10 for Tots

Check out 10 must-see, must-do local attractions for the littlest Arizonans.

Bearizona

Bearizona, located in Williams, is an exciting wildlife park that allows visitors to drive through the wilderness and see the wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors will see black bears, red foxes, wolves, bobcats, bison, porcupines and more—all while in the comfort of their own vehicles. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week and costs $20 per adult, with discounts for children and seniors.  bearizona.com. 

McCormick-Stillman RailRoad Park

Located in the heart of Scottsdale, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is incredibly unique and great for children of all ages. Children can take a ride on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad tracks, or hop on the antique carousel. The park also boasts a number of shops, exhibits, playgrounds and picnic ramadas for any occasion. While admission to the park is free, railroad tickets are $1 each. The park offers so many activities for the whole family including opportunities to learn, relax, and get out and be active. therailroadpark.com. 

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a beautiful and educational way for children to spend time outdoors in a safe environment. With a variety of summer camps, classes and events, the garden is alive with exciting opportunities every day. “The garden is a great place for kids to explore year-round, whether as a school group, with your whole family, or independently in summer camp,” says Emily Morris, the Informal Science Education Coordinator for the garden. Kids can walk along the trails, learning about all of the unique desert plants, and maybe even see a few tadpoles or dragonflies in the Desert Oasis. dbg.org. 

Sea Life Arizona Aquarium 

Sea Life Arizona, located at Arizona Mills Mall in Tempe, allows visitors to get up close to a vast array of ocean creatures including sharks, rays, seahorses, tropical fish and more. The aquarium, designed especially for kids, provides an interactive and educational experience through its quiz trail, touch pools, fun facts posted throughout, and displays of more than 5,000 sea creatures. Tickets are $14.40 per person online, or $10.40 for children ages 3-12 years. At the gate, tickets are $18 per person, or $13 for children ages 3-12 years. Don’t miss the newly-opened Turtle Shelter, which puts guests “nose-to-nose” with a variety of species of freshwater turtles. visitsealife.com.  

Tucson Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum in Tucson has something intriguing and fun for every child. At $8 per person, the museum is an affordable and educational way to beat the heat with the whole family. Children can visit the Art Studio and create paintings and other artwork, or they can explore the Investigation Station which offers a plethora of interactive, hands-on stations that will keep the kids learning and entertained. childrensmuseumtucson.org. 

Apple Annie’s Orchard

Apple Annie’s Orchard, located in Wilcox, allows visitors to pick their own fruit and vegetables right off of the trees and plants. Children often enjoy the fresh air and open spaces, and the delicious hand-picked fruits at the end of the day. Apple Annie’s is open daily July 1 through October. Special events include Peach Mania, Apple Harvest, Fall Pumpkin Celebration and more. “Many kids and adults have never seen where and how their fruit and vegetables are grown,” says Mandy Kirkendall, manager of Apple Annie’s, “so it’s fun and educational!” appleannies.com.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

The Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde allows visitors to get a close look at intriguing and exciting wildlife. Children will love witnessing Bengal and Siberian tigers interact in the Tiger Splash pool, petting various animals with the Creature Feature, getting hands-on at the Giant Snake Show, or learning about the wildlife on the 40-minute African Bush Safari tour. General admission tickets are $32.75, with discounts for seniors, children and military members. outofafricapark.com. 

Arizona Science Center

The Arizona Science Center makes science fun for children and families. Children can learn how the human body works and functions, from the inside out, with the All About Me gallery. The Flight Zone, the center’s newest gallery, teaches about the science of flight and gives kids the opportunity to climb into the fuselage of an actual airplane. With an endless variety of other interactive exhibits, educational IMAX featured films, and a state-of-the-art Planetarium, the Arizona Science Center provides enough fun for the whole day. General admission tickets are $16.95 per person with discounts for children and seniors. azscience.org. 

Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass

Cowboy up at Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass. Guests can enjoy the authentic old western town through Live Action Stunt shows featuring the toughest cowboys around, the interactive petting zoo with Rawhide animals, a ride on the Butterfield Stagecoach, rock climbing on the Deadman’s Drop, panning for (fool’s) gold and more. After a fun-filled day of activity, enjoy a tasty western meal at the Steakhouse. Admission to the Western Town is free, and parking is $5 per vehicle. The kids will love the hustle and bustle of the old west when visiting Rawhide. rawhide.com.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix

With a goal to engage the “minds, muscles and imaginations of children and the grown-ups who care about them,” The Children’s Museum of Phoenix offers hands-on exhibits for children aged birth to 10. The Art Studio is a fun place for kids to express themselves creatively while the Market, complete with make-believe foods and mini shopping carts, is a paradise for role-playing. General admission is $11 with discounts for seniors. childrensmuseumofphoenix.org.

—Ashley Pearlstein

BEARIZONA, ABOVE