Traveling with toddlers is not easy. If your little one is anything like mine, they are constantly moving and need to stay busy. We’re big playground people in our every day lives so we needed to find ways to keep our 3 year old entertained for a few days on a recent visit to Scottsdale, Arizona.
We visited in June when it was extremely hot – but we didn’t seem to mind the heat (and actually preferred the dry heat to our Florida humidity).
Here are a few things we enjoyed that were either free or inexpensive.
What to do in Scottsdale with Toddlers
Dessert Botanical Gardens
Coming from Florida, I was in awe of all of the large and different types of cacti in Scottsdale. The Desert Botanical Garden was high on my list of places to visit.
It might not be a super popular destination in the middle of the summer because of the heat but I’m so glad we visited.
Tickets are $16.95 for adults and children 2 and under are free.
We liked being able to just wander and explore and see so many different cacti and plants. We even saw a bunch of baby quail!
Hole in the Rock
Only a few minutes away from Desert Botanical Gardens, and also in Papago Park, is Hole in the Rock.
I was determined to have at least a little outdoorsy activity. I love hiking even if we rarely have the opportunity to do so, especially since having a child. The Hole in the Rock hike is short and pretty easy.
We bribed our toddler with ice cream to get him into the hiking carrier.
My cousins did the same hike the next morning and their toddlers walked it themselves. I do think it was probably smarter to visit early in the morning before it gets really hot in the afternoon.
Visiting Hole in the Rock is completely free.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a must visit with little kids. Entrance is free (!!) and you can purchase tickets to ride the train and carousel. Tickets are $3 each or you can purchase a day pass. And kids 2 and under are free.
We visited on a weekday where each ride runs every half hour, alternating between the train and carousel ride. So we purchased enough tickets for our son to ride each one once.
On the weekends the rides happen more frequently so it might be worth it to get the day passes for your family.
They also have a really awesome trained theme playground. My 3 year old would’ve been happy just spending the whole day just on this playground. It is shaded and big with lots of places to play and climb and explore.
In N Out
A few other popular attractions for kids and families that we did not visit this time (and are a little pricier) are:
Tickets are $38 for adults and $28 for children when purchased ahead of time online. And during the summer the zoo closes at 1pm.
Visiting the aquarium could be a great option if you’re looking for something to do indoors and avoid the heat. Tickets are $45 for adults and $35 for children.
Check out some other travel posts here!
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