School is almost out and Phoenix is having fun this summer! We all enjoy capturing great moments while doing activities with the kiddos, and we want to give you some ideas to make your days special for your entire family. To help you out, we’ve created a list of some of the most fun areas and events and even added some places to take your kids that they won't suspect are educational! Whether outside or in, sunny or stormy, we've got the scoop on some fun things to do in Phoenix for the next few months!
All the Maricopa County parks are great outdoor activity hubs and FREE to the public! Most have shaded pavilions and playgrounds, and some have water features for your family to stay comfortable. You can bring your snacks or picnic lunch and enjoy time outdoors.
Some of the parks have great pools with minimal admission costs. Many also offer swimming lessons for your kiddos!
Note - There is a $7 parking fee for some of the parks and some events or tours also charge a fee; you can get more info on the website.
Of course, your local public library always has excellent programs created for kids and families. Check into the ones closest to you! You may find weekly storybook times, reading activities, computer use, and lots of books to keep your child using their minds as actively as their bodies!
The Pioneer Living History Museum
Ninety acres of pathways and 19th-century buildings form this interesting place where the whole family can take a step back in time to Territorial Arizona, circa 1863 to 1912.
You can tour and explore some of the original homes of people who helped the Wild West progress.
Admission:
The village is open Wednesday - Sunday.
October 4 – May 31: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
June 1 – October 1: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Downtown Phoenix is the home of Chase Field and the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball team. The stadium has many unique features, like a retractable roof and an outfield pool!
A D-backs game is a fun, family-friendly experience! The "D-backs Kid's Clubhouse" has activities and games for the younger fans in their play area.
Admission depends on where you'd like to sit and you can check online for discounts and special events.
Since the forecast usually calls for heat that will cook your lunch without a stove, you'll want to take advantage of the great water parks in and around Phoenix. Let's look at a couple of options!
Hurricane Harbor has a lot of thrilling water slides and relaxing pools. Family fun is what they are all about, from Adventure River, where you can experience fast-flowing water and waterfalls, to Hurricane Bay, the massive wave pool with gently rolling waves at the shallow end.
Admission to the park is $45 per day per person, but for the same price, get a Gold Pass and enjoy the Hurricane Harbor and monthly rewards through the end of 2024!
Just one of the many parks in the Phoenix area, Mesa's newly renovated Riverview Park has a Community Fishing Lake and the Spray Ground with multiple water features, a Playground Extraordinaire with a climbing tower and a mesh rope climbing structure. It features two designated playgrounds, one for ages 2-5 and the other for 6-12 and above.
There are shaded picnic and play areas, and the park connects to the Rio Salado Pathway. This path runs along the Salt River Bank and is accessible to wheelchairs and assistive devices. You can run, walk, and bike along miles of pathways!
Kids have so much energy! When you don’t feel like being outdoors Phoenix has endless programs and activities to help the little ones (and families!) burn off some of that energy! Think about museums, kid's art studios, and libraries that are cool and educational while helping your child learn something new or creative.
With five rows of trampolines, a ninja warrior course, trampoline basketball, Glow-in-the-Dark Jump Nights, and food, Stratosphere will deliver fun for the entire family! You can have your child's birthday party or any group event here! There are special times designated for kiddos four and under. Stratosphere even has a parkour course (a series of obstacles from points A to B)! 
Admission:
90-minute jump session - $12.99
120-minute jump session - $14.99
All Day open jump session - $24.00
Monthly memberships are available for individuals and families.
Now in its 40th year, the Arizona Science Center (ASC) still inspires those who enter the doors with the captivating and engaging world of science!
Enroll your child in one of the Camp Innovation sessions, which are five-day hands-on programs. As space is limited, you'll need to pre-register for summer sessions.
You can also visit for the day. There are over 300 exhibits and live demonstrations to enjoy.
Admission to the center is:
Children 3-17 - $19.95
Adults - $29.95
Parking, special exhibitions or events, presentations in the Dorrance Planetarium, or shows in the Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater can be purchased separately.
Keeping your children physically active and mentally stimulated can sometimes be a challenge. In summer, it can be particularly difficult to keep them in motion and exercise their minds.
Hopefully, we've got you thinking about some options or inspired you with the endless possibilities the Phoenix area offers, inside and out! If you want more ideas, you can check out this website, KidsOutandAbout.com, for a long list of places to visit!
If you want ideas of various crafts, activities, games, and fun water play that can be done at home check out our past articles at jungleroots.com/dental-phoenix-news/ and click on the link to “Fun Activities & Crafts.”
Summer is also a great time to schedule your child’s dental exam and cleaning with us, or even a complimentary orthodontic consultation for anyone considering braces. (We offer orthodontic services to adults, too!) We hope you have a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you soon!
