10 Attractions In Arizona That Are Perfect For Families On A Budget

The kids may be back in school but that doesn’t mean your travel plans for the year are over. Labor Day and fall break are just weeks away, so you might want to start planning ways to build family memories in just a day or over the course of a week. We’re going to take a look at some fun attractions that will keep everyone in the family entertained and keep your trip under budget.

Arizona Museum of Natural History/Facebook

Show your kids just how fun history and science can be with a visit to this natural history museum in downtown Mesa. The museum has exhibits about the cultures in Arizona history, dinosaurs, and other critters that once called this place home. You’ll some interactive displays too, so make sure your kids are ready to have some fun!

Prices: $12 for adults, $7 for children 3-12, $8 for children 13 and up. Discounts available for seniors.
Location: 53 North Macdonald, Mesa
Details: Arizona Museum of Natural History

Cerreta Candy Company/Facebook

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Cerreta Candy Company/Facebook

If your kids have a sweet tooth, show them the process of making candy by taking them on a tour at Cerreta Candy Company in Glendale. Here, they can get a tour of the small factory, watch a candy-making demonstration, and enjoy a sample.

Prices: Standard tours are free, VIP tours are $12.50 per person.
Location: 5345 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale
Details: Cerreta Candy Company

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Chris Tengi/Flickr

Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium/Facebook

You can easily spend two or three hours at this science museum, which features exhibits about minerals, fossils, and the solar system. Plus, you can enjoy a show in the planetarium, which includes child-friendly shows for the little ones or an evening Pink Floyd show for the adults.

Prices: General admission and a planetarium show will cost $16 for adults, $12 for children 4-17. Discounts available for seniors, military, and college students.
Location: 1601 East University Boulevard, Tucson
Details: Flandrau Science Center

Wes Dickinson/Flickr

If you’ve ever dreamed of petting deer or camel, then you’re going to love this petting zoo in Williams. You and your kids will have a chance to feed, pet, and get photos with the deer and other animals that live here.

Prices: $12.50 for adults, $11 for seniors, $7.50 for children 3-13.
Location: 6769 East Deer Farm Road, Williams
Details: Grand Canyon Deer Farm

Ron Cogswell/Flickr

Jacqueline Poggi/Flickr

If you want to show the kids how you (or your parents or grandparents) used to shop and live in the olden days, a visit to this historic trading post makes for a pretty cool stop. Walk into the store, where the wooden floors will creak under you, buy an ice cream, check out the homestead, and even a live demonstration.

Prices: Access is free but you can pay $5 per person for a tour of the Hubbell House behind the trading post.
Location: Google Maps
Details: National Park Service

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McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park/Facebook

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park/Facebook

If your kids love trains, then this city park will feel like heaven! Dedicated to trains and their history, ride on trains of various sizes, check out the model trains zooming through exhibits, and enjoy a train-themed playground.

Prices: $2 per ride or pay $10 for an all-day pass.
Location: 7301 East Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale
Details: Railroad Park

Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum/Facebook

Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum/Facebook

Watch history come to life at this unique museum that sits in north Phoenix near Anthem. Mimicking a town from Arizona’s territorial period, you’ll find some very cool original and reconstructed historic buildings decked out with detailed interiors and even actors in period clothing.

Prices: $10 for adults, $8 for children under 18. Discounts available for veterans, seniors, and large parties.
Location: 3901 West Pioneer Road, Phoenix
Details: Pioneer Living History Museum

Alan English CPA/Flickr

This popular summer attraction is a bit colder but just as lovely to visit in the fall. Walk through the apple trees, check out the historic homestead, and enjoy the quieter canyon landscape when the leaves begin changing colors.

Prices: $10-30 per vehicle, prices fluctuate seasonally
Location: Google Maps
Details: Arizona State Parks

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Gord McKenna/Flickr

Gord McKenna/Flickr

Sometimes introducing a bit of history can be difficult when planning out family trips but this once super secret location is one of the coolest places to visit! The tour will take you underground to a spot where a nuclear warhead would have been able to launch during the Cold War.

Prices: $9.50 for adults, $6.00 for children 5-12, free for children 4 and under. Discounts available for seniors and military.
Location: 1580 Duval Mine Road, Green Valley
Details: Titan Missile Museum

Randy Jenkins/Flickr

Short trails, a seasonal waterfall, and an astoundingly large natural bridge and cave, this state park is sure to impress your family! Enjoy the beautiful views, fresh air, and even a picnic from home within view of the historic lodge nearby.

Prices: $7 for adults, $4 for children 7-13.
Location: Google Maps
Details: Arizona State Parks

What are some other family-friendly activities you enjoy doing in Arizona? Be sure to let us know your favorite suggestions!

If you want to read about more amazing things you can do while traveling through Arizona, you’re in luck! Read 7 Undeniably Fun Weekend Trips To Take If You Live In Arizona for details.