6 Best Family Things to Do in Phoenix

Castles N' Coasters is a10-acre amusement park that is full of attractions for thrill seekers. If you feel like you need to recover after surging along the twisting roller coasters, you can have a more relaxed time on the mini golf courses. There are also wet rides to cool you down on the hottest days, or you can enjoy the busy arcade full of retro games and pinball machines. 

When the hunger strikes head to an onsite pizzeria for a tasty slice, wings or cheese ravioli. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll find waffles, shave ice, cakes and much more to satisfy your craving. 

Aimed at kids up to the age of 10, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is a colorful wonderland full of bright exhibits and experiences where kids can play and learn. From places to play pretend, to little cars shaped like pencils and pickles as well as a messy art studio where the little ones can create as much chaos as they like, the whole place is a paradise for children. 

At the museum’s cafe, you’ll find a selection of sandwiches, salads, healthy snack packs, beverages and other yummy treats to fuel up. 

When the Phoenix weather is perfect for a family outing, head over to Papago Park just minutes from downtown Phoenix. It’s known for its exceptional hiking trails, a wide array of recreational facilities, and its massive buttes that rise and fall throughout the park. 
The trails that interlace the area are generally easy treks. There’s a hiking trail to the famous hole-in-the-rock formation, less than a quarter mile each way starting from the parking lot.

Additionally, the park boasts an archery range, orienteering course, Papago Ponds fishing lagoon and much more. If you’re not driving, hop on bus number 3 or 56 and exit at the Phoenix Zoo stop for a stunning day in the fresh air.

Hearty, Southern soul food is on the menu at Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles, and this small local chain is famous for its delicious meals and warm welcome. The menu is brimming with wonderful comfort food, from tasty all-day breakfast to chicken omelets and massive sandwiches. For dessert, try the red velvet cake or banana pudding. And let’s face it, what kid could resist waffles covered in caramel, or fried chicken and home fries? 

Although Lo-Lo’s is best known for its chicken and waffles, there’s a whole menu’s worth of scratch-made stunning food to be discovered.  

The unique Musical Instrument Museum features over 15,000 instruments, set in interactive displays where you can listen to music from around the world. You'll see instruments that are hundreds of years old and can marvel at the intricate player pianos and music boxes that play themselves.  

Parents will love seeing guitars and pianos played by musical legends such as Elvis and Johnny Cash, while children will enjoy the experience gallery where they can touch instruments from different cultures. To feed the hungry budding musicians, swing by the Cafe Allegro for a refreshing lunch or the Beats Coffee Bar for some light snacks. 

There's nothing quite like a barbecue for a family meal, and Bobby-Q serves pit-cooked meats made in a classic, Southern style. Adults will enjoy steak, shrimp, ribs, and other favorites, while kids have their own menu including burgers, barbeque sandwiches and non-barbeque options for fussier eaters. 

Savor Q’s signature smoked rib tips that come with their famous barbecue sauce. The prime rib dib sandwich and smoked brisket tacos just melt in your mouth, and the jumbo BBQ potato is guaranteed to keep the hunger at bay.