Phoenix Family Activities
Phoenix Vacation Photos
Castles 'n Coasters
Take the kids to Castles 'n Coasters where fun and thrills are all around! Exciting rides include: the Patriot, an exhilarating roller coaster decorated in American stars; Magic Carpet Ride, fly through the corridors of an ancient castle; Ski Diver, slowly rise over 100 feet and then free fall into oblivion; Desert Storm, a scream-inducing joy ride that thunders along the track; Splashdown, cruise slowly along the river of a logging town, then plunge off a watery precipice; Ram Rods, bump it up big time on the bumper cars; Sea Dragon, climb aboard a Viking ship and ride it into the clouds! There is also a carousel, mini-golf, an arcade and flying bug rides for the real little ones. (9445 Metro Parkway East, Phoenix, AZ 85051 / 602-997-7575)
Big Surf
Home to America's original wave pool, Big Surf in Tempe is the ideal place to splash around and cool off. Experience the exhilarating plunge of Hurricane Falls. Zoom down the gargantuan slide of Kilauea Cove. Enter a spooky wet realm of darkness in the Abyss. For the little ones, there's Captain Cook's Landing, Bora Bora Bay and the Otter Slides. The kids will certainly enjoy Big Surf, and so will you! (1500 N. McClintock, Tempe, AZ / 480-947-2477 / Open May 27th-Nov 26th 10am-6pm)
Arizona Science Center
Explore the fascinating realm of science, the universe and our environment. The Giant Screen Theatre currently features the Coral Reef Adventure, an in-depth look at the delicate ecosystem of the coral reef; and Beavers, detailing how these hard-working creatures build their homes and adapt to their environs. Perhaps the most impressive attraction is the Planetarium. Throughout the day, entertaining and educating shows are held: Cosmic Coasters, discussing the laws of motion and how they influence the universe and the Earth; Starry Storytime, educating the youngsters about stars and the planets; Arizona Skies, exploring the constellations and the captivating night sky; and Jurassic Planet, examining the Earth over 65 million years ago when asteroids and volcanoes nearly wiped out all life forms. (Shows and exhibits are constantly rotating. Please contact admissions for current show times (602) 716-2000.) (600 East Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004 / Open daily 10am-5pm)
