For kids, my top five things to do in Phoenix

[Tornado man]

Having lived in the Phoenix area, and being in charge of entertaining 5 kids for two days during the bowl trip, here are my top five attractions in the Valley of the Sun.
I will hit them all, and the little monsters will think I'm a god:

1. Phoenix Zoo and ZooLights - a great zoo for kids at any time, the place is all lit up at night during the Christmas season. The place is packed for this, so get there at dusk.
The Phoenix Zoo, Voted One of the Nation's Top 5 Zoos for Kids

2. Encanto Park and Enchanted Island - a nationally-known park right in the downtown area, with a lagoon, boat rentals, lots of picnic space, and a great amusement park.
Enchanted Island at Encanto Park

3. Rawhide Western Town - frontier town in Chandler (just south of Tempe) that has free admission, then tons of activities and rides from $2 to $5. Kids will want to stay there all day. It's also all lit up with Christmas lights.
An 1880's Western Town, Steakhouse, Saloon and Shops right in the heart of Wild Horse Pass. - Home

4. Children's Museum of Phoenix - best kids museum I've ever been to. Tons of hands-on, interactive exhibits. Located downtown.
Welcome to the Children's Museum of Phoenix

5. Castles and Coasters - large amusement park right by the large Metro Center Mall on I-17. Most rides are for kids 4 and above. Mini golf and huge arcade room.
Welcome to Castles N' Coasters

Also, if people are staying through at least the midday of Jan 2, the Fiesta Bowl parade is a must. It goes right down Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix.
Fiesta Bowl

 

[aauummm]

Now that's a very ambitious agenda for two days!!:yes:

 

[Tornado man]

Now that's a very ambitious agenda for two days!!:yes:

Yeah - my idea is to tire them out so that if we don't finish, it's not my fault...

 

[Angie]

Having lived in the Phoenix area, and being in charge of entertaining 5 kids for two days during the bowl trip, here are my top five attractions in the Valley of the Sun.
I will hit them all, and the little monsters will think I'm a god:

1. Phoenix Zoo and ZooLights - a great zoo for kids at any time, the place is all lit up at night during the Christmas season. The place is packed for this, so get there at dusk.
The Phoenix Zoo, Voted One of the Nation's Top 5 Zoos for Kids

2. Encanto Park and Enchanted Island - a nationally-known park right in the downtown area, with a lagoon, boat rentals, lots of picnic space, and a great amusement park.
Enchanted Island at Encanto Park

3. Rawhide Western Town - frontier town in Chandler (just south of Tempe) that has free admission, then tons of activities and rides from $2 to $5. Kids will want to stay there all day. It's also all lit up with Christmas lights.
An 1880's Western Town, Steakhouse, Saloon and Shops right in the heart of Wild Horse Pass. - Home

4. Children's Museum of Phoenix - best kids museum I've ever been to. Tons of hands-on, interactive exhibits. Located downtown.
Welcome to the Children's Museum of Phoenix

5. Castles and Coasters - large amusement park right by the large Metro Center Mall on I-17. Most rides are for kids 4 and above. Mini golf and huge arcade room.
Welcome to Castles N' Coasters

Also, if people are staying through at least the midday of Jan 2, the Fiesta Bowl parade is a must. It goes right down Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix.
Fiesta Bowl

My grandparents took me to numbers 1, 3, and 4 several times as a child when I'd come visit. Kids will love the petting zoo at Rawhide, as well as the gunfights. There used to be a place called the Rockin' R Ranch that did dinners, too.

 

[Tornado man]

My grandparents took me to numbers 1, 3, and 4 several times as a child when I'd come visit. Kids will love the petting zoo at Rawhide, as well as the gunfights. There used to be a place called the Rockin' R Ranch that did dinners, too.

I have not been to Rawhide since they moved it - looking forward to it.

 

[Dave19642006]

Are you offering???? I have 5 kids you can watch then I can sell 5 tickets to someone

 

[CYKOFAN]

I'd also suggest climbing the mountain that's next to Sun Devil stadium. It's an easy hike that takes about 20 minutes to the top for a great view of the Phoenix area as well as a view down into the football stadium.

 

[desertbound]

That's a great list! I'd also add the Railroad Park on Scottsdale Road as a great kid-friendly place!

 

[Tornado man]

That's a great list! I'd also add the Railroad Park on Scottsdale Road as a great kid-friendly place!

That's right - I forgot about that. We have to go there. And because we're so close, I'll take the little monsters south on Scottsdale Road and stop at the Sugar Bowl for ice cream. The first time I stopped there, I was in awe:

Welcome to the Sugarbowl in Scottsdale, Arizona!

 

[desertbound]

Oh yeah! The Sugar Bowl is great! I love their Creamed Walnut Fudge Sundae!!

 

[aauummm]

I like your avatar! My ocotillo cactus pic was taken near Borrego Springs, CA last Feb.

 

[desertbound]

I like your avatar! My ocotillo cactus pic was taken near Borrego Springs, CA last Feb.

Thanks. Got the Saguaro pic up in the McDowell area north of Scottsdale

 

[Angie]

What's the name of that restaurant - the Organ Grinder or something like that? Does anyone know what I'm talking about - I think it is (or was) in Mesa? That was fun as a little kid, too.

 

[hurdleisu24]

I'd also suggest climbing the mountain that's next to Sun Devil stadium. It's an easy hike that takes about 20 minutes to the top for a great view of the Phoenix area as well as a view down into the football stadium.

I plan on climbing A mountain and planting the biggest ISU flag in it.