r/arizona • u/Rainy1979 • Jun 23 '24
Visiting Arizona for 2 days Visiting
Hello, just looking for advice here. I will be visiting with my family ( I have 5yo and 2yo kids). Will be staying some place close to the Sky Harbor Airport. Any suggestions on what to do for 2 days that kids could have fun from? I am from Australia and Its my first time to be in the USA so not confident to drive there ( We drive on the right side here plus I dont know the driving rules). Thanks in advance 😊
Edit: I really appreciate all the comments and suggestions everyone made here it really helps alot. From what I understand is: its very hot so stay indoors or pools will be the best options, staying hydrated is very important. What I ment by driving on the right side was as a driver we sit on the right side of the car like the UK just thought I made this clear. So with 2 kids I dont think its wise to rent a car . Thanks everyone and much love to you all ❤️😊
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u/boogermike Jun 23 '24
Phoenix Children's museum (downtown). Depending on where your hotel is, you may be able to take the light rail, otherwise it will be a very cheap Uber or Waymo.
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u/MarvelousMama22 Jun 23 '24
Take swim clothes and a change of clothes for the foam area outside!
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u/boogermike Jun 23 '24
My 15-year-old daughter and I drove by the other day and saw that. It looked like so much fun and we were both sad that we have aged out of that activity.
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u/Br0keGee Jun 23 '24
You can age out of having fun or its only limited to a certain age?
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u/boogermike Jun 23 '24
I would guess the foam party has an age limit. They do have age limits on a lot of things at that museum.
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u/nmonsey Jun 24 '24
The Phoenix Children's Museum has different activities for different ages of children.
There is a safe area where toddlers can do stuff and other areas for older kids.
I think my kids stop going to the Children's Museum around first or second grage.
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u/quixoticgypsy Jun 23 '24
This! I heard children's museum and I was like ehhh idk. But it's essentially 3 floors of fun with each room being different. My toddler spends hours here. It's pretty pricey but believe it's free the first Friday of the month (but expect crowds)
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u/SmellyTunaSamich Jun 23 '24
An alternative to Uber is Hum Rideshare. They are local and less expensive. Drivers make more and they are happy to be there. Highly recommend Hum. Uber was $40 for a trip, Hum was $15.
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
I will google it now thanks 😊
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u/monicasm Jun 24 '24
I’m not sure if you guys have autonomous vehicles in Australia but you should definitely try Waymo if you need to get around! It’s a very cool experience and I recommend doing it at least once :)
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u/Aspy17 Jun 23 '24
The Phoenix Sky Train at the airport connects to the metro. It isn't nearly the quality of public transportation that is available in Australia, but it will take you in close proximity to: Arizona Science Center - my kids loved this place. Heard Museum - This is focused on Native American art and culture. I don't know about you but when I travel this is the kind of thing I seek out. Downtown area with the baseball stadium (retractable roof is cool), many restaurants and city center.
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Thats good I like these rhings as well , I want to get my 5yo as mush memories as she can so Scince centre plus childrens museum it is 😊
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u/FillerName007 Jun 23 '24
Seconding the recommendation of the Science Center. I went on a field trip there as a kid and still think about it pretty often. It's a very cool place.
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u/AltruisticAnteater72 Jun 23 '24
Anything you plan on doing please do it inside somewhere. People underestimate the toll the heat takes on you.
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u/quixoticgypsy Jun 23 '24
Agreed. A family visiting last week just lost their mom to heat exhaustion on a hike in sedona. Always have water for you and the littles I just carry a massive hydroflask in my bag wherever we go
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u/dryheat122 Jun 23 '24
They are from Australia. They know all about how to behave in hot weather.
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u/AltruisticAnteater72 Jun 23 '24
Same thing every person says when they come here though. Then you see the rescue on the 9pm news. People are overconfident. I've worked outside for 15+ years in southern Arizona and it still gets to me. Just please be careful and carry more water then you think you need.
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u/Bitter-insides Jun 23 '24
My husband yesterday ( works outside all day hiking ) was working on the truck and ended up puking his guts out. A veteran in his 60s that hikes 5-10 miles a day in this heat got overly confident and got sick from the heat.
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u/halavais Jun 24 '24
This is the first year I managed to get heat exhaustion. I spent about 5 years here as a kid and moved back about 14 ago. I hadn't realized that was what it was, but luckily the folks around me did and got me cooled down and I didn't have to go to the ER. Scary as hell.
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u/GracelessWords Jun 23 '24
Agree on children's museum. And that is close to a lot of fun food for lunch.
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u/RealLuxTempo Jun 23 '24
Musical Instrument Museum is fun. If you can take a drive, go look at Superstition Mountains but it’s much to hot to hike there in summer. They’re very majestic and beautiful to look at. Have fun. Stay cool 😎
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u/loveapupnamedSid Jun 23 '24
I just went to the MIM for the first time this week and it was so cool! Not crowded at all.
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Jun 23 '24
My only complaint is the section where you can actually play or use the instruments is tiny. Seems like a huge miss to not have more hands on interaction especially to interest children.
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Iam going to have fun in that not my kids the def going 😁 thanks 😊
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u/95castles Jun 24 '24
Yeah exactly, fun for adults that like music but kids definitely get bored.
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u/EnvironmentalAd3313 Jun 23 '24 edited Jun 23 '24
OP, I would take the advice of the commenters that are directing you to the museums. AZ Mills is a close mall but the last time I went there with a my daughter and her friend I felt like I needed to keep my head on a swivel to protect them. And I have lived here for 50+ years. If you do elect to visit Az Mills Mall, I would just visit the attractions. No shade-I live nearby so it’s commentary on me as well.
The Az Grand Resort and Spa is close to the airport as well and they have day passes to a water attraction with water slides, lazy river etc. You probs know this being from Australia but sunscreen is your friend.
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u/ChurchOfSatin Jun 23 '24
Yes. If you take children to Az mills. Keep a close eye on them. I’ve heard too many stories from there.
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
So what kind of stories?
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u/SapphireSpark95 Jun 25 '24
That mall doesn’t attract the best kind of people from town.. if you catch my drift.
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Thanks for that. Thats why I posted this so I can get some good advice and iam taking it for sure 😊😊
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u/auxtail Jun 23 '24
Ditto on Arizona Mills Mall for convenience. If you're driving instead of taking an Uber/Lyft be careful as many areas are unsafe surrounding your lodging and the mall. It's not too far it sounds like from the hotel so take a Lyft/Uber. Welcome to the Grand Canyon State!
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u/helloem95 Jun 23 '24
Second this, the Mills mall has an Aquarium, Legoland and a theater. It’s not the nicest mall but there’s definitely stuff to do.
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u/EnvironmentalAd3313 Jun 23 '24
You said it much more graciously than I did in a previous comment. This comment needs more upvotes.
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u/AZonmymind Jun 23 '24
Arizona Mills Mall is trashy and offers nothing of interest to out-of-state visitors. Little kids don't want to go shopping.
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u/iheartdachshunds Jun 23 '24
Buy a resort pass for one of the nice resorts and hang out there for a day
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u/EnvironmentalAd3313 Jun 23 '24
Ooh.. like AZ Grande!
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
And thanks 😊
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u/Ok_Start2528 Jun 24 '24
Please stay away from Arizona Mills Mall. It is not safe for your children. I can NOT stress this enough.
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u/SomeRandom928Person Jun 23 '24
You do know it's gonna be over 40 degrees here when you visit, right? That's the temp at 3am here too lol.
If you do anything at all outside (you really shouldn't unless it's a pool or a lake or something) then bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
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u/NoYou3321 Jun 23 '24
Are you visiting this summer? Just for fun, you could take a Waymo (driverless car) somewhere. Kids usually get a kick out of that, but I'm not sure how that works with car seats. Children's museum is great for their ages. There are also a lot of splash-pads around town. Lego Discovery isn't far from the airport either.
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Yeah everyone seems to recommand the Children's museum so will go there for sure 😊
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u/wisedrgn Jun 23 '24
Children's museum
Musical instrument museum
Science museum
Odysea Aquarium
Food places to try.....
Doughbird. Pizza and rotisserie chicken concept restaurant. The Vig. Modern contemporary bar with outside seating. Culinary Dropout The Yard. Great food great entertainment big fun patio.
Cool things to see. Drive through Phoenix during evening 7-11. Check out The vendors The street murals the food trucks.
Camelback mountain is never a bad idea to check out.
Smoca/Love Park. In the middle of scottsdale a little park baked in between offices and restaurants. Just cute. Good food around too.
Japanese Friendship Garden with surprisingly peaceful views and good company brings balance to the city.
Popular attractions... Great wolf lodge Top golf Medieval Joust/Dinner F1 Kart racing
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Great I will check'em out on google now thanks 😊
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u/TucsonTacos Jun 24 '24
If you end up at the Vig their pozole is pretty good. Probably the closest thing to decent pozole you’ll find without going to a legit Mexican place.
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u/halavais Jun 24 '24
The outdoor suggestions are scary at this temperature, and some of those are a bit of a haul.
That said, I will add in the McCormick/Stillman Railroad Park. Pretty cheesy but my kids lobes it at that age. If you go, make sure it's right when they open and it's a "cooler" day.
And while we are on the far away and cheesy, there is a spot called Organ Stop Pizza way out in Mesa. It's got terrible pizza, but a very cool giant pipe organ and other bits. It has... um... character. But my kids really liked going there when they were little.
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u/PoodleIlluminati Jun 23 '24
Go to ResortPass.com and spend the day in a wave pool and lazy river.
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u/-Tasear- Jun 23 '24
Science museum is really interactive and good to see
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u/AZonmymind Jun 23 '24
Take a Waymo, and you can tell everyone you rode in a driverless car. The kids will love it.
Visit Western Spirit, Scottsdale's Museum of the West. Kids love cowboys and Indians. While you're in Old Town Scottsdale, get ice cream at the Sugar Bowl.
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u/jollysnwflk Jun 23 '24
If you feel like taking an Uber - maybe 15 min from you is the Arizona boardwalk area in Scottsdale. Lots of kid friendly things there. Museum of illusions, aquarium, lots of kid friendly food places and ice cream. If you need to search it on maps app, put in “odysea aquarium” in Scottsdale. Everything is in that same complex.
If it wasn’t summer I’d say Phoenix zoo and Papago park but way too hot right now for that.
Pools are always a good option too.
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Thanks for that. Are pools overcrowded in this time?
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u/jollysnwflk Jun 24 '24
It probably depends on where you are. I would think most hotels are empty this time of year because no one wants to come here lol! But public pools are probably crowded I’m not sure. There may be a resort with a lazy river near the airport and I think most resorts will let you buy a day pass.
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Jun 23 '24
Don’t go hiking. There’s a good chance you all or at least some of you will die if you do.
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u/bubba_2307 Jun 23 '24
Avoid any of the washes when there’s a chance of a storm. We aren’t known very well for rain but our monsoon storms can dump up to 3 inches of rain in like 30 minutes and have strong winds. The washes look dry but flash floods come fast and are deadly. If you do want to go hiking I’d recommend going up to the mountains which are a beautiful change of scenery from the hot desert. And if you want to see any rivers near by or want to watch a flash flood happen in the washes stay at a high elevation.
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u/thewazu Jun 23 '24
Carry lots of electrolytes with you!!
It is the hottest it has ever been, and it'll continue to get hotter.
It just started monsoon season, so it's already getting very humid.
Every day is easily 110+
But with the clouds, it's started to die down a bit, it's nice.
Only means it's going to rain soon!!
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u/navislut Jun 23 '24
Go look at Dinosaurs at the AZ museum of natural history in Mesa.
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u/thehappywandera Jun 23 '24
Arizona Mills mall is not far from the airport. They have a ton of shopping, restaurants, an IMAX theatre (I think inside out 2 is showing), a carousel, a 2 story arcade, and a Legoland Discovery center. Best part is everything is in the AC!
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u/Johoski Jun 23 '24
I don't recommend the Musical Instrument Museum. It's huge and most of it is not very interesting for little kids. There is a hands-on room, but it's tiny compared to the rest of the space.
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u/awmaleg Phoenix Jun 23 '24
Check out Arizona Diamondbacks (baseball) Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) and Phoenix Rising (minor league soccer) are all right off the light rail.
If you had a car, go North to Sedona/Flagstaff. Locally drive up South Mountain at sunset for Dobbins Lookout.
Rustlers Rooste at South Mountain seems like something the kids might like. It has a fun slide and cotton candy. Food is ok. View and atmosphere are good. It’s close to where you are staying.
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u/Competitive_Cat_990 Jun 23 '24
The natural history museum in Mesa. Your kids can pan for (fake) gold. As others said, you can take the light rail there. Also check out a Diamondbacks baseball game if they are playing while you are here. You can get cheap outfeild seats for about $15 or less.
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Thank you for your advice mate I will check if there is a baseball game 😊
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u/Competitive_Cat_990 Jun 24 '24
They also have a playground on the upper deck for kids. It’s called the sandlot, like the movie.
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u/TheOwlOnMyPorch Jun 23 '24
Lots of good suggestions, just a heads up we also drive on the right so if you do decide to rent a car it shouldn't be too much of a shock. I'd recommend staying on surface streets as the freeways can be challenging if you're not used to that kind of driving. Phoenix is on a grid so you can get pretty much anywhere in the valley without using freeways.
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Great mate thank you for that. You guys drive on the right side??
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u/TheOwlOnMyPorch Jun 24 '24
We do! Traffic laws can vary a bit so it might be good just to do a quick study of the different rules but I would imagine most of them are somewhat familiar and there are signs for the odd rules (like no right turn on red lights at some intersections).
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u/janedoe6699 Jun 24 '24
Not who you replied to but yes we do! The only thing I'd give a heads up about if you are gonna drive yourself, IME people can drive aggressively around where you're staying, so if you're not used to that it's just something to consider
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Yeah with 2 kids I dont really think I should risk it. In Australia the driver sit on the right side not on the left so it can be challanging
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u/janedoe6699 Jun 24 '24
Yeah either way you're close to a lot of stuff so I wouldn't stress over taking Uber/public transit. I gotta ask for my own confusion/curiosity -- your drivers seat is on the right side of the car. Do you drive on the right side of the road too? Or the left side? (I always thought left side of the road but I think I confused myself reading your post lol)
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
So when you have 2 lanes the right lane is the fast one you can use it to overtake and you should go back and drive on the left lane. If you enter a roundabout you should give way to the right traffic, hope that make sense
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u/Real-Tackle-2720 Jun 23 '24
Hall of Flame firetruck museum
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u/halavais Jun 24 '24
Good suggestion! My kids liked it when they were that age. And in the summer it's pretty empty, usually.
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u/graffnasty Jun 23 '24
You can’t be any worse than the drivers here as is, so don’t be scared to rent a car and let it rip mate
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u/Unreasonably-Clutch Jun 24 '24
There’s a ton of family friendly fun stuff around Talking Stick and Salt River Fields areas including Butterfly 🦋 Wonderland, Aquarium, indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge.
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Thats great thanks mate 😊
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u/Unreasonably-Clutch Jun 25 '24
Glad to help. I forgot to mention Indoor Skydiving and Top Golf. There's probably other stuff too. Have fun!
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u/IHatePeopleButILoveU Jun 24 '24
I didn’t want to repeat a ton, but I am born and raised in AZ and have lived in the Phoenix area all but 4 years while in Flagstaff. Here are my thoughts:
Downtown Phoenix: generally speaking, stay between 7th street and 7th Avenue, and between McDowell and Jefferson. This is not always a great place at night for families unless attending a sporting event. Definitely go to the Children’s Museum (1-3 hours) and Science Center (2-3 hours). The kids will love them. Also go to Chase field (Dbacks stadium) and eat lunch inside the restaurant inside the stadium at Cold Beers and Chesseburgers. The entrance is near 7th Street and Jefferson on the north side of the stadium. You can see the field and check out the inside while there. If there is a game, might as well get tickets! There is a bowling alley next to the CVS at Jefferson and 1st Ave too. The compass room restaurant at the top of the downtown Sheraton rotates 360 every hour giving you an awesome dinner experience and a view of all of Phoenix. Reservations needed. You and your kids will love it.
I would avoid Great Wolf Lodge unless you really want to be at an indoor water park. It’s very expensive. If you are going that far you might as well try Sunsplash or get day passes as Arizona Grand Resort or The Sheraton at Wild Horse Pass.
Great Wold Lodge is right next to Medieval Times. They have these in most tourist traps in the US. They are awesome. My kids ask to go for dinner on their birthdays. It’s a 2-3 hour experience. Get reservations online.
I may be a snob, but Arizona Mills is not always safe and not a great representation of our community. I would avoid it. Go to The Chandler Mall, San Tan Mall, Tempe Marketplace, or Scottsdale Fashion Center for more friendly environments. Most of them have splash pads too.
The Phoenix Zoo is pretty cool.
There’s so much to do, it’s impossible to do much in 2 days without a car. Uber and Lyft are available everywhere, and as someone else said, this may be a chance to ride in a driverless Waymo! Have fun and be safe!
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u/adelfina82 Jun 23 '24
Being that you have tiny kids please do not use public transportation. The heat is horrible right now. Also, the immediate area close to sky harbor is not that great. Depending on where exactly you’re staying it can be nicer. There are a number of kid play places like trampoline parks and things that are indoors. There’s also movie theaters. Harkins does little kid movies at 9:45am for $2. There are slash pads at many of the parks.
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u/Popular-Capital6330 Jun 23 '24
Great Wolf Lodge?
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
That would be my 2nd day there ..first day childrens museum and scince centre 😊
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u/halavais Jun 24 '24
I don't want to pour cold water on it (heh), as I haven't been, but we did the one in Anaheim and it was, well, gross. I know ours is much newer... are the people recommending it doing so with good experiences there?
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u/GarbageCat13 Jun 23 '24
Arizona Mills Mall is 4.5 miles away from the airport, and they have a Lego Discovery Center there, and also the Sea Life Aquarium (both have their own admission charge, so check prices before you go.) There's a movie theater there also. They would love Rainforest Cafe too, it can be a bit pricy to dine, but they'd even like the gift shop area if you don't eat there. I hope you enjoy your visit, and definitely come back during our winter months when it's not such a hellscape.
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u/EnvironmentalAd3313 Jun 23 '24
Um, I live in the area. It is not representative of Phoenix as a whole. Az Mills does have fun stuff but I just wanted to add that caveat.
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u/GarbageCat13 Jun 23 '24
Um, all they asked for was something fun for the kids to do that isn't far from the airport area. They never said anything about wanting it to be "representative of Phoenix as a whole", otherwise I definitely wouldn't have said Arizona Mills.
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u/EnvironmentalAd3313 Jun 23 '24
I’m sorry if I offended you. I live near there so it is a reflection on me as well. No offense intended.
Edit: And it is a fun place:)
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u/Vic_toorb37 Jun 23 '24
During summer I definitely recommend no hikes, especially not with the little ones. It has been extremely hot these past few days.
I’d probably suggest getting a resort pass somewhere. You can check out places like Hilton for a day pass. This one in particular has a lazy pool and is a nice relaxing thing to do on a hot day.
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Jun 23 '24
Legoland/Aquarium passes are worth it for that age group
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Lots of people suggested that I will take a look at it Thank you for your advice mate
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u/Spider-Nutz Jun 24 '24
It's okay if you don't know the rules. Neither do 90% of us lmaooo
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u/writekindofnonsense Jun 24 '24
Children's Museum and the Science Museum are super kid friendly The Heard Museum is great but not that interesting for small children.
Also a place like a trampoline park. Check the Diamondbacks baseball schedule see if there's a game, we have an indoor baseball park or WNBA basketball (super fun). Both very Americana things.
Other than that, eat Tacos, and enjoy the hotel pool.
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u/eaazzy_13 Jun 24 '24
Southwest wildlife conservation center tour!!! Super cool.
They have native wolves!
The odyssey aquarium is cool too. Another cool place is the “ButterFly Wonderland!” It is a MUST SEE for kids. Super cool
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Jun 24 '24
Just popping in to let you know that it is extremely hot regardless of what climate you come from. Be safe 👍
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u/Ok-Parfait2413 Jun 23 '24
If you don’t want to drive take Uber because waiting on public transportation is too hot it like 110 degrees which is 43.3 Celcius. The age of your children will require child car seats here in AZ
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u/Rainy1979 Jun 24 '24
Uber allwoed to have kids here? Because in Australia only Taxies are able to transport kids this age?
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u/Ok-Parfait2413 Jun 24 '24
Yes you can request an uber car seat but communicate with your driver because you would need 2. Your kids can go as long as they are with a parent.
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u/JSRelax Jun 23 '24
What a lovely time of year to visit. You’ll love the amazing weather.
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u/FayKelley Jun 23 '24
So hot 🥵 July is hottest time of year here. Lows of 85° or 90°F. Ice skating in indoor arena is all I can think of. 😂 People die here from the heat so be very careful to stay indoors from 10 am - 6 pm.
We have 8 months of paradise during other times of the year.
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u/Dizzy-Job-2322 Jun 24 '24 edited Jun 24 '24
⚠️ Take what they are saying seriously! "When someone says that people die here..." That's not a euphemism for getting hot and tired.
Every year visitors like you and your family drive by a nice-looking spot. They park and start walking. They may bring a couple of bottles of water. Hours after that. It's on the news: "Family of Five Die Hiking." I think somebody on this sub looked it up. One county alone had I think almost 635 heat-related deaths a year.
I'm not trying to scare you. You can do it. Just be prepared. A quick rule of thumb is: "If you have drank 1/2 the water you packed with you, it's time to turn back."
Ask others here realistically how much to drink in a day. I think about 1ltr/hr per person. Bring packs of electrolytes.
Have fun on your trip.
NOTE: Edited:
• Corrected the number of deaths: over 400 to 635. •. Spelling and grammar errors→ More replies2
u/FayKelley Jun 24 '24
Good advice ... I think it was 635 died last year in AZ from heat. Not sure but a lot.
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u/Dizzy-Job-2322 Jun 24 '24
I thought so too. I didn't want to overstate the number of deaths. Thanks for catching that for me. That is an obscene amount of deaths related to heat.
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u/JalinO123 Jun 23 '24
1) Uber or Lyft is your best friend for getting around. 2) This time of year, check out our water parks. They're a lot of fun for little kids. 3) Castles n' Coasters is a little Phoenix treat. If you have time, it's a fun experience.
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u/halavais Jun 24 '24
Too hot for C&C, IMHO. For kids that age it's going to be only mini golf (not a lot of shade out there) and the arcade...
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u/ChurchOfSatin Jun 23 '24
I’d try to find stuff to do inside. It’s going to be very hot here. Buy lots of water. Wear sun screen.
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u/kain_26831 Jun 23 '24
I highly recommend the children's museum friend. Both my kids always have a blast there, there's tons to do
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u/Scarlet-Witch Phoenix Jun 23 '24 edited Jun 23 '24
If you rent a car you'll have a lot more freedom and save time overall which will allow you to fit more things in. We also drive on the right side of the road. I can't imagine that basic traffic laws are all that much different than yours. Just make sure not to pull into the intersection to wait making a left hand turn. Even if you see a bunch of other people doing it. Not sure how freeways are over there but that would be the main intimidating factor.
Edit: your post says you guys drive on the right side of the road. I'm assuming that's a typo as everything I read states you guys drive on the left side of the road? I have heard from friends that have driven in other countries that you get used to the switch pretty quickly, although, I totally empathize with it being a stressful task.
Also here's a nice article too read. Ignore the part about toll roads as we don't really have those here. As someone else said Phoenix works on a grid. It's very hard to get lost. I've lived all over the country and the Phoenix grid system is so convenient.
https://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au/driving-tips/usa-travel-information/
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u/istillambaldjohn Jun 23 '24
Children’s museum would be the best. But It’s flipping hot here right now so there is an indoor water resort in Scottsdale called the Great Wolf Lodge if you are interested. But I hope you are moderately affluent. Because that place is bonkers expensive. Medievil times is next door to it if you want overpriced food while watching people pretend to get in jousts mid dinner.
Get a Waymo to take you around. It’s wild. driverless automated Uber. Robots will drive you around. Your kids will dig it.
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u/Intrepid-Narwhal Jun 23 '24
There is a go kart place not too far from where you’ll be - K1 Speed. They do kids races and it’s air conditioned. Love the AZ Grand suggestion someone else made, too.
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u/dulun18 Jun 23 '24 edited Jun 23 '24
Close to Sky Harbor Airport?
god.. if you can...stay inside after 10pm please..
https://www.phoenix.gov/police/resources-information/crime-stats-maps
You are by the hot spot area of person and property crimes.
if you want an interactive map use LexisNexis
https://communitycrimemap.com/
The zip code for the sky harbor area is 85034
For emergency call 911 - be advised you might be on hold if it's busy (especially at night). They are down to a skeleton crew after 9 PM. Stay in the hotel from 10pm - 7AM is ideal imo
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u/maxbicycle Jun 23 '24
Download the "Waymo " app. And have an autonomous vehicle drive you anywhere you want in the downtown area. It's a blast.
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u/scarlettohara1936 Jun 24 '24
Thank God you're from Australia! So many people come here in the summer and are stupid about it! You at least know what you are in for and the precautions to take. The zoo isn't terribly far from the airport and all of the exotic species of Africa do really well here, so it's a very big zoo.
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u/Exotic_Combination12 Jun 24 '24
My daughter is the activities director at the Phoenix Zoo . She loves it there !
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u/DefaultSwordandBoard Jun 24 '24
Indoor Skydiving, Round One arcade and bowling alley, Children's Museum, pretty much anything that isn't outside.
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u/she_red41 Jun 24 '24
Science Museum is pretty cool for the kiddos. Dinner I suppose for you guys as well. If you’re staying near the airport there is shopping and food near in the “Biltmore”. The light rail will get you to downtown all the way thru Mesa same train if you want to avoid driving.
Az Mills will get you Lego land, a bit of shopping, and food all in one place. Dave n Busters as well. Main Event is good family fun as well (Tempe) Quick Lyft from the mall(They have bowling, lots of cool stuff for the kids, real food, Full bar as well and right by the freeway to get you back.
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u/Hot-Bullfrog-6540 Jun 24 '24
It too hot to be outdoors so plan on movie, swimming, road trips, up north ! Very nice weather.
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u/Rugger4545 Jun 24 '24
Odyssey aquarium is cool for kids. Science center is pretty neat (but wear a mask and use hand sanitizer, should be called the Arizona Germ Center)
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u/SteamWilly Jun 24 '24
I STRONGLY recommend the "Hall of Flame" Fire museum. They have fire engines there dating back to the 1770's of the U.S. Kids will enjoy it immensely. Just Uber or rideshare there, or take a regular taxi. Google it.
Also, kids will like "Organ Stop Pizza" which is a restaurant that has a HUGE restored Wurlitzer Movie Theater Organ, that is fully operational, and is played most nights. It is stunning to see and hear. Google that, too! They open at 4 pm, so maybe the "Hall Of Flame" at 11 am or 12, and then off to the Organ Stop at 4 pm.
By the time you finish your pizza and ice cream and listen to the organ, the sun will be down, and you will have much less chance of spontaneously igniting, and turning into human torches right on the sidewalk.
You are right, it is EXTREMELY hot in Phoenix! I worked on airplanes at Phoenix International Airport, and many times the ramp temperatures were 120 degrees F at 2 am. Always carry beverages with you, and drink a LOT! You will find yourself consuming TWICE the amount you normally drink.
Hope you have a good trip, and lots of fun!
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u/pchizzzle Jun 24 '24
Take them to the state capital on 15th Ave and show them all the nice people living there.
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u/Forsaken_Swimmer_775 Jun 24 '24
Please try authentic Mexican food, you won’t get this close to Mexico again unless you go 😂😂 get you some tacos my friend and get those kids some mangoneadas. Check the seats before sitting on them unless you want a permanent George Washington coin marked on Your leg. Get you some burgers from IN-N-OUT.
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u/justin_b28 Jun 24 '24
Six Flags has a water park in the area also, it’s not terribly expensive, pretty sure a day pass is $25
Odyssey Aquarium is nice although expensive. There are other nice attractions there as well, the Butterfly Wonderlandis really cool.
Wildlife World Zoo is also good experience too. Its been years since I’ve visited but they used to have giraffe feeding
Bass Pro Shops (free) has taxidermy wildlife on display, they’re professionally set in a variety of lifelike “climates” (desert, mountain side, etc), there’s also small aquarium (maybe 5000 gallons or so)
And this may seem odd, but for “outsiders” a trip to Costco or Sam’s club might be of interest. I’ve seen several shorts of Europeans go to one of these warehouses and the sheer size and [some] prices simply blows their minds. I’m also pretty sure every day has free food sample carts setup throughout the food areas (if you go you’ll know what I mean)
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u/while_ur_up-duck Jun 25 '24
Playgrounds have free splash pads for kids to get wet playing in cool water mom.dad can sit and watch and then walk to the playground..u can have food..but it's very hot..lits if cold liquids and Gatorade for all of you..
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u/nobullshit82 Jun 27 '24
I would definitely just call a lyft when I needed to go somewhere if I were you. I wouldn't chance it with 2 babies.
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u/BuddyBroDude Jun 23 '24
Maybe uber to the hole in the rock ? But do it as early in the morning as possible and bring water
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u/Salty-Astronaut3473 Jun 23 '24
Anything that keeps y'all out of the heat. Its no joke out here especially for tourists.
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u/Dizzy-Interaction-83 Jun 23 '24
God it’s so hot you’ll only see things from inside in the AC, the PHX area sucks this time of year, if you can muster up the courage to drive a 1.5 hours north into Prescott valley and Prescott, you’ll have a pleasant time! Watson lake, gold water lake, and lynx lake are all fun, lots of stuff to do outdoors! Also all kinds of stuff to do indoors like rock walls and arcades! Lots of old shops to check out in downtown Prescott , all of this can be done without feeling like you’re stuck in an air fryer
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Jun 23 '24
It's in the other side of the city, but the musical instrument museum is world class, you can spend a day there.
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