We went to Scottsdale in December with my parents, kiddo, brother & sister-in-law and their 2 kiddos. Here are some of the things we loved (and things that were on our list but we didn't get to)!
Map
Sections
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Things to do
Restaurants
Where we're staying
Things to do
This was great! Fun mini train ride, train themed playgrounds, amazing model train exhibit, old train to explore, etc.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Nice for walking around and also with xmas lights after sunset
Desert Botanical Garden
Crowded but a big hit with J
OdySea Aquarium
Fun and well done! A steal when done with dinner on property (not sure it'd be worth the cost otherwise)
Christmas at the Princess 2022
I think Jacob would love this even though not really for kids!
Musical Instrument Museum
Not much for adults but the 2 & 3 year old LOVED this - great play areas and small petting zoo
MacDonald's Ranch
Really liked the desert loop hike - lots of loose rocks but otherwise very easy with nice views. J couldn't walk it but did well in the backpack.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Supposed to be fun to walk around, a bit farther from us but lots of good restaurants near there
Old Town Scottsdale
Also showed up on some lists but not others, could be fun!
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Showed up in some lists but not others, worth looking into how age appropriate this is!
Arizona Science Center
I'd personally prefer this to the weird fake dinosaur thing…
Arizona Museum of Natural History
They also have xmas lights at sundown
Phoenix Zoo: Home
Can buy a combo ticket with the aquarium or dinosaur place
Butterfly Wonderland
Immersive art in old town - probably less kid friendly
Wonderspaces | Experience Extraordinary Art in Old Town Scottsdale
Crazy xmas lights for walking around - could be fun but not sure how many of these we need to do!
Enchant Scottsdale
Looks like they suggest 5 and up for the walking tour (and they don't have the under 5 open house while we're there) so probably skip for now
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Restaurants
Didn't go
North Italia
Recommended by a friend; farther away in old town so we should probably only go if doing activities nearby
Citizen Public House
Good food and nice to do along with Xmas lights at the princess!
La Hacienda
Fancier than we expected but great food and ambiance
Vic & Ola's
Eclectic menu but very kid friendly and good
Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar
Had takeout that was surprisingly good
Liberty Station - DC Ranch
Amazing fish tacos we had in Hawaii, we should definitely go for lunch one day
Coconuts – Best Fish Tacos
Close by us and decently reviewed if we want sushi one night
Hashi Sushi
My friend described as the best pizza in America - a bit far, but good to keep in mind if we're ordering in
Pizzeria Bianco - Phoenix wood fired pizzas
Also recommended by my friend and menu looks good - good option for delivery or if we're nearby for lunch
Pomo Pizzeria - Authentic Italian Food
Highly recommended Mexican place in Old Town - we went to Kierland location and it was good but wouldn't go out of our way
The Mission Old Town
Great and easy lunch spot; would recommend if you're nearby (not worth going out of way for)
Raven Gastropub
Surprisingly good Asian takeout
Ling's Wok Shop
Went to the N Scottsdale location - great pizza and kid friendly but limited menu
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Our favorite coffee shop close to where we were staying
