5 Free Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Phoenix
There are lots of free or inexpensive activities available in Phoenix that you can take advantage of as a nanny. Whether you and the kiddos like to spend a day exploring the outdoors, or prefer to stay inside away from the elements, we have an activity idea for you below.
Visit the museum for free
Many museums in Phoenix offer free admission. Check out the list below.
Phoenix Art Museum
Pay what you wish on Wednesdays from 3 to 9 pm, the first Friday of the month from 6 to 10 pm, and the second Sunday of the month from 12 to 5 pm
Desert Caballeros Western Museum
Children under 18 free every day
Heard Museum
Free for members and American Indians. Free admission the first Friday of the month from 6 to 10 pm except March
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Free all day Thursday and the second Saturday of the month. Kids 15 and under free
Desert Botanical Garden
Free admission on Community Day, the second Tuesday of the month, from 8 am to 8 pm. Children under 3 free every day
Use a Culture Pass
Can’t make it to a museum on a free day? Use a Culture Pass! The Culture Pass program with Phoenix Public Library allows a patron free admission for two people at certain arts and cultural institutions. That includes the museums we listed above, as well as other great places for kids like the Irish Cultural Center, Arizona Science Center, Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, and more.
Head to the library
Speaking of the library, there are often tons of events that are educational and fun for kids. Sit, Stay, Read at Burton Barr Central Library lets kids practice their reading skills to certified therapy dogs. Or, have fun moving around and learning yoga during Yoga Storytime at Yucca Library. Need to get out even more energy? Music and Movement storytime lets kids get the wiggles out while building their reading skills.
Make art at Free Art Friday
For budding artists, Free Art Friday offers educational, themed arts and crafts projects for kids and adults. The City of Tempe organizes these events, but they’re free to all: no residency in Tempe required. Upcoming Free Art Friday themes include “Color Carnival,” “Daring Dinosaurs,” “All About Earth,” and “3,2,1 Blast Off!”.
Go on a hike
As winter ends and spring begins, head outside to enjoy the warmth and sunshine. Waterfall Trail in the White Tank Mountains is an easy hike for kids that includes real petroglyphs. North Mountain Park has a short and easy trail, as does Papago Park. Don’t forget to bring lots of water, sunscreen, and protective clothing for you and the kiddos!
Phoenix and the surrounding neighborhoods have so much to offer for kids that you’ll never hear the dreaded words “I’m bored” again. (We hope.) For tips on being a nanny in Phoenix, check out the A Perfect Fit blog! And if you haven’t joined A Perfect Fit for even more resources as a nanny, learn more about us here.
