Family-Friendly Activities in Phoenix
A fun day out is one of the best ways to create great family memories. It’s also a usually foolproof way to get the grandkids away from their screens so you can spend real time together. These are some of the most popular options for family-friendly senior activities in the greater Phoenix area, whether your family is into sports, art, books, or the great outdoors.
Make it a musical day
The Musical Instrument Museum strikes a chord with music lovers of all ages. Exhibits feature instruments from around the world and across time, from ancient African drums to pop icon Taylor Swift’s guitar. Check the MIM Music Theater calendar for the latest live performances, from bluegrass to hard rock and Japanese jazz. Or drop in on one of MIM’s frequent Family Days for special events, crafts, and shows.
See something special
Take the grandkids to Chase Field for a walking tour of the Major League Baseball stadium’s cool features, such as a retractable roof and a swimming pool in right field. When the season’s on, unwind at an Arizona Diamondbacks home game.
See a show at the Phoenix Theater, the area’s biggest regional theater company. Treat the family to a matinee performance of Mary Poppins or a night with The Magic Books. Got a big family? The Phoenix offers advance-purchase discounts for groups of 10 or more.
Go out and play
South Mountain Park and Preserve offers 16,000 acres of natural fun at one of the world’s largest city parks. Choose among 50 miles of trails rated from Easiest, like the 1-mile wheelchair accessible Judith Tunnell Trail, to Difficult, like the steep and rocky Ridgeline Trail. Don’t feel like hiking? Book a spot on a trail ride with Ponderosa Livery Stable and explore the park in Old West style. Call ahead for updated trail closure information.
Unleash your inner Katniss Everdeen at the state-run Ben Avery Shooting Facility. This 5-star rated range on 1650 acres welcomes adults and children age 5 and up for professionally supervised archery and firearm target practice as well as clay target shooting.
On those rare Phoenix rainy days, you can let the grandkids burn off some of their youthful energy at Flip Dunk indoor trampoline park. For a few bucks an hour (and a reservation online to hold your spots) the kids can bounce off the walls during Open Jump while you relax and watch the antics.
Check out the main library
Burton Barr Central Library makes a great place to spend a day indoors. If the city’s biggest collection of books, CDs, and other material isn’t compelling enough, the 5-story library also features unique modern architecture that will captivate kids and adults alike.
The Central Gallery features an often-changing display of works by regional artists. The MACH1 maker workspace gives tweens and teens the room and resources to explore crafting, computer programming, gaming, and robotics. Want to score some extra-awesome points with the bookworms in your family? Call ahead to request a tour of the Rare Book Room’s treasures, which include Shakespeare 2nd and 4th folios, medieval illuminated manuscripts, and ancient cuneiform tablets.
Read reviews of in-home care and assisted living in Phoenix on SeniorAdvisor.com.
Casey Kelly-Barton
Casey Kelly-Barton is an Austin-based freelance writer whose childhood was made awesome by her grandmothers, great-grandmother, great-aunts and -uncles, and their friends.