This Family Friendly Road Trip Through Arizona Leads To Whimsical Attractions, Themed Restaurants, And More
By Katie Lawrence|Published February 01, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Picture this: you’re on a family vacation…and actually enjoying it because the kids aren’t squirming around in the back seat and constantly asking “are we there yet?” This family-friendly road trip in Arizona features just an hour of drive time, and it leads to an over-the-top milkshake bar, an aquarium with a 360-degree ocean tunnel, and several other whimsical attractions. Although it was designed with little ones in mind, parents can’t help but have a blast too.
Click here for the customizable Google map for the trip.
What better way to kick off this family-friendly Arizona road trip than with a massive sugar rush? Soda Jerk Co. Milkshake Bar serves up the most outrageous, over-the-top shakes you've ever seen. There are tons of different flavors on the menu, from nostalgic, cereal-themed creations to seasonal offerings for every major holiday. The retro atmosphere is just the icing on the cake - or, more appropriately, the whipped cream on the milkshake.
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2. Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs (Scottsdale)
Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, 9500 East Vía de Ventura c100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, USA
Anything dinosaur-related is a slam dunk with little ones, and Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs is no exception. Located at the Arizona Boardwalk, this family-friendly attraction features life-size model dinosaurs, an arcade, fossil dig station, and several other activities. All ages are sure to have a great time - while learning lots about the prehistoric era, to boot.
Trains are also a big hit among children, and McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is right down the road from Land of the Dinosaurs. With a model train museum, amusement park rides, a miniature railroad, and more, this 30-acre hidden gem has so much to offer.
4. SEA LIFE Aquarium (Tempe)
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir Suite 145, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA
Next up, we're exploring the vastness of the oceans at SEA LIFE Aquarium in Tempe. The 200,000-gallon aquarium boasts Arizona's only 360-degree ocean tunnel, featuring all sorts of marine life. There are 10 different exhibits to marvel at, including an interactive touch pool with sea anemones, starfish, and even baby sharks!
Our trip comes to an end at Organ Stop Pizza, perhaps the most whimsical and wacky restaurant in Arizona. Sink your teeth into a delicious slice of pizza while listening to music played on an enormous, old-fashioned Wurlitzer organ. Gluten-free pizza crust is available, and if you're vegan, you can bring in dairy-free cheese for the restaurant to put on your pie.
Would you take this family-friendly road trip in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! For more kid-friendly fun, check out our previous article.
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