EmilySD

We live in San Diego and will be driving to PHX April 6-12th. I've discovered too many interesting places to visit during our vacation! We are staying at the Sunburst, and plan to venture out in the mornings, then relax and swim at the hotel in the afternoons. Here are my questions:

Which would you recommend for a 3yr old, who has been to SD zoo, wild animal park & seaworld many times; PHX zoo, Wildlife World zoo or Out of Africa? How do they differ?

Are there any activities directed toward 3 yr olds at the AZ Science Center, or will it be 'too old' for him?

Are any of the waterparks open yet in early April? Do they have toddler areas?

Which of the following would you recommend or not; Hall of Flame (fire engine museum), Champlin Fighter Aircraft Museum or McCormick-Stillman Railroad Museum? We have been to the RR museum at Balboa Park and my son loved it.

How about Enchanted Island or Castles & Coasters? Are these open in the evenings, maybe just on weekends? Any rides appropriate for 3 yr old?

We would like to miniature golf also, any course to recommend? I assume they are open evenings?

And any dining recommendations would be greatly appreciated! We love Mexican and Asian, as well as American.

Thank you so much for your time and advice! Have a great weekend!

Vacationer

The Sunburst is an excellent hotel choice--it has a great location. There is a great mini-golf area in the Pavillions shopping area (Pima/McDOnald road). Big Surf might be open (it's a large waterpark), but I think the water would still be cold in April (then again, I'm from Phoenix and everything is cold). Also, go to the McDonald Park (Scottsdale Road and McDonald). They have a great train that you and your son can ride on around the park.

As for food, try the Margarita Factory (I think it's on Scottsdale/Via de Ventura). They have great Mexican food, good service, and hundreds of margaritas to choose from. Have fun!

TheDish

Phoenix is wonderful. The waterparks (Waterworld) will not be open in April. I personally would not bring my 3 year old to the AZ Science Center but know many friends who bring their children of that age. My 3 yr old loves Castles and Coasters, but he's a real rollercoaster nut. (There are 2 such rides for the adventurous toddler...) There are also several rides for really little kids that are more sedate. Go during a weekday afternoon as Castles and Coasters has a reputation as a gang hangout in the evenings and on the weekends. It also has a neat miniature golf course that lots of fun. We love the Wildlife World Zoo. Lots of great, exotic animals. You can also get upclose views of lots of the animals. In fact, a few months ago, my husband (a local ER doctor) had a patient come in with a giraffe bite. He said that was a first! I believe the zoo has since changed the area somewhat to provide distance between the giraffes and the patrons! LOL! The zoo also has a cute train ride and boat ride (costs a little more, but worth it) and a fabulous playground equipment area. I've never been to the McCormick Railroad Museum but have heard that it is worth seeing. For Chinese food, I recommend Mr. C's on Scottsdale Road. Yummy food! Also, Bandera's on Scottsdale Road is very popular for the roasted chicken and garlic mashed potatoes. Very child friendly as well. I'll be happy to answer any additional questions you have. Have a wonderful visit to Phoenix.

bigtyke

Try Enchanted Island at ENcanto Park for an amusement park better suited for a 3 yr old. Out of Africa is quite different with its emphasis on the big cats.

McCormick RR Park is great for kids who like trains. Hall of Flame is good but I wouldn't do the Science Museum at that age

giro

McCormick/Stillman RR park is a most definite. In addition to the main train, they have mini trains local railroad hobbyists operate (mostly on the weekend). There's also a carousel; and playground etdc.
You might also consider Rawhide, (western town, rides, shops) which is north on Scottsdale Road.

EmilySD

Thank you all for the recommendations. We will definately go to the Wildlife World Zoo and the RR Museum.

I have thought of another question, are there any 'children's museums' in the PHX area, since the science center seems too old for him?

Any other dining recommendations? How about a good pancake breakfast? Thanks a lot!

grogargh

The "Margarita Factory"? Give me a break. That is anglo food that is called "Mexican." It is not authentic.

If you want "authentic" then go somewhere where at least the mexican americans are going to eat. You are going to see nothing but blond-hair/blue eyes in Snottsdale. If you want true mexican food eaten by Mexican american peeople, then it is not in Snottsdale. You must go where the "others" do not go - southwest Phoenix. 99% Mexican in this area. Probably not ok to be there at night, but there is more authentic than the forementioned place (The outrage!)

Stay away from the chains here also (like Garcias) A place I recommend that is authentic but not that far away is called "Panaderia Sonora." they have 2 locations - one on 19th avenue and thunderbird (pretty new place in north phoenix) and the other is in 43rd avenue and thomas (the mexican hood). The place is not glamorous but the food is authentic. Meat/burro/chicken/pork with rice/beans for a side. It is wonderful.

If you want pancakes then the only place I can recommend is the pankcake house around 68th street and camelback... just west of scotsdale road. They take cash only though.

kcooke

I think someone mentioned the Pavillions area on Indian Bend - good for games, etc. Also try Crackerjax north on S'dale Road. Re Out of Africa - I've taken my 3 yr old to the Zoo and OOA and the Zoo is, by far, much better. After awhile at OOA even I was saying, "look, another tiger". It got a little too boring for us.

karenvk

Emily - as annual vactioners to PHX to visit family (we'll be there April 12-20th this year so we just miss you), we've done just about everything you've mentioned. THis year my kids are 8 & 6 but we've been going for the past 8 years so here's my take on everything: The zoo is nice but nothing compared to SD Zoo. We have been to the other animal parks and enjoyed Out of Africa the best because the wild cat show was great, they have a ring where you get to touch animals such as gila monsters, tortoises, pythons etc...very cool. My son had just done a report on the snow leopard and we couldn't seem to find the one there so we asked the owner where he might be and she stopped what she was doing, took us to his cage (he was inside in the air conditioning) and she coaxed him out so my son could see him. It was a great experience. As for the AZ Science center, we go every year and if your 3 year old is curious, he will still enjoy it - it's a totally hands on museum with great permanent exhibits and some interesting temporary ones (when our son was 3 there was a lego exhibit - right up his alley).
The McCormick RR park (corner of Scottsdale and Indian Bend) is another place we hit at least once per visit. Along with the ride on train and other train memorabilia, there's a carousel that runs every 1/2 hour (alternating with the train) and there's a very nice playground as well. Don't miss it. You've gotten a lot of good restaurant recommendations although no one mentioned the Sugar Bowl which is an old fashioned ice cream parlor in Old Town Scottsdale.
Have a great trip!

bigtyke

I also recommed the Sugar Bowl.

There are 3 magazines/newspapers for children. I think they have websites - Raising Arizona Kids, Arizona Parenting, and Arizona Child

They have calendar sections that list all the goings on and have ads for various places that might be of interest

EmilySD

We are leaving on Sunday, and I just wanted to thank everyone for all the great information. Any last suggestions out there?

I will definatley post a trip report upon our return. Thank you!

travelinfamily

The Phoenix zoo is very unique, I do recommend it. Definatley go to Encanto to the enchanted Isle. everything is sized for the 3 year old, my daughter rode every ride when she was 2 and had a blast! It is the right price too at $5.00 for the kids to ride everything (at least that is the cost when we went)She also really liked the out of africa, kinda expensive but the shows were different and up close so she really enjoyed that!!

karenvk

Have a great trip! You'll have a wonderful time!

snarla

I love Enchanted Isle!! My parents would take us there when I was younger. Encanto Park is so beautiful..lots of great homes around there.
For ice cream, I would go to Mary Coyle's..it's close to the park. On 7th Ave, south of Bethany Home Rd. They have great homemade ice cream.

Even better..for dinner try Oregano's. They have great pizza and it's very family friendly. It happens to be close to the park as well 9th St. and Camelback.

Have fun!
snarla

bigtyke

You might also try Toy Town in the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix which has a small play town for children that young. Be sure to call to make sure they will be open as they sometimes close for private parties.