Museums that are great for children in Phoenix, AZ

Arizona Capitol Museum
1700 W. Washington AVe
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-926-3629
Capitol Museum
Free

This historical building has served as both the Capitol of the Arizona Territory and State Capitol. It has been restored to its 1912 look. Here you can learn Arizona history and see a historic building in one shot!

Arizona Doll & Toy Museum
Heritage and Science Park
602 E. Adams St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-253-9337
Tues-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4
Admission Charge

Dolls, dolls, dolls! This constantly changing museum showcases dolls and toys of yeasteryear and today. Dolls are also students in the 1912 classroom.

Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum
1502 W. Washington Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85007
60-771-1611
Mining and Mineral Museum
Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 11-4; closed state holidays
Admission Charge , but children are free

A hands on treasure trove of fun! Learn about mining and minerals from around the world!

Arizona Science Center
Heritage & Science Park
600 E. Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-716-2000
Arizona Science Center
10-5 daily
Admission charges

Hands on science lessons! Planetarium! IMAX! Along with live demos and traveling exhibits what else could you want?

*note* Special exhibits, planetarium and IMAX theater all require additional fees.

Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum
3806 N. 3rd St Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85012
602-452-7000
Girl Scout Museum
Open by appointment
Free

See vintage uniforms and memorbilla about the history of Girl Scouting!

Children's Museum of Phoenix
215 N. 7th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85304
602-253-0501
Children's Museum
Tues-Sun 9-4
Admission charge, but FREE on the FIRST Friday of every month from 6 pm-10 pm through December 2009.

Hands on fun! Art, science, movement. Ever changing, never boring. Geared for children birth to 10 (but the big kids have fun too!) See my review in reviews.

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
415 E. Grant St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-254-7516
GWC Museum
GWC Museum
Open by appointment
Free

Featuring Phoenix's African American history.

Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-252-8848
Heard Museum
Daily 9:30-5
Admission Charge, but FREE on Saturdays throughout the summer.

American Indian art and culture, international galleries and exhibits. Tours and sculpture courtyards. Hands on displays.

Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-257-1880
Phoenix Art Museum
Tues 10-9, Wed-Sun 10-5; First Friday of the month evenings 6-10
Closed Mon and major holidays
Admission charge, but FREE on Tuesdays from 3 pm to 9 pm and the FIRST Friday of each month from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Ever changing exhibits and events. Check the website for more information on this premier art museum!

Phoenix Musuem of History
Heritage and Science Park
105 N. 5th St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-253-2734
Phoenix Museum of History
Tues-Sat 10-5
Admission Charge

Interactive exhibits teach about modern Phoenix and how time has affected it.

Phoenix Police Museum
101 S. Cental #100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-534-7278
Phoenix Police Museum
9-3 Mon, Wed, Fri, closed holidays
Free

Great museum featuring hands on exhibits showing the police departments history. See my review in the reviews section.

Phoenix Trolley Museum/Arizona Street Railway Museum
1218 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-254-0307
Phoenix Trolley Museum
October-May, Tues-Sat 9-1
Free

See two 1928 trolleys, a mining trolley, photos, artifacts and more.

Rosson House Museum
Heritage and Science Park
113 N. 6th St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-262-5029
Rosson House Museum
Wed-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4 The last tour is at 3:30
Admission Charge

Restored 1895 house built in the style of Charles Eastlake.

African American Multicultural Museum
617 N. Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
480-314-4400
1-5 Thurs-Sat
Free

A great place to visit to learn more about African American culture, and the contributions they have made to the world.

Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park
1300 N. College Ave
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-929-0292
Arizona Historical Museum
Tues-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4
Admission charge

This is the main museum that shows how Phoenix became what it is today, and tells what it will become based on what has happend in the past.

Arizona Military Museum
5636 E. McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Entrance is at 52nd St & McDowell
602-267-2676
Arizona Military Museum
1-4 Sat & Sun, call to arrange tours
Free

Located at the papago Military Reservation in a historic 1936-37 adobe building. Display the military history of Arizona from the conquistadors to the soldiers of today.

Arizona State University Art Museum
Mill Ave & 10th St
ASU Main Campus
Tempe, AZ 85287
480-965-2787
ASU Art Museum
11-8 (summer 11-5) Tues
11-5 Wed-Sat
1-5 Sun
Closed Mon and holidays
Free

Contemporary art can be found throughout. Featured in Art in America magazine.

Arizona State University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Luhrs Gallery
Hayden Library
ASU main Campus
Tempe, AZ 85287
480-954-4925
Lurhs Gallery
Open during all academic library hours
Free

History of ASU, Arizona, and the southwest

Arizona State University Museum of Anthropology
ASU School of Evolution and Social Change Building
(NW corner of Cady and Tyler Malls)
ASU main Campus
Tempe, AZ 85287
480-965-6224
ASU Museum of Anthropology
11-3 Mon-Fri (see website for summer hours)
Free

Changing exhibits on archaeology, human origins, society and culture.

Desert Botanical Garden
Papago Park
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy
Phoenix, AZ 85008
480-941-1225
Desert Botanical Garden
Open Daily Oct-April 8-8, May-Sept 7-8
Admisson Charge

This outdoor, living museum is a must see for all nature lovers. One of the only places you can see true desert plants up close without a long drive out of the city. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on dirt paths and don't forget your camera! See my review in the reviews section!

Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
6101 E. Van Buren
Phoenix, AZ 85008
602-275-3473
Hall of Flame
Open Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun 12-4
Admission Charge

This is the largest firefighting museum in the world. Hands on activities for the kids to play firefighter, and learn about fire safety, as well has historical firefighting equipment. See my review in the reviews section!

Halle Heart Center Museum
American Heart Association
2929 S. 48th St
Tempe, AZ 85282
602-414-2800
Halle Heart Center
1-4 Mon-Fri by appointment only
Free

An interactive museum of the cardiovascular system. Two hour tour by trained "heart guides".

Don't miss The Phoenix Zoo. While it is not technically a museum, it is a must see!

455 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
602-273-1341
The Phoenix Zoo
Jan 12-May 31 9-5
June 1-September 30 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekends
Check the website or special event hours
Admission Charge

The largest nonprofit zoo in America, with over 1200 animals on site. This zoo is broken up into four main areas and takes approximately 3 hours to enjoy it all, not including breaks. If you visit while it is hot be sure to bring a swim suit and towel for your little ones to play in one of the two water areas! See my review in the reviews section.

And while it is not in the direct area of Papago Park, if you are in the area, or flying out of Sky Harbor be sure to check out the exhibits here:

Phoenix Airport Museum
Sky Harbor International Airport
3400 Sky Harbor Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85304
602-271-2105
Airport Museum
24 hours
Free

Over 500 pieces of art in six buildings, as well as the Phoenix Aviation Archives.

Arizona Museum for Youth
35 N. Robson St.
Mesa, AZ 85201
480-644-2467
Museum for Youth
Tues-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4
Closed government holidays
Admission Charge

Hands on fun for kids. Artville for the younger children offers great imagination boosting fun. Toddler play area for ages 1 and under. See my review.

Chandler Museum
178 E. Commenwealth Ave.
Chandler, AZ 85225
480-782-2717
Chandler Museum
Free

Chandler comes alive through exhibits of a hotel, school, store, and a 1912 tent house

Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aircraft Museum
2017 N. Greenfield rd
Mesa, AZ 85215
480-924-1940
Aircraft Museum
June-Sept wed-Sun 9-3, Oct-May Mon-Sun, 10-4, closed holidays
Admission Charge

This museum is all about preserving history and memorabilia for future generations.

Gilbert Historical Society
10 S. Gilbert Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85296
480-926-1577
Gilbert Historical Society
Tues, Thurs, Sat 9-4
Admission Chagre

Artifacts and pictures of Gilbert and the surrounding area. A quilting bee is in the Home Life Room.

Mesa Contemporary Arts
1 E. Main St
Mesa, AZ 85211
480-644-6500
Mesa Contemporary Arts
Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am - 5pm, Thurs: 10am - 8pm, Sun: Noon - 5pm
Closed Mon and Holidays
FREE on Thursdays

Five galleries with different feature presentations.

McCullough-Price House
300 S. Chandler Village Dr
Chandler, AZ 85226
480-782-2876
McCullough-Price House
Tues-Sat 9-5

1938 Pueblo Revival home features changing history and art.

Mesa Historical Museum
2345 N. Horne St
Mesa, AZ 85203
480-835-7358
Mesa Historical Museum
Sept-May, Tues-Sat 10-4
June-Aug, Tues-Sat 9-1
Admission Charge, children under 3 free

Local and regional history is featured in this historical setting. There are over 80,000 objects to see and discover.

Niels Petersen House Museum
1414 W. Southern Ave
Tempe, AZ
480-350-5100
Petersen House
10-2 Tues-Thurs, Sat

Built in 1892 by Niels Petersen for his wife Susanna. Open for guided tours.

Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum
4087 N. Apache Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85218
480-983-4888
Lost Dutchman Museum
Daily 9-4
Admission Charge, under 5 free

Is it fact, fiction or folklore? Find out at the great museum featuring the Sonoran Desert and Arizona!

Adobe Mountain Railroad Museum and Desert Railroad
23280 N. 43rd Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85310
623-670-1904
Sun 12-4, September 14-May 27, closed holidays
Free

Ride the train! Small 1884 locomotive on display as well as model railroads, and historical displays. A must see for every train buff!

The Bead Museum
5754 W. Glenn Dr.
Glendale, AZ 85301
623-931-2737
Bead Museum
Mon-Sat 10-5, Thurs 10-8, Sun 11-4
Admission Charge

Beads from around the world. As old as 15,000 years. See my review!

Buckeye Valley Museum
115 E. MC85
Buckeye, AZ 85326
623-349-6315
Buckeye Valley Museum
Spetember-June 12-4 Wed & Thurs, 10-4 Fri-Sat
Free

Local history of Buckeye and its surrounding communities.

Deer Valley Rock Art Center
3711 W. Deer Valley Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85080
623-582-8007
Deer Valley Rock Art Center
October-April Tues-Sat 9-5, Sun 12-5, closed Mon. See website for summer hours.
Admission Charge

A protected preserve featuring over 1500 petroglyphs as well as indoor exhibits, videos and more.

Glendale Arizona Historical Society
Started in 1973 to preserve Glendale's rich history.

Guest House at Sahauro Ranch
9802 N. 59th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85302
623-435-0072
Tues-Fri 10-4
Free

Manistee Ranch
5127 W. Northern
Glendale, AZ 85301
623-931-8848
First and Third Sat October-May 12-3 or By appointment
Admission Charge

Glendale Community College Art Collection
6000 W. Olive Ave
Glendale, AZ 85302
623-845-3755
7-10 Mon-Fri
Free

Over 550 pieces representing civilization and cultures prehistoric to today.

Heard Museum West
16126 N. Civic Center Plaza
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-344-2200
Heard Museum West
Tues-Sat 10-5
Admission Charge

Learn about the Southwest American Indians, see changing displays, and take a guided tour!

Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area
9802 N. 59th Ave
Glendale, AZ 85302
623-939-4200
Sahuaro Ranch
September-May, Wed-Sat 10-2, Sun 1-4; June-July, Fri-Sat 10-2; Closed August
Free

17 acre historic site. Don't forget to tour the main house!

West Valley Art Museum
17420 M. Avenue of the Arts
Surprise, AZ 85374
623-972-0635
West Valley Art Museum
Tue-Sun 10-4
Admission Charge

With over 25 exhibits to see there is something for everyone in one of these nine galleries!

Cave Creek Museum
6140 E. Skyline Dr
P.O. Box 1
Cave Creek, AZ 85327
480-488-2764
Cave Creek Museum
October-May, Wed-Sun 1-4:30, Fri 10-4:30
Admission Charge

History with a view! Come visit the desert foothills and see how it has changed througout the years.

Heard Museum North Scottsdale
32633 N. Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
480-488-9817
Heard Museum North Scottsdale
Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5
Admission Charge

Two fabulous exhibits, and a sculpture garden offer a great experience in the desert!

River of Time Museum
12901 N. LaMontana Blvd.
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
480-837-2612
River of Time
October-May, Wed-Sat 1-4; June-September, Fri-Sat 1-4
Admission Charge

Teaches us the importance of water along with the history of the Lower Verde River Valley. Don't forget to watch the fountain while you are there!

Scottsdale Historical Museum
7333 Scottsdale Mall
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-945-4499
Scottsdale Historical Museum
10-5 Wed-Sat
12-5 Sun Closed July-August
tours by appointment

Located in the Little Red Schoolhouse. Permanent exhibits of Winifield Scott, local history. Changing exhibits as well.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
7380 E. Second St
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480-874-4666
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5
Admission Charge, but FREE on all Thursdays, and Thursday nights starting at 6:30 for special presentations throughout the summer.

The only museum in Arizona committed to modern and contemporary desings.

Sunnyslope History Museum and Cultural Center
737 E. Hatcher Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85020
602-331-3150
Sunnyslope History Museum
Wed-Fri, Sun 12-4 September-May

Photo displays of Sunnyslope history as well as traveling and special exhibits.

Telecom Pioneers Museum
3640 E. Indian School Rd
PHoenix, AZ 85012
602-630-2060
Telecom Pioneers Museum
Open for tours by appointment

Learn the history of the telephone in Phoenix, the AT&T and the Bell System.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum
37615 E. US Highway 60
Superior, AZ 85273
520-689-2811
Boyce Thompson
May-August 6-3; September-April 8-5
Admission Charge

Arizona's largest (and oldest) botanical Garden. With 3500 different plants, and over 200 birds species, you are sure to find enjoyment on the three miles of paths!

Desert Caballeros Western Museum
21 N. frontier St
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
928-684-2272
Desert Caballeros
Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4, Closed June-August
Admission Charge (children free)

History comes alive at this museum of the west!

Phippen Museum: Art of the American West
4701 Hwy 89 N.
Prescott, AZ 86301
928-778-1385
Phippen Museum
Tues-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-4, closed Mon
Admission Charge

Exhibits of Western Art along with the heritage, history, and legends of the American West.

Sharlot Hall Museum
415 W. Gurley St
Prescott, AZ 86301
928-445-3122
Sharlot Hall
April-October, Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4; November-March, Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4
Admission Charge

Three acres of historic homes and exhibit halls.

Arizona Museum for Youth
REVIEW My children and I were able to attend this museum free through the Public Libraries Culture Pass Program. That being said, I don't think I will return. The main reason being that I live closer to the Children's Museum of Phoenix. The museum is small, and to me seemed very user unfriendly. They frown on strollers in the main small children's exhibit for one. Is it just me or does it say museum for youth? There is no secure place to park your stroller eihter, so if you go and bring your stroller make sure you don't leave anything valuable in it when you park it. If your small child (one and under) is not wearing socks, they are not allowed to play in the toddlr play area. Shoes are prohibited in this area as well. I understand the need for hygeine, but we are in Arizona. Most kids are wearing sandals year round, and not socks. Especially not infants.

The rest of the museum has some wonderful exhibits. Currently there is a recycling exhibit, bead exhibit, and a reading, coloring, playing with cars room as well. There is a small room where people can enjoy their lunches and snacks that also has a play area. This is actually where my children had the most fun. I met another homeschooling mom there, and we had a nice chat. They have kids size tables as well as adult size. Unfortunately the adult sized tables are not in view of the play area. They make the most of the space available, but sitting on a kiddie picnic table was to say the least, intersting...I got stuck!

If you are in the East Valley with small kids, by all means enjoy this museum. Just be prepared to park your stroller in the main lobby and make sure all your kids have socks on, or at least with them!

The Bead Museum
REVIEW Once again, we were able to see this great museum free, thanks to the culture pass program. This small, but interesting museum was right up this mommy's alley. While my oldest child (5.5 years) really enjoyed the artwork and craftmanship of all the displays my middle child (3 years old) was more into opening and closing drawers. This was okay, except he was doing it too fast for us to see the displays inside them! This museum packs a lot into a little space. Almost every display table has drawers under it with even more displays, from prayer boxes to fertility beads. The intricate work is amazing!

The oldest bead in the museum dates back 15,000 years. What a sight. And don't forget to have your kids find the "cootie" bead. You will know it when you see it...when they find it they will earn a prize from the museum. My children each picked a crystal to add to their rock collection.

If you have time, and your kids have the patience to sit, there is a video playing that shows how beads are made. The little we watched was very informative and interesting, but my children do not have the attention span needed for me to watch the entire length of the video.

The gift shop has some wonderful items in it as well. From gorgeous beadwork that is all made and ready to go, to beads to make your won jewlery with. My children each picked a glass ring as a souvineer. Theirs were 50 cents a piece, but there are more intricate designs available as well. I will definately be visiting this museum again, with my husband and without at least my two youngest children.

The only down side of the visit is that they do not allow picutres to be taken in the museum.

Children's Museum of Phoenix

REVIEW This is a relatively new museum to Phoenix, but has been in the works for well over a decade. With over 3000 square feet of fun it is well worth the money spent to get in. My children and I were fortunate enough to receive free passes from one of the administrators shortly after they opened. This was completely by chance as we were talking in line at McDonald's!

The bottom floor is dedicated to the gift shop, an "under 5" play area with tubes to crawl through, and plasma cars and "bikes" that your control with your feet. Much time was spent rolling around on the plasma cars (by mommy too-they hold up to 220 pounds), and trying to master the "bikes".

The second and third floors lead you to more learning and playing. Wait! Did I say learning? Ye, but the kids sure didn't notice! The art room offers painting on large projects, smaller craft projects, and just plain messy fun. They do provide smocks, but be prepared to get dirty! There is a sand table to play with too. Lit up, and fun t draw designs in. Have thing for cars? Roll on to the hands on exhibit featuring racers, a xylephone made of wrenches, drums made out of car parts and more. Riding bikes through a "car wash" (helmets provided), shopping (and working at) a grocery store, baking a pizza and serving your friends...don't forget the ice cream for desert, are all just part of the learning through playing at this great museum.

Plan to spend all day and bring a lunch.There is a place to eat inside, and picnic tables available outside (as well as more playing and learning) for when the weather is nice. They do offer snacks for purchase, but we found these to be pricey and not worth the extra money. The Arizona Center is within walking distance, but their are not many "kid friendly" restaurants in there. You can reenter the museum on the same day with your receipt.

Hall of Flame

REVIEW This is a great museum for kids to learn about fire safety and history. The kids can dress up in real firefighter clothes, and get on a real truck! Little boys especially with love this museum.

There are pictures of fighters from long ago as well as replica "trucks" used to fight fires before there were cars. The learning station is a great way to teach children of all ages about fire safety. It even explains how to set up an escape plan in your own home. Videos also teach fire safety, but playing and learning is more fun for the littlest of kids!
If you are in the area check out this museum, and pick up your own Phoenix Fire Department t-shirt as a souvineer!

Phoenix Police Museum

REVIEW My kids and I went to this musuem on 4/20/2009. This also happend to be the 10 year anniversary of the Columbine massacre, which was really just a coincidence.

We walked into this small, but neat museum not expecting the greeting we got. A place where kids are WELCOMED?!? Not only did we get a great big welcome, the boys (5 and 3) got to wear real police shirts. They got to sit on a real police motorcycle, and in a real police car. In the police car they took turns being the officer and the "bad guy", then they were partners.

We saw a 9/11 memorial, a 300 pound piece of steel that was salvaged from the towers, and a room dedicated to Phoenix's fallen heros. Handcuffs from the 1800's as well as guns, notebooks, and prisoner records were on hand to view.

At the end of our tour each of the boys were given a goody bag with a coloring book about police officers, a Jr. police officer badge, a couple pieces of candy, a bookmark and other goodies. Needless to say, the badge was the biggest hit. I was also given a sticker badge and bookmark for my 1 year old daughter because they didn't think (correctly) that she could have the pin badge, candy, or coloring book at this point.

It does not take long to go through this museum, but it is well worth the drive through construction to see. There is free parking available, as a visitor of the Barrister Building. It is within a block of Chase Field and U.S. Airways Center, so if you are headed to an event at either of these centers and the museum is open go early so you can see this great spot, and learn a little history!

Desert Botanical Garden

Review It has been a couple of years since my family has enjoyed this desert oaisis in the city. Why? I don't really know. Probably because my kids are all five and under and prefer to spend their days at places where they can touch everything (or at least most things). That being said, my kids do enjoy the garden. Especially when they have special activities going on, such as the Butterfly pavillion (costs extra). Who wouldn't enjoy having butterflies floating all around them? The last time we went to this museum though was for a special Halloween Pumpkin Patch activity. Everyone got to take a free hayride out to the pumpkin patch, and got to choose one free pumpkin per kid. As well as these activities, there were hay barrel mazes. decorating contests, carved pumpkins to explore and many other hands on exhibits. My sons preferred the model trains though,,,especially the ones they could control!

The desert life in this park is amazing. Plants, animals, and people all co-mingle nicely. If you love the desert, and hate to see it disapear, come visit here.