Trying to spend quality time with your family or just keep your kids occupied, but don’t want to put a dent in your wallet? Entertainment doesn’t always have to be costly. Here’s a list of 10 places around the Valley where you can take your family for free family activities or fun that comes at a lower price.
Mansel Carter Oasis Park
Looking for a spot you can enjoy just as much as your kids? Check out Mansel Carter Oasis Park in Queen Creek; a free park with a variety of amenities including a playground, skate plaza, a shipwreck-themed splash pad, three fitness pods, multi-purpose fields, and a five-acre fishing lake.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
If you’re willing to spend a little, but not break the bank, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is the place! The museum offers educational programs, creative workshops, and a ballroom with multiple activities and structures built to keep your kids smiling. Members and children under 1 are free. General admission for non-members is $14.95. Seniors 62+ are $13.95.
McCormick- Stillman Railroad Park
Come take a ride on the Paradise and Pacific train at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale! The park offers train rides, a carousel, railroad museum, two playgrounds, picnic ramadas, and many scenic corners for pictures. Admission to the park is free. Train rides are $3/ride. Children 2 and under ride free with a paying adult. Discount ticket packs and all-day wristbands are available for $10.
First Friday
Food trucks, art, bands, dancers, singers, and tons more of awesome entertainment occupy Roosevelt Street in Downtown Phoenix every first Friday of the month. First Friday includes free admission into the Phoenix Art Museum from 6- 10 p.m., Children’s Museum of Phoenix from 5- 9 p.m., and the Heard Museum from 6- 10 p.m.
Phoenix public libraries
The library isn’t always quiet and neither are your kids. Browse the Phoenix Public Library calendar to see the numerous free events your local library offers such as family fun activities, Kid’s Crafternoon and storytimes for all ages that will keep your kids occupied, learning and growing for the summer.
Phoenix Public Market
Thinking of living and leading a healthier lifestyle? Take a stroll with your kiddos through the Open Air Market at the Phoenix Public Market every Saturday morning. There you’ll find variations of healthy food produced by local farmers and sustainable products made by local businesses.
Desert Ridge Marketplace Splash Pad
Splish and splash under the sun at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Not only is this splash pad free and open to the public, it’s located at the center of a large shopping center, a perfect spot for you to sit, relax and watch your kids cool down after a shopping spree!
Arizona Minor League Baseball Games
Take your family to cheer on a Minor League Baseball Team. Games are free, fun and played all over the Valley including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, and Surprise.
Lake Pleasant
Take a swim, rent a kayak, ride your personal watercraft, or have a picnic out by the lake! Admission into Lake Pleasant is $6/car- a fair price for a scenic view and water-filled day!
Hiking
Catch a sunset with your loved ones from the top of a mountain! Many trails around the Valley offer different levels of difficulties, including Squaw Peak, ‘A’ Mountain, Papago, and South Mountain to name a few.
