Written by: Mia
Updated: February 09, 2026
This guide covers Scottsdale’s best family outdoor activities: easy desert hikes, the Desert Botanical Garden, Salt River kayaking, horseback rides through open landscapes, stunning sunset spots, and relaxed golf courses. Each experience works for all ages and skill levels, letting you enjoy the desert at your own pace.
In Scottsdale, the landscape is alive with possibilities.
Gentle loops lined with saguaros. Cool river water that surprises you in the best way. Horses that carry you through quiet stretches of desert at a pace that feels timeless. And sunsets… the kind that make everyone pause, even the kids.
What I love most about Scottsdale’s outdoors is how accessible it is. You don’t need to train. You don’t need special gear. You don’t need to chase the biggest trails or the most intense adventures.
Here, the desert invites you to take it at your own rhythm; whether that’s wandering the wonderful Botanical Garden Phoenix, gliding across the Salt River, or simply watching the sky shift colors at day’s end.
At Scottsdale Rentals, we specialize in full-service vacation rental management, offering travelers a carefully curated selection of luxury homes across the Scottsdale area. With deep roots in the region, our team brings nearly two decades of experience and a genuine connection to the desert — because Scottsdale isn’t just where we work, it’s home.
From full local guides to last-minute tips and the amenities you can expect during your stay, we’re here to help you make the most of your time in the desert.
Today, we’re diving into the most family-friendly outdoor activities in and around Scottsdale. Ready to explore? Let’s step into the desert together.
Contents
- Go on Gentle Hiking & Nature Walks
- Spend an Afternoon at the Botanical Garden Phoenix
- Cool Off with Water Adventures on the Salt River or Lake Pleasant
- Experience the Desert on a Horseback Ride or Ranch Outing
- Slow Down with Sunset Views & Easy Sightseeing
- Play a Relaxed Round of Golf in the Desert
- FAQ: Outdoor Activities in and Around Scottsdale
1. Go on Gentle Hiking & Nature Walks
There’s something about starting with a gentle desert walk that just feels right, especially if you’re new to Scottsdale. I’ve walked the Bajada Nature Trail and the easy path to Hole in the Rock several times; they don’t demand much of you, and that’s the beauty of them.
These are trails that let you take in the desert one small detail at a time and help you settle into the rhythm of Arizona without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
They are the sweet spot for multi-generational groups: kids feel like little explorers without getting tired; grandparents can join without worrying about steep sections; and visitors get the “desert experience” but without the full workout.
Pro Local tips
Go early; that’s when the desert feels softest. However, if you’re heading to Papago Park for Hole in the Rock, aim for sunset and arrive a little before it. Bring water, even for the shortest walks. Desert rule.
2. Spend an Afternoon at the Botanical Garden Phoenix
Looking for something that’s a shade less wild? The Desert Botanical Garden, also known as the Botanical Garden Phoenix, is one of those places where the minute you step inside, your shoulders drop a little. It’s peaceful, beautifully designed, and full of plants that look like they belong on another planet.
Spread across 140 acres in Papago Park, the garden weaves together accessible paths, themed trails, art installations, and corners where hummingbirds hover close enough that you can hear their wings.
Visitors of all ages get a gentle introduction to what makes the Sonoran Desert so special. It’s also one of the easiest outings to pace however you like — wander slowly, stop often, linger in shaded pockets, or follow the trails end to end. There’s no pressure to “complete” anything. It’s more about being present, noticing, and enjoying the stillness.
Pro Local tips
Morning visits are magic. Spring brings wildflowers, and winter has some of the clearest skies for photography. If you’re traveling with younger kids, start with the Desert Discovery Loop.
3. Cool Off with Water Adventures on the Salt River or Lake Pleasant
It always surprises people that you can kayak, paddleboard, float, or raft just outside Scottsdale, but the Salt River and Lake Pleasant offer exactly that. These waterways create a much-needed contrast to the desert: cool water, gentle currents, and wide stretches of sky.
Along the Lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, you might spot wild horses coming down to drink, which always feels like a little bit of magic.
Kids adore anything involving water, and these outings are equal parts refreshing and easy. Parents appreciate that many of the guided options are beginner-friendly, and visitors love feeling like they’ve discovered a “secret Arizona.”
Pro Local tips
If seeing wild horses is on your list, go early. Mornings are peaceful and full of wildlife. And if you’re visiting with little kids, choose a guided raft or kayak tour where someone else handles the navigation. Wear water shoes; the riverbed can be rocky.
4. Experience the Desert on a Horseback Ride or Ranch Outing
There’s something timeless about seeing the desert from horseback. Places like MacDonald’s Ranch offer gentle rides through wide-open Sonoran landscapes, plus ranch-style experiences like hayrides, petting zoos, cowboy cookouts, and even moonlight tours. The pace is slow, the views are big, and the horses are steady enough for true beginners.
Kids really love the novelty of it. Adults enjoy the slow, scenic rhythm and the chance to experience the desert in a more intimate way. It’s also a great option for groups who want something memorable but not too physically demanding. No one has to train. No one has to keep up. You simply settle into the experience together.
Pro Local tips
Morning rides are cooler, and sunset rides are golden and cinematic. Wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a hat if you’re riding in full sun. Many ranch guides are incredible with kids.
5. Slow Down with Sunset Views & Easy Sightseeing
Arizona sunsets are something I feel as much as I see. The colors come in layers — pinks, purples, bright oranges — draped over saguaros and sandstone formations. It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting at Papago Park, standing at a McDowell Sonoran overlook, or watching from a casual pullout on the drive to Sedona, the moment always seems to slow everything down.
Sunset watching is the rare activity that works for absolutely everyone: kids can run around, parents can exhale, and visitors get one of the most iconic desert experiences without needing to plan a thing. In a destination full of adventure, this is the soft landing.
Pro Local tips
The best colors often happen early, so aim for 20–30 minutes before the actual sunset. Bring a light jacket in winter; the desert cools quickly once the sun slips behind the mountains.
6. Play a Relaxed Round of Golf in the Desert
One thing’s for sure: golf is woven into the rhythm of Scottsdale. With more than 200 courses in the Valley of the Sun (greater Scottsdale and Phoenix area), you’ll find everything from palm-lined fairways to wide, open desert-style layouts framed by boulders and big sky.
Courses like McCormick Ranch, The Phoenician, Grayhawk, and Rancho Mañana offer approachable experiences for families, beginners, and anyone who wants a day outside that feels equal parts scenic and easygoing.
Many courses offer junior clubs, beginner lessons, and family-friendly rates, so you don’t need to travel with gear or experience. What’s more, the desert landscape adds its own kind of magic: those sweeping mountain views, the warmth of the sun, and the contrast of bright greens against sandy terrain. Even if you’re not a golfer, it’s one of the gentlest ways to see the desert.
Pro Local tips
Book morning tee times if you’re visiting in spring or fall; the weather is kinder, and the light is beautiful. If you want something especially scenic, consider playing nine holes at The Phoenician in the late afternoon; the mountains glow as the sun drops.
FAQ: Outdoor Activities in and Around Scottsdale
What are some good outdoor activities near Scottsdale for adults?
Adults have plenty of options, whether you want something active or more laid-back. Sunrise hot air ballooning, kayaking on the Salt River, desert horseback rides, and guided hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve are all great choices. For something slower, sunset viewpoints and the Desert Botanical Garden offer beautiful, low-effort ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Are there outdoor activities in Phoenix that pair well with a Scottsdale stay?
Definitely. Phoenix is just next door, and many of the best outdoor activities in Phoenix overlap with Scottsdale’s desert landscape. Papago Park, Camelback Mountain, and the Phoenix Zoo are right on the border and easy to add to any itinerary.
What free outdoor activities in Phoenix, AZ can we enjoy?
The area has amazing free options: walking the trails at Papago Park, exploring the McDowell Sonoran Preserve (all trailheads are free), watching an Arizona sunset, or visiting the Hole in the Rock viewpoint. Even wandering Old Town Scottsdale is a fun, open-air activity.
What are the best Scottsdale family activities outdoors?
Families love gentle hikes, the Desert Botanical Garden, paddling days on the Salt River, and horseback rides at MacDonald’s Ranch. These outings are easy to adapt to different ages and comfort levels.
Are there Scottsdale activities for women traveling together?
Absolutely. Spa-and-hike mornings, botanical garden visits, horseback rides, wine tasting after a scenic walk, and sunset photo spots are all favorites for women’s trips. Many groups also enjoy guided desert tours for a fun, no-stress adventure.
Wondering how to make the most of your stay in Scottsdale?
Settle into one of our Scottsdale Rentals homes and enjoy a space that feels warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully prepared for your time in the desert.
In a world full of generic stays, we focus on creating homes that feel personal, places with character, comfort, and the small details that make travel easier. Your desert memories begin with the right home base, and we’re here to help you find the one that lets you settle in, slow down, and truly enjoy Scottsdale.
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