Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is a great place to visit in the late winter/ early spring...making it a great destination for spring breaks!  Enjoy the sunny weather as you tour through the many fun family tourist sites.
Please be sure to call and verify times and rates as they are subject to change
 

PHOENIX-  ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER
600 E. Washington St., Phoenix   602.716.2000
www.azscience.org
COST:  $9 Adults/ $7 Seniors (62 +), College Students (age 18 - 25 with ID), and Children (3 - 17).  There is an additional cost for special displays and the IMAX theater.  Discounts are available for AAA members and Chase card users.   Parking if via paid parking lot or structure.  Park at the Heritage and Science Park Garage (5th & Monroe) to have your ticket validated for a discounted rate.
HOURS:  Daily 10 am - 5 pm
The Arizona Science Center has a great variety of hands-on family fun.  The best part is it's all educational too!  The museum is set over four levels (with elevators available so most areas are stroller friendly).  Different areas focus on people and their traits, musical sounds, building a house, the sun, and physics.  There is also a planetarium (though this area was closed for renovations during our visit).  Outside there is a water fun area with three different fountains that are triggered by different actions.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Every area had plenty of hands-on activities to keep the children happy.  Even though it was very busy (we waited for almost 30 minutes in line to get into the museum) there were enough activities to not have to wait long at any exhibit.  There were also demonstrations done throughout the day;  learn about science by seeing it first hand.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  Several of the electronic displays were not working.  The only restrooms we found were next to the front door which made for a bit of a walk while on the upper levels.

PHOENIX AREA-  CHALLENGER SPACE SCIENCE CENTER
21170 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria     623.322.2001
www.azchallenger.org
COST:  $6 Adult/ $4 Children (6 - 18 yrs) & Seniors (55+)/ Children 5 & under FREE
HOURS:  Mon - Fri 9 am - 4 pm, Sat 10 am - 4 pm
The Challenger Space Science Center is a mix of educational museum and memorial to the crew of the Challenger.  There is a beautiful mural in the main rotunda area.  Space-related memorabilia and meteorite displays.  Four computers with flight simulator software for some hands-on fun.  The Cafe has vending machines and plenty of tables to eat at.  There are also some bins of hands-on activities in there;  educational games and crafts.  Several times a day there is a guided tour which is very informative.   Special events are held throughout the month (primarily on Saturdays).  They include Planetarium shows, Stargazing, and Simulated Space Missions.  These special events do have an increased admission fee.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  The kids enjoyed playing the simulators and the hands-on activities located in the Cafe.  The gift shop has a great variety of inexpensive items for little budgets. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  The kids did not stay interested for long.  I would recommend going on one of the special events so there would be more to do.

PHOENIX-  DEER VALLEY ROCK ART CENTER
3711 W. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix    623.582.8007
www.asu.edu/clas/shesc/dvrac
COST:  $7 Adults / $4 Seniors & Student with ID / $3 Children (age 6 - 12) / 5 & under Free    AAA travel club discount is offered
HOURS:  Oct - Apr:  Tues - Thurs 9 am - 5 pm, Sun 12 pm - 5 pm,  May - Sept:  Tues - Fri 8 am - 2 pm, Sat 9 am - 5 pm, Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
Explore the past as you walk along the scenic path of the Deer Valley Rock Art Center.  The learning starts in the informative museum area.  There is a video available in the center, as well.  Next, take the 1/4 mile walk through the desert landscape to see the petroglyphs (rock art).   We met a guide along the path who provided us with lots of information about the petroglyphs.  The children were given a worksheet with some petroglyphs on it and used it to look for those as we walked.  That kept them very busy and entertained;  they were on a mission to find all of the petroglyphs on their worksheet.   For optimal viewing, try to plan your trip when the sun is not at its brightest.  The bright sunlight made it almost impossible to see a lot of the rock art.  
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Friendly, informative employees (probably some of the friendliest we have met ever, at any attraction).  Shade areas and water dispenser on the way.  Petroglyph treasure hunt worksheet kept the kids very interested while walking the path.  They also loved watching for wildlife along the way.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- Was difficult to see the petroglyphs in the sunlight.

PHOENIX AREA-  ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK
14805 West Vineyard Ave., Goodyear   623.932.3811
www.maricopa.gov/parks/estrella/
COST:  $6 per personal vehicle
HOURS:  Sun - Thurs- 6 am - 8 pm,  Fri & Sat-  6 am - 10 pm
Beautiful mountain, deserts and grassy areas come together in this popular mountain park.  Great for biking, hiking, fishing (catch and release only) and picnicking.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Lots of great hiking trails, plenty of room to run around and picnic, and fishing in the river.

PHOENIX AREA-  HISTORIC SAHUARO RANCH
9802 N. 59th Ave, Glendale  623.930.4200
www.glendaleaz.com/ParksandRecreation/SahuaroRanchPark.cfm
COST:  FREE
HOURS:  Wed - Fri 10 am - 2 pm, Sat 10 am - 4 pm, Sun Noon - 4 pm
This former fruit ranch is now a part of the Glendale park system.  Many of the original buildings remain (for a small fee you can tour one of the houses).  The kids enjoyed the roaming chickens (if you look carefully you might see baby chicks too), pigeons, peacocks, and many other birds.  A fruit grove still grows on the property, as well as a gorgeous rose garden.   Attached to the property is a large park with playgrounds.  There are also picnic facilities.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  The free-roaming birds were a favorite with the kids.  Restrooms on site.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-   It's a little difficult to figure out what is allowed to be walked around and what is off limits. 
 

PHOENIX AREA-  MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK
7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale   480.312.2312
www.therailroadpark.com
COST:  Entrance is  FREE;   Rides are $1 - $2 each;  under age 3 ride free with paying adult.
HOURS:  Call or visit website for current ride schedule.
Railroad themed park with a 5/12 scale train ride and an antique carousel.  There are playgrounds and covered picnic areas.  Train exhibits
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Rides were inexpensive and not overly crowded.  The playgrounds were well built and had variety.

PHOENIX-  PHOENIX ZOO
455 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix   602.273.1341
www.phoenixzoo.org
COST:  $14 Adult (age 13 - 59) / $9 Age 60 and over / $6 Age 3 - 12 / Under age 3 Free
HOURS:  January 7 - May 31-  Daily:  9 am - 5 pm /  June 1 - September 30-  Weekdays: 7 am - 2 pm,  Weekends:  7 am - 4 pm
Large zoo with a full array of animals and miscellaneous activities.  There is a carousel, train, safari cart, camel rides and petting zoo (some activities require an additional charge).  Check the schedule to find out the times of keeper-led talks and animal feeding times as they are very interesting.  After a long day at the zoo, the kids will love a stop at the Leapin' Lagoon Sprayground for  some water fun (available April - October). 
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Great variety!  The Leapin' Lagoon was very popular with the children as was the Monkey Village where you walk around the habitat of the squirrel monkey.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-   Lots of walking;  can be difficult for children on a hot day.

PHOENIX-  PIONEER LIVING HISTORY VILLAGE
3901 W. Pioneer Rd, Phoenix   623.465.1052
www.pioneer-arizona.com
COST:  $7 Adult, $6 Over age 60, $5 Age 6 - 18, free for age 5 and under with adult
HOURS:  Oct - May 31:  Wed - Sun 9 am - 5 pm /  June 1 - Sept 30:  Wed - Sun 8 am - 2 pm.
This living history museum depicts life in the southwest during the late 1800s and early 1900s.  There is a large selection of original buildings, as well as some reproductions.   Throughout the property, there are costumed interpreters to share information about the buildings and life during this time period.   The buildings are scattered around in a town-like style.    Tour a variety of town buildings, as well as numerous cabins, a fort, farmhouse, and opera house.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  The town lay-out was really great;  we felt like we were really walking around a pioneer town.    The kids enjoyed petting some of the animals.   There are plenty of restroom facilities throughout the property (some are portable toilets).  
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  There wasn't much going on in the town.  We saw four interpreters but none provided much information on the time period.  The admissions clerk was very friendly and gave us an overview of the town.  The blacksmith was happy to answer questions but didn't actually show the children how the blacksmith shopped worked.  One interpreter didn't even speak to us as we walked through the house that she was supposed to be informing us about.  Two areas were closed for repairs so we were not able to see those, and many of the buildings were only available to look in from the door instead of walking into them. 

PHOENIX-  PUEBLO GRANDE MUSEUM & ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
4619 East Washington St., Phoenix     602.495.0901
phoenix.gov/parks/pueblo.html#Info
COST:  $5 Adult / $4 Senior (age 55+) / $3 Children (age 6 - 17) / Under age 6 Free
HOURS:  Oct - Apr:  Mon - Sat 9 am - 4:45 pm, Sun 1 pm - 5 pm,  May - Sept:  Tues - Sat 9 am - 4:45 pm
Located next to the airport in central Phoenix is the Pueblo Grande Museum, site of an excavated Hohokam village.  The main museum has three galleries with photos, artifacts and information about the Hohokam and the excavation.  There is a theater which shows a 10 minute movie explaining the museum and site.  Next to the theater is the Dig It Gallery;  full of hands-on exhibits that teach children about the Hohokam and about archaeology.  After exploring the museum be sure to head out on the 2/3 mile long trail which tours the actual village.  The walk takes you around the platform mound, the ballcourt, and two styles of houses.  There are several covered areas with benches to get out of the sun for awhile along the walk.  Restrooms are available in the main building.  There are vending machine there as well but no on-site restaurant.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  The Dig-It Gallery was a definite favorite;  lots of hands-on activities (and benches for Mom and Dad to sit and wait while the little ones play).  The other galleries were primarily hands-off but they did have a few child-friendly activities in them too.  The trail was well-paved so it was very stroller friendly.  The facility was well-kept and very clean.  One other thing my kids really liked was a little souvenir bag they were able to buy for $1 at the gift shop.  It has a pencil, postcard, bookmark, arrowhead and information sheet in it;  what a great little souvenir to fit into a child's budget! 

PHOENIX AREA-  RAWHIDE WESTERN TOWN
5700 W. North Loop Rd, Chandler   480.502.5600
www.rawhide.com
COST:  FREE entrance to the town but each activity requires either a ticket purchase (about $4 per activity) or all admissions wrist band for $15 per person.
HOURS:  Jan - Apr:  Mon - Thurs 5:30 pm - 9 pm, Fri - Sun 12 pm - 9 pm /  May - Dec: Wed & Thurs 5:30 pm - 9 pm, Fri - Sun 12 pm - 9 pm.
Step back into the old west at this replica 1880's town.  A variety or shops and restaurants line the mainstreet.  Lots of fun activities for the whole family;  shows, gun fights, burro and pony rides, a petting zoo, stagecoach and train rides, a rock climbing wall, gold panning, and a mechanical bull.  (Some rides have height and weight restrictions.)
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  The children have decided this was one of their favorite activities-- ever.    There was such a great variety of activities.  The lines were not terribly long.  The facilities were well kept, and there were staff members easily available for any questions.   The gun fighting shows and Lone Ranger show were entertaining for all (younger children may be frightened by the gunfights...several babies in the audience cried during the shows).  Restroom facilities were scattered throughout the property;  easy to locate, and were clean and well-stocked.    The ice cream shop had a wonderful selection of ice cream and drinks.  It was reasonably priced.  Don't forget to stop in the candy shop for treats that will take you back to your childhood!  From Mallow Cups to Bubble Up Soda,  plus delicious fudge.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-   The only down side to our trip was the Wagon Wheel Cafe.  This burger shop style restaurant is located on main street and offers a small variety of meals, primarily burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches.   They do offer kid's meals for $4.00 (a plus is that they offered not only usual kid's meal fare, but also a cheese and cracker or peanut butter and jelly option).  This price does not include a drink though;  expect to pay about $6.50 per child for a meal and drink.   Our main issue with this facility was the service.  The tables were not cleaned off (more understandable during the busy times but when it was slow the staff stood and talked instead of cleaning the tables--  I watched several other families get napkins to clean off their tables too).    Our order wasn't correct and when I tried to fix it, I was ignored for several minutes before finally asking an employee to help me.  Their solution to making a hamburger into a cheeseburger (as ordered) was to put a cold piece of cheese on the burger without warming it.    Overall not a good eating experience, especially considering the price.

PHOENIX AREA-  WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO
16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park     623.935.9453
www.wildlifeworld.com
COST:  $18.00 Adult (age 13 and up) / $9.50 Age 3 - 12 / Under age 3 Free (AAA discount offered)
HOURS:  Daily 9 am - 5 pm
Large zoo with a nice variety of animals, birds and reptiles.  The facility was clean and well kept.  Organized nicely;  easy to see everything.  There is a petting zoo and playground area.  Several times throughout the day there is an animal demonstration;  very well done with likable staff members and entertaining animals.  Be prepared for a lot of walking.  And be sure to bring plenty of quarters as there are ample opportunities to feed the water fowl and the giraffes with feed from dispensers that take quarters only.   The zoo has four rides available;  a sky ride, a carousel, a train, and a boat ride.  Considering the pricey entrance fee we were surprised to find that each ride was an additional charge (ranging from $1.50 for the carousel to $4 for the skyride).   Please note that this facility does not accept credit cards or debit cards but there is an ATM machine onsite.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  The kids loved the variety of animals and were especially excited to feed the water fowl and giraffes.   Restrooms are scattered throughout the zoo so they are usually close-by.  There are a few water fountains (and several vending machines)  for those who forget to bring water.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-   Very pricey especially considering the additional cost of quarters to buy feed and the cost of rides inside the zoo.  Parking lot is dirt and very disorganized.  On our last visit, visitors had parked all of the exits so it was almost impossible to get our of the front parking rows. 

RESTAURANTS-

PHOENIX AREA-  5 & DINER
7541 W. Bell Rd., Peoria     623.979.3073
www.5anddiner.com
Great place to take the kids.  The children's menu has a good variety.  The diner style atmosphere is fun and doesn't require children to stay quiet.  Most of the tables have a little jukebox so you can choose a song to listen to (though these were not working when we were at the location).   Parents will find the menu has a good variety as well.  Food was good and portions were generous.  The french fries have been named a favorite by our children.  **THIS RESTAURANT OFFERS A KIDS EAT FREE SPECIAL**
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Reasonably priced children's menu with good variety.  Fun atmosphere and tableside jukeboxes. 

PHOENIX AREA-  BLACK BEAR DINER
1780 N. Dysart Rd., Goodyear     623.932.9268
www.blackbeardiner.com
What a great find!  Black Bear Diner offers casual sit down dining in a child friendly environment.  The adult and children's menus both offer a wide variety of options, at pricing comparable to other similar restaurant chains.  The children were happy to see that their meal came with a small ice cream sundae.  The adult portion sizes were very large.  The children's sizes were acceptable.  On our first visit, service was prompt and friendly;  we couldn't believe how quickly our food arrived.  Our second visit to the location was not as good as the first.  Some of the food was not as hot as it should have been, and our service lacked. The manager had a great personality and tried to make up for the service issue.  Overall, this diner offers a wonderful experience for the whole family.  The children loved the decor, especially the big stuffed bear sitting near the front door.  They had entertaining placemats, activity books and crayons provided. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Good variety of kid's meal choices which include ice cream for dessert.   Fun placemats to keep the kids occupied. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  Service was inconsistent.

PHOENIX AREA-  JB'S
310 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear     623.932.0365
www.jbsfamily.com
JB's is a casual sit-down restaurant with a salad bar.  Great variety of kid's meals.  My kids liked having the choice of fries, fruit or salad to go with their meal.  Food was plentiful and arrived at the table quickly.  Adult meals are also reasonably priced and include large portions.  The staff was very friendly and seemed genuinely concerned about whether we were pleased with our meal.  **THIS RESTAURANT OFFERS A KIDS EAT FREE SPECIAL**
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   The kids liked the choices on the kid's menu.  Their portions were large.   

PHOENIX AREA-  JOHNNY ROCKETS
9390 W. Hanna Drive, Glendale     623.877.2977
www.johnnyrockets.com
Great food in a fun atmosphere.  The menu includes typical diner style fare.  Friendly staff.  Clean.  Great milkshakes!  Many tables have tableside jukeboxes that only cost 5 cents. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Fun environment;  the kids loved the inexpensive tableside jukebox.  Great food for a moderate price.

PHOENIX AREA-  My Big Fat Greek Restaurant
10040 W. McDowell Rd., Avondale     623.936.4838
www.azeats.com/mybigfatgreek/default.htm
Great menu with a variety of Greek specialties as well as American favorites.  The flaming desserts were especially impressive to the kids.  **THIS RESTAURANT OFFERS A KIDS EAT FREE SPECIAL**
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Great food and friendly service. 

PHOENIX AREA-  RAINFOREST CAFE
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe     480.752.9100
www.rainforestcafe.com
The Rainforest Café at Arizona Mills Mall offers more than a typical dining experience.  Seating for this unique restaurant is located in a simulated rainforest, complete with leafy tree, vines, a beautiful waterfall, giant fish aquariums, sudden thunderstorms and a variety of animatronic animals.  There is a large store/ gift shop at the entrance of the restaurant.  They sell lots of fun items for fairly reasonable prices.  This is definitely not a budget-friendly restaurant.  Even the kid's menu is quite pricey considering the amount and quality of food.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  The environment is fun and entertaining for the whole family.  The menu has a good variety of food, including vegetarian options. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  The food was expensive and not worth the price (with the exceptions of desserts which were very good).  The wait for the food was excessive even at lunch when the restaurant was  not very busy. 

PHOENIX AREA-  RED ROBIN
10240 W. McDowell Rd., Avondale     623.907.3460
www.redrobin.com
Great place to take the whole family.  The menu has a great variety for adults and children.  Staff was friendly and attentive.  Many different table seating choices including booths that sit 6 - 8 people comfortably.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-  Reasonably priced children's menu with good variety.  Their kids meals have healthy side options which was a nice choice!  The staff was very friendly and attentive;  drinks were refilled quickly and our food arrived very fast.   The kids were provided with crayons and entertaining placemats.  We also liked the variety of booth and table sizes available.  Even with a large family we were able to fit into one of their large booths comfortably.