Family-Friendly Resorts in Scottsdale AZ: Our Top Picks

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Are There Good Family Resorts in Scottsdale, AZ?

Yes—Scottsdale is actually one of the best destinations in the Southwest for a family resort vacation. While it’s often known for luxury and golf, many resorts here are surprisingly kid-friendly, with features like water slides, lazy rivers, kids’ clubs, and daily activities.

In fact, some of the top resorts in Scottsdale are designed to be full experiences, where families can spend entire days enjoying pools, games, and on-site entertainment without ever leaving the property. That’s honestly what I look for in a resort. Plus, I love watching my kids’ eyes grow wide when they see the awesome pools and game rooms these Scottsdale resorts have.

Whether you’re planning a spring break trip, a summer getaway, or a winter escape from colder weather, Scottsdale offers a wide range of family-friendly resorts for every budget and travel style.

• Best Family Resorts in Phoenix
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• An Honest Review of the JW Marriott Tucson Starr
• Arizona Resorts with the Best Pools
• Arizona Resorts with a Lazy River

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa – One of the only resorts in Scottsdale AZ for families with a lazy river

Not only does this resort have a 110-ft waterslide and a lazy river, the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa also features something you won’t find at many other Arizona resorts: surfing. Kids and adults can practice their surfing and bodyboarding skills on the Flowrider wave simulator at this resort property.

Other perks of the Westin Kierland Resort include a luxurious spa, a golf course and multiple on-site restaurants. There’s a kids club on the property along with various lawn games. On Fridays, you can check out the reptile presentation in the lobby, and on the weekends, you can make s’mores over the fire pit. Even better, you can use your Marriott points to redeem free nights at this resort.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – One of the more luxurious resorts in Scottsdale AZ for families

The kids never wanted to leave the pool area when we stayed at the Princess Scottsdale Resort and I don’t blame them. This property has six pools in total, two large waterslides, a sandy beach area, a dive-in movie and a fireworks show.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess also has a kids club for kids between the ages of 5 and 12, a fitness room and a rec center with various activities that the whole family can enjoy. You can grab fishing poles from the front desk and try your luck at one of the on-site ponds, and in the winter you can enjoy various seasonal activities such as ice skating and sledding in the desert.

No matter what time of year you visit, this is one of the most fun hotels for kids. Make sure you check out Christmas at the Scottsdale Princess Resort as well, if you’re thinking of visiting during the winter months.

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa

The Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa is a beautiful property with an incredible pool area that leaves little to be desired. In addition to 10 pools–yes, 10!, you’ll find a water slide, a 2.5 acre water playground, a sandy beach and a rock climbing wall. In addition to all of that, there’s a spa, various lawn games, a putting green and tennis courts.

On-site activities are plentiful at this Scottsdale family resort as well. There are guided nature walks, poolside games and competitions, and hands-on Native American projects, such as crafting and sand art. On Friday afternoons, you can catch a presentation of Arizona birds of prey followed by a Native American dance performance, and there is live music every weekend.

Find out how you can stay at some of these beautiful resorts for free when you have one of these amazing travel credit cards for families.

The Phoenician

I’m not even sure where to begin with The Phoenician–it has a whole lot going for it. There is truly something for everybody at this Scottsdale family resort. My personal favorite is the amazing pool deck. Younger kids love the splash pad featuring a suspension bridge and treehouse, spray guns and tipping buckets of water, while bigger kids gravitate to the 197-foot twisting waterslide. There’s an adults-only pool on site as well.

The entire family can gear up for some friendly competition in the 2100-square-foot game room, complete with an arcade and video games, board games, foosball, pool tables and shuffleboard. Or take the competition outside to the pickle ball and basketball courts. You can also enjoy a complimentary bike rental for two hours, to further explore the beautiful resort grounds or nearby attractions.

Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale – One of the resorts in Scottsdale AZ for families with older kids

If you’re looking for resorts in Scottsdale AZ for families with older children, this is the spot for you. The Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale is a resort that will please families looking for a bit of adventure. While you won’t find a kids club at this resort, you will find spacious rooms (from one to four-bedroom villas!), that allow you to spread out a bit.

And while there might not be water slides and play structures, there are other activities the family might enjoy, such as rock climbing clinics, desert hikes and mountain biking excursions. You can also sign up for a family golf clinic at The Boulders Golf Academy.

Hilton Vacation Club Scottsdale Villa Mirage

The Hilton Vacation Club Scottsdale Villa Mirage has spacious rooms for families to spread out in. Many of the rooms also come with complete kitchens, making meals easier on families. The resort is conveniently located near shops and restaurants, as well as the TPC Scottsdale Champions Golf Course.

There are numerous on-site amenities at the Hilton Vacation Club, including mini-golf, shuffleboard and basketball courts. There are also multiple pools, hot tubs, and a splash pad.

Great Wolf Lodge Arizona

I can’t make a list of resorts in Scottsdale AZ for families without mentioning The Great Wolf Lodge. It goes without saying that the Great Wolf Lodge in Arizona is designed completely with families in mind. Enjoy long days at the on-site waterpark, complete with water slides and water play grounds for all ages. Even if you book just one night, you can enjoy two days at the water park (they allow you to check in at 1pm on your arrival day and head straight to the water park.

In addition, the Great Wolf Lodge decorates and has various events during the holiday seasons, making it a fun place to visit all year long.

What Makes a Resort in Scottsdale Family-Friendly?

Not all resorts are created equal—especially when you’re traveling with kids. The best family resorts in Scottsdale typically include:

• Large pool complexes (often with water slides or lazy rivers)
• Kids’ clubs or organized activities
• Spacious rooms or suites for families
• On-site dining options (so you don’t have to leave!)
• Easy access to attractions like hiking, Old Town, or museums

For example, many top resorts in the area feature full “water playgrounds” and daily programming for kids, making them ideal for a laid-back vacation.

Best Time to Visit Scottsdale with Kids

Scottsdale is a year-round destination, but some seasons are definitely better than others for families.

• Spring (March–May): One of the best times to visit with warm weather, spring training baseball, and lots of outdoor activities
• Summer (June–August): HOT—but this is when resorts offer the best deals and fun pool programming for kids. We’ve scored great deals going in June. We just want to hang out in the pools or in the AC anyways, so we don’t mind!
• Fall (September–November): Fewer crowds and still warm enough for swimming
• Winter (December–February): Perfect weather for hiking and exploring (though pools may be cooler)

👉 For families, spring and fall are the sweet spots if you want great weather without extreme heat.

Tips for Visiting Scottsdale Resorts with Kids

If you’re planning a family trip to Scottsdale, here are a few tips that can make your stay even better:

• Book a resort with a great pool — this is where you’ll spend most of your time
• Check for included activities like crafts, movie nights, or wildlife experiences
• Bring sunscreen + hats — the desert sun is no joke
• Plan downtime — the heat can be draining, especially in summer
• Look for suite-style rooms if traveling with multiple kids

Many resorts offer enough amenities that you can treat your trip like an all-inclusive experience—even if meals aren’t included.

Things to Do Near Scottsdale Resorts with Kids

While the resorts are amazing, there’s also plenty to explore nearby:

• Visit Old Town Scottsdale for shopping and casual dining
• Explore the desert at McDowell Sonoran Preserve
• Check out family favorites like the Phoenix Zoo or OdySea Aquarium
• Take a day trip to Sedona for stunning red rock views

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Resorts in Scottsdale, AZ

What is the best family resort in Scottsdale?
Some of the most popular options include resorts with large pool complexes, kids’ clubs, and on-site activities designed specifically for families.

Are Scottsdale resorts good for kids?
Yes! Many resorts cater specifically to families, offering water features, games, and daily programming to keep kids entertained.

Do Scottsdale resorts have water parks?
Some resorts have water slides, lazy rivers, or splash areas, making them feel like mini water parks—perfect for kids.

Is Scottsdale too hot for kids in the summer?
It can be very hot, but many families still visit in summer because resorts offer lower prices and great pool amenities.

How many days do you need in Scottsdale with kids?
Most families find that 3–5 days is the perfect amount of time to enjoy both the resort and nearby attractions.

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