By Isabel Prontes
Phoenix is both Arizona's largest city, as well as its capital. It is also the fifth largest American city in general. Phoenix is a city that is very rich in tourist spots, with tourists flocking to its many museums and fine arts attractions. If you are planning to visit Phoenix with children, however, there are also a lot of fun activities for kids to do in this city known as "Valley of the Sun."
Castles 'n Coasters
Castles 'n Coasters is an amusement park in Phoenix that is full of fun rides and attractions, dining options and games. Whether you want to play miniature golf or go on thrilling, exhilarating roller coasters, Castles 'n Coasters can accommodate you. Kids will love this jam packed amusement park. Some of the park's most notable attractions are the thrill ride "Sky Diver," the terrifying and daring "Desert Storm," as well as the pleasant carousel. The Patriot is a great ride for kids, because it is suited (and not too scary) for even very small children.
Castles 'n Coasters
9445 Metro Parkway East
Phoenix, AZ 85051
602-997-7575
Cowtown Adventure Park
Cowtown Adventure Park is a fun place where kids can pretend to be cowboys in the Wild West. From dressing up as real life cowboys to engaging in their adventures, there are fun activities at this park including paintball combat zone, horseback riding, cowboy games and much more. Strolling through Old West town has an authentic "cowboy" vibe that will keep kids very entertained. There are also various restaurant and shopping options within the park.
Cowtown Adventure Park
10402 W. Carefree Hwy [End of Road]
Peoria, AZ
480-227-9347
Arizona Museum for Youth
The Arizona Museum for Youth is a museum that promotes education and encouragement for children within the field of fine arts. The goal of the museum is to spark productivity, creativity and stimulate the brain artistically as well. The museum consists of exhibits that will fascinate children, such as the recycled art, glowing fish and African stone sculpture exhibitions. Both children and adults will have a great time at this museum.
Arizona Museum for Youth
35 N. Robson
Mesa, AZ 85201
480-644-2467
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
The Enchanted Island Amusement Park is located in Phoenix's Encanto Park, and is a great place for picnicking, rides, attractions, games and even food. There is a large amount of rides at this amusement park, including bumper boats, a parachute tower, canoes, pedal boats, a carousel, train attraction and much more. Kids will particularly have fun on rides such as Rock 'n Roll, Dragon Wagon, Red Baron, Mini Enterprise and kiddie cars.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
1202 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-254-1200
Papago Park
Papago Park is a park with wide, open spaces and a desert-like atmosphere full of sandstone buttes. Not only is the park full of beautiful natural scenery, but it offers a lot of recreational activities for kids and even their parents, including hiking trails, softball, fishing (there are fishing lagoons), archery and exercise courses. The trails at this park are relatively easy and not overly strenuous, making them ideal for family hikes.
Papago Park
625 N Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
