City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 51 W. 3rd St.
2. The Museum At Papago Park
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 929-9499
Address: 1300 N. College Ave.
Description: The Arizona Historical Society’s museum on the Tempe side of Papago Park opened in 1996. Exhibits include multimedia maps, historic photographs, and a few hands-on exhibits looking at the agriculture, mining, and urban development of central Arizona in the 19th and 20th centuries. One gallery focuses on World War II and its impact on the Valley, including personal letters and photographs from participants in the war effort. A new exhibit through March 2013 provides a history of Cactus League baseball. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students; children under 12 are free. There’s free admission the first Saturday each month.
3. Childsplay
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 350-2822
Address: 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Description: Childsplay has been entertaining the young and young-at-heart since 1977 with theatrical performances of classic children’s stories like Charlotte’s Web and Dr. Seuss tales. Other kid-friendly plays, like A Year With Frog and Toad, are spirited and engaging for kindergarteners. The theater also hosts classes for children. Ticket prices are $19 to $26 depending on the show time ($19 to $21 for kids).
4. Arizona Mills
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 491-7300
Address: 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle
Description: This mall is full of manufacturers’ outlets that appeal to adult shoppers, but it also has a kid-friendly side, notably because it contains Gameworks arcade restaurant, an IMAX theater, and a 24-screen movie theater. The Rainforest Cafe delights with the sights and sounds of a simulated Amazon rain forest. The mall has several toy and game stores, including Toy Mart and Game Daze. Your kids will also enjoy browsing The Disney Store Outlet. Arizona Mills can be reached from I-10 near the junction with US 60.
5. Dave & Buster’S
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 281-8456
Address: 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Description: Recess is calling! That’s the slogan at Dave & Buster’s, and if you haven’t taken the kids there yet, it’s time. There are approximately a zillion games, all cool, and both kids and adults love this place. You can buy a package deal, where you get dinner and a card good for 10 games. The kids can play while you relax in the restaurant or bar area. There’s a second Valley location at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Scottsdale (480-538-8956).
6. Kiwanis Park Wave Pool
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 350-5201
Address: 6111 S. All-America Way
Description: This indoor pool at Kiwanis Community Park is not a full-fledged water park, but it has continuous waves and a giant waterslide. It’s popular when it’s too hot to be outside, yet you can take away a bit of the chill from swimming with a few moments of sunning on the pool’s outdoor deck. Admission is $6 for anyone 12 and up and $3 for children 2 to 11. The pool is not recommended for toddlers. Tube rentals, snacks, and beverages are available.
7. Oceanside Ice Arena
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 941-0944
Address: 1520 N. McClintock Dr.
Description: At a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit, Oceanside provides a nice escape for East Valley residents. Public skating sessions vary week to week, though, and sometimes there is no public skating at all, so call ahead for hours. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children 3 to 17. Figure skate rentals are $3. Hockey skate rentals are the same. Inquire about lessons for beginning skaters or children’s hockey.
8. Fiddlesticks Family Fun Park
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 961-0800
Address: 1155 W. Elliot Rd.
Description: Fiddlesticks offers miniature golf, bumper boats, go-karts, batting cages, and video games. The Tempe location has a lighted driving range popular with golfers of all ages. Unlimited ride wristbands cost $17.49 each, though the park runs discounts.
9. Big Surf Waterpark
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 994-2247
Address: 1500 N. McClintock Dr.
Description: The massive pool, as big as 4 football fields, lets you ride the waves every 90 seconds. Its surrounding landscaping and decor lend the park a Polynesian theme. Big Surf has 8 giant slides and assorted other slides. Little ones will enjoy a wading pool with sprinklers and easy slides. General admission is $26; $15 from 3 to 6 p.m.
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 51 W. 3rd St.
11. The Museum At Papago Park
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 929-9499
Address: 1300 N. College Ave.
Description: The Arizona Historical Society’s museum on the Tempe side of Papago Park opened in 1996. Exhibits include multimedia maps, historic photographs, and a few hands-on exhibits looking at the agriculture, mining, and urban development of central Arizona in the 19th and 20th centuries. One gallery focuses on World War II and its impact on the Valley, including personal letters and photographs from participants in the war effort. A new exhibit through March 2013 provides a history of Cactus League baseball. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students; children under 12 are free. There’s free admission the first Saturday each month.
12. Childsplay
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 350-2822
Address: 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Description: Childsplay has been entertaining the young and young-at-heart since 1977 with theatrical performances of classic children’s stories like Charlotte’s Web and Dr. Seuss tales. Other kid-friendly plays, like A Year With Frog and Toad, are spirited and engaging for kindergarteners. The theater also hosts classes for children. Ticket prices are $19 to $26 depending on the show time ($19 to $21 for kids).
13. Arizona Mills
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 491-7300
Address: 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle
Description: This mall is full of manufacturers’ outlets that appeal to adult shoppers, but it also has a kid-friendly side, notably because it contains Gameworks arcade restaurant, an IMAX theater, and a 24-screen movie theater. The Rainforest Cafe delights with the sights and sounds of a simulated Amazon rain forest. The mall has several toy and game stores, including Toy Mart and Game Daze. Your kids will also enjoy browsing The Disney Store Outlet. Arizona Mills can be reached from I-10 near the junction with US 60.
14. Dave & Buster’S
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 281-8456
Address: 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Description: Recess is calling! That’s the slogan at Dave & Buster’s, and if you haven’t taken the kids there yet, it’s time. There are approximately a zillion games, all cool, and both kids and adults love this place. You can buy a package deal, where you get dinner and a card good for 10 games. The kids can play while you relax in the restaurant or bar area. There’s a second Valley location at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Scottsdale (480-538-8956).
15. Kiwanis Park Wave Pool
City: Tempe, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (480) 350-5201
Address: 6111 S. All-America Way
Description: This indoor pool at Kiwanis Community Park is not a full-fledged water park, but it has continuous waves and a giant waterslide. It’s popular when it’s too hot to be outside, yet you can take away a bit of the chill from swimming with a few moments of sunning on the pool’s outdoor deck. Admission is $6 for anyone 12 and up and $3 for children 2 to 11. The pool is not recommended for toddlers. Tube rentals, snacks, and beverages are available.