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The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Family Fun in AZ

There’s a reason more families are adding Fountain Hills to their Arizona travel list—it’s easy to get to and the amenities make it enjoyable for all ages, interests, and group sizes.

Tucked just outside Phoenix, our small town delivers big for families. With wide-open parks, stroller-friendly trails, splash pads, and events that bring everyone outside, it’s no surprise that Arizona outdoor fun is what Fountain Hills is becoming known for.

You could easily spend a full week here exploring everything from the World Famous Fountain to lakeside picnic spots and mountain views. Whether you’re walking the art-lined streets of Downtown or heading out for a day of hiking and stargazing, this guide will help you make the most of your family vacation in Arizona.

Jump to a specific outdoor activity:

Want to catch an outdoor music festival, night sky event, or a family-friendly weekday market? Follow Experience Fountain Hills on Instagram (@experiencefountainhills) and keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming happenings like Cars and Coffee, the Farmer’s Market, or a kid-friendly dark sky experience.

Dark Skies for Families

When the sun sets in Fountain Hills, the stars come out to play—literally! As one of the world’s only certified Dark Sky Communities near a major metro area, Fountain Hills offers families a rare chance to see the night sky as it’s meant to be: wide, glittering, and crystal clear. Walk around Downtown Fountain Hills, eat dinner on a patio, or visit one of our many parks to experience dark skies. There’s no need to drive into the mountains or far from stores and amenities to take in the wonder of the night when you’re staying in Fountain Hills.

Why Families Love It

It’s not every day kids get to spot constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way with their own eyes. Whether it’s your toddler’s first telescope peek or a teen’s shot at capturing Saturn on a smartphone, stargazing here feels like both science and magic. There’s no city glare.

What to Expect

Stargazing in Fountain Hills is peaceful, spacious, and surprisingly accessible. Many families who vacation in Arizona include stargazing in their after-dinner activities when they stay in our small town. Extend your dark sky experience by signing up for an educational event, dark sky hike, or by camping in the McDowell Mountains. You don’t need to be an astronomy expert or astrophotographer to take in Arizona’s dark skies and nighttime outdoor fun.

What to Bring

  • A red flashlight or headlamp (to help with visibility while reducing light pollution on the trails)
  • A stargazing app like SkyView or Star Walk (to learn about the night sky, constellations, and rising and falling planets)
  • Binoculars or a telescope (for a better view; optional but fun)
  • Warm layers in winter months
  • Water, especially in warmer seasons
  • A blanket or camping chairs (if you’re viewing dark skies in any of our Fountain Hills parks, Downtown, or in wilderness areas)
  • Sturdy tennis or walking shoes (if you’re hiking or enjoying dark skies in wilderness areas)

Where to Go

Here are some of the top dark sky spots that are easy to access and family-tested:

A short, moderately steep hike (about 0.6 mi loop) with sweeping views of the fountain and skyline. A great place for outdoor hiking adventures, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.
  • Parking: Park anywhere around Fountain Park to access the trailhead. If you start the trail outside of the park, look for marked street parking.
An easy 15-minute walk with native plants and subtle lighting—perfect for a quiet stroll as the sun rises or sets.
  • Parking: Free public lot off Fountain Hills Blvd
  • Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Less foot traffic and more desert horizon. Great for families with older kids or teens.
  • Parking: Small parking lot can fill up quickly. Public restrooms are available at trailhead.
Even if you're not staying there, you can catch special dark sky events and occasional public telescope nights.
  • Parking: Valet or self-parking available. Guests have guaranteed access, non-guests should confirm before visiting for events.
  • Hours: Check their calendar or with the front desk for exact event timing.
Explore all Dark Sky Viewing Spots

Nearby Fountain Hills Restaurants & Eats

If you want to grab a bite before or after your stargazing session and outdoor activities, here are a few local favorites, some within a few minutes’ walk of top dark sky areas:

Closest Gas Station

Chevron Fountain Hills at 13779 N Fountain Hills Blvd is less than 5 minutes from the main dark sky viewing areas. It’s open 24/7 and stocked with drinks, snacks, and last-minute essentials for your dark sky outing.

Fountain Park For All Day Outdoor Family Fun

At the heart of Fountain Hills lies Fountain Park, a 64-acre oasis that's as much a playground for families as it is a community gathering spot. Plan a picnic under the palms, play on two awesome playgrounds, and watch the iconic fountain soar. This park is a must-visit for Arizona outdoor fun.

Parking & Restrooms

Multiple parking areas are available around the park, including near the playgrounds, splash pad, and restrooms. Street parking is also accessible.


Park Highlights

  • World Famous Fountain: Shoots water every hour on the hour for 15 minutes from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, reaching up to 560 feet. During specific special events, like our winter Stroll in the Glow and summer Fourth on the Fountain, the fountain is also lit up, providing onlookers with a colorful light show.
  • Rotary Splash Pad: Open from the second Saturday in April until the last Sunday in September, 9:00 AM to sunset.
  • Playgrounds and open grass spaces: Open until 9:00 PM, families can enjoy our various kids’ areas, including a
    • Multi-level play structure with 3D rock climbing, swinging ropes, a three-story slide, and more!
    • Musical instrument park with multiple xylophones, drums, and other instruments to have kids make their own music.
    • Over 35 acres of green turf around the World Famous Fountain, allowing children to run, jump, and play around the fountain. Some areas are shaded.
  • Disc golf course: Open and available to the public, families and groups can enjoy our championship disc golf course.
  • Public Art Walk: Fountain Park is home to 36 pieces of the town’s 150 public outdoor art collection. The Public Art Walk is free and self-guided.
  • Walking trail: A scenic path encircles the lake, perfect for leisurely strolls with the whole family, including dogs.

Nearby Restaurants


Nearby Gas Station

Chevron Fountain Hills at 13779 N Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.


Other Family-Friendly Parks in Fountain Hills

Beyond Fountain Park, Fountain Hills offers several other parks perfect for families seeking outdoor fun.

Golden Eagle Park

  • Location: 15900 E Golden Eagle Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
  • Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Parking: Plenty of parking available on-site
  • Highlights:
    • Playgrounds: Multiple play structures suitable for various age groups
    • Sports facilities: Baseball fields, soccer fields, and tennis courts
    • Picnic areas: Shaded ramadas equipped with tables and grills
  • Nearby Restaurants:

Four Peaks Park

  • Location: 14825 N Del Cambre Ave, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
  • Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Parking: On-site parking available
  • Highlights:
    • Playgrounds: Modern play equipment suitable for all ages
    • Sports courts: Basketball and sand volleyball courts
    • Open fields: Large grassy areas perfect for picnics and casual games
  • Nearby Restaurant: Maskadores Taco Shop: Southwestern cuisine with kid-friendly options.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park Picnics & Hiking

Set against the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains, this regional park offers wide-open spaces, scenic trails, and peaceful picnic spots that make it an outdoor adventure destination for families.

Parking

Plenty of parking is available at trailheads, the visitor center, and designated picnic areas. Day-use fee is $7 per vehicle.


What You’ll Find

  • Family-friendly trails: Trails like the North Trail (3.1 miles) offer gentle elevation and hard-packed surfaces that are bike and stroller-friendly
  • Picnic spots: Look for shaded ramadas with tables and grills—great for relaxing after a hike.
  • Nature center: Kids can learn about desert wildlife, touch real animal pelts, and pick up junior ranger activity guides
  • Wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for desert tortoises, hawks, and lizards along the paths

Nearby Gas Station

Chevron Fountain Hills at 13779 N Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.

Fort McDowell Adventures for a Planned Family Western Experience

Looking for something beyond hiking and parks? Fort McDowell Adventures brings the spirit of the Old West to life with activities that are fun for all ages, especially kids with big imaginations.

  • Location: 14803 N Hiawatha Hood Rd, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 (just 8 miles, about a 15-minute drive, from Downtown Fountain Hills)
  • Hours: Hours vary by activity and event, but most programs run between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Reservations recommended for large groups or special events.

Parking

Free on-site parking with lots of space for large vehicles, RVs, and group shuttles.


What You’ll Find

  • Horseback & Pony Rides: Guided rides through desert trails for ages 8 and up during the fall, winter, and spring (closed during the summer season: May 31–September 15. Weight limit: 280 lbs).
  • Hayrides & Cowboy Cookouts: Bookable in advance, these are perfect for family reunions or group outings
  • Cultural Experiences: Learn about the Yavapai Nation through storytelling, music, and craft activities
  • Zip Lines & Ropes Course: For adventurous teens or older kids with a taste for thrills

Nearby Gas Station

Chevron at 10180 N Fort McDowell Rd, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 (right at the entrance to the reservation area).

Saguaro Lake Rentals for Arizona Outdoor Fun

If your crew’s craving time on the water, Saguaro Lake is where desert landscapes meet lake life. Just under 30 minutes from Fountain Hills, it’s the perfect place for families to rent a pontoon boat, paddleboard, or kayak. For a guided experience, sign up for Saguaro Lake’s Cruise, where families can go on a narrated tour or listen to live music on the lake.

  • Location: Saguaro Lake Marina, 14011 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215 (about 21 miles, approx. 30 minutes, from Downtown Fountain Hills via AZ-87 and Bush Highway).
  • Hours: Rentals typically run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some variation by season. Reservations are highly recommended for weekends and holidays.

Parking

Paid parking is available near the marina ($8–$10 per vehicle). It fills up very quickly on weekends, so aim to arrive as early as possible.


What You’ll Find

  • Pontoon & Kayak Rentals: Family-friendly and easy to navigate, even for beginners
  • Picnic Beaches: Butcher Jones Beach has a shaded picnic area, restrooms, and a roped-off swimming zone great for kids
  • Scenic Cruises: Desert Belle Cruises is a relaxing option if you want views without the effort

Safety first! Life jackets are included with rentals. Bring water shoes for rocky shores and a dry bag for your phone. It’s always a good idea to bring a small first aid kit too.


Nearby Gas Station

Circle K at 17125 E Shea Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.


Surprise Stop for Your Kids

The Butcher Jones Trailhead near the beach features an easy out-and-back trail where kids can spot wild horses drinking from the lake’s edge. It’s an unforgettable sight if you catch it!


River of Time Tours for Family Learning

Right in the heart of Fountain Hills, this compact museum makes Arizona history fun and interactive for kids—especially when you pair it with one of their hands-on walking or storytelling tours.

  • Location: 12901 N La Montana Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (just a block from Fountain Park in Downtown Fountain Hills)
  • Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Guided tours are often scheduled in advance. The museum is closed all of July, August, and September for the summer.

Parking

Free public parking is available next to the museum and throughout the Downtown area.


What You’ll Find

  • Interactive Exhibits: Touch-and-feel displays, scavenger hunts, and kid-friendly videos bring Arizona’s past to life
  • Walking Tours: Learn about the Salt River, the town’s founding, and the Yavapai people through storytelling and guided exploration
  • Special Events: Seasonal programming includes youth workshops, family days, and themed history tours

Nearby Restaurants

  • Georgie’s: All-American comfort food with indoor dining and an outdoor patio & full bar.
  • Mountain View Kitchen: Casual restaurant with gluten-free and vegan options.

Nearby Gas Station

Chevron Fountain Hills at 13779 N Fountain Hills Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.


Surprise Stop for Your Kids

Start the Public Art Walk right outside the museum. Kids love posing with bronze sculptures and checking out the giant eagle statue around the corner.

Salt River Pima Indian Community Boardwalk Stops for Endless Kids Activities

Just 20 minutes from Fountain Hills, the Talking Stick Entertainment District is home to some of the best kid-friendly attractions in the state. From butterflies and sharks to touch tanks and stingrays, this stretch of entertainment hits the sweet spot between fun and educational. The Boardwalk offers various attractions, restaurant options, and seasonal exhibits connected through outdoor walkways, dining patios, and kids outdoor play areas.

Parking

Free and plentiful parking is available in the shared lot between attractions.


What You’ll Find

  • Butterfly Wonderland: The largest butterfly conservatory in the U.S. Families walk through a rainforest habitat filled with thousands of butterflies, then explore exhibits on honeybees, rainforest reptiles, and ocean creatures. The 3D movie is a surprise hit with kids.
  • OdySea Aquarium: With over 6,000 animals and 300 species, this massive indoor aquarium includes touch pools, rotating exhibits, and an underwater viewing experience inside a moving carousel theater.
  • Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs: Walk-through dinosaur park with animatronic displays, fossil digging, and interactive activities that younger kids especially enjoy.
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: See hundreds of out-of-this-world exhibits that celebrate both the weird and the unusual, up close and personal.
  • Museum of Illusions: Experience over 60 eye-fooling illusions that make you question your sense of reality with this unique destination for people of all ages.

See All Boardwalk Attractions


Nearby Gas Station

Shell at 8233 N Vía Paseo del Norte, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (2.5 miles from the Boardwalk)


Surprise Stop for Your Kids

Outside the aquarium, there’s a splash pad and pop-up carnival rides on weekends. Nearby candy shops and ice cream stands make it easy to end the day on a sweet note.

Annual Outdoor Events in Fountain Hills, AZ

Don’t miss these family-friendly annual events in town! If your family is vacationing in Arizona, you’ll want to stop by these outdoor happenings for the main show, as well as other outdoor activities, food trucks, and more.


Dark Sky Festival

Celebrate Fountain Hills’ status as an International Dark Sky Community with hands-on exhibits, telescope viewings, and kid-friendly science activities.

  • Location: 13001 N La Montana, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (Fountain Hills Community Center)
  • Hours: One evening in late March or early April, typically 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
  • Parking: Free parking available throughout the downtown area. Come early for the best spots.
  • What You’ll Find: NASA exhibits, telescope stations, food trucks, and interactive booths. Kids love building their own rockets and meeting local astronomers.

Fourth at the Fountain

The town’s classic Fourth of July celebration, with bounce houses, music, and a firework show over the lake.

  • Location: Fountain Park, 12925 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
  • Hours: July 4th, 6:30 PM–9:30 PM
  • Parking: Free parking is available, but fills up quickly. Many families walk from nearby hotels or grab dinner downtown first.
  • What You’ll Find: Live music, kids’ activities, glow sticks galore, and a show-stopping fireworks display reflected over the fountain.

Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts

One of the Southwest’s biggest art fairs, featuring over 500 artists, musicians, and food vendors.

  • Location: Downtown Fountain Hills, across from Fountain Park
  • Hours: Held in February and November, Friday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Parking: Free street and lot parking
  • What You’ll Find: Handmade art, jewelry, ceramics, and a kids’ creation station for crafts and face painting

Music Fest

A laid-back evening of live music, food trucks, and family lawn games at the amphitheater.

  • Location: Fountain Park Amphitheater
  • Hours: Typically late March or early April, Saturday night
  • Parking: Free lots near the park; bring a blanket for the lawn
  • What You’ll Find: Rotating bands, relaxed vibes, and kids dancing barefoot in the grass

Experience Fountain Hills

Whether your idea of fun is stargazing under some of the darkest skies in Arizona, kayaking on a scenic lake, or wandering art-filled streets—Fountain Hills makes Arizona outdoor family fun magical. With walkable parks, family-friendly events, and natural beauty in every direction, it’s the kind of place where vacation memories come easily.

Planning your family vacation in Arizona for a long weekend or a full week? You’ll find options for every travel style. For a quiet retreat with views, try Inn at Eagle Mountain or Fountain Park Hotel. Want pool time and family suites? ADERO Scottsdale is less than 10 minutes from Downtown. RV travelers can park at Eagle View RV Resort, which has kid-friendly features and great mountain views. And if you’re looking for something more affordable, Fountain Hills has a Spark by Hilton.

Still have questions? Reach out to our tourism team or connect with us on Instagram.


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