In Scottsdale, family fun is everywhere. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Fiddlesticks Fun Park
What do the youngsters really enjoy? Rides and games. Bring them to Fiddlesticks for a great day of fun and adventure. Zip around the track in a speedy go-kart. Play games and skee ball at the awesome video arcade. Launch a few dingers out of the park in the batting cages. Splash, and bump-it-up on the bumper boats. Challenge the family to a friendly game of laser tag in the Atlantic Laser Odyssey. Putt through waterfalls and tiny buildings on the mini-golf course. For the real little ones there's Kiddie Land featuring: Flying Dumbo elephant rides, Bouncy Bounce Castle, tiny-tike go-karts, the Himalaya Coaster and swings for swinging to the moon! (Location: 8800 East Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85250)
Castles 'n Coasters
Thrills and excitement are all around at, Castle's 'n Coasters, Arizona's most medieval amusement park. Popular rides include: Desert Storm, defy gravity as you twist and turn upside down; Sky Diver, slowly ascend 120 feet then plummet at ludicrous speeds; the Patriot, a family roller coaster for youngsters and adults; Splashdown, journey through a logging town then plunge into the murky abyss below; Naskarts, race around the track in zippy go-karts; and the Magic Carpet Ride, soar like Aladdin through the castle. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, this place is all you. (9445 Metro Parkway East, Phoenix, AZ 85051 / 602-997-7575.)
Mesa Southwest Museum
Only 15 minutes from Scottsdale, explore the natural and cultural history of the Southwest dating back from the dinosaurs to present day. The museum includes model trains and planes, Spanish Colonial artifacts, local archeological finds, Native American Collections, Southwestern art and fascinating minerals from Arizona. Every Saturday afternoon interactive hands-on exhibits are held to encourage young minds. Temporary exhibits include: When Crocodiles Ruled, a depiction of what life was like after the dinosaurs when crocodiles were the most feared predators; and the Fabric of Jazz, an ensemble of quilts featuring jazz icons. Since exhibits are constantly revolving, please check with the museum for the most current schedule (480) 644-2230. (Location: 53 N. MacDonald, Mesa, AZ 85201. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Sun., 1 to 5 p.m. / Closed Mondays and holidays)
