Scottsdale Family Fun: Exploring, Eating, and Adventuring!
Discover Scottsdale: Where family fun meets desert beauty!
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Scottsdale, located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert of Arizona, offers an incredible family-friendly experience with its stunning landscapes and abundance of attractions. Families can explore the fascinating Desert Botanical Garden, home to thousands of cacti and unique desert flora. With its luxurious resorts, vibrant arts scene, and endless outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding, Scottsdale promises a delightful trip that will keep the whole family engaged and entertained.
Day trip plan
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- Start the day with a scrumptious breakfast at Butters Pancakes & Cafè, where fluffy pancakes will make your taste buds swoon.
- Head to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, where mini-train rides and antique carousel spins will transport you to a whimsical wonderland.
- Explore Old Town Scottsdale, a vibrant hub filled with art galleries, boutiques, and Southwest charm. Don't forget to snap a selfie with the iconic LOVE sculpture.
- Time to cool off at OdySea Aquarium – dive deep into the sea without getting wet! From penguins to sharks, this aquatic paradise will leave you gawking in awe.
- Treat your taste buds to a family-friendly feast at The Sugar Bowl, a retro ice cream parlor that serves up mouthwatering sundaes dripping with nostalgia.
- End the day with a glorious sunset hike at Pinnacle Peak Park – embrace your inner adventurer and marvel at the breathtaking views from the summit.
Length of stay
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How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Scottsdale, United States by plane is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport which is located 10 miles away from Scottsdale. There are many airlines that operate frequent flights to Phoenix from major cities around the world.
Car
The best way to reach Scottsdale by car would be to rent a car and drive to the city. Scottsdale is located in Maricopa County, which is connected to major highways like I-10, I-17, and Loop 101.
Train
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains to Scottsdale. The nearest Amtrak station is in Maricopa, which is 38 miles south of Scottsdale. From there, you can take a bus or hire a car.
Boat
Since Scottsdale is an inland city, there are no boat services that connect to it directly.
Bus
Scottsdale is well-connected by bus. Greyhound operates regular services to Phoenix from many cities around the US. From Phoenix, you can take local buses to reach Scottsdale.