15 Phoenix Museums for Kids to Explore

Beth Wood:  The Arizona Museum of Natural History features collections and exhibits focused on paleontology, history, geology, art, archaeology and more. Learn about the creation of the Earth 4.5 billion years ago, see the larger than life dinosaurs and much more. There are lots of fun kids spots throughout the museum where learning through play is encouraged.

Beth Wood:  Special exhibit areas focus on science, design and technology. ArtVille is a great place for kids up to age 5 to play among different areas including the garden patio, art studio, performing art center and city block center. Older kids can act as helpers in ArtVille or design and create in the HUB. The museum's exhibits change seasonally.

Beth Wood:  The Penske Racing Museum has over a dozen different pace cars, Indianapolis 500 cars, Nascar race cars and others. Besides the actual cars, some of which are race winners, the museum also features trophies and racing memorabilia from over 400 of Penske's major race wins.

Beth Wood:  Immerse yourself in the history of the Western Region of the United States with paintings, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, artifacts and more. You'll also find a sculpture courtyard, theatre and museum gift shop to make your museum visit more enjoyable.

Beth Wood:  The MIM features over 6,800 musical instruments from around the world. The museum houses special exhibits and six different galleries. The Experience Gallery lets guests play instruments and learn how they're made. The Artist Gallery features instruments from music icons like Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Johnny Cash and more. A Mechanical Music Gallery features instruments that play themselves. The STEM Gallery shows how science makes music happen.

Beth Wood:  Explore fire apparatus used from 1725-1969 throughout the U.S.A, England, Germany, Japan, France and Austria. There is also a gallery showcasing the history of woodland firefighting in the United States.

Beth Wood:  The Pueblo Grande Museum is located on the largest preserved 1500-year-old archaeological site in Phoenix. There's an accessible 2/3 mile long trail that goes through a prehistoric Hohokam village site as well as three different galleries to visit at the museum. These galleries feature artifacts and lessons on archaeology, Arizona history and Southwest cultures. There is a hands-on children's gallery for the little ones to explore.

Beth Wood:  Plan a visit to the United States' only cardiovascular learning facility and explore ways to prevent cardiovascular disease through a balanced diet, physical activity and not using tobacco. Interactive and educational exhibits throughout the museum include a 9-1-1 Action Theater, the Kitchen Cafe, The Beat Goes On, Marketplace, All Creatures Great and Small and more.

Beth Wood:  The Children's Museum of Phoenix features three levels of hands-on exhibits and over 300 experiences that encourage children to learn through creative play. Exhibits include the Book Loft, Texture Cafe, Noodle Forest, Pedal Power and more. A Baby Zone and Preschool level are available for younger guests.

Beth Wood:  Spend a day together at the Arizona Science Center exploring over 300 hands-on exhibits, the Dorrance Planetarium, a five-story IMAX theater, the Create Makerspace, a Cosmic Playground and much more.

Beth Wood:  This "living museum" features an authentic Old West town situated on 90 acres. You'll find a blacksmith, opera house, jail, ranch complex and stores. Cowboys, lawmen, town folk and more can be seen in authentic costumes throughout the museum. Life-size exhibits immerse you in pioneer life and teach your family what it meant to be a pioneer!

Beth Wood:  Featuring over 17,000 different works from around the world, the Phoenix Art Museum is the Southwest's largest art museum. Be sure to grab a Scavenger Hunt guide at the front desk so you can explore the museum's collection together. Family Sundays and other special events are held throughout the year and include free admission, storytime, crafts and activities.

Beth Wood:  Learn about the history of the Phoenix Police Department dating as far back as 1881 at the Phoenix Police Museum. The museum highlights the role of police from years past through the present. Exhibits include Phoenix's first marshal's office and jail, the Arizona Rangers, Phoenix's connection to Miranda rights, police vehicles, helicopters and motorcycles, SWAT teams, CSI departments, technology through the years and much more. Kids of all ages can have fun getting "sworn in" as a police officers during their visit.

Beth Wood:  Go back to the wild west with your little ones at the Wells Fargo History Museum. See an authentic stage coach from the 19th century, explore interactive exhibits, enjoy educational programs and events and much more during your visit. Children especially enjoy climbing aboard an actual stage coach and working the interactive telegraph that is on display. The museum also holds the largest public gallery of artist, N.C. Wyeth's, western themed artwork.

Beth Wood:  Mystery Casle is a large 18-room, three-story castle located in the foothills of South Mountain Park. Boyce Luther Gulley built the castle in the 1930s using a combination of stone, automobile parts, rail tracks from a mine, adobe, cement, mortar, calcium, telephone poles and goats milk! Gulley built the house for his daughter before his death in 1945. The eclectic and diverse mansion features a cantina, chapel and dungeon. It is a wonderful place to explore together as a family.