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This is sensory overload for kids — in a good way. Go carts, rides, black light bowling, laser tag, rock climbing wall, and tons of video games in an indoor play land. An absolutely huge buffet is part of the entry price, and surprisingly, the food is pretty darn good. A bar area is available for parents and grandparents, which might take the edge off the noise of kids gone wild.
Info: Family Tuesdays: unlimited fun and buffet ages 7+ $17, 6 and under $10, other days of the week buffet and rides are a la carte
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11AM-9PM, Friday 11AM-10PM, Saturday 10AM-10PM, Sunday 10AM-9PM;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Fun & Games
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Is 110-degree weather getting you down? Cool off in the summer, or get some exercise year-round at this indoor rink. Tiny grandkids can learn to try their hand at hockey, and kids of all ages can learn the fundamentals of skating. Figure skating lessons are available, and open skate is offered weekday afternoons and weekend evenings for family fun.
Info: General Admission: $6, ages 12 and under $5, 55+ $4, 3 and under with paying adult free, skate rentals $3
Hours: public skate times vary;
Seasons: Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Fun & Games
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Chase Field is home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and its air-conditioned, retractable roof, and signature swimming pool (pool and field-side seats can be rented for pretty penny) make it a great place to watch a game with the family. Let the grandkids see their favorite players in person, and stay cool while doing it. Multiple restaurants and concession stands are on hand if your little ones get antsy. Call for information on family nights.
Info: Admission: $5-$175
Hours: Season: April-October, games vary;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Sporting Events
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Formed by a natural 20-foot drop along the Arizona canal, the Falls reopened recently as a restored hydroelectric plant and fun spot to hang out with your grandkids. A viewing platform, dance floor and lit waterfalls can be enjoyed 24 hours a day at no charge. The gears operating the plant can be seen, allowing you to watch it all work beneath a shaded structure. [Photo courtesy of Cogdogblog]
Info: Admission: free
Hours: daily 24 hours;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Outdoor Fun
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Rocks are a hit with most grandkids, especially if they are the shiny, colorful type. Arizona is the biggest mining state in the country, and the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum commemorates its rich history with over 3,000 minerals, fossils, rocks and mining artifacts on display. If all the enchanting gems don’t wow them, the mammoth eight-foot specimen of native copper and a 480-pound quartz geode surely will.
Info: Admission: $2
Hours: weekdays 8AM-5PM, Saturday 11AM-4PM;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Museums & Exhibits
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The Science Center houses an IMAX theater, Dorrance Planetarium, special touring exhibits, and a permanent collection of all things scientific. Special “Stroller Science” (for grandkids ages 3 - 5) and “Family Program” dates focus on wonders such as the sun and lightning storms, and fun events like “Astronomy Day” and “Sense of Smell Day” will have the kids begging to return. [Photo courtesy of Ashleytheartist2002]
Info: Admission: ages 62+ $7, adults $9, 3-12 $7, additional charge for planetarium and IMAX
Hours: daily 9AM-9PM;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Museums & Exhibits
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Lacrosse is the forgotten stepchild of sports — and it shouldn't be. This high-energy, fast-paced sport is loads of fun to watch, and the prices can't be beat. On Family Fun Nights, you and the brood can get four tickets, hot dogs and sodas for as low as forty dollars. Try that at a Suns game.
Info: Admission: $9-$100
Hours: Season: January-April, games vary;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Sporting Events
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Let your grandkids climb the walls at Arizona's largest rock climbing gym. Teach them your best rappel technique, or just kick back and let them amaze you with their natural climbing ability. They’ll get some mental and physical exercise to boot. Grandparents with kids 15 and under will learn how to use the climbing rope safely, and how help the kids make the 30-foot wall. After-school programs are available in four-week sessions.
Info: Admission: adults $20, ages 18 and under $18, includes shoe and harness rental
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3PM-10PM, Tuesday and Thursday 3PM-7PM, Saturday-Sunday 9AM-7PM;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Fun & Games
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Brush off your platforms! A one-Saturday-a-month event at Myst in Scottsdale, Baby Loves Disco is a dance party for you and your grandkids featuring a live DJ spinning tunes from the 70s and 80s, bubble machine, healthy snacks, diaper-changing stations and a “chill-out room” for non-hustlers. Check the fun and extensive website for dates, and also for local events and playgroups.
Info: Admission: all walking humans $12, non-walkers free
Hours: 1 Saturday a month 2PM-5PM;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen
Local Unique
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Bead It
7000 East Mayo Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85064
(480) 563-4033
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If your grandchild is a fan of all things sparkly, their eyes will bug out of their heads when they walk in to Bead It. Go in and handpick your own beads to make bracelets, necklaces and earrings with your little jewelry-maker. Thousands of types of beads are ripe for the picking, so let their imaginations run wild, and have fun designing a one-of-a-kind creation. Bracelet-making classes are available for young ones.
Info: Admission: varies by piece
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM, Sunday 11AM-3PM;
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Classes & Workshops
