Desert Botanical Garden

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.

Perfect Pear Bistro patio family dining

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.

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Fun times for the whole family

ASU Gallery of Scientific Exploration

ASU Gallery of Scientific Exploration

The ASU Gallery of Scientific Exploration invites visitors to explore earth and space sciences through digital media, public lectures, visible laboratories, interactive displays, Marston 3-D Theater shows and the meteorite display on the second floor. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.

ITSB 4 Bldg.
781 E. Terrace Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 965-5081
ASU Innovation Gallery

ASU Innovation Gallery

Located on the ASU Tempe campus in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change building, the Innovation Gallery is a public space in which students prototype conceptual exhibits and programming, drawing from faculty research.

School of Human Evolution & Social Change Bldg.
900 S. Cady Mall
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 965-6215
ASU Lunar Exploration Museum-Print5

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!

Arizona State University
Interdisciplinary A Building
1100 S. Cady Mall
Tempe, AZ 85281

ASU Mars Space Flight Facility

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

(480) 965-1790
Butterfly Wonderland family with butterflies

Butterfly Wonderland

Butterfly Wonderland, America’s largest butterfly conservatory, houses 3,000 butterflies, a 3-D theater, Butterfly Emergence Gallery, Tropical Waters of the World exhibit with a stingray and shark observation pool, Honey Bee Extravaganza, Spineless Giants and Rainforest Reptile exhibit.

9500 E. Vía de Ventura
Scottsdale, AZ 85256

(480) 800-3000
Changing Hands Bookstore

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

(480) 730-0205
Tempe Tourism Office

Childsplay Theatre

Childsplay is Arizona’s award-winning, professional theatre company for young audiences and families. From adaptations of popular children’s books to brand new stories, the 42-year-old theatre company performs September through May at the Herberger Theater Center and in schools throughout Arizona.

Herberger Theater Center
222 E. Monroe St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004

(602) 252-8497 (box office)
Tempe Tourism Office

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

(480) 591-3228
Dave & Busters at Tempe Marketplace

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

(480) 281-8456
Desert Botanical Garden

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

(480) 941-1225
Fort McDowell Adventures the stables

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

(480) 789-5377
TCA_Gallery_Exterior

Gallery at TCA

The Gallery at Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) offers engaging experiences with curated, traveling and juried exhibitions. Free admission. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues. and Weds., 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Thurs. and Fri. and 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Sat.

700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ, 85281

(480) 350-2867
Hall of Flame

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

(602) 275-3473
Harkins Tempe Marketplace 16

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

(480) 557-0027
Harkins Theatres Arizona Mills 18 with IMAX

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

(480) 820-0387
Heard Museum Entrance

Heard Museum

The Heard Museum is recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, exhibitions, educational programming and festivals. The Heard presents the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective, and offers exhibitions that showcase traditional and contemporary art.

2301 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004

(602) 252-8840
Tempe Tourism Office

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

(480) 712-4359
Imagine 3D mini-golf

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

(480) 291-7906
Kiwanis Park South Tempe

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

(480) 350-5200
Kiwanis Rec Center Wave Pool

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

(480) 350-5201
A woman riding a horse with a group of people on a horse behind her

KOLI Equestrian Center

KOLI Equestrian Center is located on the Gila River Indian Community, just minutes from Tempe. KOLI offers miles of breathtaking scenery and horseback trail riding adventures, hay wagon rides, cattle drives, birthday parties and other special and corporate events.

6940 W. Broken Ear Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85226

(602) 796-3495
Tempe Tourism Office

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

(480) 291-5999
LEGOLAND Discovery Center AZ

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is where families with children aged 3 to 10 can enjoy a world of creativity, color and building fun in the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground, complete with the thousands of LEGO® bricks in themed play areas.

5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Ste. 135
Tempe, AZ 85282

a variety of arcade games with people playing

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

(480) 753-1200
Gallery of Scientific Exploration

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

(480) 965-5081
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

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

(480) 291-7555
OdySea Turtle Exhibit

OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium features more than 65 exhibits and 370 species. The largest aquarium in Arizona, it offers an educational, interactive and entertaining experience for guests of all ages by combining theme-park-style amusement with highly engaging presentations of aquatic life.

9500 E. Vía de Ventura
Scottsdale, AZ 85256

(480) 291-8000
Tempe Tourism Office

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

(480) 362-3466
Papago Park

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

(480) 350-5200
Phoenix Premium Outlets

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

(480) 639-1766
Family at Phoenix Zoo

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

(602) 286-3800
Tempe Tourism Office

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

(480) 750-7295
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium

Dive into SEA LIFE Arizona! Discover thousands of amazing creatures and walk through our incredible 360-degree ocean tunnel. SEA LIFE Arizona is built for kids with child-level bubbles and interactive touch pools.

5000 Arizona Mills Cir., Ste. 145
Tempe, AZ 85282

Singh Meadows Market

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

(480) 225-7199
Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace

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

(480) 966-9338
Tempe History Museum credit Bill Timmerman

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

(480) 350-5100
Family shopping at Tempe Marketplace

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

(480) 966-9338
two kids running through a splash pad

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

(480) 350-5200
Tilt Studio at Arizona Mills

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

(480) 648-1222
Trapezius in Tempe, AZ

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

(623)-275-3050
Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace

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