Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Tempe Town Lake

"The McCormick Stillman Railroad Park is a 30-acre park in Scottsdale that offers rides, attractions, and tons of family fun. Take a ride on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad or the Allan Herchell 1950s-vintage carousel, and then explore the Scottsdale Railroad Museum and Model Railroad Building. Kids will love to play on the unique playgrounds, Western Town Play Structure, or get ice cream from Hartley’s General Store."

"Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is the most unique park of its kind in the country. The 30 acre park’s centerpiece is the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, a fully functional 15 gauge railroad with scale steam and diesel locomotives and riding stock. No trip to the park is complete without a ride on the 1950-vintage Allan Hershell carousel or a visit to the Scottsdale Railroad Museum."

"Papago is a nice desert park located near the zoo and the botanical gardens in Scottsdale. And it contains buttes that made due to weather (red rocks buttes), a network of trails to hike, fishing lagoons, and picnic shelters (Ramadas) with awesome views like impressive things. So, do not forget to bring your camera to capture the red buttes."

"Take the easy hike to the infamous “hole in the rock” at Papago Park and take in the epic city views. Papago Park, located in south Scottsdale, is known for its short hikes, scenic rock formations and destination-worthy amenities like the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. View this post on Instagram"

"About 8 miles east of downtown, Papago Park is known for its colorful sandstone buttes. There are mountain biking and running trails including the 5K Fitness Trail, Elliot Ramada Loop Trail and Double Butte Loop Trail. The Papago Amphitheater is a nice place to rest or have a picnic."

"With an emphasis on fun, the Arizona Science Center's exhibits open up the world of science to kids and adults alike. From the "Forces of Nature" exhibit, which features interactive displays that explain the weather, to “All About Me,” an anatomy exhibit, there’s always something to learn. Check the website for seasonal exhibits and special events."

"Five stories high, the Arizona Science Center is the largest and most interactive museum in Phoenix. One full day is hardly enough to explore it. A great learning environment, the Science Center features hands-on exhibits from all branches of science."

"The recreation base for Tempe Town Lake is a grassy 25-acre park on the south shore, opposite Papago Park, and a lovely spot to watch the sun go down. Tempe Beach Park is the place to rent bikes and scooters to zip off on that five-mile trail, or hit the water on kayaks, rowboats, pedal-boats and paddleboards. There’s a splash playground in the park for smaller children and an amphitheatre holding 5,000 people and hosting all sorts of concerts and shows throughout the year like the Independence Day celebrations on 4 July."

"Yes, a dog or a Frisbee may suddenly end up on your picnic blanket, but the disruption may be worth it if you’re picnicking during sunset. The 25-acre Tempe Beach Park sits at the end of Mill Avenue, just north of Arizona State University, and it’s always bustling with life. Watch the scooters, bikes, and joggers zip by as you enjoy takeaway from nearby spots like Cornish Pasty, Ike’s Love and Sandwiches, Daily Jam, or a slice from Slices."

"Tempe Town Lake itself is a great recreational spot in Phoenix, Arizona, but it’s Tempe Beach Park that really takes the cake as the best the place has to offer. Its expanse covers 25 acres along the south of the shore across from Papago Park, and it’s known for beautiful sunsets. If you’re wondering what to do in this beach park, don’t work, for there are plenty of options."

"A Cool Pool With Fire Pits, Luxe Style And On-Site Dining Are Just A Few Of The Scott Resort & Spa'S Many Draws. The Two-Floor Scott Resort & Spa Welcomes Guests To A Luxe Lobby With A Stunning Stone Fireplace And Cathedral Ceilings. Its 204 Rooms Are Outfitted With Balconies Or Patios With Romantic French Doors, Sumptuous Pillowtop Mattresses And Plush Feather Pillows For A Dreamy Escape."

"A natural approach is central at Jurlique Spa at FireSky in Scottsdale. A holistic spa with treatments based around all-natural ingredients, the spa aims to help guests find their own wellness and energy with treatments aimed to re-center, revive and relax. Using their signature products to soothe and smooth skin, Jurlique aims for beauty inside and out."

"Less than 5 minutes’ drive to Old Town Scottsdale, this pet-friendly hotel and spa boasts a torch-lit pool, a sandy beach pool and a sun terrace. All rooms include plush bathrobes and premium spa-..."

"Located near the Arizona State University in Tempe, Insomnia Cookies is yet ANOTHER cookie joint is famous for its freshly baked cookies, ice cream cookie sandwiches, cookie cakes, ice cream pints, long shop hours, and late-night deliveries. *Open daily Monday-Wednesday 11:00am-1:00am, Thursday-Friday 11:00am-3:00am, Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm-3:00am, minis, vegan, gluten-free options & nationwide shipping also available. *Unlike Crumbl Cookies & Dirty Dough, Insomnia Cookies focuses MORE on the actual cookie dough taste and LESS on the wild fillings and toppings"

"Insomnia Cookies will cure your sweet cravings with warm, delicious cookies, brownies, cookie cakes, cookiewiches, ice cream and milk. The store is conveniently located near campus and Mill Ave and offers delivery around the Tempe area through 3 a.m."

"Located in Tempe, just off the I-10, Dirty Dough offers a wide assortment of flavors, fillings, and toppings on a “super doughy” cookie menu that also rotates on a weekly basis. *Open daily 10:00am-12:00am, curbside pickup, local/nationwide delivery, & vegan options also available. *These cookies were huge!"

"Dirty Dough is the perfect spot for when you’re craving a late-night dessert!. Even as a crunchy cookie fan, I was easily swooned by the warm, thick cake cookies. You easily get your money’s worth, considering the density of the cookie!"

"Dirty Dough is where you will find a delicious variety of cake cookies. Super thick, and made with quality ingredients. They have so many chocolate chips that you won’t have to decide which will be the “best bite."

"If you ask Super Chunk owner and pastry chef Country Velador which cookie is her favorite, she’ll say, “They’re all my babies.” And she’s not wrong. Her famous Mesquite Chocolate Chip is dense and gritty with a smoky sweetness thanks to the mesquite flour. Her Cowpuncher combines Mexican chocolate with cinnamon, cayenne, and candied jalapeño for a cookie with kick."

"A small pastry you can have at teatime or for dessert, the canelé ($2.50) wraps a soft custard-like interior in a thick caramelized crust."

"This climate-controlled shopping hub is a great value and entertainment hub is one of the top shopping centers in Arizona. The mall houses around 185 stores including H&M, Neima Marcus Last Call, Forever 21 and Disney Store Outlet. Offerings shops that you love and prices that you can afford, you can almost shop anything from this center."

"Arizona Mills is a massive indoor outlet and entertainment mall, boasting affordable brands and plenty of kid-friendly excursions: LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Arizona aquarium, the state's largest IMAX and a Rainforest Cafe are all located here."