Kidspace at Scottsdale Public Library - Civic Center

The Scottsdale Civic Center Library is one of those rare public spaces that manages to be architecturally impressive, impeccably maintained, and genuinely exciting for young children. The building itself is a striking piece of modern Southwestern design, but for families, the real draw is Kidspace -- a dedicated children's area on the ground floor that functions as a free indoor play destination, reading room, and program space all in one.

Kidspace goes well beyond bookshelves. The area features interactive play stations with puzzles, building blocks, and educational toys. A reading nook built into an enclosed cave-like structure invites kids to crawl inside and browse picture books in a cozy, private space.

Touch-screen learning stations offer age-appropriate educational games. The children's book collection is enormous, well-curated, and displayed at kid height with face-out covers that make browsing irresistible. Board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books cover every interest and reading level.

The library's children's programming is outstanding. Free storytime sessions happen multiple mornings per week, targeting specific age groups: Baby Time (0-18 months), Toddler Time (18-36 months), and Preschool Storytime (3-5 years). Each session includes songs, movement, story reading, and a simple craft or activity.

The librarians leading these sessions are skilled, enthusiastic, and genuinely good with young children. Sessions are first-come, first-served and rarely reach capacity.

Summer programming ramps up significantly with the Summer Reading Program. Kids track their reading on a log and earn prizes at milestones -- small toys, books, and certificates that provide genuine motivation. For families visiting Scottsdale during the summer, the library provides a critical respite from the heat.

Walking from 110-degree outdoor temperatures into a cool, quiet, beautifully designed space stocked with things to do feels like finding an oasis.

The library's location adjacent to Scottsdale Civic Center Park creates a natural pairing: splash pad and playground in the morning, library visit in the afternoon when the heat peaks. Sugar Bowl ice cream parlor is a 2-minute walk away for a post-library treat. Old Town Scottsdale's shops and restaurants surround the area.

Practical notes: the library is fully stroller-accessible. Restrooms with changing tables are available. Free visitor library cards are issued to anyone with a photo ID, regardless of residency -- you can check out books, DVDs, and audiobooks to enjoy during your stay. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot and surrounding streets.