Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and is also one of the most culturally diverse and historic cities.
It was settled in 1877 as a small pioneer community but has since grown into a mecca for arts, entertainment, history, and a thriving food scene.
Our family has lived in the area for 18 years and I’m excited to share our favorite places to go and things to do in Mesa with kids!
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15 Fun Things to do in Mesa with Kids
Table of Contents
- 15 Fun Things to do in Mesa with Kids
- 1. Surf at the Rhodes Aquatic Center
- 2. Float the Salt River
- 3. Watch a Spring Training Game
- 4. Ride the Trails at Desert Trails Bike Park
- 5. Discover Fossils at Tyrannostorus
- 6. Spend the Afternoon at Mesa Riverview Park
- 7. Take the Kids to an Indoor Playplace
- 8. Visit the Commemorative Air Force Museum
- 9. Spend a Summer Day at Golfland Sunsplash
- 10. Volunteer at Feed My Starving Children
- 11. Cool Off at Saguaro Lake
- 12. Visit Vertuccio Farms
- 13. See the Airplanes at Falcon Field Airport
- 14. Test your Ninja Skills at Desert Sky Park
- 15. Take a Tour of Superstition Farms
- Bonus: Starfighter Arcade
- Bonus: Jesterz Comedy Club
1. Surf at the Rhodes Aquatic Center
What sets the Rhodes Aquatic Center apart from other aquatic centers in the valley, is that this pool has a Flow Rider surf machine.
Typical pricing for the Flow Rider at other locations is around $30-$40 per hour.
However, at the Rhodes Aquatic Center, it is only $6 for a one-hour session for kids and $12 for adults!
Each session is limited to 24 people. There are 2 lanes with a max of 12 people on each side so that you won’t need to wait too long in line.
And if you don’t know how to surf, you can always just boogie board!
You’ll just need to sign up for a session when you arrive, so it’s best to arrive early. If you prefer to surf without the divider fence, you can pre-register for a session online.
The aquatic center also has a swimming pool with diving boards and a kiddie pool.
See the Rhodes Aquatic Center website for seasonal hours and more information.
2. Float the Salt River
Tubing down the Salt River is one of the best ways to stay cool in the sweltering summer heat.
There are a few different options to float down the Salt River.
You can book a float trip where a shuttle bus will drop you off and pick you up, or you can bring your own tubes and transportation.
There are also self-guided kayak tours or paddleboard tours that launch at Saguaro Lake Ranch.
Plan for about 2-4 hours, depending on where you launch and exit the river and the speed of the current.
The scenic river is set against a backdrop of towering craggy mountains and chances are you’ll even spot wild horses along the river bank.
The river is fairly calm, but there are a few rapids so I wouldn’t recommend it for really young kids. If you do have younger kids, they might enjoy just playing on the river bank at the Goldfield Recreation Site.
For all the details and information, see our guide to Floating the Salt River.
3. Watch a Spring Training Game
Every spring, MLB teams travel to Florida and Arizona where they take advantage of the warm climate for pre-season training.
Phoenix hosts 15 professional baseball teams that are part of the Cactus League. Ten spring training fields can be found around the valley, with two of them in Mesa.
Sloan Park is home to the Chicago Cubs and Hohokam Stadium is home to the Oakland A’s for spring training. The games are a fun event for the whole family.
They are more casual and even offer lawn seats where you can lay down a blanket and enjoy a pizza dinner while watching the game.
Tickets are available through the MLB site, but discounted tickets can often be found on Stub Hub and Vivid Seats.
4. Ride the Trails at Desert Trails Bike Park
Desert Trails Bike Park caters to all different skill levels.
You’ll find pump tracks with small ramps for younger kids, and downhill tracks and skills courses for more advanced riders.
There is also a perimeter mountain bike trail that is good for most ages and skill levels.
The park is well-maintained with shaded picnic areas if you want to pack a lunch and make a day out of it.
5. Discover Fossils at Tyrannostorus
This interactive dinosaur-themed store is more than just a shopping experience. The store is filled with both replicas and real authentic fossils and relics.
When you walk in the doors, they’ll let you know that they have a policy that everything in the store should be touched!
The kids loved having an open invitation to handle and investigate all of the cool things that they had for sale.
You’ll find skulls, megalodon teeth, geodes, arrowheads, all sorts of fossils, and more!
They also have some really cool gifts and souvenirs, my son picked out a bracelet that is made from a snake’s vertebrae!
Every item in the shop has a QR code that links to information about where it came from. It was so interesting to learn about dinosaurs and other creatures.
The employees are also very knowledgeable and eager to answer any questions or share additional information.
They even have kits available starting at only $5 where you can excavate your own fossils or sluice for your own gems.
It’s definitely a unique experience and my kids loved it!
The same owner also has a reptile store a few doors down, and there is also an aquarium store next door if you want to check those out afterward.
6. Spend the Afternoon at Mesa Riverview Park
Mesa Riverview Park is considered one of the best parks in the Valley!
You’ll find a large splash pad with a variety of water features, an innovative playground with a massive climbing structure, walking trails, and a fishing lake.
7. Take the Kids to an Indoor Playplace
When the kids are getting restless and it’s too hot outside to get their energy out, then head to one of Mesa’s several indoor play areas.
Jake’s Unlimited offers something for everyone with bowling, arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars, midway games, and even an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet.
Be sure to visit their Sweet Shoppe for gourmet fancy milkshakes!
KTR has an indoor trampoline park as well as a skate park for skateboards and scooters.
Fat Cats has bowling, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, arcade games, and a movie theater.
Every Tuesday the movie tickets are only $5!
Uptown Jungle is an urban-themed indoor playground with trampolines, slides, an obstacle course, a climbing wall, and plenty of other play equipment to keep your kids entertained!
Skateland USA is just as much fun for the kids as it is for the adults looking to relive those nostalgic middle school years!
8. Visit the Commemorative Air Force Museum
The Commemorative Air Force Museum houses a wide collection of Air Force planes and memorabilia.
What makes a visit to this museum so special is the volunteers who lead the guided tours.
Many of the docents are veterans who share first-hand experiences, knowledge, and stories.
It really instills a greater sense of reverence and appreciation for all those who serve to protect our country.
Visitors can even climb aboard several of the planes, including the massive B17 Bomber.
One of the coolest planes that they have on display is a transport plane that was used in an undercover mission to rescue 500 soldiers who were stranded behind German lines during WWII.
There is even a book written about it called The Forgotten 500.
The plane was sold at auction to the Hoover Vacuum company where it served as their corporate plane. Today it is still in use for special events and air shows.
You’ll also find interesting artifacts, like a piece of steel from the USS Arizona that sunk at Pearl Harbor.
For a bucket list experience, you can actually book a flight on a variety of authentic Air Force planes!
9. Spend a Summer Day at Golfland Sunsplash
Golfland Sunsplash is the largest waterpark in the East Valley.
You’ll find over 30 rides and attractions, including waterslides, mini-golf, laser tag, go-karts, bumper cars, a wave pool, a lazy river, arcade games, and a Family Fun Center.
The best value is if you purchase a Pogo Pass where you can get admission to Golfland as well as several other attractions around the valley. It pays for itself after just one trip to Golfland!
10. Volunteer at Feed My Starving Children
Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers to package food to send to other countries.
It is such a great opportunity to teach your kids the importance of serving and helping those in need.
Volunteers must reserve a time slot in advance, so invite some friends and have fun while participating in a good cause!
*Related post: For fun things to do with kids in Tucson, check out our Tucson Travel Guide for Families!
11. Cool Off at Saguaro Lake
There are plenty of options to get out on the water at Saguaro Lake.
Boat and kayak rentals are available at the marina through Precision Marine where you can spend the day on the water.
After enjoying a day of water sports, take your boat to Bagley Flat Campground for a sunset barbecue dinner.
Even if you don’t have a boat, you can still enjoy the water.
Spend the afternoon at the Butcher Jones Recreation Area, or hike the Butcher Jones Trail if it’s not too hot.
There are also some popular cliff jumping spots, as well as docks available for fishing.
Another popular option is taking a 90-minute narrated scenic cruise on the Desert Belle.
Take a sunset cruise or even a Lake and Land Tour that includes an off-road Hummer adventure and lake cruise.
After a long day on the water, grab some dinner at the Ship Rock Restaurant at the Saguaro Lake Marina.
You may also want to consider spending the night at the scenic Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch where you’ll have easy access to the water.
For more recommended things to do, check out The Ultimate Guide to Saguaro Lake!
12. Visit Vertuccio Farms
Vertuccio Farms is known for its Fall Festival. With a huge corn maze, train ride, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and farm-themed activities and games.
*Related post: For more fall activities, check out our guide 12 Places to Experience Fall in Arizona!
During the Christmas holidays, Vertuccio Farms also hosts the Lights at the Farm event.
The event features a walk-through light display, an ice skating rink, food trucks, fire pits with s’mores kits, photos with Santa, and a variety of activities and interactive displays.
They also have a seasonal farmer’s market and U-pick produce. Check the website for events throughout the year.
*Related post: If you’re looking for places to eat in Mesa, check out our guide 10 of the Best Restaurants in Mesa!
13. See the Airplanes at Falcon Field Airport
Falcon Field Aiport offers two awesome viewing areas where you can bring a picnic lunch and watch the planes taking off.
The first is an amphitheater-style patio with shaded seating. It is located behind the terminal and can be accessed through a door in the lobby.
The patio is open to the public from 7 am – 6 pm Monday through Thursday.
The second viewing area is a small fenced-in park with shaded benches and picnic tables, airplane-shaped seats for kids, and a grass turf area.
It is located on the east side of the terminal near the air traffic control tower.
Both viewing areas offer visitors a chance to view parked aircraft as well as those taking off and landing.
There are free binoculars for use, and kids can even pick up a free aviation-themed goodie bag at the administration office inside the terminal.
Free tours can also be arranged in advance if you want to gather a group of friends to join you!
*Related post: Check out our guide 11 Fun Things to Do in Queen Creek with Kids!
14. Test your Ninja Skills at Desert Sky Park
If your kids love American Ninja Warrior, then they’ll love Desert Sky Park!
This Fitcore Extreme Obstacle Course is equipped with a variety of challenges that are similar to those featured on American Ninja Warrior.
The shaded fitness course is geared for ages 13 and up, even the adults will love it!
The challenges will test your strength, agility, speed, and balance as you compete against your friends.
There is also playground equipment geared for younger kids with a teeter-totter, swings, and climbing structures.
You’ll also find a lake and covered picnic tables if you want to pack a picnic lunch.
15. Take a Tour of Superstition Farms
Superstition Farms offers public tours every Tuesday-Sunday at 12 pm and 2 pm. Tickets are $12 per person and the tour lasts for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
The tour includes a petting zoo, a hayride around the farm, a look at the old milking barn, a cup of fresh flavored milk, and a scoop of homemade ice cream.
Every Tuesday and Thursday evening there are also rotating food trucks where you can enjoy dinner, the petting zoo, and a sunset hayride!
For more things to do with kids, check out our guide 101 Family Activities in Phoenix and the East Valley!
Bonus: Starfighter Arcade
Step inside the Starfighter Arcade and you’ll feel like you stepped back in time.
The walls are lined with vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games like Space Invaders, Mortal Kombat, and Pac-Man.
They also have other games like Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, and car racing games.
It is a bit of a hole-in-the-wall and the clientele are mainly older single men who are reliving the nostalgia of their younger days, so I would recommend going earlier if you are taking kids.
The cost is only $11 for unlimited play on the retro arcade games, so it’s an affordable and fun way for your older kids to spend a few hours.
Starfighters Arcade is open every Friday and Saturday from 7 pm to 11 pm, and Sundays from 3 pm to 7 pm.
*Related Post: Don’t miss A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in Gilbert!
Bonus: Jesterz Comedy Club
Jesterz is a family-friendly improv comedy club. The skits are hilarious and clean for the whole family!
The show follows a similar format to Comedy Central’s Whose Line Is It Anyway?.
They take suggestions from the audience to help with the improv games and skits and it’s always fun to see what they come up with.
If you or your kids are fans of the tv comedy show, Studio C, then you’ll love Jesterz.
In fact, members of Studio C often make guest appearances on Jesterz live stage, so be sure to check the calendar.
They also offer improv classes and camps.
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Other things to do in Mesa with kids:
- i.d.e.a. Museum: The i.d.e.a. Museum is filled with hands-on activities and art exhibitions to foster creativity for kids of all ages.
- Rio Salado Pathway: The 19-mile Rio Salado Pathway is perfect for families. The paved path follows along the Salt River and is completely separated from traffic so you never have to cross any roads. I would recommend starting at the Mesa Riverview Park and riding to Tempe Town Lake where you can cross over the water on the pedestrian bridge.
- Downtown Mesa Farmer’s Market: The Downtown Mesa Famer’s Market is located at the Mesa Art Center. It features local vendors selling specialty gifts, handcrafted goods, homemade treats, and more. The market is held every Saturday, check the website for seasonal hours.
- Brainy Actz: Brainy Actz is a one-stop shop for fun! Featuring an escape room, nerf wars, archery, ax throwing, splatter paint room, rage room, and bowlball! Check Groupon for discount tickets.
- Wind Cave Trail: The 2.9-mile roundtrip Wind Cave Trail leads to some cool wind caves. It is located within the scenic Usery Mountain Regional Park dotted with saguaros. The trail is considered moderate with an 800-foot elevation gain. For more hikes, check out our guide 7 Awesome Hikes in Phoenix!
- Scavenger Hunt: Download a Scavenger Hunt to discover some of the coolest landmarks and history in Mesa!
- Arizona Museum of Natural History: The Arizona Museum of Natural History has informative exhibits and hands-on activities about dinosaurs and the ancient history and culture here in the Southwest.
- Mesa Sculpture Tour: Dozens of sculptures and murals can be found around downtown Mesa. Pick up a self-guided walking map at the Visit Mesa office, or download a Digital Art Walk Guide for the information and location of each art installation.
- Pioneer Park: Pioneer Park is one of the most innovative parks in the valley. You’ll find massive climbing structures, a treehouse, a 15-foot water wall, a splash pad, a suspension bridge, a historic train, and so much more! Just use caution, the area tends to attract homeless people so just check the surroundings before you take your kids there.
- Main Street Harvest: Main Street Harvest is a community grocery store featuring fresh produce and goods produced by local farmers, ranchers, and bakers.
- Silver Star Theater: Catch dinner and a show at Silver Star Theater! The food is delicious and the dinner entertainment includes musical performances, a variety show, holiday performances, and even a murder mystery dinner! The shows are recommended for ages 5 and up.
- Nerds & Geeks VR Lounge: Immerse yourself in an alternate reality with an entire space filled with VR machines.
- Eagles Park: Eagles Park is great for kids of all ages! Older kids will love racing each other on the timed running lanes and obstacle course. Younger kids will like playing on a variety of playground equipment.
- Revel Surf Park Power/Warner: Revel Surf Park is one of the coolest new places to open in Mesa! The state-of-the-art surf park is scheduled to open in summer 2024 and you won’t want to miss it!
We hope this guide has helped you discover some of the best things to do in Mesa with kids!
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