There’s so many more places I need to go in Arizona, to hike and explore. But,Scottsdale and area, has been a gorgeous start – and it’s perfect for families! A little reminder that if you’re going with kids, BabyQuip is so fantastic for renting all the things you’ll need without having to haul them all.
Activities
Get Outside
- For starters, hang out by the pool – I’m sure where ever you choose to stay, there is a pool to lounge by, swim in, and catch some rays of sunshine!
- Hike Pinnacle Peak Trail – I love the terrain in Arizona; and please, pack water (lots and lots of water)
- Do a quick hike of the Hole-in-the-Rock – short and sweet, and kind of iconic!
- If you have more energy after the Hole-in-the-Rock, you could do a bit more exploration in the Papago Park area – we did the Double Butte Loop
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve – there are endless trails, so you can really build your own hiking adventure!
- Wander around Scottsdale Quarter and the surrounding area
- Scottsdale Fashion Square – in all honestly, my mom and I didn’t last more than one store here on Black Friday, before I said, “do you want to go get food and a dirty martini somewhere?” But for those who like shopping, it would be a great stop!
Great for the Kids!
- Check out the Phoenix Zoo
- Civic Center Park has a great playground, green space, and so much more to wander and explore (this is a perfect spot to hit if you’re wandering Old Town Scottsdale)
- Lego Discovery Center is a perfect indoor activity, which gives you a tiny little taste of LegoLand, with a couple rides, lots of lego building, some Lego movies, and some play centers
- Music Instrument Museum, or “MIM,” has so much going on that you couldn’t do it all in one day, but from hands-on playing, the seminars, to learning about instruments all over the world, this is a very worthwhile spot
- If you’re looking for a park for your kids, Highlands Kids has a great playground and splash park, and you don’t need to go to their church to use it
Other activities that I didn’t get a chance to do, but were recommended and/or researched:
- Hike Camelback – good view of Scottsdale at the top (difficulty level, rated hard)
- If you want to golf, check out Boulders or Troon North
- Enjoy the Spa – Well & Being at the Fairmont has a rooftop pool and bar, and gives you access to fitness classes for the day as well
- If you love bookstores, The Poisoned Pen in Old Town is worth a visit
- Here’s another “we need to go back” item – the Japanese Friendship Garden, but even if you don’t want to pay the entrance fee for this one, there is a phenomenal playground right on the other side of it (Margaret T. Hance Park)
- I’ve heard amazing things about the Butterfly Wonderland
Now to the Food…
Restaurants
If you’re going for a big family reunion, a bachelorette party (or bachelor party), or something of the sorts, Common Hospitality is incredible for in-home catering!! When we went with three families combined, and lots of kids, it helped simplify the meal process so much, and the owner is so kind and accommodating!
Coffee Shops & Sweets
- Little Snitch – great brunch spot, or even just to grab a takeaway tea or coffee! So cute
- Four till Four – delicious walk up shop near Old Scottsdale
- Little Heart Coffee – be prepared to really wait, but it’s another cute stop
- Sugar Bowl – there’s just something about eating ice cream out of a glass ice cream bowl that hits differently; this is such a fun diner experience
- Jenna Leurquin Patisserie – my local friend introduced me to these croissants that are divine and so worth the wait (but huge thank you to her, for waiting for them!); get the chocolate pistachio one!!
Meals
- True Food Kitchen – I could eat here every meal of every day; healthy and delicious
- Culinary Dropout – good American food, when you need a break from shopping at Fashion Square
- Grimaldi’s – for some Brooklyn-style pizza!
- Cava – my husband says this is a must (Mediterranean magic)
- Taco Boy’s – a pick all your sides taco experience that worked well for a taco picnic in the park
Other restaurants that I didn’t get a chance to try, but were recommended and/or researched:
- Flowerchild – healthy, and lots of veggie options
- Bourbon Steak – also offers cocktail classes!
- Toro – Latin-Asian Fusion; great drinks and get some sushi!
- Elements – upscale dining at the Camelback Mountain Resort
- J&G Steakhouse – try the tasting menu with wine pairings
- Toca Madera – Mexican-inspired steakhouse!
- Chula – my friend says they have amazing poke bowls, lobster rolls, salads, and more
I hope you get some R&R (and exploring) in, while in beautiful Scottsdale!