When school's out and the kids are at home all day, the last thing you want is for them to spend their time on couch-potato pastimes that promote a sedentary lifestyle and bring with it the attendant health risks. Still, the scorching desert heat of Phoenix in the summertime make the idea of a day out doors a bit less appealing. Taking an occasional break from the sweltering rays of the sun by visiting one of the many kid-friendly, indoor amenities that Phoenix has to offer is an idea that both you and your brood will appreciate.
- Children's Museum of Phoenix – Located within the historic Monroe School, a seventy-thousand square-foot building, The Children's Museum of Phoenix is backed with a plethora of educational exhibits, installations and hands-on learning opportunities. Climbing structures abound that are fit for kids of all ages, along with a dedicated toddler area for the smaller set.
- Arizona Museum for Youth – Recommended for kids from infancy up to twelve years old, the Arizona Museum for Youth is located in nearby Mesa, Arizona. Rotating exhibits ensure that there's something new to see on a regular basis, while easy-to-understand labeling allows kids to see what they can and cannot touch. Classes and workshops are also available for local kids, as is a Tot Town center for little ones under the age of two.
- Challenger Space Center – Few things get kids revved up like the idea of outer space, which is why a trip to the Challenger Space Center is a surefire hit with the smaller set. Located in Peoria, Arizona, the CSC is packed with three levels of exhibits and simulations, so bring your space-crazy kids for a bit of educational, indoor fun that helps you beat the heat without breaking a sweat.
- Pump It Up – It's important to foster a love of physical activity and an active lifestyle in kids, but it's not always easy to encourage physical play when the mercury creeps into the triple digits. That's where places like the inflatable fun house at Pump It Up come in handy. A national chain with a location just outside of Phoenix, Pump It Up keeps the kids hopping.
- Arizona Science Center – From the wonders of the human body to the Dorrance Planetarium's exploration of the solar system, the Arizona Science Center is packed with enough awesome exhibits to keep kids entertained for an entire day. The Science Center is also wheelchair and stroller accessible, so there won't be any mobility issues.
- Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse – It's hard to resist a replica of the Old West, even if some of the action takes place out on the streets. When the sun saps your energy, mosey back into the sweet, air-conditioned bliss of the many retail shops and sizable steakhouse on the premises. Keep an eye out for the frequent special events and festivals that take place on the Rawhide property, too!
- Imagination Avenue – Climate controlled and parent supervised, Imagination Avenue is a place where kids can kick of their shoes and fall into a world of make-believe. With a miniature town designed to foster imaginative play in a social environment, Imagination Avenue is home to a fire station, jail, bakery, dress shop, hospital, school, market, house and even a Home Depot!
- Hubbard Family Swim School – Swimming is a valuable skill that can keep kids safe in the water while simultaneously fostering an appreciation for athletics and active play. Thanks to the Hubbard Family Swim School, those lessons can also happen indoors. No longer are your kids' swim classes subjected to the whims of the elements!
- Makutu's Island – With a twenty-five foot oak tree and a thirty-five food slide, Makutu's Island is a twenty-thousand square-foot haven for kids. Little ones of all ages will find something to tickle their fancy in this climate controlled, activity-packed environment.
- Jambo! Indoor Amusement Parks – Educational destinations definitely have their merits, but there's also something to be said for pure, unadulterated fun. When the temperatures soar, though, the last place you want to be is a crowded, hot amusement park. That's where Jambo comes in handy, as it's a fully self-contained amusement park housed within an indoor facility.
While it's important to exercise common-sense precautions like slathering the kids with sunscreen and making sure they drink plenty of water, it also pays to keep the many exciting outdoor adventures the city of Phoenix and the surrounding area has to offer. Don't miss out on a great time just because the mercury is rising! Taking the occasional outdoor outing is fun and exciting for the entire family.
Resources:
http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/kids/20120322top-indoor-activities-k...
http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/category/phoenix-az-usa/places-to-g...
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