Best Outdoor Activities for Kids in Scottsdale
24 outdoor adventures for families in Scottsdale. Parks, trails, playgrounds, and fresh-air fun for every age group.
Highest rated: Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground, Boyce Thompson Arboretum. 15 are free. Every listing includes age ratings, stroller access, and parent tips.
Top Picks
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
4.9 starsSouthwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a rescue facility for Arizona's native wildlife — wolves, black bears, mountain lions, javelinas, and other
Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground
4.9 starsRotary Park Playground in the Gainey Ranch neighborhood features well-maintained play equipment in a beautiful park setting with mature trees providin
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
4.9 starsBoyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona's oldest botanical garden, set in a dramatic desert canyon near Superior, and it offers something rare for kids: g
Horizon Park Playground
4.8 starsHorizon Park Playground in North Scottsdale is a well-maintained neighborhood playground with a 4.8-star rating, reflecting genuine satisfaction from
Wallace Desert Garden
4.8 starsWallace Desert Garden is the historic garden section within Boyce Thompson Arboretum, featuring mature desert plantings that include century-old sagua
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
FreeScottsdale Rotary Park Playground
Ages: 1–10 years
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up, especially nature-curious kids
FreeHorizon Park Playground
Ages: 1–10 years
Wallace Desert Garden
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
FreeEldorado Park Playground North
Ages: 1–10 years
FreeChaparral Park
Ages: All ages
FreeMountain View Park
Ages: 1–12 years
The Phoenix Zoo
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
FreeFountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
FreeEldorado Park
Ages: All ages
FreePima Park Playground
Ages: 1–10 years
FreeVista Del Camino Park
Ages: All ages
FreeDesert Horizon Park
Ages: All ages
Reid Park Zoo
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
FreeIronwood Park
Ages: All ages
FreeCactus Park Playground
Ages: 1–10 years
FreeDesert Breeze Hummingbird Habitat
Ages: Best for ages 2 and up
FreeCactus Park
Ages: All ages
FreeComanche Park Playground
Ages: 1–8 years
Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up, particularly nature-curious kids
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
Partially FreeQueen Creek Botanical Gardens
Ages: Best for ages 3 and up
Common Questions
- What are the best outdoor activities for kids in Scottsdale?
- 24 outdoor family activities in Scottsdale. Highest rated: Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Horizon Park Playground, Wallace Desert Garden. Parks, trails, playgrounds, and more.
- Are there free outdoor things to do with kids in Scottsdale?
- 15 outdoor activities in Scottsdale are free, including Scottsdale Rotary Park Playground, Horizon Park Playground, Eldorado Park Playground North.
- How many outdoor activities in Scottsdale are stroller-friendly?
- 20 of the 24 outdoor activities in Scottsdale are fully stroller-friendly.
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