Top Places in Phoenix for Kids to See Animals, Big Splashes and Unforgettable Fun

by Ephrem Jando

Phoenix is a top-tier destination for family-friendly adventure. From exploring exotic wildlife to making a splash on thrilling slides, there’s no shortage of kid-approved activities. Plus, you can pretty much live next door to all of them—check out homes nearby at the end!

🦁 Phoenix Zoo – Wild Trails & Interactive Play

Phoenix Zoo sits within Papago Park and spans 125 acres. It’s the only zoo in the Valley accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums . You’ll meet over 3,000 animals and walk themed trails like Africa, Arizona, Tropics, and the Children’s Trail

Highlights include:

Leapin’ Lagoon splash pad & kid zone with barn playhouse and slides
Backstage Adventures & Discovery Tours: get up close with rhinos, flamingos, stingrays, and more
Summer Snow Day: the zoo blankets habitats in real snow for animals and kids alike

Planning Tips:
Open daily 7 a.m.–1 p.m.; check website for tickets, membership, and events
Visit their official site → Phoenix Zoo

🐠 OdySea Aquarium & Sea Life Arizona

OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale delivers a world of marine life: 6,000 animals, interactive touch pools, and immersive tunnels.
Nearby Sea Life Arizona (at Arizona Mills in Tempe) offers shark and seahorse exhibits with conservation-focused programming.

Visit them here:

🌊 Oasis Water Park – Splash Days at Arizona Grand

The Oasis Water Park at Arizona Grand Resort is one of the Valley’s largest and most thrilling water attractions:

7 acres of slides, wave pool, side-by-side active river, hot tub, and kid’s splash zones
Includes slides up to 8 stories—225-ft Free Fall, Sidewinder, and Roadrunner
Day passes available without staying overnight

Visit the site → Oasis Water Park

🎠 Amusements: Enchanted Island & Castles N’ Coasters

Enchanted Island Amusement Park

In Encanto Park, this darling 7.5-acre attraction offers carnival-style rides—mini train, carousel, boats, and playgrounds. Ideal for toddlers through elementary age.

Castles N’ Coasters

A hit for older kids and teens: roller coasters, go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, and water rides, packed family fun in one spot.

🌳 Parks & Splash Pads

Encanto Park

A city treasure with fishing lagoons, pedal boats, picnic space, playgrounds, golf, and Enchanted Island amusement park inside.

Splash Pad Park

Multiple splash pad locations around Phoenix are perfect heat-busters. The one inside Phoenix Zoo is the famous Leapin’ Lagoon

White Tank Mountain Regional Park

About 30 minutes west, this 29,000-acre regional park offers horse trails, family camping, hiking with petroglyphs, and scenic picnic spots—great for weekend adventures.

🏡 Want to Live Near These Kid-Friendly Hotspots?

Imagine stepping outside your front door and heading straight to one of these attractions. Phoenix is full of neighborhoods close to family fun.

👉 Browse nearby homes today → Phoenix Family-Friendly Homes for Sale

🎒 Planning Tips & Best Times to Visit

Weather-wise: Morning hours in spring/fall are ideal, avoid monsoon thunderstorms in summer afternoons.
Bring essentials: Swimsuits, hats, sunscreen, water bottles, comfortable footwear.
Ticket tips: Early online booking is often cheaper. Membership passes to Phoenix Zoo, Aquarium, or water parks are worth it if you visit more than once.
Group perks: Many venues offer family, group, or seasonal discounts and educational programs.

Phoenix’s family scene is a delightful mix of education, adventure, and play. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls at Oasis, marveling at animals at the Zoo, or catching air at amusement parks—you’re always close to fun. Why not make it permanent and find a home nearby?

👉 Start your search now → Homes near Phoenix Kids Attractions

Let’s get your family settled into a neighborhood where fun and daily life weave together seamlessly!