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Tourism and Attractions

Phoenix Children’s Patient & Family Services offers information and guidance for patients, family and visitors regarding local tourism and attractions.

Things to See and Do Near Phoenix Children’s

You can walk, bike, hike, drive or ride to take a wellness and restoration break. There are year-round and seasonal attractions nearby and throughout the Greater Phoenix area. 

Kids of all ages can feed a giraffe, catch a ballgame, climb a mountain trail or enjoy artwork. Families can stroll the desert landscapes, browse trendy boutiques, sample local food and purchase artisan jewelry, collectibles and keepsakes. Whatever your timetable or style, choices are endless.

For current schedules, rates and details, go to Visit Phoenix or order a free Phoenix Visitors Travel Guide to help you plan.

Outdoor Adventures

For leisurely strolls or energetic outings, explore outdoor attractions listed below. Before you go, review important regional and seasonal outdoor safety tips

  • Camelback Mountain – This landmark resembles a kneeling camel and avid hikers can scale “the camel hump” via challenging Echo Canyon and Cholla trails. Its 1,200-foot-high summit offers an eagle’s-eye view of Phoenix and the city’s mountain preserves. It is a busy urban hiking spot on weekends, with lighter weekday traffic. 
  • Papago Park – This park is home to scenic red rock buttes, trails and views, including the unique Hole-in-the-Rock trail and rock formation. This is a short drive or ride, not far from downtown Phoenix.
  • Desert Botanical Garden –This 50-acre garden includes walkways framed by towering saguaros cactus trees, arid plants and flowers. Look for seasonal events such as spring desert blooms or winter holiday luminarias.
  • South Mountain Park and Preserve – Explore 50 miles of trails through 16,000 acres of Sonoran Desert. This municipal park offers skyline and desert views and adventures just minutes from the city. Highlights include ancient petroglyphs carved into rocks. You can hike, bike or ride horses on trails or drive Summit Road to Dobbins Lookouts – the highest accessible point.   
  • Phoenix Zoo – See more than 1,400 animals, including Sumatran tigers on an African-style savanna. Hand-feed curious giraffes and meet creatures of the Sonoran Desert. You can fish in acres of stocked lagoons or golf beneath Papago’s scenic buttes.

Historic, Creative and Educational Attractions

Step back in time, get inspired and learn about areas of interest, including:

  • Arizona Science Center – Kids and grown-ups can learn and explore, including more than 350 interactive exhibits. Discover science with intriguing exhibits from camping innovations to space exploration, as well as science and engineering fairs.
  • Children’s Museum of Phoenix – Visit one of the nation’s top three children’s museums for hands-on exhibits and activities. It’s designed for children up to 10 years of age with more than 300 play experiences in the historic Monroe School Building. Programs range from music and yoga to math, science and artistic expression in the art studio. The museum is in downtown Phoenix at 7th Street and Van Buren.
  • Musical Instrument Museum – See, hear and play instruments from around the world. Wear a headset that syncs to music as you move through galleries. You’ll learn about cultural instruments, pop culture artists and more. Time your visit to catch a live theater performance.
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West Home – Tour the winter home of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Rooms, gardens and walkways reflect his organic architectural style with desert inspiration. Visit an outdoor entertainment pavilion while learning about this visionary.   
  • Heard Museum – Encounter the culture, history and traditions of 22 American Indian tribes through immersive exhibits, an authentic art shop and annual events like the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.
  • Roosevelt Row – This creative urban arts district is a popular stop for murals and galleries, with options of self-guided tours and a monthly art walk.
  • Phoenix Art Museum – The Southwest's largest fine art museum features permanent collections and rotating exhibits from Asia, America, Europe and beyond. Permanent collections are free, with special exhibitions at affordable rates. Free Family Sundays are the second Sunday of each month.
  • Old Town Scottsdale – Southwestern arts, dining, shopping and nightlife are part of this Greater Phoenix attraction. Take home souvenir finds and collectibles and explore artisan shops and creations. Visit upscale galleries and trendy boutiques in the Fifth Avenue district.  
  • Heritage Square – Step back in time at the oldest residential area of Phoenix, including the restored 1895 Rosson House Museum. The area features 19th-century homes, galleries, coffee bars and restaurants, including artisanal “slow food” like Pizzeria Bianco – a James Beard culinary award winner for the nation’s best pizza. Catch a performance at a spectacular event facility or visit the nearby Arizona Science Center.  
  • Arizona Science Center – Kids and grown-ups can learn and explore, including more than 350 smart and fun hands-on exhibits. Discover the science of soap bubbles and intriguing exhibits from camping innovations to space exploration and science and engineering fairs.
  • Learn more about these and other attractions, including updates and event-specific details. 

Dining Out in Phoenix 

You’ll find something for most everyone without going far from the hospital. Group-friendly favorites include BBQ, burgers, tacos, pizza, steakhouses and seafood, plus regional and international fare. 

Phoenix offers diverse restaurants serving Asian, Mexican, Italian, Jamaican, Tai, Latin and other cuisines such as mezze – small plates of Mediterranean style foods. If you have specific dietary needs or would like directions or assistance, please call Patient & Family Services at 602-933-1749. 

Learn more about popular dining spots in Phoenix.

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