Kids & Family
Kid-tested, family-approved fun in Tempe
Tempe is a favorite destination for family travel, from toddlers to teens. Check out kid friendly things to do in Tempe such as entertaining and educational museums, exhilarating arcades, scenic hiking trails, the Phoenix Zoo, indoor attractions like SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium and Main Event, waterparks, splash pads and fun-filled festivals.
Family Friendly Restaurants
Which restaurants are the best to take my family? Here’s our list of family-friendly restaurants in Tempe, offering a kiddo approved menus and atmospheres where everyone can have a good time.
Learn MoreFun times for the whole family
ASU Gallery of Scientific Exploration
ITSB 4 Bldg.
781 E. Terrace Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85281
ASU Innovation Gallery
School of Human Evolution & Social Change Bldg.
900 S. Cady Mall
Tempe, AZ 85281
ASU Lunar Exploration Museum & NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera Operations Center (LROC) Visitor Gallery
The Lunar Exploration Museum includes the LROC Visitor Gallery where visitors discover the excitement of exploration, learn about America’s incredible space program, watch dedicated scientists charting the amazing lunar frontier, explore the Moon, and see a real Moon rock!
ASU Mars Space Flight Facility
At ASU’s Mars Space Flight Facility, scientists and researchers are using instruments on spacecraft on Mars to explore the geology and mineralogy of the Red Planet. A full-size Mars Rover model is on display in the building’s lobby.
Arizona State University
Moeur Building, 201 E. Orange Mall
Tempe, AZ 85281
Boat Rentals of America – Kiwanis Lake
Boat Rentals of America – Kiwanis Lake offers kayaks and pedal boats for rent; no experience is required. In addition, surrey bike rentals are also available and are perfect for a leisurely ride around Kiwanis Park.
5203 S. Ash Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85283
Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake
At Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake, everyone can enjoy recreational boating. Select from a variety of watercraft: kayaks, pedal boats, electric boats, stand-up paddleboards and more. Guests can now rent surrey bikes too.
72 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Butterfly Wonderland
9500 E. Vía de Ventura
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Changing Hands Bookstore
This legendary independent bookstore has served the Tempe community since 1974, with thousands of new and used books and unique gifts including ceramics, chimes, chocolates and much more. The popular community gathering place also hosts author events and workshops regularly.
6428 S. McClintock Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85283
Childsplay Theatre
Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
D-BAT
Enhance the experience for players at all levels, from little league up, with batting practice at this premier baseball and softball training center. Pitching machines use baseballs and softballs from 40-70 mph. Developmental youth camps, private lessons and parties are available.
Talking Stick Entertainment District
9109 E. Talking Stick Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Dave & Buster’s
52,000 sq. ft. of fun! Have a blast playing billiards, eat and drink at the sports bar, and play over 150 video, prize and simulator games. Whether it’s classics like Pop-A-Shot, Pac-Man, and Skee-Ball, or the newest games in our Million Dollar Midway, everyone in your group will have a blast!
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Ste. 1100
Tempe, AZ 85281
Desert Botanical Garden
Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. An Arizona icon celebrating 80 years, the Garden has grown into a compelling attraction and desert conservation pioneer.
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Fort McDowell Adventures
A true gem in the Sonoran Desert located on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Reservation providing 360 degree views of surrounding mountain ranges. Guests can enjoy cattle drives and ATV’s. Fort McDowell Adventures offers guests an outdoor experience unlike any other.
14803 N. Hiawatha Hood Rd.
Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
Gallery at TCA
700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ, 85281
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
National Firefighting Hall of Heroes. Over 70 classic pieces of firefighting apparatus on display, dating from 1725 to 2004. Fire safety exhibits, games and activities for kids. A full-sized fire engine available for boarding. Open Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Sun., open Mon. by appointment for guided group tours.
6101 E. Van Buren St.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Harkins Tempe Marketplace 16
Harkins Theatres Tempe Marketplace 16 features state-of-the-art amenities, including Ultimate Rocker seats, cutting-edge laser projection and sound technology, an expanded concession stand and the perfect fusion of technology, style and showmanship with its Ciné Capri® auditorium.
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy. #1160
Tempe, AZ 85281
Harkins Theatres Arizona Mills 18 w/ IMAX
Harkins Theatres Arizona Mills 18 w/ IMAX features state-of-the-art amenities including plush leather Ultimate Lounger seats, cutting-edge laser projection and sound technology, an In-Lobby Bar serving local craft varieties, and the addition of Harkins premium large format auditorium CINÉ1®. Harkins IMAX® at Arizona Mills is the largest IMAX screen in Arizona!
5000 Arizona Mills Cir.
Tempe, AZ 85282
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
iFLY
There’s absolutely no other feeling in the world like indoor skydiving. Get your heart racing and make the dream of flight a reality in this safe and reliable environment. Safe, fun and awesome experience for all flyers from 3 to 103.
Talking Stick Entertainment District
9206 E. Talking Stick Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Imagine 3D Mini-Golf
Hand-painted 3D murals enhance your black light mini-golf experience transporting you to a fantasy world of dragon caves, sunken pirate ships and magical unicorns! 3D glasses are the difference maker, keeping you challenged as you try to sink the putt.
Talking Stick Entertainment District
9180 E. Talking Stick Way, #7
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Kiwanis Community Park
Walk, fish or just relax in Tempe’s 125-acre park! Enjoy boat and bike rentals, two large corporate picnic areas, playgrounds, 15 ramadas, urban fishing and seasonal movies in the park.
5500 S. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85283
Kiwanis Recreation Center
The Kiwanis Recreation Center is home to an indoor heated wave pool and water slide, 15-court tennis center, gymnasium, batting range, a ramada area and classrooms.
Kiwanis Park
6111 S. All American Way
Tempe, AZ 85283
KOLI Equestrian Center
6940 W. Broken Ear Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85226
KTR
Indoor Action Sports Playground where kids of all ages and abilities have the freedom to learn and play. Introduce your kids to parkour, scootering, skateboarding, BMX, Ninja Zone, trampoline and tumbling. Toddlers only zone, classes and parties available too.
Taking Stick Entertainment District
9009 E. Talking Stick Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Main Event Entertainment
Our 58,000 square foot center is home to 26 high quality recreational bowling lanes, laser tag, a gravity high ropes course, billiards and shuffleboard tables, more than 125 interactive games, flexible meeting and event spaces and a tempting array of food and beverages.
8545 S. Emerald Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85284
Marston 3-D Theater
Located inside the ASU Gallery of Scientific Exploration, Marston 3-D Theater presents high-definition documentary movies with earth and space science themes and 3-D planetarium-style shows (on a flat screen). Marston 3-D shows are presented on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons.
ASU Tempe Campus – ITSB4 Bldg.
781 E. Terrace Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
Imagine the pageantry and excitement as a guest of the royal court ten centuries ago. A hearty four-course feast is served while six brave knights compete in games of skill astride magnificent Spanish horses at North America’s #1 dinner attraction.
Talking Stick Entertainment District
9051 E. Via de Ventura
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Mountain America Community Iceplex
Mountain America Community Iceplex, inside Mullett Arena, offers programming for community events, learn-to-skate, hockey, public skating and more.
411 S. Packard Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281
OdySea Aquarium
9500 E. Vía de Ventura
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs
Interactive exhibit that specializes in education with a twist of entertaining exploration featuring more than 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that roam through exhibits and true-to-life recreations of prehistoric habitats. Designed to transport you back to the age of the dinosaurs.
Talking Stick Entertainment District
9500 E. Via De Ventura, C-100
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Papago Park
This desert preserve features nearly 10 miles of hiking and biking trails throughout 1,500 acres. It is also home to several attractions and museums.
1000 N. College Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Phoenix Premium Outlets
Phoenix Premium Outlets® is an impressive outdoor village-style center located 15 minutes south of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Shop more than 90 designer and brand name outlet stores. Enjoy exceptional brands at extraordinary savings of 25-65%.
4976 Premium Outlets Way
Chandler, AZ 85226
Phoenix Zoo | Arizona Center for Nature Conservation
Explore a world of curiosity, imagination and discovery at the Phoenix Zoo. See Sumatran tigers, Bornean orangutans, Masai giraffe and enjoy encounters such as Monkey Village and Harmony Farm. Your Zoo visit will be memorable for the entire family. Check the website for seasonal hours.
455 N. Galvin Pkwy.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Roadhouse Cinemas
Arizona’s only locally-owned and operated, dine-in movie theatre! An extraordinary restaurant menu, impressively created full bar featuring Arizona craft beers, and overwhelmingly comfortable recliners are yours to enjoy while experiencing state-of-the-art projection and 7.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound!
Talking Stick Entertainment District
9090 E. Talking Stick Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Singh Meadows
Singh Meadows is a scenic spot sprawled on 75 acres of greenbelts, trees and walking trails. It features a 100% organic café, coffee and juice bar and a farmer’s market.
1490 E. Weber Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace
Open year-round and daily until 11:00 p.m., the Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace is the ideal family-friendly spot for children to splash, play and cool off outdoors. Parents are not to be left out with nearby fashion-forward shops, enticing eats and entertainment stops.
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ, 85281
Tempe History Museum
The museum explores Tempe history through collections, research services, exhibits and programs that captivate and connect with audiences throughout the community and beyond. Open Tuesday – Saturday. Closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays.
809 E. Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282
Tempe Marketplace
With over 100 shops and restaurants and 300 events a year, Tempe Marketplace is the ultimate destination. With a vibrant outdoor setting featuring fireplaces, water features and pop-up art installations, Tempe Marketplace provides an unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment experience.
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281
The Cloud at Kiwanis Park
The Cloud at Kiwanis Park has 5,000 square feet of water play, including loops, jelly sticks, misting sprays and pillars. The one-of-a-kind structure also provides shade from the summer sun, while featuring unique lighting and sound shows throughout the day. Open April through October.
Kiwanis Park
5233 S. Ash Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85283
Tilt Studio
Tilt Studio’s 40,000 sq. ft. family entertainment center features a unique combination of food and fun. Guests enjoy 150+ interactive video and redemption games, a retro gaming area with pinball and vintage games and a mouthwatering menu of American cuisine.
5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Ste. 669
Tempe, AZ 85282
Trapezius
Flying Trapeze for Kids and adults ages 4+. No experience is necessary. Whether you’re interested in a one-time class, birthday party, private event or a weekly workshop, Trapezius has it. Experience movement and fitness in a new way. TRAPEZIUS: Flight Mode Activated!
440 N. Scottsdale Rd.,
Tempe, AZ 85288