We left Phoenix over a month ago, and I finally got a chance to compile my favorite family-friendly spots downtown. I love that downtowns all over the country have become much more kid-friendly these days! (During the day, at least) Below are 10 places we recommend and truly enjoyed visiting with our son while we lived in the Valley of the Sun:
The Phoenix Public Market happens Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings, and it's a great place to stroll and get some fresh ingredients! Their adjacent cafe, which serves fresh and season ingredients from the market, has plenty of space, an unpretentious/casual/rustic feel, and even toys for the little ones while waiting for food!
DeSoto is pure charm. Originally built in 1928 as the C.P. Stephens DeSoto Six Motorcars dealership, the DeSoto building is a hub for local artists and artisans, craft events, and restaurants. The outdoor patio and wide open plan make this historic downtown building easy to navigate with little ones.
2. Desoto Central Market
3. Cibo Pizzeria
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| My pal Kelsey from Stories Told Media after our blogger meet up! |
ARTS/SCIENCE
4. Roosevelt Row
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| Grabbing some ice cream at Melt with my bestie from Florida! |
5. Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Speaking of First Friday, that's when we first visited the Children's museum and had a blast! There was plenty of hands-on, interactive exhibits for the older kids, but I was excited about the entire floor dedicated to the teeny tiny ones. My little guy had a blast!6. Arizona Science Center
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| Image credit: Expedia.com |
SPORTS
7. Chase Field
We got to watch the Diamondbacks play at Chase field, and even had the awesome opportunity of stepping on the field before the game started! Ballparks are just about the most family-friendly sporting arenas I can think of, and Chase field was no different. This little guy got a certificate for attending his very first MLB game and everything. So sweet!8. Talking Stick Resort Arena
We are definitely sports people, so we also got to watch the Phoenix Suns play Orlando Magic at the Talking Stick Resort arena and had a blast! Although for this game, we had the chance to be baby-free for an evening. We took our date night and ran fast, but we know our little dude would've enjoyed himself too!
OUTDOORS ENTERTANIMENT
9. Cityscape
CityScape is a place where people come for dining, nightlife, shopping, entertainment, business, community events and celebrations of all kinds. My favorite are the free movie nights on the second Friday of each month, splash pad in the warmer months and ice skating rink in the winter.10. Arizona Center
The Arizona Center is a little urban oasis in the middle of the Phoenix desert. Besides the movie theater, galleries, shops and restaurants, there's a lush garden grotto right in the middle of it all. The Herberger Theater Center is across the street, and the US Airways Center, Chase Field, and Phoenix Convention Center are walking distance from it.
