Arizona summers have a reputation for being brutally hot — and in the Valley, that reputation is well-earned. But the Grand Canyon State is also one of the most geographically diverse states in the country, with cool mountain towns, alpine lakes, ancient monuments, and world-class water parks all within a few hours' drive of Phoenix or Tucson. With the right plan, summer in Arizona can be an extraordinary family adventure. Here are 20 of the best things to do with kids this summer.
Beat the Heat: Cool Elevation Escapes
1. Grand Canyon South Rim
No Arizona summer list is complete without the Grand Canyon. The South Rim sits at 6,800 feet elevation, making it significantly cooler than Phoenix — often 20–30°F cooler on the same day. Ranger-led programs, the Trail of Time geology walk, and the family-friendly Rim Trail are all free with the $35 vehicle entrance fee. Book lodging well in advance as summer is peak season.[1]
2. Arizona Snowbowl Summer Activities, Flagstaff
Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet and stays cool all summer. Arizona Snowbowl transforms into a summer adventure hub with unlimited mountain activities including bounce pads, climbing walls, and slides. Flexible family passes are available, and the scenic chairlift rides offer stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks.[2]
3. Sunrise Park Resort, White Mountains
At 9,200 feet in the heart of the White Mountains, Sunrise Park Resort is one of Arizona's best-kept summer secrets. Activities include downhill mountain biking, a 3D archery course, water sports, disc golf, zip-line tours, and an airbag jump. For a more relaxed visit, scenic ski lifts and horseback rides are also available.[3] For more White Mountains adventures, see our guide to the 10 best hiking trails in the White Mountains.
4. Mount Lemmon, Tucson
Rising 9,157 feet above Tucson, Mount Lemmon offers a complete escape from the desert heat. Download the free Mount Lemmon Science Tour app for a narrated audio guide on the drive up. Locals love fishing at Rose Canyon Lake, mountain biking, and splitting an ice-cream-topped cookie at the Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin.[4]
5. Sedona Red Rock Country
Sedona's famous red rock formations are stunning year-round, but summer mornings and evenings are particularly magical. The easy Bell Rock Pathway and Cathedral Rock Trail are family-friendly, and the town's swimming holes at Slide Rock State Park are a beloved summer tradition for Arizona families.[1]
Water Fun for Hot Days
6. Patagonia Lake State Park
A hidden gem in southeastern Arizona, Patagonia Lake is a manmade reservoir ideal for kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and swimming. Families can rent watercraft on-site, and overnight camping and cabins are available for multi-day stays. The surrounding area is also excellent for bird watching.[4]
7. Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
For a classic water park day, Hurricane Harbor Phoenix (formerly Wet 'n' Wild) offers wave pools, lazy rivers, and thrilling water slides for all ages. Located in Glendale, it is one of the Valley's most popular summer destinations for families.[1]
8. Saguaro Lake
Just 40 minutes from Phoenix, Saguaro Lake offers boat rentals, jet ski rentals, paddleboard rentals, and a popular beach area. The Desert Belle sightseeing cruise is a relaxing way to see the lake's dramatic canyon walls with younger children.
9. Slide Rock State Park, Sedona
One of Arizona's most beloved natural water parks, Slide Rock features a natural rock waterslide carved by Oak Creek. The water stays cool even in summer, making it a perfect day trip from Phoenix or Flagstaff. Arrive early — the park reaches capacity quickly on summer weekends.
Museums and Indoor Escapes
10. Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
The Desert Botanical Garden's 140 acres showcase over 50,000 plants from deserts around the world. Summer mornings are ideal for families, and the garden offers special children's programs throughout the season. The evening butterfly exhibit runs through summer and is a particular favorite with kids.[1]
11. Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest private, non-profit zoos in the United States, home to over 3,000 animals. Summer hours include early morning openings to beat the heat, and the Stingray Bay touch tank is a perennial hit with younger visitors.[1]
12. Children's Museum of Phoenix
The Children's Museum of Phoenix is a three-story interactive play space designed for children 10 and under. The museum is entirely indoors and air-conditioned, making it a perfect midday escape during peak heat hours.
13. Children's Museum Tucson
With locations in Tucson and Oro Valley at Tohono Chul, the Children's Museum Tucson encourages play and exploration through interactive exhibits. It is an excellent indoor option for families visiting Southern Arizona.[4]
14. Heard Museum, Phoenix
The Heard Museum is one of the world's premier institutions dedicated to the art and culture of Native peoples. Its interactive exhibits and beautiful courtyard make it an enriching and manageable visit for school-age children.
Outdoor Adventures and Day Trips
15. Antelope Canyon, Page
Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, and guided tours are available for all ages. The Lower Antelope Canyon tour involves some ladder climbing and is better suited for older children, while Upper Antelope Canyon is more accessible. Book tours well in advance for summer visits.[1]
16. Chiricahua National Monument
Often called the "Wonderland of Rocks," Chiricahua National Monument features towering rock spires and formations unlike anywhere else in Arizona. An eight-mile scenic drive ends at a dramatic lookout, and the easy Bonita Creek Loop trail is well-suited for younger children and older knees.[4]
17. Hoover Dam
Just 90 minutes from Phoenix, Hoover Dam is a National Historic Landmark that draws over a million visitors annually. Three tour options are available starting at $10 per person, including a self-guided visitor center tour. Standing atop the dam with kids is an unforgettable engineering lesson.[4]
18. Mount Graham International Observatory, Safford
For families with science-curious kids, the Mount Graham International Observatory offers free guided tours of the Large Binocular Telescope — the world's most powerful — at 10,720 feet elevation. Tours depart from Eastern Arizona College's Discovery Park in Safford. Advance registration is required; call (928) 428-6260.[4]
19. Kartchner Caverns State Park
Located near Benson, Kartchner Caverns is one of the world's most pristine living cave systems. The cave maintains a constant 68°F temperature year-round — a welcome relief from summer heat. Guided tours are required and sell out quickly; book online at least two weeks in advance.
20. Petrified Forest National Park
The Petrified Forest is one of Arizona's most underrated national parks, featuring 225-million-year-old fossilized trees, ancient petroglyphs, and the colorful Painted Desert. The 28-mile scenic drive is entirely accessible by car, making it an easy family road trip that requires no hiking.
Quick Reference: Arizona Summer Activities by Category
| Activity | Location | Best Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon South Rim | Grand Canyon Village | All ages | $35/vehicle |
| Arizona Snowbowl | Flagstaff | 5+ | Varies by activity |
| Sunrise Park Resort | White Mountains | 6+ | Varies by activity |
| Patagonia Lake | Patagonia | All ages | $15/vehicle |
| Hurricane Harbor | Glendale | 3+ | From $35/person |
| Slide Rock State Park | Sedona | 5+ | $20–$30/vehicle |
| Desert Botanical Garden | Phoenix | All ages | $25 adult, $13 child |
| Phoenix Zoo | Phoenix | All ages | $30 adult, $20 child |
| Antelope Canyon | Page | 5+ | $60–$80/person |
| Kartchner Caverns | Benson | 4+ | $23 adult, $13 child |
| Petrified Forest NP | Holbrook | All ages | $25/vehicle |
| Hoover Dam | Boulder City, NV | All ages | From $10/person |
For more ideas on getting out of Phoenix, see our guide to the 15 best day trips from Phoenix for destinations within a 3-hour drive.
