Planning for your family reunion in phoenix Arizona? Here are the top places and destinations to include in your things to do in phoenix Arizona
Already chosen Arizona? Read the Arizona Planning Guide.
Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden spans 140 acres of curated desert landscapes with five themed trails winding through plants from deserts worldwide. The wide, paved pathways allow groups of 15-50 to stroll together or break into smaller clusters without congestion. Group rates and guided tours are available for parties of 15 or more, with docents tailoring the experience to your reunion's interests. Shaded ramadas and gathering areas throughout the garden provide natural rest stops for regrouping. The stunning backdrop of red buttes at sunset creates unforgettable reunion photo opportunities for the whole family.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Adult admission is $30 and groups of 15 or more receive a 20 percent discount when booked at least 3 weeks in advance through the group sales office. The garden is fully ADA accessible with paved paths throughout all 5 themed trails and wheelchair rentals available for $8 at the entrance gate. From May through September daytime temperatures in Phoenix regularly exceed 110F so schedule visits before 9 AM or attend the evening flashlight tours that start at 7 PM.
Website: dbg.org
Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo houses over 3,000 animals representing species from around the world in naturalistic habitats. Open daily with admission fees, featuring animal encounters, educational programs, and seasonal events. Perfect for family reunions with children seeking wildlife experiences, interactive exhibits, and memorable animal encounters.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
General admission is $28 for adults and groups of 20 or more pay $22 per person when reservations are made at least 2 weeks in advance with a $75 non-refundable deposit. The zoo is fully ADA accessible with paved paths and offers wheelchair and stroller rentals at the main entrance for $10 per day. Heat warnings apply from May through September when temperatures exceed 110F so arrive at opening time of 7 AM during summer months and bring 1 liter of water per person per hour.
Website: phoenixzoo.org
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is one of the nation's premier museums dedicated to American Indian art and history, with 12 exhibition galleries spanning 130,000 square feet. Groups of 15-50 can book guided tours led by knowledgeable docents who bring Native American stories to life for all ages. The spacious courtyard and sculpture garden provide shaded outdoor gathering areas between gallery visits. The museum cafe seats large parties and serves Southwestern-inspired cuisine perfect for a reunion lunch. This is a culturally enriching experience that gives your group meaningful shared knowledge and conversation starters.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Adult admission is $22 and group rates of $16 per person apply for parties of 15 or more booked at least 10 days in advance through the group coordinator. The museum is fully ADA accessible on all floors with elevators and wheelchair-accessible restrooms and offers free wheelchairs at the front desk. Free parking is available in the museum lot with 150 spaces and 6 designated ADA spots near the main entrance.
Website: heard.org
South Mountain Park and Preserve
South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country at over 16,000 acres, offering 51 miles of trails with desert panoramas stretching to the horizon. The summit drive allows your entire reunion caravan to reach Dobbins Lookout together for sweeping city views without hiking. Multiple picnic ramadas with grills can be reserved for groups of 15-50, providing a home base for the day's adventures. Trail options range from flat, accessible paths to challenging summit hikes, so every fitness level finds their match. The sheer scale means your group never feels crowded, even on busy weekends.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Entry is free and the park opens at 5 AM year-round with ramada reservations available for groups of up to 100 people at $50 to $200 per day depending on ramada size. The Summit Road to Dobbins Lookout is paved and the lookout platform is ADA accessible with parking for 25 vehicles at the top. From May through September the park closes trails when temperatures exceed 110F so check the Phoenix Parks heat closure alerts before bringing your group.
Website: phoenix.gov
Papago Park
Papago Park features iconic red sandstone buttes, easy hiking trails, and the famous Hole-in-the-Rock formation that serves as a natural gathering amphitheater. The park's flat, interconnected trails let groups of 15-50 walk together comfortably while enjoying desert scenery and geological formations. Multiple large ramadas and picnic areas with restrooms can be reserved for reunion gatherings, barbecues, and group games. The park sits adjacent to the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden, making it easy to plan a full day of activities. Sunrise and sunset at Hole-in-the-Rock create spectacular photo backdrops that your reunion group will treasure.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The park is free to enter with multiple parking lots holding a combined 200 vehicles and the Hole-in-the-Rock trailhead lot fills by 8 AM on winter weekends. Picnic ramadas can be reserved for groups of 25 to 75 people at $75 per day through the Phoenix Parks reservation system with 3 weeks advance notice. The main paths and Hole-in-the-Rock trail are partially ADA accessible for the first quarter mile on packed gravel though the final ascent involves uneven rock steps.
Website: phoenix.gov
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum houses over 8,000 instruments from 200 countries and territories, with interactive galleries where visitors can play instruments from around the world. Groups of 15-50 receive wireless headsets that activate audio and video at each display, letting everyone explore at their own pace while staying connected. The Experience Gallery's hands-on instrument stations create joyful moments as family members of all ages try drums, guitars, and exotic instruments together. The museum's cafe and outdoor terrace accommodate large parties for meals between gallery visits. It is a universally engaging experience that bridges generational gaps through the shared language of music.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Adult admission is $24 and groups of 15 or more pay $18 per person when booked at least 2 weeks in advance with a dedicated group entrance to skip the general line. The museum is fully ADA accessible on both floors with elevators and provides wireless headsets that auto-activate at each display so visitors can move at their own pace. Free parking is available in the museum garage with over 600 spaces and the building is climate-controlled making it an ideal summer activity when outdoor temperatures exceed 110F.
Website: mim.org
Camelback Mountain
Camelback Mountain is Phoenix's most iconic landmark, offering two challenging summit trails with panoramic views of the entire Valley of the Sun from 2,704 feet. Groups of 15-50 can tackle the trails together with faster hikers waiting at rest points along the way, and the summit plateau provides space for your whole reunion to celebrate reaching the top. The Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail trailheads have parking for multiple vehicles, and early morning starts beat the heat while offering spectacular sunrise views. Even non-hikers can enjoy the base area parks and watch their family members ascend the distinctive camel-shaped ridge. Conquering Camelback together creates a powerful shared achievement that bonds your reunion group through physical challenge and mutual encouragement.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The Echo Canyon trailhead parking lot holds only 80 cars and requires a reservation through the Phoenix Parks app from October through May costing $7 per vehicle. The trails are not ADA accessible and involve steep scrambling sections with iron handrails so this is best suited for physically active family members only. From May through September the trails close at 11 AM when heat exceeds 100F and hikers must start before 5 AM to safely summit and return before closure.
Website: phoenix.gov
Ken O.
Founder of AmazingReunion and veteran reunion organizer who has coordinated 50+ family gatherings across the US.