3-Day Epic Hiking Itinerary of Phoenix with Kids

Want to plan an amazing 3-day Phoenix hiking itinerary with kids to make your family vacation memorable?

You can have an unforgettable experience of hiking trails, attractions, desert scenery, delicious food, and much more. Hiking trails in Phoenix are of different difficulty levels. Plan the trip according to the age of the kids.

Desert landscape with saguaro cacti and a large rock-formed sign that reads “PHOENIX” on a hillside, pointing the way to Phoenix, Arizona.
A scenic Arizona desert trail with saguaro cacti and the famous “PHOENIX” hillside sign, guiding travelers toward the heart of the Sonoran Desert.

 

There Are A Lot Of Things To Do In Phoenix:

There are many family-friendly stops to include in your 3-day Phoenix hiking itinerary with kids, from museums to easy trails. according to the interest and time availability, such as the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Phoenix Zoo, Arizona science Center, the Musical Instrument Museum and many other places.

 

Where to Stay in Phoenix

It is better to arrive at Scottsdale to start the itinerary because there are many amazing places to stay with beautiful mountain views and swimming pools. Some superb options to stay are

 

  • Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Beautifully landscaped courtyard at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona, featuring colorful flowers, palm trees, a fountain, and resort balconies.

The lush courtyard at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess welcomes guests with vibrant flowers, elegant fountains, and Sonoran-inspired architecture. A true desert oasis.

  • JW Marriott Desert Ridge
Aerial view of JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort in Arizona, showcasing palm trees, golf course, lazy river, pools, and scenic mountain backdrop.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa offers a luxury Arizona escape featuring championship golf, multiple pools, water slides, and Sonoran Desert views.
  • Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson
Evening view of Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson, Arizona, showcasing the modern architecture, glass balconies, desert landscaping, and illuminated entrance.
Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson offers upscale accommodations, desert-inspired design, and easy access to corporate hubs, dining, and shopping in Arizona.
  • The Scottsdale Plaza
Aerial view of The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas in Arizona, featuring pools, palm trees, terracotta-roofed villas, and Camelback Mountain in the background.
Relax at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas—an upscale desert retreat with stunning pools, lush landscaping, and mountain views in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Day 1:

Papago Park

Scenic view of palm trees surrounding a pond in Papago Park, Tempe, Arizona, with red rock hills in the background under a clear blue sky.
A beautiful landscape view of Papago Park in Tempe, Arizona with a fishing pond, palm trees and red rock mountains.

After having breakfast, you can leave for the Papago Park. There are many recreational areas that offer a variety of things to do in Papago Park, such as Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, Hall of Fame Museum, Papago Golf Course, Papago Ponds, and a sports complex. There is a hole in the rock trail for hiking. You can also have a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants in the park.

 

Day 2:

Goldfield Ghost Town

Historic wooden buildings and Old West architecture in Goldfield Ghost Town, Arizona, with desert cacti and clear blue skies.
Step back in time at Goldfield Ghost Town in Arizona — a preserved Old West mining village with saloons, a museum, and dusty charm under desert skies.

Have a spooky experience by adding Goldfield Ghost Town to your itinerary. It is a very interesting historical area to explore by mine tours, jeep tours, etc. There is a wonderful pizza place known as Oregano’s. After having food, you can hit your hotel’s swimming pool or hot tub to have a relaxing dip.

 

Day 3:

Cerreta Candy Company

Exterior of Cerreta Candy Company in Glendale, Arizona, featuring its iconic white and brick facade with copper dome entry under a dramatic sky.
Cerreta Candy Co. in Glendale, AZ – A family-owned chocolate factory offering sweet tours, handmade treats, and nostalgic charm in the heart of Arizona.

You can start your morning with a delicious breakfast and head towards the 50-year-old Cerreta Candy Company. It is a wonderful place to visit with kids, but don’t forget to book the VIP tour. You will get three samples of their three products in the package.

 

Apache Wash or Pinnacle Peak Hike

Scenic desert trail on Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale, Arizona, with rocky terrain, saguaro cacti, hikers, and a view of mountains under a moody sky.
Explore the Pinnacle Peak Hiking Trail in Scottsdale, AZ — a desert favorite with iconic saguaro cacti, panoramic views, and a peaceful escape into nature.

Try delicious, fresh, fast food for lunch at In-N-Out. After lunch, have a long hike to explore the desert. You can try Apache Wash or Pinnacle Peak, but Pinnacle Peak is not kid-friendly. Camelback Hike is also very common, but it is not good for kids.

 

Old Town Scottsdale

Colorful Western-style storefronts and shops along a sunny street in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, featuring rustic architecture and vintage charm.
Old Town Scottsdale, AZ – A lively district filled with Western-themed architecture, boutique shops, restaurants, and historic charm in the Sonoran Desert.

Finish your evening with delicious food and shopping in Old Town Scottsdale or Scottsdale Quarter. There are many shops, restaurants, and cafes to have a delicious dinner and coffee. You can also have an ice cream bowl at Sugar Bowl.

 

Categories

  • Active
  • Adventure
  • Couples Travel
  • Family Travel
  • Nature Escapes
  • Road Trip

 

Phoenix is filled with family-friendly destinations to help you build a perfect 3-day Phoenix hiking itinerary with kids. You can make your itinerary according to your interests and the ages of your kids. 

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