Over the past few decades Phoenix, AZ has developed into quite a desirable place to live. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, with both young and old flocking to the booming culture, steady economy and perfect weather. There is certainly no lack of family-friendly activities and the warm climate means you can typically enjoy them year-round. Parks, golf courses and outdoor recreation of every manner abound, but it’s the immaculately designed museums, science and activity centers that may prove the most engaging. Whatever your family’s pleasure may be, you’re sure to have fun this summer in Phoenix.
Musical Instrument Museum
Your whole family is welcomed to try out instruments from around the world at the Musical Instrument Museum. Expert guidance is always on hand thanks to a dedicated staff of musicians, and the impressive facility even houses personal instruments from music legends like Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Taylor Swift. Specially programmed receivers will treat you to music from across the ages as you peruse the exhibits. The museum also holds weekly programs for kids 6-10 years of age where parents and kids can sing, dance, and play instruments.
Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix
At the peak of summer nothing screams family fun more than a water park. Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix is the city’s premiere water park with more than 35 acres of pools, slides and rides for all ages including the legendary Velocity, a jet propelled water coaster with exhilarating drops and turns that are worth the price of entry alone. The park is open from May to October so a season pass is a great idea for big families.
Desert Botanical Garden
Prominently displayed are the splendor of unique flora that call Arizona home. The world’s largest outdoor desert plant collection does not disappoint, and the administration has prepared an informative ethno-botanical walking trail that helps you experience garden to its fullest and understand each plant’s importance in Native American tribal life. A trip to the garden acts as a great primer for first time visitors to learn to identify the local cacti and wildflower, but is essential for residents who are looking to make the most of living in Phoenix.
Phoenix Zoo
This facility houses over 1,200 animals in habitats that have been painstakingly designed to mimic each animal’s natural habitat. Many of the animals are actively reproducing endangered species, making the zoo more than just an attraction, it is important to global conservation. Here children get hands on experience with many of these animals via informative tours, train rides, a petting zoo, camel rides and a tropical rain-forest exhibit just to name a few. Stingray Bay is a fan favorite that has been beautifully designed. Summer is a perfect time to visit but the zoo holds special seasonal events throughout the year.
Arizona Science Center
If your family loves interactive and inspirational science exhibits then look no further than this highly acclaimed institution. 300 plus exhibits combine with seasonal exhibitions and a five story IMAX theatre to form an indispensable resource for Phoenix families. However, it is the Dorrance Planetarium that keeps locals coming back and again with breathtaking interstellar shows.
That Phoenix has a lot to offer is now becoming common knowledge, but that the city has become a haven for culture, knowledge and recreation is only now beginning to catch on. The above mentioned activities represent some of the best family friendly activities to be had this summer in Phoenix, but once you peel back the outer layers of the city, you’ll find a nearly endless amount of things to do.
