pet the birdies but “they didn’t want to be his friends.”

There are multiple trails to choose from. We did the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail and the Desert Discovery Loop Trail, and both were stroller-friendly. I was by myself with an 11-month-old and a 3-year-old, and it was very easy to navigate.

Tickets were a little expensive for my normally frugal nature, but it was my one splurge for the trip - something I really wanted to do. Adults were $29.95, kids 3-17 were $14.95, while 2 and under are free. (But be sure to check the website for current prices).

Masks are mandated for people ages 3 and up, and you have to reserve your date and time in advance as they are limiting attendance.

I would plan to spend a few hours there wandering the trails and taking photos. Wear good walking shoes (I just wore my Greek sandals and they were fine), bring a water bottle, and definitely your best camera.

If you’re planning a Phoenix trip, I would give this spot a thumbs-up no matter what age your kids are!

PHOENIX ZOO

The kids loved visiting the Phoenix Zoo! Because it’s so close to Papago Park, Hole-in-the-Rock, and Desert Botanical Garden, it was easy to add on to other items on our itinerary.

There are 4 trails that stretch 2.5 miles. We knew we wouldn’t be able to see everything in just one visit, especially since we had other activities we wanted to do that day, so we just picked a few trails and started exploring!

In the summer months you can bring a swimsuit and let your kids play in the splash pads to cool off. The weather gets super hot at midday! We were there in February so we didn’t get to do this, but just something to keep in mind as you’re packing.

You can bring a stroller and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on one of the benches around the zoo. Don’t forget water bottles, as all that walking in the hot sun will make you parched! It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen.

Adults (14+): $25
Kids (3-13): $17
Kids (2 and under): Free

Check current hours and rates here.

HOLE IN THE ROCK

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When I ask my 3-year-old what his favorite part of our trip to Phoenix was, he always says Hole in the Rock.

Hole-in-the-Rock is a pass-through cave tucked into a sandstone butte in Phoenix, AZ. It’s a short .3 (as in, less than a half mile) hike and only 200 feet of elevation. A fairly easy “hike” if you can even call it that.

But to my 3-year-old’s eyes it was a mountain. “I’m feeling a little nervous, Mom,” he confided in me.

“That’s ok buddy. It’s ok to feel nervous. But you know what? You can do hard things.” I validated his feelings while simultaneously pushing to do something outside his comfort zone.

I heard him repeating the mantra “I can do hard things,” quietly to himself on the way up to the top. He gained confidence with each step, and was so proud of himself

We climbed the stairs through the hole which led to a nice viewing area where you could see more sandstone buttes, the zoo, and Papago Park. It was so lovely, and made me wish we had planned more hikes on our trip.

It’s definitely doable with a baby and a toddler - I just wore the baby in the Lillebaby carrier.

OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE

One of the afternoons on our trip was spent exploring Old Town Scottsdale. It’s got and old west cowboy vibe with lots of cute restaurants and souvenir shops.

We loved stopping at Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor for lunch and ice cream. The inside was bright and pink, and there’s an arcade attached to the restaurant.

Afterward, we strolled through Old Town ducking into souvenir shops and just browsing.

This is also where you can find that beautiful “It’s That Hot” mural with the bright orange sun and bluish green cacti. It’s a must-visit spot if you want a memorable Instagram picture.

HOW TO GET TO THE “IT’S THAT HOT” SUN & CACTUS MURAL IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA:

It took us a while to find the mural, but we eventually got there!

We parked on E 6th Ave and walked toward N Scottsdale Road. At the corner of 6th Ave and Scottsdale you’ll see 2 restaurants. If you’re facing Scottsdale Rd, Farm and Craft Scottsdale is on your right, and the parking lot to Geisha A Go Go is on your left. On the side of the Geisha A Go Go building facing Scottsdale Road you’ll see the mural.

Just put 7150 E 6th Ave, Scottsdale AZ in your GPS and find parking on 6th ave.

GET TACOS

We were lucky to have local friends who could take us to a spectacular hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant called Rancho La Candelaria Mexican Food and Oaxacan Food.

Truly delicious and authentic food and also really affordable. The kids loved the pupasas, a thick griddle cake filled with cheese, and I thought the carne asada tacos were on point.

Of course, this isn’t the only place to get tacos in Phoenix. But I’ll leave the list of taquerias to the experts.

PLAN A DAY TRIP

You could stay in Phoenix for an entire week and not run out of things to do.

However, if you’re flying in from somewhere else, I think you’re doing yourself a disservice by not adding something else to the itinerary. Arizona has such beautiful and diverse landscapes to choose from!

We took a drive to Tucson so we could see Saguaro National Park, and it did not disappoint! We stayed overnight and explored some of Tucson in the morning before heading back to Phoenix.

Other day trip options include Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Flagstaff.

WHERE TO STAY IN PHOENIX WITH KIDS

We stayed with friends on our trip, so I don’t have a personal recommendation for a place to stay, but here are some of the top-rated hotels in each price range:

BUDGET

Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown - right in the heart of downtown and close to the airport. They have plenty of suite options for bigger families, and free breakfast. Seriously - the breakfast is HUGE for families trying to save money.

If I were going back to Phoenix and didn’t have a friend to stay with, I would probably book a room at Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Tempe because it’s VERY affordable and RIGHT by Papago Park, the Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, and Hole-In-The-Rock, which was a really fun area to explore! It also has a free hot breakfast, an outdoor pool, and is within 3 miles of Old Town Scottsdale. Check current rates here.

MODERATE

Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak - this place has a lazy river, a waterslide, a baby pool, tennis courts, spa, salon, free parking, and on-site dining. Even though it’s a bit outside the downtown area, there is so much to do at the resort.

Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort - with golf courses, a waterslide, a 40-foot waterfall, on-site restaurants, a spa, and all suites, you may never leave the resort. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, definitely check this place out.

LUXURY

The Phoenician is a 5 diamond luxury resort with spacious rooms (including suites and casitas), on-site dining, golf, athletic club, kid’s club, and multiple pools with private cabana options. If you want to feel absolutely pampered during your stay in Phoenix, this is the place for you.

The Omni Scottsdale is another luxury resort with multiple pools, salon & spa, fitness center, golf course access, 6 dining options, and gorgeous guest rooms with incredible views.

Phoenix is an excellent destination for families with young children.

There’s so much to do and see for people of all ages, and you can make your trip as relaxing or active as you want. Great for foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, museum lovers, and history buffs, Phoenix truly has it all!