Arizona
Experiences

The Most Affordable Way To Experience The Best Attractions Phoenix And Tucson, Arizona Have To Offer

Pogo Pass offers affordable access to various family-friendly attractions in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, for a year.

Published Apr 27, 2023

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

Tired of trying to think of what to do with the kids and spending a ton of money on attractions and venues? Well, we have an affordable solution for you! If you've never heard of Pogo Pass, it's definitely worth checking out. For one low price, you'll have admission to a selection of participating attractions that can keep you and the kids busy and entertained all year long. After all, there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.

Best of all, if you want to purchase a Pogo Pass Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, use the code ONLYINPOGO at checkout to get half off and pay only $59.99 per person for an entire year!

Looking for a fun way to experience the best attractions Phoenix and Tucson have to offer? Pay for the Pogo Pass one time for each member of your family and enjoy a year of fun at a variety of unique destinations – from sporting events to indoor playgrounds, and so much more!

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Pogo Pass

Things To Do With Kids In Phoenix, Arizona

Do you live in or visit the Phoenix area? If you have kids, you know there are plenty of places to take them. Here are some places that are covered by the Pogo Pass:

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1. Fat Cats Mesa

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Fat Cats Mesa/Google Local
  • Address: 5846 E Longbow Pkwy, Mesa, AZ
  • Fun for: Families with kids, couples

If you really want to get the most bang for your buck with a Pogo Pass, it will get you one game of bowling and one round of glow golf each week. That sounds like a great deal for all the fun you and the kids could have here.

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2. Uptown Jungle, Phoenix, Peoria, Avondale, Mesa, Chandler

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Uptown Jungle N. Phoenix/Facebook
  • Address: 10630 N 32nd St Phoenix, AZ 85028, 5741 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215, 7608 W Cactus Rd, Peoria, AZ 85381, 2061 N Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225, 1725 N Dysart Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392, 6310 S. 35th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85041
  • Fun for: Families with young children

With many locations around the Valley, you're never too far away from an Uptown Jungle. With so much fun to be had here and attractions for all ages, this is one family-friendly place you must visit.

Things To Do With Kids In Tuscon, Arizona

Need to keep your kids occupied? Whether you live in or are just visiting Tucson, here is one fun thing to do with kids in Tucson:

3. International Wildlife Museum, Tucson

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International Wildlife Museum/Facebook
  • Address: 4800 W. Gates Pass Rd., Tucson, AZ
  • Fun for: Families with kids of any age

With 400 species of animals from around the globe, the International Wildlife Museum is a perfect family-friendly destination. The taxidermy animals are set in replicas of what their natural habitats would be in the wild. Aside from the displays, there are plenty of hands-on and interactive exhibits that kids can truly enjoy and learn from.

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Things To Do With Toddlers In Phoenix And Tuscon, Arizona

Looking for some fun things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona with toddlers? Anything that gets the wiggles out of these energetic little ones is great for both the children and the parents. Here's a fun place to take toddlers:

4. Wild Katz - Children's Adventure Playground, Tucson

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Wild Katz - Children's Adventure Playground/Facebook
  • Address: 4629 E. Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ
  • Fun for: Families with young kids

Whether your child is six months, 12 years, or any age in between, Wild Katz in Tucson is a venue filled with fun! Kids can bounce, climb, go wild, and get any and all pent-up energy out. There's also an open play for children ages 3 and under.

5. Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, Scottsdale

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J/Google Local
  • Address: 9500 East Vía de Ventura c100, Scottsdale, AZ
  • Fun for: Families With Young Kids

Located within the Arizona Boardwalk, Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs brings dinosaurs back to life in a series of animatronic exhibits. Learn about these prehistoric beasts as you witness them move and roar! A child's imagination can absolutely run wild here.

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6. Luv2Play, Phoenix, Surprise

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Luv 2 Play (Phoenix, AZ)/Facebook
  • Address: 3522 W Peoria Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029, 15495 W Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374
  • Fun for: Families with young kids

Kids ages 0-12 are welcome to play at Luv2Play where, well, they'll love to play! With structures to climb on, video games, kiddie rides, a toddler area, and a baby area, children of all ages can expend some energy and have some fun.

Things To Do With Teens In Phoenix And Tuscon, Arizona

Teens can sometimes be a tough crowd, but they still love to have fun! Here is one of the best things to do in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona with teens:

7. 810 Billiards & Bowling, Phoenix

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810 Billiards & Bowling - Phoenix/Google Local
  • Address: 50 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ
  • Fun for: Families, teens

Who wants to go bowling? Bowling is one of those activities that's fun for everyone, even teens. At 810, enjoy an hour of bowling each month with your Pogo Pass and stick around to enjoy all the other fun offered here.

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8. Rush Extreme, Chandler

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Chuck Peterson/Google Local
  • Address: 190 S Kyrene Rd #5, Chandler, AZ
  • Fun for: Everyone!

While there are some toddler-friendly areas, there are some areas geared more toward older children and teens. Rush Extreme is an indoor adventure park with flying hoops, a dodgeball zone, a skywalk course, climbing walls trampolines, and more!

9. University of Arizona Athletics, Tucson

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JR P/Flickr
  • Address: 1 N National Championship Dr, Tucson, AZ
  • Fun for: Teens

Take your teen to a sporting event at the University of Arizona in Tucson. There are numerous scheduled events to choose from like basketball, volleyball, and track and field. Maybe seeing a game here will inspire your teen to apply to the university!

Outdoor Attractions For Kids In Phoenix And Tuscon, Arizona

Phoenix and Tucson experience beautiful weather during much of the year and both cities are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best outdoor attractions for kids in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona:

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10. Golfland Sunsplash, Mesa (Phoenix area)

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Golfland Sunsplash/Facebook
  • Address: 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa, AZ
  • Fun for: Everyone!

One of Arizona's coolest waterparks is a family-friendly place perfect for those incredibly hot summer months. Golfland Sunsplash is perfect for kids and adults of all ages. With waterslides, pools, splash pads, a lazy river, and more, you'll cool off in no time!

11. Phoenix Zoo

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Phoenix Zoo/Facebook
  • Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ
  • Fun for: Everyone!

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! It's safe to say that everyone loves the zoo and Phoenix has a pretty darn amazing zoo that welcomes all. Grab the family, walk around, and see hundreds of animals -- it's sure to be a great day!

12. Golf 'N Stuff, Tucson

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Golf 'N Stuff/Facebook
  • Address: 6503 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ
  • Fun for: Everyone!

Do you like bumper cars, miniature golf, go-karts, and more? Well, you'll love spending a few hours with friends or family at Golf 'N Stuff in Tucson! Fun for all, there's something here for everyone.

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Indoor Attractions For Kids In Phoenix And Tuscon, Arizona

Not that Phoenix and Tucson experience many rainy days throughout the year but it does get HOT! On those days when it's way too hot to spend outdoors, here are some indoor attractions for kids in the Phoenix and Tucson areas:

13. Tucson Roadrunners

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Tucson Roadrunners/Facebook
  • Address: Tucson Arena, 260 S Church Ave, Tucson, AZ
  • Fun for: Everyone!

You don't have to be into sports to enjoy a good sports game. Spend some time in the cool indoors while the Tucson Roadrunners hockey team takes to the ice. Going to a game is a great family outing!

14. AZ Ice, Phoenix, Peoria, Gilbert

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AZ Ice Gilbert/Facebook
  • Address: 15829 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382, 2305 E Knox Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296, 3853 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
  • Fun for: Everyone!

With locations in Arcadia, Gilbert, and Peoria, just about anyone can enjoy public skate time at AZ Ice. Not only is it great exercise, but a fantastic way to beat the heat in the summer months.

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15. KTR, Scottsdale, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale

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KTR Scottsdale/Facebook
  • Address: 9009 E Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, 18295 N 83rd Ave, Glendale, AZ, 1050 E Pecos Rd, Chandler, AZ, 1927 N Gilbert Rd, Mesa, AZ
  • Fun for: Families With Young Kids, Couples, etc.

Another place that has multiple locations and is fun for the whole family is KTR. Older kids will enjoy the indoor skateboard park and obstacle courses while small children will love the play areas geared towards them.

Unique Things To Do With Kids In Phoenix And Tuscon, Arizona

There are so many awesome and unique things to do with kids in Phoenix and Tucson. Here are some you can get into with your Pogo Pass:

16. Laser Tag - Golf 'N Stuff, Tucson

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Golf 'N Stuff/Facebook
  • Address: 6503 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ
  • Fun for: Teens

While Golf 'N Stuff offers a ton of fun things to do like mini golf and bumper boats, there's also laser tag! With ten players per team and a maze-like room to get through, you'll have fun trying to take out your opponents with lasers.

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Pogo Pass

We hope that this list gives you some ideas for fun things to do with kids in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. And remember that when buying your Pogo Pass Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, use the code ONLYINPOGO at checkout to get half off and pay only $49.99 per person for an entire year!

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Experiences

All Aboard For a Train-Themed Family Getaway in Arizona

A train-train themed trip to the Grand Canyon aboard the Grand Canyon Railway makes for a perfect family getaway in Arizona.

Published Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

When I was offered the opportunity to take a scenic train ride in Arizona, I jumped at the chance. After all, it’s quite a rare event to travel by train in certain parts of the U.S. I have lived in New York and have visited Washington D.C. and Boston throughout my life, and rode trains in each of those cities. But I’ve never ridden a train out West. 

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My children get a week-long break from their Arizona schools in October each year, so this year, I decided to take them on a Grand Canyon train vacation adventure with the Grand Canyon Railway. Leaving Williams, Arizona, a town known as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon," we boarded a train that took us to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. And what an adventure we had!

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the writer of this piece was invited on this trip to the Grand Canyon by Grand Canyon Railway and Percepture PR, with expenses covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this piece are their own.

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Melissa Mahoney/Only In Your State

First thing first - the night before our train ride was spent at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, which was built in 1995 to resemble the original property, the Fray Marcos Hotel. After checking in at the front desk, we went across the courtyard to the Williams Depot to pick up our reserved tickets. There were a few old-fashioned-style ticket counters, a large gift shop with all sorts of trinkets and souvenirs, and a coffee shop inside. My son and daughter were delighted to explore as I waited in a short line for our train tickets.

The Grand Canyon Railway has been in operation since 1901. The train station in Williams, Arizona, was built in 1908 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic nature of the railway helped to make our train-themed vacation even more memorable than we anticipated.

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Melissa Mahoney/Only In Your State

After dropping our luggage off at the room, we spent time at the hotel pool before grabbing dinner at Pine Country Restaurant in downtown Williams. The food and service were great, and apparently, this local eatery is known for its pies, but we were all too stuffed after dinner to try a slice. Maybe next time!

Back in our comfortable hotel room, we went to bed early to rest up for the next day's train excursion. In the morning, we grabbed a quick breakfast at the railway station and then headed to the pre-boarding show. As part of the experience, the Grand Canyon Railway has a performance at its makeshift Old West town, complete with actors and a reenactment of a gun fight. After the show, it was time to board.

We had first-class tickets for the Yavapai car, and a woman named Mary Ellen was our train car attendant. After our car was boarded, she gave us some background on both herself and the Grand Canyon Railway, as well as what to expect on the ride. The train ride from Williams to the Grand Canyon takes a little over two hours, and the train travels between 38 and 41 m.p.h.

The scenery is lovely along the way, but there's more to do than just stare out the window the entire time. On the way to the Grand Canyon, a musician came through with a guitar and sang a few cowboy and country songs before moving on to the next car. Both our train car attendant and the train conductor would jump on the intercom to tell us about points of interest we were passing. And, at one point, a photographer came through to take pictures of individual groups onboard - a great way to commemorate the trip!

Each group of seats had a small table and newspapers that offered further information about the train. My kids enjoyed reading the history of the train and how it all started.

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Melissa Mahoney/Only In Your State

The train has several classes of service, including Pullman Class, Coach Class, First Class, the Observation Dome, the Luxury Dome, and the Luxury Parlor. As I said before, we had first class tickets, and in first class, snacks, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water were included. Cocktails were also available for purchase in our car.

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Upon arrival at the national park, we were able to see the historic Grand Canyon Depot. It was constructed between 1909 and 1910 and is a designated National Historic Landmark. It sits within the Grand Canyon National Park Historic District, a preserved village where the famous El Tovar hotel is also located.

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Melissa Mahoney/Only In Your State

Speaking of El Tovar, that's where we headed for lunch. The El Tovar first opened in 1905 and is a beautifully constructed hotel, as well as a National Historic Landmark. As much as we would love to spend the night here one day, we were happy to at least have lunch in its elegant dining room with wood-beamed ceilings, wood-paneled walls, and dimly-lit chandeliers that make the space feel cozy. My son ordered the Traditional Navajo Taco (frybread with ground beef, tomato, lettuce, and other fresh toppings), while my daughter and I split a charcuterie board. Everything was delicious, and I highly recommend dining here when visiting the South Rim.

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Melissa Mahoney/Only In Your State

After lunch, it was time to walk around and marvel at the Grand Canyon! We had visited before but were still awed by this natural wonder of the world. With nearly three hours before we had to be back on the train for the return trip, we took a walk, went inside several of the village's historic buildings, and took hundreds of photos, as one does when visiting this world-renowned national park.

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Melissa Mahoney/Only In Your State

Aside from the train ride and seeing the Grand Canyon again, my favorite part was getting to share this extraordinary experience with my son and daughter. What an incredible way to create family memories that will last a lifetime!

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Melissa Mahoney/Only In Your State

There’s something so alluring about riding a train, especially in this country. It’s no wonder that train travel is so romanticized! While it’s a daily part of life for other parts of the world, like Asia and Europe, it’s become more of a novelty here in the western U.S. And I will take a train ride any chance I get, no matter where I am in the world. My kids and I had such an amazing time taking the train to and from the Grand Canyon, dining at El Tovar, and exploring the park. I am so grateful we had this opportunity.

If you haven't yet experienced a Grand Canyon train vacation, I urge you to put it at the top of your Arizona bucket list. To book your train tickets to the Grand Canyon or a ticket package with a night at the hotel, head to the Grand Canyon Railway website.

Taking a road trip to Williams, Arizona, in order to explore the town and take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway? Check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you need before hitting the road!

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Experiences|Events

Take a Ride on the Eco-Friendly French Fry Express During the 123rd Grand Canyon Railway Anniversary in Arizona

The Grand Canyon Railway will be celebrating its 123rd anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, and it's a great time to embark on your Grand Canyon adventure.

Published Sep 13, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

For well over a century the historic Grand Canyon Railway has taken passengers on a scenic journey between Williams and the Grand Canyon, the most revered natural wonder in Arizona. The trip begins at the Williams Depot which was built in 1908 by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, and terminates north at the Grand Canyon Depot which was constructed between 1909-1910 inside Grand Canyon National Park. If a scenic train ride to the Grand Canyon is on your bucket list, you must make plans to take one this fall. In fact, the Grand Canyon Railway will be celebrating its 123rd anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, and it's a great time to plan your Grand Canyon adventure via train.

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grand canyon railway depot with a crowd waiting to get on the train
Credit: Xanterra Travel Collection

Your journey begins once you board the train at the Williams Depot which happens to be on the National Register of Historic Places. The train will then take passengers 65 miles through the Colorado Plateau with views of the San Francisco Peaks, prairie, and Ponderosa pine and Pinion forests along the way.

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon Depot, a National Historic Landmark, you will have time to get out and explore the park before heading back to Williams.

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Credit: Xanterra Travel Collection

One of the trains that will run during the anniversary celebration on Sept. 21 is known as the French Fry Express (Locomotive No. 4960). This eco-friendly train runs on discarded vegetable oil from local restaurants, thus cutting emissions in half. The engine of this train was converted to run on recycled waste vegetable oil, or WVO, in 2009. Furthermore, the Grand Canyon Railway keeps approximately 50,000 cars out of the park annually. What a wonderful way to reduce emissions as well as vehicle traffic in the park.

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Credit: Xanterra Travel Collection

For the 123rd Anniversary, you will have your choice of class between Pullman, Coach, First, Observation, Luxury Dome, and Luxury Parlor. Each class has its own price tag. If you plan on making a purchase on the train, make sure you have a credit card on hand as cash will not be accepted.

A scenic train ride to the Grand Canyon is a wonderful bucket list experience that has been on my Arizona bucket list for a number of years. And if you can go for the anniversary celebration on Sept. 21, you should!

If you plan on taking a scenic train ride with Grand Canyon Railways on Sept. 21, 2024, you can upgrade to the 3-night Canyon Rails Getaway Package. This package includes three nights at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, breakfast and dinner at the on-site Fred Harvey® Restaurant, a $20 gift certificate to spend at the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel gift stores, and 25 percent off train tickets in your class choice. However, you don't have to wait until the Grand Canyon Railways anniversary to take advantage of this package — it's available throughout the fall.

Taking a road trip to Williams in order to embark on a rail journey with Grand Canyon Railways? Take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you'll need on the road!

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