Things to Do in Scottsdale With Kids
The top things to do in Scottsdale with kids are riding the trains at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, seeing sea life at OdySea Aquarium, walking through Butterfly Wonderland, taking an early desert nature walk, and catching a spring training game in February or March. When cousins, grandparents and several households share one house with a pool and a yard full of games, much of the trip happens without getting in the car.
What is there to do in Scottsdale for kids?
Trains, animals, desert trails and ballgames. Check each official site for current hours and tickets before you go.
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. A 30-acre park run by the City of Scottsdale Parks & Recreation Department, with the Paradise & Pacific Railroad train ride, a 1950-vintage Allan Herschell carousel, playgrounds and a splashpad (McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park).
- OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland. Next-door neighbors at Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale, easy to pair in one outing (OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland).
- Desert nature trails. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve has an accessible Bajada Nature Trail at the Gateway Trailhead and an accessible Jane Rau Nature Trail at the Brown's Ranch Trailhead. The City advises hiking before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. and bringing water, sun protection and sturdy shoes (City of Scottsdale, McDowell Sonoran Preserve).
- Spring training. The Giants play at Scottsdale Stadium, and the Diamondbacks and Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. The 2027 season runs February through March (Cactus League).
- Old Town. Historic Old Town's Old West storefronts, the Little Red Schoolhouse and the canal-side Scottsdale Waterfront make a good cool-evening walk (Experience Scottsdale). See our sister home's Old Town Scottsdale guide.
What can kids do at the house?
For a fall outing, see our Arizona State Fair family-weekend guide.
A lot, and that's the point of The Scottsdale Social. The backyard has a private pool, a hot tub, a permanent Snookball court, a basketball court and a putting green. The 15+ games include mini golf, backyard bowling, cornhole, ping pong, foosball, giant chess, giant Jenga and a pool table (The Scottsdale Social). The pool and hot tub sit in a fenced backyard (plan page). That gives families built-in downtime between outings, and a place for older kids to burn energy while little ones nap.
Is the pool safe for young children?
The house has a removable pool safety fence. The Scottsdale Social says: "Removable pool safety fence available. Ask us to have it installed before arrival" (The Scottsdale Social). If you're bringing young children, ask the host team to install it when you book. Whatever is in place, an adult should always watch children in and around the pool and hot tub.
Is the pool warm enough for kids?
Pool heat is optional and not included in the nightly rate. Pool heat is optional and can be added for your stay; see the booking page for details. Pool heat is purchased for the entire stay and requires at least 3 days' notice. The hot tub is included year-round (plan page). If warm pool water matters to your kids, add heat when you book.
What is the best time to visit Scottsdale with kids?
Pick a season that fits your plans. School breaks like Thanksgiving, winter break and spring break are popular for family trips, and spring break overlaps with spring training in February and March. In the hot months, do outdoor activity early. The City advises hiking before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. (City of Scottsdale), and the National Weather Service advises doing strenuous activity in the coolest part of the day (NWS Phoenix). Save afternoons for the pool and indoor spots like the aquarium and butterfly conservatory. For holiday trips, see the Scottsdale Thanksgiving and Christmas guide.
Is Scottsdale good for a multigenerational family vacation?
Yes. The activities scale across ages. Grandparents can relax by the pool or on the putting green while kids play Snookball, and everyone meets at the long dining table. The Scottsdale Social sleeps up to 18 across five bedrooms and nine beds, with three full bathrooms, two of them ensuite (The Scottsdale Social). The multigenerational Scottsdale stay guide covers room assignments and pacing, and the family and group travel guide has more ideas.
Can we bring the family dog?
Yes. Up to two dogs are welcome ; a pet fee applies (see the booking page). Cats aren't permitted (The Scottsdale Social). Confirm the current pet policy at checkout.
How do families plan meals for 18 people?
Cook most nights and eat out once or twice. The full kitchen, outdoor kitchen and long dining table are made for group meals (plan page). A common rhythm: breakfast and lunch at the house, one big dinner out, and a rotating "family cooks tonight" schedule. Reserve restaurant tables for large groups ahead of time.
What are the house rules for families?
The Scottsdale Social does not permit parties, neighborhood quiet hours apply, and the driveway holds up to four cars (plan page). Check rates and dates on the booking calendar. Planning for a bigger crew? See the Scottsdale rental for large groups.
A 4-day family itinerary
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Little kids / teens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive and settle in | Pool and backyard games | Dinner at the long table | Mini golf / Snookball tournament |
| 2 | Railroad park train and carousel | House: pool, nap time | Old Town and canal walk | Carousel / basketball |
| 3 | Aquarium and butterfly conservatory | Pool | Family cook night | Giant chess / ping pong bracket |
| 4 | Early nature trail walk | Spring training game (Feb-Mar) or pool | Farewell dinner out | Backyard bowling finals |
Packing checklist: swim gear and goggles; sun hats and sunscreen; refillable water bottles for trail walks; layers for cool evenings; dog leash and bed if you're bringing a dog. Request pool heat and the removable pool safety fence at least three days before arrival.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Scottsdale with kids? Train and carousel rides at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, accessible desert nature trails, spring training in February and March, and Old Town evenings.
Does The Scottsdale Social have a pool safety fence? A removable pool safety fence is available. Ask the host team to have it installed before arrival. Always supervise children around the pool and hot tub.
How many people does The Scottsdale Social sleep? Up to 18, across 5 bedrooms and 9 beds.
Is the pool heated? Pool heat is optional and can be added for your stay; see the booking page for details. Pool heat is purchased for the entire stay and requires at least 3 days' notice. The hot tub is included year-round.
Are dogs allowed? Yes, up to two dogs; a pet fee applies (see the booking page). No cats.
Is the backyard private? Yes. It's a private, fenced backyard with a pool, hot tub, Snookball, basketball and a putting green.