Things to Do with Toddlers in Phoenix and Tucson: The Ultimate Arizona Guide

By
Kate Reed
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Looking for things to do with toddlers in Arizona? From free library storytimes and indoor playgrounds to train rides, music classes, animal encounters, and even watching airplanes take off, there are plenty of ways to entertain little ones without spending a fortune.

Anyone who has spent a day with a toddler knows that sometimes you just need to get out of the house. Maybe it’s too hot to play outside, you’ve already read the same book 14 times before breakfast, or everyone just needs a change of scenery before naptime.

The good news? Entertaining a toddler doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Sometimes a trip to the library, a pretzel at the mall, or 30 minutes watching airplanes is all it takes to turn the day around.

We’ve put together a guide to activities for children ages 1–4, with plenty of options for babies, preschoolers, and older siblings, too. Whether you’re looking for a free morning activity, somewhere air-conditioned during the summer, or a special weekend adventure, there’s something for just about every budget.

Free and Low-Cost Things to Do with Toddlers

1. Visit Your Local Library

Libraries are one of the best free resources for families with young children. Beyond borrowing books, many Arizona libraries offer storytimes, songs, movement activities, crafts, and early literacy programs.

Phoenix and surrounding communities:

Tucson and Southern Arizona:

  • Pima County Public Library – Babytime, toddler storytimes, bilingual programs, and family activities throughout Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Green Valley, and surrounding communities.

Parent tip: Try visiting different library branches! Some have especially inviting children’s areas, puzzles, play materials, or programs that make them worth the extra drive. And don’t forget to ask about Culture Passes, which provide free admission to participating museums and cultural attractions.

2. Barnes & Noble

Sometimes you don’t need an organized activity at all. Let your toddler browse board books, explore the children’s section, and pick out a few stories to read together. Some locations also offer storytimes and special events. And if there’s a café, you can grab a coffee while you’re there. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy browsing books together!

3. Independent Bookstores

Independent bookstores can be wonderful for toddlers, especially those offering children’s programming or cozy reading areas. A few Arizona options include Bookmans, with locations in Phoenix and Tucson, and The Littlest Bookshop in Tucson. Check their calendars for storytimes, author visits, and children’s activities.

4. Visit a Mall with an Indoor Play Area

Sometimes the best toddler outing is a trip to the mall, and not because you need to go shopping! Many Arizona malls have free indoor play areas where little ones can climb, slide, and burn off some energy. I love letting the kids play for a while, grabbing a pretzel or snack, wandering through a few stores, and heading home just in time for naps. Some malls also host free children’s entertainment and activities throughout the month.

Phoenix-area malls:

Tucson-area malls:

Check each mall’s website for current play-area availability and upcoming children’s events before visiting.

5. McDonald’s PlayPlace

When the Arizona weather isn’t cooperating, sometimes a fast-food restaurant with an indoor playground is exactly what you need. One of my favorite inexpensive outings is heading to McDonald’s when Happy Meals are buy one, get one through the app. The kids get lunch, run around, and burn off some energy without spending a fortune. Not every location has a PlayPlace, so use the restaurant locator to find one and check the app for current deals before heading out.

6. Visit a Local Park or Playground

Sometimes all toddlers need is a slide, a swing, and room to run! Look for parks with shaded playgrounds, toddler-sized equipment, accessible play structures, and grassy areas. A few favorites to explore include Encanto Park in Phoenix, Freestone Park in Gilbert, Desert Breeze Park in Chandler, Gene C. Reid Park and Himmel Park in Tucson, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park in Tucson. Pack a snack, water, and maybe some bubbles. You don’t need much else!

7. Watch Airplanes Take Off and Land

Have a toddler who loves airplanes? You don’t need a museum ticket to make their day! Find a safe, public aircraft-viewing area and spend some time watching planes take off and land. Phoenix Sky Harbor has designated viewing spots, including airport parking garage rooftops, and the free PHX Sky Train offers another fun way to see the airport. You can also look into public viewing opportunities at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport and Tucson International Airport. Bring a snack, count the airplanes, and see how many different sizes you can spot. Parking fees may apply, and always use designated public areas.

8. Visit a Pet Store or Aquarium Shop

For toddlers who love animals, a trip to a pet store can feel like a miniature zoo. Look at colorful fish, watch hamsters run on their wheels, or see what other animals are available to observe. It’s a simple indoor outing that doesn’t require buying anything. Just remind little ones to look with their eyes and respect the animals.

9. Explore a Garden Center or Farmers Market

A walk through a garden center offers plenty for toddlers to discover, from colorful flowers and plants to fountains and garden decorations. Farmers markets are another fun option. Let your toddler help choose fruit or vegetables for the week, or turn the outing into a scavenger hunt. Can you find something red? Something round? Something that smells good?

Indoor Play Places for Toddlers in Phoenix and Surrounding Areas

When it’s too hot for the playground, indoor play spaces can be a lifesaver! Some are designed specifically for babies and toddlers, while others offer designated younger-child areas.

10. Jordan’s Corner – Scottsdale

Jordan’s Corner is an indoor play space designed with younger children in mind. You’ll find Montessori-inspired activities, sensory play, pretend play, and climbing structures. They also offer enrichment classes and special activities throughout the week, making it a great option when you want something beyond a traditional indoor playground.

11. PLAYzona – Glendale

PLAYzona is an imaginative indoor play space for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Kids can explore pretend-play areas modeled after a market, medical office, school, fire station, and home. There’s even a dedicated space for babies who aren’t walking yet! Check their calendar for open-play sessions, music classes, and art activities.

12. Leo & Luca – Phoenix

Leo & Luca is a boutique indoor play space for children from birth to age 5, with pretend-play areas, an art room, and a separate space for babies. There’s even a café for parents to grab a coffee while the kids play. Reservations are required, so book ahead.

13. Cloud House for Babies and Toddlers – Phoenix

Cloud House has a little bit of everything for younger kids, including climbing equipment, Montessori-inspired toys, sensory play, and themed activities. They also offer arts and crafts and simple science activities throughout the week.

14. The Little Play Avenue – Phoenix

The Little Play Avenue is all about imaginative play, with miniature shops, a pretend fire station, dress-up areas, and plenty of activities for little ones. There’s also a café for parents, plus music, art, and other enrichment classes for kids.

16. Uptown Jungle – Multiple Valley Locations

For toddlers who need to MOVE, Uptown Jungle offers climbing structures, slides, and plenty of room for active play. Check participating locations for toddler-specific programs, age restrictions, and designated younger-child areas.

17. Kids Empire – Multiple Valley Locations

Kids Empire offers large indoor playgrounds with climbing structures, slides, and opportunities for active play. Look for toddler areas and check age recommendations before visiting, especially if you’re bringing younger children along with older siblings.

18. Rush Fun Park – Phoenix

Rush Fun Park offers indoor play and entertainment, including larger play structures and younger-child areas. It’s an option for families with toddlers and older siblings who need different levels of activity.

Indoor Play Places for Toddlers in Tucson and Southern Arizona

19. Wild Katz – Tucson

Wild Katz is a fun indoor playground with slides, climbing structures, and plenty of room for kids to burn off energy. They also offer Tot Time for younger children, making it a great option for toddlers who might get overwhelmed by bigger kids.

20. Playformance – Tucson

Playformance focuses on movement, climbing, obstacle courses, and physical play. Their family play sessions and younger-child programming make it worth checking out for active toddlers and preschoolers.

21. Lava Island – Tucson

Lava Island offers indoor playground equipment, slides, climbing structures, and spaces for different ages. The toddler area makes it an option for families with both younger and older children.

22. Jumping Cholla – Tucson

Jumping Cholla offers indoor jumping and active-play attractions, including soft-play options for younger children. Check age requirements and toddler-specific areas before visiting.

23. Elevate Trampoline Park – South Tucson

Elevate offers jumping attractions and younger-child play areas. For toddlers, look into the designated soft-play spaces and any special toddler sessions.

Children’s Museums and Educational Attractions

24. Children’s Museum of Phoenix

One of the best places in the Valley for hands-on play, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix features three floors of interactive exhibits where little ones can climb, build, create, and explore. It’s especially useful for families with toddlers and older siblings because there’s something for just about every age.

25. i.d.e.a. Museum – Mesa

The i.d.e.a. Museum combines art, creativity, and interactive play. Its ArtVille area is designed specifically for children ages 4 and younger, making it a wonderful option for toddlers and preschoolers.

26. Arizona Museum of Natural History – Mesa

Have a toddler who loves dinosaurs? This downtown Mesa museum features dinosaur displays, fossils, and exhibits exploring Arizona’s natural history. While some exhibits appeal more to older children, dinosaur-loving toddlers can have a great time seeing the larger-than-life displays.

27. Hall of Flame Fire Museum – Phoenix

For toddlers fascinated by fire trucks, this museum is a fun place to explore historic firefighting equipment and vehicles. It’s especially appealing to little ones who love big trucks, sirens, and anything with wheels.

28. Musical Instrument Museum – Phoenix

The Musical Instrument Museum introduces families to instruments and music from around the world. Its Experience Gallery offers hands-on opportunities to explore different instruments, making it a fun outing for toddlers who love music, dancing, and making noise.

29. Children’s Museum Tucson

Located in downtown Tucson, this hands-on museum offers interactive exhibits that encourage imaginative play, exploration, and creativity. It’s a great choice for toddlers who enjoy touching, building, experimenting, and discovering new things.

30. Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul

This smaller children’s museum experience is especially appealing to families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Located at Tohono Chul, it combines play-based learning with opportunities to explore the surrounding gardens. It’s a nice option for families who prefer a shorter outing rather than spending several hours at a larger museum.

31. The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures – Tucson

This Tucson museum features tiny houses, miniature rooms, and incredibly detailed displays. It’s best for curious older toddlers who enjoy looking closely at things, since the exhibits are primarily for looking rather than touching.

32. Pima Air & Space Museum – Tucson

If your toddler loves airplanes, seeing enormous aircraft up close can be exciting! This museum features historic airplanes, helicopters, and aviation exhibits. Bring a stroller, since the museum covers a large area and includes outdoor exhibits.

Trains, Transportation, and Other Toddler Favorites

33. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – Scottsdale

If your toddler loves trains, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a must-visit! This 30-acre Scottsdale park offers miniature train rides, a vintage carousel, playgrounds with a designated area for ages 2–5, a splash pad, and model railroad exhibits. The newer Roundhouse also offers an indoor, train-themed play experience. General park admission is free, with separate fees for train rides, the carousel, and the Roundhouse. Pack a picnic and let your little train enthusiast explore!

34. Desert Breeze Railroad – Chandler

Located at Desert Breeze Park, this miniature railroad is a fun outing for toddlers who love trains. Combine a train ride with time at the playground for a simple morning adventure.

35. Freestone Railroad – Gilbert

Freestone Railroad offers miniature train rides and other family-friendly attractions at Freestone Park. It’s another great option for little train enthusiasts, especially when paired with some playground time.

36. Take a Ride on Valley Metro Rail

Sometimes the ride itself is the adventure! For toddlers who love buses, trains, and transportation, a short trip on Valley Metro Rail can be a fun change of pace. Choose a simple route, ride a few stops, and return to where you started. Children ages 5 and younger ride free with a fare-paying adult.

37. Look for Fire Station Open Houses and Touch-a-Truck Events

Toddlers who love trucks, tractors, ambulances, and fire engines may especially enjoy community vehicle events. Many Arizona communities host touch-a-truck events, safety days, and fire station open houses where families can see emergency vehicles and other large equipment. Check local fire department and city event calendars for upcoming opportunities.

Animal Encounters and Outdoor Adventures

38. Phoenix Zoo

Animals are always a hit with toddlers, and the Phoenix Zoo offers plenty to see, from giraffes and elephants to smaller creatures. You don’t have to see the entire zoo in one visit. Pick a few favorite animals, enjoy a snack, and head home before everyone gets overtired.

39. Reid Park Zoo – Tucson

A favorite for Tucson families, Reid Park Zoo offers an opportunity to introduce little ones to animals from around the world. Its manageable size makes it especially appealing for families with younger children.

40. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – Tucson

Part zoo, part botanical garden, and part natural history museum, this Tucson attraction introduces families to the wildlife and plants of the Sonoran Desert. Toddlers can enjoy spotting animals, exploring outdoor paths, and discovering the desert environment. Plan your visit around the weather, since much of the experience is outdoors.

41. Tucson Botanical Gardens

For a quieter outing, take a walk through the gardens and let your toddler explore colors, flowers, butterflies, and plants. Turn the visit into a simple scavenger hunt: Can you find a yellow flower? A butterfly? A really big leaf?

42. Butterfly Wonderland – Scottsdale

Located in Scottsdale, Butterfly Wonderland gives families the chance to walk through a tropical environment surrounded by butterflies. For toddlers who love bugs, butterflies, and nature, it’s a memorable experience. Little ones will need reminders to look without touching the butterflies.

43. Visit a Farm or Petting Zoo

Toddlers love animals, and farms offer opportunities to see goats, sheep, chickens, horses, and other creatures up close. Look for family-friendly farms, seasonal agricultural attractions, and supervised animal encounters throughout Phoenix, Tucson, and Southern Arizona. Remember to wash little hands thoroughly after visiting animal areas.

Parent-and-Child Classes and Weekly Toddler Activities

If you’re looking for something a little more structured than open play, parent-and-child classes can be a wonderful way to get out of the house and meet other families. Many programs welcome babies before they can even walk! And while they’re often called “mommy-and-me” classes, dads, grandparents, and other caregivers are welcome at many programs, too.

44. Gymboree Play & Music

Gymboree offers age-based play, music, and early learning classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Classes incorporate movement, songs, sensory exploration, and activities designed to encourage developmental milestones. Check participating Phoenix-area locations for current class offerings.

45. The Little Gym

With classes beginning as young as 4 months, The Little Gym offers parent-and-child gymnastics and movement programs. Babies can practice early movement skills, while older toddlers work on balancing, climbing, jumping, and coordination in a playful environment.

46. Music Together

Music Together offers music classes for young children and their caregivers. Families sing, dance, play instruments, and explore rhythm together. Look for participating programs in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and surrounding communities.

47. My Gym

My Gym offers structured movement and gymnastics-inspired classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Programs include age-appropriate activities that build balance, coordination, strength, and confidence through play.

48. Parent-and-Tot Gymnastics

Many local gymnastics studios offer classes for children as young as 16–18 months with a participating caregiver. Tucson families can look into programs at Gymnastics World and Old Pueblo Gymnastics Academy. Phoenix-area families can also explore independent gymnastics studios, recreation centers, and preschool movement programs.

49. Parent-and-Child Swim Lessons

You don’t have to wait until your child is ready for independent swim lessons to introduce them to the pool. Many Arizona swim schools offer parent-and-child classes for babies and toddlers, with songs, games, floating activities, and early water-safety skills. Phoenix-area options include Hubbard Family Swim School, Goldfish Swim School, and Aqua-Tots Swim School. Tucson families can explore DeMont Family Swim School, Saguaro Aquatics, and local YMCA programs. Remember that swim lessons don’t make toddlers drown-proof, so close adult supervision is always essential.

50. Parks and Recreation Classes

Don’t overlook your city’s parks and recreation department when searching for affordable toddler activities! Many offer parent-and-child classes, introductory sports, music, dance, gymnastics, and other early childhood programs for a fraction of what you might pay at a private studio. Check current catalogs through Phoenix Parks and Recreation, Tucson Parks and Recreation, and Pima County Parks and Recreation.

51. Free Library Storytimes and Weekly Programs

If you’re looking for something to do on a random Tuesday morning, library programs are a great place to start. Many libraries offer recurring baby, toddler, and preschool storytimes throughout the week, along with music and movement, sensory play, bilingual storytimes, and early literacy activities. Check the calendars at Phoenix Public Library and Pima County Public Library for upcoming programs.

52. Children’s Museum Weekday Activities

Children’s museums frequently offer additional activities beyond regular admission, including storytimes, art projects, sensory play, and special early childhood programs. Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul offers recurring storytimes and creative activities, while Children’s Museum Tucson has offered free Thursday evening Discovery Nights. Check each museum’s calendar for current schedules.

More Simple Toddler Outings That Don’t Require a Big Budget

Not every outing needs a ticket or scheduled program. Here are a few more ideas to add to your weekly rotation:

  • Visit a splash pad. During warmer months, look for splash pads with gentle water features suitable for younger children.
  • Watch construction equipment. Find a safe public place to watch excavators, dump trucks, or cranes at work.
  • Take a nature walk. Look for birds, collect fallen leaves, and count different types of plants.
  • Visit a new playground. Sometimes a different slide is all the excitement a toddler needs.
  • Bring bubbles to the park. A bottle of bubbles can turn an ordinary outing into something special.
  • Visit a duck pond. Watch ducks and other birds from a safe distance. Skip feeding them bread.
  • Explore a farmers market. Let your toddler help choose produce for the week.
  • Go on a color hunt. Find five red things, three yellow things, or something in every color of the rainbow.
  • Have a picnic. Even a simple lunch on a blanket can feel like an adventure.
  • Take a short bus or train ride. For transportation-loving toddlers, the ride may be the best part.
  • Visit a garden center. Look at flowers, plants, and fountains.
  • Attend a community event. Check city calendars for free family entertainment, music, and seasonal activities.

Tips for Planning an Outing with a Toddler

If there’s one thing toddlers teach us, it’s that even the best plans are subject to change!

Plan around naps. A one-hour morning adventure can be much more enjoyable than an ambitious all-day outing.

Bring snacks. Even when you think you won’t need them.

Keep expectations realistic. You might spend 45 minutes at an attraction you paid to visit and another 20 minutes watching ants in the parking lot. That’s toddler life!

Check age requirements. Some attractions have special toddler areas, minimum ages, or restrictions for younger children.

Look for free admission opportunities. Libraries, Culture Passes, museum discount programs, and community events can help keep outings affordable.

Don’t feel like you have to do it all. Toddlers are often just as happy visiting the same favorite places again and again.

Making Memories Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

There’s something wonderful about seeing the world through a toddler’s eyes. A train ride, a butterfly, a new playground, or a stack of picture books can become the highlight of their entire day. And sometimes the simplest adventures are the ones they’ll ask to do again tomorrow.

Whether you’re exploring Phoenix, Tucson, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of ways to get out of the house, spend time together, and make memories with your little ones.

Hours, admission prices, programs, and availability can change. Always check with individual attractions before visiting.