Phoenix, AZ

Bring the family to Castles N' Coasters, where knights and princesses can ride roller coasters, splash around on the water rides, and play miniature golf. The rides here aren't all tame. You'll also find the Desert Storm coaster, with vertical drops, flips and spins on one wild ride.

Address: 9445 Metro Parkway East, Phoenix AZ 85051 - Map
Phone: (602) 997-7575
Web: www.castlesncoasters.com

Kids play to learn at the Children's Museum of Phoenix, where every exhibit is meant to be touched, prodded, broken down and rebuilt. Learning centers include an art studio, a book loft, a noodle forest and a rock n' roll ballroom. Let the fun begin!

Address: 215 N 7th St., Phoenix AZ 85034 - Map
Phone: (602) 253-0501
Web: www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

The Valley Youth Theatre is just the ticket for excellent, live productions for young audiences and by young actors and behind-the-scenes staff. The theater employs a children's orchestra and stages 6 or more productions each year. Learn more...

Address: 525 N. First St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 - Map
Phone: (602) 253-8188
Web: www.vyt.com

Keep them doggies movin' at the Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse. There's no time to sit still, because the western frontier town of Rawhide is open to cowboys and cowgirls of all ages. Go horseback riding on Main Street, then head to the steakhouse to enjoy a meal fit for a king.

Address: 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler AZ 85226 - Map
Phone: (480) 502-5600
Web: www.rawhide.com

Go on a mission to learn more about science and space at the Challenger Space Center. Fly simulated space flight missions, explore an Atlantis Space Shuttle model, or tour the Meteorite Exhibit.

Address: 21200 North 83rd Ave., Peoria AZ 85382 - Map
Phone: (623) 322-2001
Web: www.azchallenger.org

Head on down to Toy Town Play Center, where your young child can play and explore to their heart's content. Eight play houses include a dress up shop, a kitchen, a Domino's Pizza shop, a police station, a grocery store, an auto shop and a library. Train sets, tea parties and a castle bouncer round out the activities.

Address: 12020 S. Warner-Elliot Loop, Suite #105, Phoenix AZ 85044 - Map
Phone: (480) 496-4393
Web: www.aztoytown.com

Step back into the wild frontier days at the Pioneer Living History Village. The living history museum is replete with old homes and a bustling downtown, where costumed tour guides will take you to the blacksmith's shop and the sheriff's office.

Address: 3901 West Pioneer Rd., Phoenix AZ 85086 - Map
Phone: (623) 465-1052
Web: www.pioneeraz.org

Go all in for an afternoon of games and good times at Fiddlesticks Family Fun Center. Miniature golf, a 15-acre driving range, go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages and a video arcade mean there's plenty of crowd-pleasing options for everyone.

Address: 1155 West Elliot Road, Tempe AZ 85284 - Map
Phone: (480) 961-0800
Web: www.fiddlesticksaz.com

Watch favorite storybook characters come to life in the imaginative artistry of puppetry. At the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, you'll see classics like "Rumpelstiltskin" and "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," along with surprises like the adults-only Puppet Slam night.

Address: 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix AZ 85003 - Map
Phone: (602) 262-2050
Web: www.azpuppets.org

Take a tour of one of the largest stuffed animal factories, the Stuffington Bear Factory. This is where those stuffable bears, their outfits and the various stuffings are made. There are also party rooms and, of course, you can stuff your own bear after the tour.

Address: 2302 East Thomas Rd., Phoenix AZ 85016 - Map
Phone: (602) 225-9513
Web: www.stuffingtonbear.com

Gaze at an amazing array of marine life at the Sea Life Aquarium, a 26,000-square-foot indoor aquarium at the Arizona Mills mall. The aquarium features more than 5,000 different species, and there's even a touch tank for curious hands.

Address: 5000 Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe AZ 85282 - Map
Phone: (480) 478-7600
Web: www.visitsealife.com

It's every bit as whimsical as the name. Return to a simpler, more magical time at Enchanted Island, a specialty theme park for children ages 1 to 10. Ride the Encanto Carousel or pedal-boat across fish-filled lagoons. Games and carnival food are also part of the fun.

Address: 1202 West Encanto Blvd., Phoenix AZ 85007 - Map
Phone: (602) 254-1200
Web: www.enchantedisland.com

Let the little ones run wild at Imagination Avenue, the perfect place for a children's birthday party or a Saturday morning play date. Kids have the run of a huge play area that includes a kid-sized town with 9 different play houses.

Address: 10614 N. 32nd St., Phoenix AZ 85028 - Map
Phone: (602) 765-3192
Web: www.imaginationavenue.us