Gaze at an amazing array of marine life at the Sea Life Aquarium, a 26,000-square-foot indoor aquarium at the Arizona Mills mall. The aquarium features more than 5,000 different species, and attractions like a touch tank for curious hands.
Big Surf Waterpark takes surfing, sliding and rafting to new levels of extreme. Hurricane slides, the Tornado Twister and the White Serpentine Slide will send you screaming into the waters below.
Bring the family to Castles N' Coasters, where knights and princesses can ride roller coasters, splash around on the water rides, and play miniature golf. The rides and attractions here aren't all tame. You'll also find the Desert Storm coaster, with vertical drops, flips and spins on one wild ride.
Go on a mission to learn more about science and space at the Challenger Space Center. The attractions here allow you to fly simulated space flight missions, explore an Atlantis Space Shuttle model, or tour the Meteorite Exhibit.
It's every bit as whimsical as the name. Return to a simpler, more magical time at Enchanted Island Amusement Park, a specialty theme park attraction for children ages 1 to 10. Ride the Encanto Carousel or pedal-boat across fish-filled lagoons. Games and carnival food are also part of the fun.
Enjoy special events and see spectacular species and attractions at the Phoenix Zoo, voted one of the nation's Top 5 zoos for kids. More than 1,300 animals call the zoo their home. Plus the facility is a leading participant in protecting endangered animals and houses more than 200 at-risk species.
Like many successful endeavors, the Phoenix Zoo started with one person's vision, then grew by leaps and bounds as the community embraced it.
The zoo began with the urging of Robert Maytag, of Maytag appliance fame, who wanted to preserve endangered species and give children the opportunity to learn about exotic animals up close from around the world.
Now known as the largest non-profit zoo in the U.S., the Phoenix Zoo has also been voted as one of the nation's Top 5 zoos for kids.
The zoo opened in 1962 with an on site conservation program, then grew quickly in later years. The Phoenix Zoo is known for its ultra-exotic species and the work it does to protect endangered animals like the Mexican wolf, thick-billed parrot, black-footed ferret, Bornean orangutan, Sumatran tiger, Asian elephant, and many more.
Animal exhibits include the Giraffe Encounter, Camel Rides, Stingray Bay, "Wild About Animals" show, Monkey Village and a petting zoo. Fun attractions and games will keep the family entertained for hours, including the Safari Train, Safari Cart Tours, Endangered Species Carousel and Pedal Boat rentals
Go up, up, and away on a hot air balloon adventure over the Phoenix skyline with Rainbow Ryders. The warm, balmy breezes and spectacular mountain scenery will leave you in awe. Sunrise and sunset rides are available daily.
Get ready for maximum velocity recreation with a whole lot of splashing at Wet n' Wild Water Park. Check out the totally unique Maximum Velocity water coaster, the ultimate thrill ride. Plus, the park has more than 30 other rides, along with a family splash area and dining areas.
Go on a wildlife adventure at one of Arizona's top nature attractions, the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. About 75 indoor exhibits feature a huge variety of aquatic species, including fish, mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles. The zoo features a baby animal nursery and a children's petting zoo.