17 Best Outdoor Activities in Scottsdale (Arizona)

Each year Scottsdale welcomes 9 million vacationers seeking sunshine and memorable fun. In fact, many visitors love Scottsdale so much, they return year after year. Whether you’re coming to Scottsdale for the first time, planning a return visit, considering a move to my gorgeous hometown in Arizona, or you already reside here — this extraordinary city in the Sonoran Desert offers plenty of things to do outside year-round. Make lasting memories with this list of the best Scottsdale outdoor activities!

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1. Hot Air Ballooning Over the Valley of the Sun

With 300 days of sunshine per year in Scottsdale, the area offers more flyable days than anywhere else in the country. Floating above the desert in a hot air balloon is an experience you will long remember.

My husband and I celebrated one Valentine’s Day in Scottsdale by embarking on our first balloon flight together. What could be more romantic than floating over the Valley of the Sun with your honey?

Of course, family and friend flights (age 5+) would be super fun, too! Choose from shared or private flights with Hot Air Expeditions and Rainbow Ryders.

2. Horseback Trail Rides and Desert Cookouts

Growing up in Scottsdale, I fell in love with horseback riding during my first-ever trail ride. It took place at MacDonald’s Ranch. That led to years of lessons, competitions, and ribbons now tucked away in a box at my childhood home.

MacDonald’s Ranch Horseback Riding

I bet you’ll fall in love with horseback riding here, too, especially after a trail ride through the desert landscape with a view of mountain peaks in the distance. In addition to guided trail rides, MacDonald’s Ranch also offers pony rides for children plus a free petting zoo and outdoor games like horseshoes and “steer” roping. 

Hayride and Stagecoach Tours

If traveling with a group of eight or more, then book a MacDonald’s Ranch desert cookout along with a hayride or stagecoach tour for a truly unique experience.

When I was a college student at Arizona State University in Tempe, the MacDonald’s Ranch cookout was the most memorable activity my business fraternity ever did together. There’s something so incredible about eating outdoors beside a campfire under a starry desert sky, surrounded by nothing but cacti and tumbleweeds.

3. Sonoran Desert Hikes

Desert hiking in Scottsdale is beautiful year-round. Early risers are rewarded in summer with cooler mornings and spectacular sunrise views. In fall, temps begin to drop, allowing hikers to hit the trails any time of day. In winter, visitors revel on snow-free trails while friends in colder climates are stuck indoors or shoveling driveways.

The best time of year to visit Scottsdale for hiking and other outdoor activities, though, is spring. That’s when an array of cactus blossoms add colorful vibrancy and sweet scents to the Sonoran Desert.

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers 225 miles of trails of various lengths and levels of difficulty. I suggest heading to Gateway Trailhead and then picking which path works best for your crew.

For stunning views of the Valley of the Sun, choose the moderate Lost Dog Wash Trail to Sunset Peak. This hike-in-and-back route will take about 3-3.5 hours or longer with children.

This trek is a rite of passage for some Scottsdale kids since it’s a traditional fourth-grade local school field trip. As a nature lover, I volunteered to chaperone both my daughter’s and my son’s hikes when it was their turn. Everyone packed a picnic lunch to celebrate our accomplishment at the top of Sunset Peak.

4. Bicycling in Scottsdale

From mountain biking on desert trails to rolling on easy paved paths and following bike tours — it’s fun to explore Scottsdale on two wheels. Rent bicycles from REI Co-op Experiences or Pedego Scottsdale.

Mountain Biking

Get out of the city and into nature on a mountain bike. Newbies are best off booking a guided tour with experts like 360 Adventures or REI.

My mountain biking brother, Mike, recommends the trails at McDowell Sonoran Preserve. For intermediate riders, he says, “If you want a trail with lots of ups and downs and awesome opportunities to catch some air, the Sport Loop is super fun!”

Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt

For a less intimidating adventure, you can’t go wrong with a bike ride on Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt. This lovely 22-mile multi-use trail stretches all the way from Scottsdale’s WestWorld event center to Tempe Town Lake in neighboring college town Tempe. Lined by grass and mostly tucked away from traffic, this is a bucolic paved path for bikers.

Don’t be surprised if you see horseback riders making use of Indian Bend Wash, either. My son and I were delighted to come across a pony club out for a trot with their ponies and carts during one of our bike rides.

E-Bike Tours

Cover a lot of ground with ease during an e-bike tour. Choose a Greenbelt Tour or a Paved Path Desert Tour with 360 Adventures.

5. Chaparral Park Playtime

Chaparral Park has a little bit of everything for outdoor play. The Indian Bend Wash Trail wanders right through this pretty green space. Bike or walk around the park’s 10-acre lake, which is stocked for anglers. On weekends, find sports fields and courts filled with locals playing baseball, basketball, and volleyball.

Children of all abilities will love playing on the wheelchair-accessible playground at Chaparral Park. The equipment was designed to meet the needs of children with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities.

If that weren’t enough, the Chaparral Aquatic Center boasts a zero-entry pool, splash pad, lap swimming, and a high dive.

6. Spring Training and Regular Season Baseball

Spring and summer are both baseball seasons in Scottsdale.

Cactus League Spring Training

Fifteen Major League Baseball teams call Arizona their spring training home including the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants. Games are played at 10 different locations throughout the Valley, including Scottsdale Stadium and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale.

Families may want to buy affordable lawn seats to let kids run around and play during the game. (Bring a beach blanket or hotel towels to sit on!) Serious fans of the game, though, will want to invest in assigned seats for a better view and more shade. Just like at regular-season games, concessions are available for your munching pleasure. 

Arizona Diamondbacks Regular Season

The home team Arizona Diamondbacks play regular MLB season home games in Phoenix at Chase Field. Its impressive retractable roof was the first of its kind built over a natural grass field (which was replaced with synthetic turf in 2019). Often, evening games will start out covered, and then the roof will magically open as temperatures drop.

7. Golfing Options for All

The Scottsdale area boasts over 200 golf courses. Of course, spring is the most beautiful time of year to hit the links in Scottsdale with ideal temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. Budget seekers, however, will appreciate discount pricing on world-class courses in summer in Scottsdale.

Waste Management Phoenix Open

Every February, golf lovers flock to the Valley to attend the Waste Management Phoenix Open. One of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, the Phoenix Open takes place at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) Scottsdale. This 36-hole course is open to the public and offers private lessons for adults and kids alike. 

For a golf-themed night out on the town, reserve a bay at Topgolf Scottsdale. Here you and your travel partners can dine and drink while hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets on an outfield. My sister-in-law celebrated a memorable milestone birthday here by reserving a bunch of bays for friends and family. 

Even little ones and those intimidated by the big courses can get in on the golfing fun in Scottsdale at Glow Putt‘s glow-in-the-dark indoor miniature golf course. For outdoor mini golf play, head to Castles N’ Coasters theme park in Phoenix or Golfland Sunsplash waterpark in Mesa.

8. ATV and Hummer Tours

Get your heart pumping by exploring the great outdoors via an ATV or Hummer tour during your Scottsdale vacation. Stellar Adventures leads guided ATV tours or you can romp through the desert as a passenger in a Hummer or Blazer.

9. Outdoor Shopping

Thankfully, shopping need not be confined to indoor venues. Indeed you can get your retail fix while enjoying the outdoors in Scottsdale.

Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter

Located across the street from one another, Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter feel more like they’re part of a trendy uptown shopping district than mere shopping malls. With over 150 retail stores between the two, you’re sure to find what’s on your shopping list. Expect national chains like Apple, Gap, and Coach as well as specialty shops unique to Scottsdale. In summer, bring swimsuits and towels for children so they can cool off in the pop-jet fountain at the Quarter.

Old Town Scottsdale

You’ll find over 225 shops, art galleries, and restaurants in charming Old Town Scottsdale. Look for Southwestern jewelry (especially turquoise and silver), art by local and international artists, clothing boutiques, and souvenir stores in this walkable area of South Scottsdale. Come to the Entertainment District here at night to hit the clubs and listen to live music, dance, and enjoy drinks with locals and tourists alike.

For more than 45 years, Old Town Scottsdale has welcomed visitors to the Scottsdale ArtWalk on Thursday evenings with refreshments, live music, and special exhibits. Also, from October through May, shop for fresh produce, flowers, tamales, artisan bread, and more on Saturday mornings at the Old Town Farmers Market.

10. Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza

Before or after strolling through the shops in Old Town Scottsdale, explore the Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza. This beautiful space is filled with whimsical sculptures, an outdoor amphitheater, flower-filled gardens, and bubbling fountains.

Keep your eyes open for brides and bridegrooms. This is a popular spot for wedding photos.

Everyone wants to snap pics of the popular LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana. My favorite piece of public art here, however, is Windows to the West. That’s partially because I have fond memories of posing here for photos with my high school friends back in the day. This abstract expressionist metal sculpture by Louise Nevelson was installed in 1970. 

11. Segway Tours

Segway of Scottsdale leads 2-hour tours through historic Old Town Scottsdale. Mic and earpieces in their bright orange helmets help keep riders safe and informed during the 6-mile tour past art galleries, the Civic Center Mall, Scottsdale Waterfront, and more. (Participants must be aged 12 to 75.)

In addition to Old Town Scottsdale daytime tours, Scottsdale Segway Tours offers a culinary Segway excursion. You can also sign up for a Sunsets, Segways and City Lights option to roll around Scottsdale under the stars.

12. Tour Scottsdale via Golf Cart

JoyRidesAZ will cart your crew around Scottsdale so you can focus on fun. Choose from golf cart tours with themes like beer or wine tasting, urban history, gelato sampling, and more.

One to five guests can be seated comfortably with seat belts per vehicle. You can book more than one cart as needed, making this a great group activity.

13. Boating and Beyond at Saguaro Lake

Just 45 minutes from Scottsdale, Saguaro Lake is a real-life oasis in the desert. Located within Tonto National Park, this lake offers nearly 2 square miles of water and 22 miles of shoreline. 

Boat Rentals

Saguaro Lake makes a great spot for boating and boarding. Sign up for a guided kayaking tour before you go. Or, rent pontoons, fishing boats, and personal watercrafts onsite at the Saguaro Lake Marina. You can also rent paddleboards in advance from Riverbound Sports or at Butcher Jones Beach on select dates.

Beach Day

Butcher Jones Beach offers a sandy beach and picnic tables. Plan to arrive early in the day during spring and summer because this area fills up fast.

Desert Belle Cruise

Want to get out on the water but leave the skippering to someone else? Book a Desert Belle Cruise for an 80-minute Narrated Cruise, Live Music Cruise, or Wine Cruise. My parents treated my family of four to the narrated boat ride. We were blown away by the beauty of the lake and the surrounding cactus-dotted cliffs. What a great option for multigenerational groups!

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

You can even book a nature-focused Scottsdale vacation at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch in one of 20 rustic cabins. For an additional cost, they offer kayak, tubing, and horseback riding excursions plus pony rides for kids ages 2 to 6.

14. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

If you’re traveling with children, then Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a must. The star attraction is the ride-on Paradise Pacific Railroad, which chugs through the grassy park.

I’ve been bringing my children to this park since they were wee. They would clap with joy when boarding the miniature train and wave to their grandma as they spun in circles on the Scottsdale Charros Carousel. I also have such sweet memories from when I was a child myself of climbing and sliding in the park’s vast playground and pretending to be cowboys in the smaller Old West-themed play area.

15. Alfresco Dining

Why dine inside when there are so many fantastic alfresco dining options in Scottsdale?

Olive & Ivy

Locals love Olive & Ivy‘s large outdoor patio shaded by leafy trees as well as their tasty Mediterranean cuisine.

The Vig

With several locations in the Valley, The Vig is always an entertaining and appetizing choice with its cushy outdoor seating, fire pits, and upscale neighborhood tavern menu.

Mesquite Grille

My family loves to eat outdoors at the Mesquite Grille with its sweeping views of the McDowell Mountain Golf Club greens plus live musicians, a roaring outdoor fireplace in winter, and corn hole games to keep the kids content.

Brat Haus

For a playful, German-themed meal head to the beer garden at Brat Haus for craft beers, artisan sausages, golden pretzels, and patio games like ping pong and life-sized Jenga.

16. Water Parks

With so much sunshine, it’s no surprise that water parks are plentiful in Scottsdale and the surrounding areas. Hours vary by season, so be sure to check online before you go.

Big Surf

Opened in 1969, Big Surf in Tempe is home to the world’s first wave machine.

Six Flags Hurrican Harbor

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is the largest water park in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

Golfland Sunsplash

Meanwhile, fans of the original Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure may recognize the waterslides at Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa.

McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center

For an affordable day of simple splashy fun, head to the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center in Scottsdale to enjoy its winding waterslide, pleasant lazy river, high and low diving boards, and a zero-entry splash play area.

17. Amazing Scottsdale Hotel Swimming Pools

Resort pools in Scottsdale are something to be celebrated. In fact, many locals enjoy these watery oases during staycations in spring, summer, and beyond.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers Arizona’s only white sand beach plus six swimming pools and two twisting waterslides.

Westin Kierland

Meanwhile, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa‘s Adventure Water Park has the Kierland FlowRider flow-board simulator for surfing in the desert, a lazy river, and a 110-foot-long waterslide.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch‘s 2.5-acre water playground offers a sand beach, 10 swimming pools, 20 fountains, 45 waterfalls, and a three-story, high-speed waterslide.

Talking Stick Resort

If pool parties are your jam, then you’ll appreciate the rocking RELEASE Parties (age 21+) and poolside live concerts at Talking Stick Resort. 

Learn More About Scottsdale

No matter which of these extraordinary outdoor Scottsdale activities you choose, you’re sure to make lifelong memories in the West’s Most Western Town. 

After playing outdoors, relax at one of the best resort spas in Scottsdale.

If you’re planning a family vacation in the Valley of the Sun, then be sure to read this list of things to do in Scottsdale with kids.

In summer in the desert, prices plummet at swanky resorts and there’s still plenty to enjoy in Arizona. Read our Scottsdale summer vacation tips and itinerary.

Considering a trip to Scottsdale over the holidays? Take a look at these Scottsdale Christmas activities.

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Which of these Scottsdale outdoor activities appeals most to you? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: This story is part of a paid campaign sponsored by Experience Scottsdale. All opinions are mine, as always.

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