9 Family Activities for Spring Break in Scottsdale

Things To Do | January 31, 2024 | SWSS Staff

Spring is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Scottsdale, Arizona — and for good reason! With beautiful weather, sunny skies, and plenty of fun things to do, who wouldn’t want to spend spring break exploring Scottsdale, AZ?

If your kids have a week off of school in March or April and you’re looking for a fun vacation destination that the whole family will love — these spring break activities in Scottsdale will earn a stamp of approval from the little ones and mom and dad!

Best Things to Do During Spring Break in Scottsdale

1. See the Animals at the Phoenix Zoo

A group of joyful children at a zoo, feeding a giraffe. The kids are leaning over a wooden fence, extending their hands to offer green leafy branches to the giraffe. The giraffe, with its long neck stretched towards the children, is taking the food with its tongue.

Spring is a fabulous time to visit the Phoenix Zoo, located just a few minutes from Old Town Scottsdale. You’ll be able to see animals from around the world, like cheetahs, lions, zebras, and monkeys, and also local wildlife in Arizona, like coyotes, bobcats, javelinas, and more.

In addition to seeing the animals, kids will love to ride on the Endangered Species Carousel or the Safari Cruiser. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance — you can save a few dollars per ticket by booking online.

2. Attend a Spring Training Game

The entire family (not just baseball fans!) will love to catch a Cactus League Spring Training game in Scottsdale. The city hosts three teams — the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies — at two stadiums (Scottsdale Stadium and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick).

Spring training runs from the end of February to the end of March, so if you are in town for a game, grab tickets for a fun and memorable spring break activity in Scottsdale!

3. Lounge at the Pool

Three children swimming underwater in a clear blue pool, reaching out towards the camera with smiles visible through their goggles.

Renting a vacation rental in Scottsdale, AZ, is the way to go when traveling with kids for extra privacy and fun amenities, like a private swimming pool and ping-pong table. However, you can still get the best of both worlds and a taste of Scottsdale’s luxurious resorts by renting a one-day resort pass to enjoy the pools and amenities at popular resorts in Scottsdale without staying there!

For example, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort & Spa offers kid-friendly activities for a day of “fun in the sun,” like the waterslides at Sonoran Splash and the white-sand beach at Sunset Beach. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa offers a lazy river, surf simulation, and a 110-foot-long waterslide.

4. Hit the Hiking Trails

If you want to stay active on spring break, explore nature and soak up the sun on a popular hike in Scottsdale. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve has a wide range of trails for all ages and skill levels, but if you have older kids who are up for the challenge, Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail on Camelback Mountain offer some of the most amazing views of Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix!

5. Enjoy the Fabulous Dining Options

Chances are, you’ll be looking for some delicious food while spending spring break in Scottsdale — and fortunately, you’ll be met with plenty of fabulous options! For brunch in Scottsdale, consider Hash Kitchen or Butters Pancakes & Cafe, and for dinner, head to one of the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, like The Mission or Diego Pops, for tasty meals and a lively atmosphere.

And, of course, what would spring break be without ice cream? Consider visiting some of Scottsdale’s best ice cream shops, like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Sweet Republic, for a sweet treat.

6. Take a Day Trip From Scottsdale

Slide Rock State Park, with a natural water slide carved into the red sandstone. Clear water rushes over smooth, terraced rocks, nestled in a canyon surrounded by towering cliffs and a forested mountain backdrop.

Although there is plenty to do in Scottsdale during spring break, some of Arizona’s most memorable places can only be found by venturing outside the city on an exciting day trip.

Sedona is one of the most popular day trips from Scottsdale, where visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, hiking, wine tasting, and other fun outdoor activities, like Slide Rock State Park. While the Grand Canyon National Park is doable as a day trip, we highly recommend spending at least one night at the Grand Canyon to have plenty of time to explore and avoid a four-hour trip there and back in one day.

7. Hit Some Golf Balls at TopGolf

TopGolf is one of the best places to play indoor golf in Scottsdale, and it’s also one of the top things to do during spring break that the entire family will love. The games are a blast for kids and adults, and you can also order yummy food, like burgers and sandwiches, and appetizers to enjoy while you play.

While your kids might not get into golfing at some of the best golf courses in Scottsdale, they’ll love the interactive experience at TopGolf. Plus, we think they’ll love the injectable cinnamon-sugar-dusted donut holes with chocolate sauce, raspberry jelly, or Bavarian cream.

8. Watch a Movie at a Dine-In Theater

A group of people enjoying a movie in a dark cinema hall. The image features a row of audience members seated, with focused expressions illuminated by the screen's glow. Two men and two women are in the foreground, holding popcorn and drinks.

Looking for a low-key way to spend the afternoon or evening on spring break? If so, consider heading to a dine-in movie theater in Scottsdale to watch the latest family-friendly flick while enjoying dinner at the same time. A few of the most popular dine-in movie theaters in Greater Phoenix include the AMC Dine-In Esplanade 14 and RoadHouse Cinemas.

9. Shop ‘Til You Drop in the Outdoor Shopping Malls

Scottsdale is known for its world-class shopping malls with high-end retailers, popular chains, and local boutiques. And while the shopping in Scottsdale is excellent at all times of the year, the outdoor shopping malls, like Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons, are particularly great to visit during spring break since you’ll be able to soak up some sunshine while browsing your favorite stores.

Plan the Perfect Spring Break to Scottsdale with Stay With Style Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona, is easily one of the best places in the United States to plan a spring break getaway for the entire family. Whether you want to relax at the pool or visit popular tourist attractions, like the Phoenix Zoo or a spring training game, you and the kids will have a fantastic time!

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay with your family that will offer much more space and privacy than resorts in Scottsdale, we highly encourage you to stay with us at Stay With Style Scottsdale! Our luxurious homes have all the amenities you want and need, including gourmet kitchens, resort-style backyards, and comfortable living spaces.

Explore our rentals to see what is available during your spring break, and book soon — our rentals fill up quickly during the spring months!

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Ultimate Guide to Spring Break in Scottsdale for Families