This year, trade the usual beach trip for something with a little more edge — spring break in Scottsdale is anything but ordinary. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s the perfect place to mix adventure, culture and poolside relaxation.
Scottsdale is known for its luxurious resorts and sprawling golf courses. Yet beyond the well-manicured fairways, it offers an action-packed spring break itinerary perfect for families with teens, and a growing number of visitors are discovering what it has to offer.
According to Experience Scottsdale’s most recent report, the city hosted an estimated 6.3 million overnight visitors in 2023. Family travel plays a significant role in that growth.
“Springtime in Scottsdale is a dream! The weather is perfect, and there are loads of activities to do,” says Madison Wetherill, owner of Joyfully Mad. “Spring training is always a fun experience, and the Giants spring stadium is right in Old Town Scottsdale. Take a stroll through Papago Park or visit the Botanical Gardens to get the full desert experience. There’s no shortage of amazing spots to visit in Scottsdale during spring break.”
From adrenaline-fueled adventures to Instagram-worthy attractions, this four-day itinerary highlights the best Scottsdale has to offer. It blends action-packed fun with culture and relaxation, creating the perfect balance for an epic family vacation.
Day 1: Arrival and exploring Old Town Scottsdale
Shake off the travel fatigue and dive right into the fun. With so much to do ahead of you, you’ll want to settle in and start your spring break the moment you arrive.
Check in at a resort with teen-friendly amenities
Start your Scottsdale getaway by checking into a resort that caters to families with teens. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a top choice, offering multiple pools, a 200-foot waterslide, a white-sand beach and multiple restaurants.
Another great option for families is The Phoenician. The 2,100-square-foot game room, water slide and pools, pickleball and basketball courts and bike rentals will make it hard to want to break away and explore the town.
Stroll through Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town is the heart of Scottsdale and features eclectic shops, various art galleries and plenty of restaurants. No matter how much time you have, you’ll have fun popping into stores like Old Town Candy and Toys or snapping photos of the colorful murals scattered throughout the area. The walkable streets make it easy to explore, and there’s always something to catch your eye, whether it’s a local artist creating live paintings or a quirky boutique with one-of-a-kind finds.
“Scottsdale has been one of my family’s all-time spring break destinations,” says Casey Rooney, owner of Get On My Plate. “The weather is perfect in the spring, and it’s super easy to find a great place with a pool where you can just relax. We loved exploring the shops in Old Town, and the hike to Pinnacle Peak is amazing.”
Dinner at Medieval Times
Kick off your vacation by stepping back in time for an action-packed dinner at Medieval Times. As you settle into the grand arena, you’ll be assigned a knight to cheer for throughout the evening.
Inspired by 11th-century chivalry, the two-hour show is packed with jousting, sword fights and impressive horseback stunts that keep the crowd cheering. The four-course meal — eaten entirely by hand — makes the experience even more fun and medieval. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to kick off your Scottsdale adventure that’s just as entertaining for parents as it is for teens.
Day 2: Outdoor adventures in the Sonoran Desert
Don’t be fooled into thinking the Sonoran Desert is just sand and cacti. It’s a playground for adventure seekers. Start the day by exploring Scottsdale’s scenic trails before saddling up for a different kind of ride.
Sunrise hike at Camelback Mountain
Get an early start with a 2.6-mile roundtrip sunrise hike up Camelback Mountain. The Echo Canyon and Cholla trails are challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views.
If your family prefers a less strenuous option, the Gateway Loop Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a scenic, moderate hike with plenty of chances to spot desert wildlife. Either hike is a great way to kick off your first morning in Scottsdale and spend time outside, especially before it gets too warm.
Horseback riding at MacDonald’s Ranch
After your hike, it’s time to experience the desert on horseback at MacDonald’s Ranch. The trail rides cater to all experience levels, making it an ideal outing for the whole family.
Along the way, ranch hands guide the ride and share interesting tidbits about the Sonoran Desert. The trail winds through fields of native plants like the giant saguaro cactus, and you’ll likely see wildlife like jackrabbits and roadrunners.
The horses are well trained, and the ride is a fun way to spend time outdoors. Many families find this is one of their favorite activities of the week.
Evening at Topgolf Scottsdale
After a morning of outdoor adventures, Topgolf Scottsdale is a great place to unwind with some friendly competition. This isn’t your typical driving range. Instead, each indoor — and air conditioned — bay has high-tech games that track your shots and score points, so even beginners can have fun.
Even if golf isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to enjoy. The upbeat vibe, comfy seating and endless snacks make it a great spot to hang out. The menu is stacked with favorites like gourmet burgers, BBQ brisket nachos and even donut holes you can fill yourself with chocolate or raspberry sauce.
Day 3: Thrills and attractions at the Arizona Boardwalk
After yesterday’s outdoor activities, it’s time to switch gears with more fun indoors. The Arizona Boardwalk is packed with experiences to keep teens happy and engaged.
OdySea Aquarium
Start the day at OdySea Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the Southwest. Even if you don’t think your kids will be interested, don’t be too quick to dismiss it. OdySea is one of the best aquariums in the country, where even the restrooms were voted Best in the USA. Where else can you be eye-to-eye with a shark while washing your hands? It deserves a place on your itinerary.
Butterfly Wonderland
Next door, Butterfly Wonderland is a magical experience where thousands of butterflies flutter freely throughout the glass conservatory. The lush tropical setting feels like an oasis tucked away from the busier attractions nearby. Walk along the path following the beautiful butterflies, or sit near the koi pond and take it all in. Butterfly Wonderland is so full of Instagrammable moments that everyone in your group will reach for their cameras.
Museum of Illusions
The next stop on your itinerary is a mind-bending experience that you do not want to skip. The Museum of Illusions isn’t your typical museum but rather one full of interactive exhibits and optical tricks that will have you scratching your head wondering how they work. Tilted rooms, infinite mirror tunnels and holograms make it hard to tell what’s real and what’s just a clever trick on the eyes. Get your camera ready because you’ll be snapping plenty of hard-to-explain photos for keepsakes.
Dinner and bowling at Mavrix
Wrap up the day at Mavrix, and if your crew is feeling tired, don’t worry; the atmosphere itself is enough to shake off any end-of-the-day fatigue. With neon-lit bowling lanes, an arcade packed with favorites even Dad will enjoy and the thrill of playing laser tag, teens will be too caught up in the fun to remember they were ever worn out. The excitement in the air makes it easy to keep the night going.
While getting caught up in the action is easy, the food is also worth a stop. Take a break and have dinner between games, or order loaded fries and craft sodas brought right to your group while you bowl. It adds to the overall fun and is a great way to wrap up another exciting day in Scottsdale.
Day 4: Cultural exploration and relaxation
Today is all about slowing down and soaking in Scottsdale’s arts, music and stunning views. This mix of culture and relaxation provides a perfect balance before heading home.
Musical Instrument Museum
Take a break from the high-energy activities with a visit to the Musical Instrument Museum in nearby Phoenix. You’ll spend a fascinating morning exploring every kind of instrument from around the world and can even try some in the interactive gallery. The museum is surprisingly interesting, especially with exhibits featuring instruments played by legendary musicians like Elvis and Taylor Swift.
Poolside relaxation
Hopefully, you’ve already had a chance to enjoy a bit of pool time, and this afternoon is all about relaxing at the resort. Renting a private cabana adds an extra level of coolness that teens especially appreciate. While they cool off with poolside smoothies or test out the waterslides, parents can kick back with a book or soak in the sun.
Sunset hot air balloon ride
If your budget — and nerves — allow it, book an unforgettable ride in a hot air balloon with a company like Rainbow Ryders. Floating above the Sonoran Desert at sunset is a breathtaking way to see Scottsdale from a different perspective. It’s peaceful yet adrenaline-pumping and an experience no one in the family will ever forget.
Wrap up your spring break in Scottsdale
Scottsdale offers just the right blend of adventure, culture and relaxation, making it an ideal spring break destination for families with teens. From exploring the Sonoran Desert on horseback to challenging each other at Topgolf, this itinerary is full of action-packed fun and plenty of downtime. It’s the kind of trip that brings families together and leaves everyone with stories to tell long after the vacation ends.
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist and creator of the travel blog Our Woven Journey. Karee enjoys sharing what she learns about places she visits, including history museums, unique things to do indoors and out, one-of-a-kind festivals, and upscale dining and accommodations. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.