Scottsdale, Arizona
Downtown Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, blends Southwestern charm with a lively, modern vibe. It is a perfect base for exploring the area around Scottsdale and Phoenix.
We visited the Phoenix area and did a road trip beyond in 2024 with our 6 month old- check it out HERE for inspiration. In 2026, we visited with our toddler and the grandparents and did things a bit different by staying in an AirBNB in Scottsdale as a base for exploring the area. Check out our one week itinerary below for inspiration!
One week itinerary
Day One-travel day, check in scottsdale
Flight from Baltimore to Arizona. We chose a flight from BWI with a layover as the times were better and it was more cost-effective. This ended up being a great decision with our toddler as we were able to get out stretch our legs and also get a bite to eat in between the flights however it did make for a longer day of travel. On arrival to Arizona we picked up our rental car and headed to our Airbnb. We got takeout pizza given it was a late night, showered and went to bed.
Day two- El Dorado Park and exploring Downtown Scottsdale
In the morning, we checked out El Dorado Park which is a little south of Scottsdale. Today the grandparents arrived so after the park we picked them up and headed back to the AirBNB. Next, we headed to the iconic downtown Scottsdale to walk around. We were able to grab some coffee at Cartel Coffee and stroll the streets. We also walked over to the Soleri Bridge. After that we headed to Goldwater Brewing Company. We had a relaxing dinner at the AirBNB.
Day Three- Camelback Hike
Today we hiked the Camelback Mountain. Hiking Camelback Mountain is one of the most iconic outdoor adventures in the Phoenix area, offering both a challenging workout and rewarding panoramic views. We hiked up Echo Canyon, which is steeper and more strenuous, with sections requiring scrambling over rocks. After the hike, we went to JoJo’s Coffeehouse for brunch. In the evening, we got dinner at Fate Brewing Co which had a great outdoor area and was very family friendly.
Day Four- Waste Management Golf Tournament
This was the main reason we decided to travel to Arizona. Thomas loves golf and to celebrate his 40th birthday we decided to go to the iconic Waste Management Golf Tournament. Some friends joined us. The grandparents graciously watched Calvin for the day! It is a great event and much more laid back for the casual golf viewer!
Day five McCormick-Stillman Railroad
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a unique 30-acre family attraction in Scottsdale, Arizona, blending history, play, and hands-on experiences. It is so perfect for a toddler and we really enjoyed the playground, train ride, model trains and more! It is not to be missed if you are traveling with kids to Scottsdale. We enjoyed the evening in downtown Scottsdale.
Day six- Papago Park and Tempe
Today we decided to visit Papago Park and do the Hole-in-the-Rock hike. This hike is a short and easy. My toddler hiked the whole thing! It gives a great view! Papago Park is also where the Phoenix Zoo is located. This is a great place to visit with children! Kids less than 3 get in for free! The Desert Botanical Garden is also located in this park and free for children under 2. However we just did the hike!
After the hike we visited King Coffee in Tempe and then walked around the ASU campus. Thomas went to college here so great to explore.
Day seven- Indian Bend Park and Kovach Family Nature Trail
Today, we went to the Indian Bend Playground in the morning. In the afternoon, we found a family friendly hike to do in Scottsdale. The Kovach Family Nature Trail, located in Scottsdale, offers a peaceful escape into the Sonoran Desert landscape. This short, accessible trail is ideal for families and casual walkers. The trail includes rest areas and interpretive signs about local plants and wildlife. It was a perfect hike for a 2 year old.
Day Eight- Heading home
Since we live on the east coast, coming out west you need to allot a day for travel. We checked out of our AirBNB in the morning and headed to the airport to return the car and take our flight home. It was such a wonderful visit in Scottsdale!
Other top things to do
Scottsdale has several other incredible things to do and check out! Some of the top things to do include the Musical Instrument Museum which has over 6000 instruments from around the world, Taliesin West which is the former winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art packed with modern art for every art lover and the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.
For more kid friendly activities consider checking out the OdySea Aquarium or the Butterfly Wonderland.
Scottsdale is a perfect base and wonderful place to explore on your visit to Arizona with a toddler- check out my list of top things to do in the area with a toddler HERE!
