School is officially over and parents everywhere are left with the daunting task of keeping kids busy all summer long. For us Arizona parents, summers can be extremely challenging. Hot temperatures outside means kids can be pretty limited with activity options to keep boredom at bay.
If you’re looking for some ideas for new fun ways to keep the kids busy here are some fun activities I recently tried out with my two kids!!
1. Axe throwing at Hot Shot Axe Throwing
Kids 10 and up can try their aim at Hot Shots Axe Throwing in Tempe, AZ. My kids were pretty nervous at first but after a brief tutorial from their super helpful employees they were hooked!!! They have a ton of fun games and even do themed nights too. Plus you can bring your own food and drinks too!!
2. A Restaurant Crawl
Remember your old college days and pub crawls?? Well this is a more PG-13 version you can bring the kids along too!! We decided to mix up dinner night and hit up a few kid-friendly spots in Tempe. This took a little bit more planning out but was a super fun way to explore the city and try out restaurants we hadn’t been to before!
We recently did a restaurant crawl and started out at Snakes & Lattes for appetizers. They have a really fun vibe and you can even choose from 1000’s of board games to play while you enjoy your food and drinks!!
Next we visited Pedal Haus Brewery for dinner and then Sparky’s Old Town Creamery for dessert. All were in walking distance and super kid friendly. My husband was happy too because they had tons of TVs for watching the game at Pedal Haus and the drink menu did not disappoint!!
Here are a few tips for planning a restaurant crawl with kids:
1. Check menus to make sure they have something everyone will eat
2. Plan out your day/night and prepare the kids and let them know if you have to walk or drive around for each location. Give yourself plenty of time!!
3. Get the kids involved and let them pick the places!!
3. Escape Rooms
Another indoor activity to keep the kids cool are escape rooms. There are tons of family friendly escape rooms around Tempe that can keep the kids busy! Alcatraz Escape Games is right next door to Hot Shots Axe Throwing!! There is also Escape Rooms Tempe and Great Room Escape which are kid friendly too.
4. Kart Racing at DirtKart Real Racing
We haven’t tried this one yet but it’s definitely on my list!! There is no minimum age, but you must be 56″ to reach the pedals. Children under the age of 18 must bring a parent to sign their parental consent waiver. Races are 25 laps each and they do sell food and drinks too!!
5. Arizona Mills
This is one of our fave local malls that has tons of different family-friendly activities!! You can literally spend an entire day here shopping. eating, and keeping the kids entertained!
We love visiting the Sea Life Aquarium with the family!! They are home to Arizona’s only 360 degree ocean tunnel and have over 250 reduced species including turtles, sharks, sea horses, rays, and more!
Also located in Arizona Mills is Tilt Studio, a 40,000 square foot family entertainment center. Over 150 classes and modern interactive video games for the whole family to enjoy. Plus they have a a wide array of food and drinks for all ages too!!
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