Whether you are planning to have fun with the family on vacation or spend quality time together on the weekend, Scottsdale has an abundance of activities to entertain you.

Family Fun in Scottsdale

Butterfly Wonderland

Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale is a one-of-a-kind experience, and one of the best activities for families and visitors of all ages. It is the largest indoor butterfly pavilion in America, and should certainly top your list of “Things to do in Arizona” whether you’re a tourist or a local. This amazing state-of-the-art facility includes a magnificent glass atrium that provides the ideal tropical rainforest habitat where thousands of butterflies from around the world fly freely; a state-of-the-art theater for viewing the impressive and educational “Flight of the Butterflies” 3D movie; interactive nature exhibits for children, “Rivers of the Amazon,” a gift shop and a café.

Old MacDonald had a RANCH

MacDonald’s Ranch is the premier horseback riding stable in the valley of the sun. Located in the tranquil Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale, Arizona. MacDonald’s Ranch offers activities for individuals, small parties, large conventions or corporate gatherings. Choose from guided Horseback rides, Hayrides & Cowboy Cookouts, Stagecoach Rides, and also available are many varieties of Entertainment. The Ranch is close to all modern conveniences, minutes from most Valley resorts, hotels, airports and easily accessible. Open all year long but due to the seasonal weather call for hours of operation 480-585-0239

OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a marine aquarium, and the largest aquarium in the Southwest United States. It holds more than 2,000,000 US gallons of water and spans over 200,000 square feet.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Located in the heart of Scottsdale, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is the most unique park of its kind in the country. It features a 40-acre railroad park, a 15 in gauge railroad, a Magma Arizona Railroad locomotive, a railroad museum, three model railroad clubs and a 7 ¹⁄_2″ gauge live steam railroad. Take a ride on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad and the antique carousel. Visit a variety of shops and museum or play in one of the spacious playgrounds, or just relax in the grass under a tree or in one of the park’s picnic ramadas.

Dave & Busters

Take a short trip to this place which some families believe is almost as much fun as Disney. Don’t forget to enroll in email offers and receive $10 FREE game play with $10 game play purchase—just for enrolling. Dave & Buster’s Rewards

Scottsdale Outdoor Recreation

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is a non-profit conservation organization that relies on our more than 500 volunteers to help protect and promote the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. They do this in so many ways – from trail building to patrolling the trails, guiding hikes, guiding mountain bike rides, guiding horse rides, education, and research. Their goal is that future generations will be able to enjoy this ecological treasure the same way we do today.

Upcoming Event: Enjoy a gourmet dinner of farm to table cuisine. All courses will be expertly paired with sumptuous wine selections by Total Wine & More. Saturday, April 21, 2018 – 6:00 to 9:00 PM – $200 per person: Limited orchard seating is available. Be sure to reserve early. Click here for more information.

Scottsdale Area Mountains

Pinnacle Peak Pinnacle Peak Park features a moderate out-and-back trail through the pristine Sonoran Desert environment. Visitors can hike to the top of Pinnacle Peak & those with experience may rock climb.
- Elevation: 2,570′
- Trail Length 1.75 miles (one way)
- Park Size 150-acres
Camelback Mountain is located in Phoenix, Arizona. The English name is derived from its shape, which resembles the hump and head of a kneeling camel.
- Elevation: 2,707′
- Prominence: 1,335′
- Easiest route: North Echo Canyon Drive

Grownup Fun in Scottsdale

Taliesin West

Taliesin West is a national historic landmark nestled in the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains outside of Scottsdale, AZ. It is also the home of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and Taliesin, The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.

Wright’s beloved winter home and the bustling headquarters of the Taliesin Fellowship, Taliesin West was established in 1937 and diligently handcrafted over many years into a utopian world unto itself. Deeply connected to the desert from which it was forged, Taliesin West possesses an almost prehistoric grandeur. It was built and maintained almost entirely by Wright and his apprentices, making it among the most personal of the architect’s creations

A lively community, Taliesin West is open to the public and offers a broad range of tours. Come experience the place that Wright called “the top of the world.”

Top Golf

Golf skills are definitely not required to have fun at Topgolf. Our extensive food & drink menu, 200+ HDTVs and addictively fun games provide something for everyone! Visit one of the many Golf Courses Around Scottsdale

The Barrett-Jackson Collection Showroom

Since its inception in 1971, the reputation of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company has been built on selling world-class vehicles and specializing in providing products and services to astute classic and collector car owns and enthusiasts around the world.

With an unprecedented expert staff having over 130 years of combined industry experience in the automotive field, we are a proven brand in the industry for excellence in all things automotive-related.

At the Barrett-Jackson Collection Showroom, you can enjoy Barrett-Jackson quality and service year-round. Sell, consign or purchase with confidence as our experienced team guides you through the process. Our Showroom features a rotating selection of premium vehicles that meet the high standards for which Barrett-Jackson is known. The Showroom also has a dedicated service department, overseen by an ASE-certified mechanic. The service department is the perfect choice for car owners looking for excellent repair, maintenance and light reconditioning of not only collector cars, but modern specialty cars as well. Also, check out the apparel and merchandise for sale.