We have the best list of artsy + cool (+ dare I say hipster!) things to do in Phoenix with kids (that you’ll obviously love too!). These are things to do with big kids and little kids while exploring cool neighborhoods around the city. We organized them into mini itineraries so you can figure out what to do on a weekend (or day off) in Phoenix that's perfect for a range of ages and tastes!
Alright so, we moved to Phoenix from LA a few years ago, and we honestly weren’t sure what to expect. We love to explore big cities, and although Phoenix is big by the numbers, at first glance it doesn’t feel like a big city. The downtown feels dated and small and the rest of the city feels really spread out. We lived in Chicago before LA, and we felt this way about LA when we first moved there (to be fair)... but we thought that at least LA had the beach and good food... but Phoenix?! Well...
If you look a little harder though, you’ll find a whole lot of hipster charm and a growing arts community in Phoenix! And it's not just one neighborhood, there are several neighborhoods across that city that exude coolness - with cool restaurants popping up every month.
Oh and I should say now - this may not sound like your regular post about kid activities (and eventually I’ll do another about all the playspaces and straight kid museums - there are lots of kid-centric things here!) … but this post is more about stuff that you’ll love that they will love too... so get EXCITED!
Here are the mini itineraries - with this little appendix below... I'll be adding a "Part 2" in a few months... as Phoenix is, after all, pretty cool ;).
Japanese Gardens + Artsy Playground + Library + Mexican Dinner
Beautiful hidden calm spots topped off with delicious food!
1. Japanese Friendship Gardens. This place is wild... it's an actual Japanese garden right in the middle of downtown Phoenix. When you walk through the entrance gate, you're actually transported to the other side of the world - it's magical! Even the bathrooms are in the Japanese style (not the toilets lol but the building ;)). There are plenty of spots to stop and relax around the gardens, but our kids were more into walking around the path and looking at all the koi fish while Bill and I just breathed it in (and took a bunch of pictures). Plus the gift shop is tiny but serves hot tea and Japanese snacks and is PACKED with cute stuff!
2. Play at Hance Park. Right outside the garden entrance gates, take the little path to your right and hop on the bike path for a few yards to lead you to an artsy little park that's part of a bigger park. The play structures are in the shapes of those geometric style woodland animals - which makes for a pretty cool vibe. The space is small, but there is a lot for the kids (big and little) to do - including climbing all the way up into all the animals, climbing a hill using ropes, and a little ropes course on the other end. The location in the middle of the parkway makes it easy for adults to relax too!
3. Burton Barr Central Library. The main branch of the Phoenix library might seem like a weird place to recommend, but trust me here! You can walk from the playground (as it's not far at all), but we drove since it was getting dark and we were headed straight out to dinner afterwards. As you enter the library, the first thing you'll notice are the elevators with windows - the kids were VERY excited about this. Clearly we don't live in the big, big city. So if you're here without kids, you still need to take the elevator to explore all the many places to read and work. But if you're with kids, you need to take the elevator once but then you MUST head back to the first floor to go to the kids section. It's unreal! Not only do they have ALL the classics (and so many copies), but they have several play areas within the space - which both the little ones and big kids enjoyed. You can make music, build a ball run, play in turf on an enclosed patio, play on the computers, etc. - we had to quite literally drag them out!
4. Mexican Dinner. There are so many good Mexican places (and other cuisines!) in this area, so we're giving you two delicious options:
Barrio Cafe. This spot is ALL about the food (and the art!), so head here if you want to continue your zen day. The most popular dishes are the Cochinita Pibil and the Chiles en Nogada, but I swear everything we ate was unbelievable - each bite had so many different flavors. Recently we were early enough for happy hour, and we tried every single item on the special menu - all of them were perfect! As a bonus, every inch of the outside walls are covered in murals, and the inside is also full of local Mexican art. The food is upscale but the place doesn't feel pretentious - the kids' menu with super cool art says it all!
Mariscos Playa Hermosa (MPH). This one packs the 'wow' factor! The vibe and food is totally Mexican beach, and everything is larger than life here. The menu takes 15 minutes to read. The seafood towers and ceviches are no less than grand (and very reasonably priced). And the cocktails are wild - a bottle of beer and six shrimp served as the GARNISH on my cocktail... yes, the garnish. The atmosphere is family-friendly but feels like a party - with live mariachi and packed with families enjoying the food and each others company. But don't stress about all the energy - we've prepared you for this with a day full of zen! :)
Cat Cafe + Brunch + Street Art + Art Museum + Ice Cream
This itinerary definitely has some big city feels!
1. PHX Cat Cafe (formerly known as La Gattara). As you know, we're a (3) dog family, so cats are definitely a novelty for us. And this place is just what it sounds like - part coffee shop and part playing with cats... all while supporting cats that are looking for a permanent home! We did the 1 hour cat lounge ticket - which was $18/ticket (proceeds go back to the nonprofit), and it was just right. The lounge has plenty of space for human seating and also plenty of space for cats (both on the ground and on their play structures, but probably just as importantly space up high where they can take a break)! They also provide little cat toys (sticks with dangling items) that you can use to engage some of the friendlier cats. It was very new and exciting, so naturally I was a little worried about the pretty strict behavior rules and the age of the kids... but Molly and Andrew were 6 + 8 when they went, and they were 100% able to behave with supervision - and they loved it! A last note that you'll need to get timed tickets in advance if you have kids with you, as they don't allow walk-in with kids. But we don't complain about a good timed ticket to drive the rest of our itinerary!
2. Matt's Big Breakfast. If you come to Phoenix, you need to go to Matt's Big Breakfast. It's a diner, but they use all farm-to-table type ingredients (think huge slices of homemade bread, big chucks of fruit in the jam, etc.). And this is your perfect chance to go, as it's only a block away from the cat cafe! We washed our hands well ;) and then headed on over. Just be prepared to wait, as this is a SUPER popular spot. We did this itinerary on a weekday and arrived at Matt's for a late lunch, and we actually didn't have a wait at all - but I can't promise that will be your experience! And even though it's not a diner that's geared toward kids, the kids loved it!
3. Street Art. The area near Matt's Big Breakfast is perfect for a stroll in the alleys to see the street art by a bunch of local artists! It's literally right next door, but if you get turned around, just search "1 1/2 Street Mural Project" in Google Maps, and you can find it!
4. Phoenix Art Museum. Next, head over to the art museum! It's a 17 minute walk (or we just did a drive). We got our tickets in advance, but I don't think it's required. Of course there are bigger cities (and even smaller cities) with more impressive art museums... but this one was pretty good!! There is a lot of new architecture, and their art covers almost every genre. They have various ways to engage kids, but like any big museum, the kids were just impressed by the sheer scale of everything and we basically ran around the entire place looking at literally everything! While we were there, they had the COOLEST Japanese comic art exhibit while we were there, and I know that now they are about to launch a Barbie special exhibit - so don't miss that area!
5. Novel Ice Cream. And for your last stop, a local ice cream spot! This place is full of creative flavors and they also have the basic flavors down pat. They've won national awards for this small batch ice cream, and you can taste it! (Also you'll know it's good by the line winding around the patio!) You can order by the scoop, but they are also known for their ice cream sandwiches... using a warm donut! There are colorful picnic tables outside to devour it all! And if you're not done for the day, walk along Grand Ave to browse some cool little shops!
Donuts + Native Ruins + Wildlife Rescue + Tortas
This itinerary covers native people and animals plus includes a kid-friendly foodie spot!
1. Bosa Donuts. OK this isn't the best or coolest place for donuts and coffee in Phoenix, but it's pretty good and there is one right up the block (on 44th) from the museum, so it's just too easy to pass up.
2. S'edav Va'aki Museum (formerly Pueblo Grande Museum). The actual museum is tiny and dated (apparently a remodel is coming), but the staff has put so much effort into making sure it's engaging - even for the kids. There is someone on-site letting the kids touch the fossils (and other items) and ask questions. They also have a take-around bingo game (where you look for items across the museum and cross them off as you find them) with a little prize at the end. And they have an entire room dedicated to kids - with little worksheets and an interactive dig. That's all inside the museum. Once you walk out the side door, there is a huge area full of ruins. A sidewalk runs around the outside of the area, and you're required to stay on the path. The walkway does jut in a few times so you can get closer to re-creations of some of the imagined areas of the old village. You can walk into an old hut, walk through the outdoor kitchen (complete with a real vegetable garden), and peak down into some of the old rooms in the main section. Since it's right near PHX, you also get to see planes landing pretty close by, so it was cool all around!
3. Liberty Wildlife Rescue. A wildlife rescue may seem like a strange spot to suggest, but this place is beautiful! The Frank Lloyd Wright type architecture and landscaping is super photogenic, plus they have a LOT more animals here than initially meets the eye. It's only open two days a week to the public, and admission is a suggested donation. During their public hours, they have a schedule packed with short educational animal talks and "shows" (eating contest between two birds, bird flying session) plus they have a room manned with volunteers where you can pet (and learn about) snakes and other crazy animals. All the volunteers were super knowledgeable and patient with the kids, even though the visitors were pretty evenly split with families and just adults.
4. Los Reyes de La Torta. You've probably heard of this place... even though it's only been around for 20 years, it's grown quickly in popularity because of the delicious food! They serve all authentic Mexican, and they're known for their giant sandwiches (tortas), and they are SO good! There are a million different types (Nortena was my fav!!), and the friendly staff are happy to help you find the one that's perfect for you! And even though the tortas are huge, I'd suggest at least getting a couple so the adults can try the spicy ones while the kids probably need the more mild options. Everyone also had a freshly-squeezed aqua fresca - and they had about a dozen different options of fruits! Not a drop was left at our table! Oh and the guac is homemade and comes in pretty large portions for the price (for anyone else who is tired of getting a quarter cup of guacamole for $17 at other restaurants!). So this is a perfect foodie spot that is also family-friendly - you're welcome! :)
Native Museum + Dino Treats + Taxidermy + Amusement Park
This itinerary is a rollercoaster of emotion!
1. Heard Museum. This native museum is powerful. The museum is packed full of native art - both indoor art and outdoor sculptures, plus a long circular pathway out front where the kids got out a big of energy (and we enjoyed the views). Most of the museum is geared a little older, but there is a small kids room with some activities for kids of all ages that the kids actually really did enjoy (which was surprising given how small it is!). And the most emotional exhibit was actually on the second floor is called Away from Home. It's full of history and stories from the American Indian boarding schools. Honestly this was mostly new information to me, and it was a lot to take in! The exhibits are perfect for 'big' kids - as even though there is a lot of text, most of the rooms also contain dioramas of what's being described in the text. But again, it's a lot! All in all, it's an important part of our history, and the museum does a fabulous job of covering the highs and lows in a truly beautiful space.
2. Curious Nature Shop. This shop is one of the coolest places in Phoenix! If you have time, you should definitely do a class. Andrew did an owl pellet dissection class months ago and is still talking about it! But even if you just have a few minutes, it's still worth stopping by because they have SO much to see in the shop. It's best for older kids (like not toddlers) because there are way too many temptations for touching at the lower levels. For the older kids though, you could spend an hour in there!
3. The Dinersaur. You deserve a little sweet at this point, so next you can head over to this little hipster coffee shop with a dino theme. (We lived near a place like this in LA (Dinosaur Coffee), so adult places with hipster dino themes hold a special place in my heart. :)) The good coffee and creative treats made for a fun adult spot, but the kids will love the dinosaur shaped goods - like the chocolate banana bread long-necks or the dinosaur cookies!
4. Enchanted Island. OK we're kind of cheating on this one, but now we're taking you all the way to your highest high with an old school amusement park. We're cheating because it's 100% for kids (in fact many of the rides don't allow adults), but it's so old school that it's nostalgic - so I'm putting it on this 'cool' list! The amusement park is located in the middle of the larger Encanto Park - which is a big and beautiful green space full of hidden spots to relax. When you enter the little amusement park, you can either buy a day pass or just get tickets. I'd suggest the day pass if you'll have more than an hour there, as many of the rides were fun enough (and short enough lines) that the kids were excited to repeat rides!
Farmers Market + Local Book Shop + Hawaiian Ice + Rustic Pizza or Tacos
Shopping like a foodie hipster!
1. Uptown Farmers Market. This market happens twice a week for most of the year, but the best time to go is Saturday morning. It's technically a food-based market, but there are so many other stalls with goodies. Our itinerary here usually includes:
grab a coffee
browse all the stalls (house plants, honey, flowers, soaps, etc.),
sit down on the grass near Casita Curated Play (where they have an open space next to their stall and lots of free sensory tables and play items),
bribe the kids to leave Casita by tempting them with treats - there are a million food stalls but Poffcakes Poffertjes (mini pancakes with toppings) and the Local Lemon (huge freshly squeezed lemonades) are our current favorites!
2. Changing Hands Book Shop. I've written about this bookshop before, as it's one of our favorite stops. So here goes, "My favorite local bookshop in Phoenix, the shop has a mix of used and new books, and it has some great staff recommendations - plus super friendly people! They even have staff recommendations for the kids' books - including short reviews by kids about the kids' books and even a kids' monthly book club. The space is also part coffee shop and... wait for it.. part BAR, so that brings it up a few notches as well! :)"
3. Pizzeria Bianco or Joyride Tacos. (I couldn't decide which to include... both are too good!)
A. Pizzeria Bianco: Phoenix has a LOT of good pizza places, but this one is my absolute favorite. The one downtown is usually impossible to get into (as the space is super small), and this one uptown is just a little better - plus you can make a reservation. It's totally worth a wait though, as everything on the menu is delicious (and most of it is locally grown). The kids will love it too - as what kid doesn't love pizza (or a meatball sandwich or handmade pasta)!?
B. Joyride Tacos: This spot is so lively and loud that it's perfect for kids! The bright and fun decor plus the creative menu are pleasing for literally any crowd! You may have to wait, but again it's totally worth it to eat such good food in such a fun place.
4. Mahalo Made at The Fred. If you still have the energy and are ready for dessert, stop here! It's a Hawaiian ice spot with huge (see Molly pictured above with one for proof) delicious desserts! Note that they have official hours, but they also close early if they sell out, so I'd suggest generically promising 'dessert' to your kiddos. Because if you get there and it's closed, you can get a little cookie at the coffee shop and then you won't miss browsing a few of the little shops in this midcentury outdoor shopping area (Creative Kind, Form Floral (pictured right above because come on - that wall!!), and Batea are my favs!).
A Show or Game + Hula Hoops
A mini itinerary around a special event downtown!
1. A Show or Game. Downtown Phoenix has something going on every night! We've attended a lot of the seasonal shows (Nutcracker, Disney on Ice), concerts, and games at the venues downtown, and we've had a blast. It's nice to have these big city shows with parking that's way easier than other big cities! ;)
2. The Duce. After the show, walk or drive over to this indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant. It's perfect for lunch, dinner, or just drinks and dessert. It's a HUGE space with a large area inside full of games (and even a boxing ring) plus a dance floor. Outside there are lots of tables plus games like ping pong! Although with food this good and such a great set up, it may seem like an adults-only bar. I'm sure that sometimes it is, but if you come at 5pm, there are a lot of kids there - acting wild and crazy just like ours! And pro tip - make a reservation online and they'll save you a casual table right in the middle of the action!
So with that, I hope we've shown you another side of Phoenix... with much more to come (I mean, I didn't even get to the Botanic Gardens or South Mountain or enough coffee shops!)!
And also I hope we've proven to you (again and again) that just because you're exploring with kids doesn't mean you can't go to cool places... in fact, it makes it fun for everyone! :)
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