Best Scottsdale Resorts For Families

Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch

Update: undergoing major renovation into early/mid 2024 so keep that in mind as you plan!

Officially called the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa At Gainey Ranch, this resort is on my personal bucket list! Read more to find out why I think it’s so drool-worthy.

First starters, the property is just beautiful. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve driven by it many times and looked longingly on the grounds. The pool area is absolutely incredible, complete with water slides, a sand beach and a 2.5 acre “water playground” – see more pics here. For older kids and adults, there’s a spa, rock climbing wall, tennis courts, a putting green and family games like giant Jenga and chess.

Beyond the facilities, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale offers great activities for the whole family to enjoy – that’s just one reason why it’s one of the most family-friendly resorts in Scottsdale AZ. Some highlights include guided nature walks, poolside games and Native American crafts. Every Friday afternoon there’s a 4pm presentation of Arizona birds of prey followed by a 4:30pm Native American dance performance. They have more live music every weekend too!

If you’re looking for a relaxing family vacation in Scottsdale where you can just kick back and hang out at a resort all day, this is it!

One note for 2023: this Scottsdale family resort is currently being renovated and turned into a Grand Hyatt. While some old fan favorites like kid-focused Camp Hyatt aren’t open at this time, this will definitely be one of the best kid-friendly hotels in Scottsdale when it’s all done.

Fairmont Princess Scottsdale

If you’re searching for luxurious family resorts in Scottsdale AZ, look no further than the Fairmont Princess Scottsdale. It’s so amazing that even plenty of local families choose it for a Phoenix staycation!

Think of the activities at the Fairmont like a Cancun all-inclusive (except that you have to pay for the food). There’s golf, six different pools (including water slides and a toddler-friendly zero-entry option), an amazing spa, a beach and even fun seasonal activities like ice skating in the desert. There’s even a kids club (ages 5-12) and a rec center with activities for the whole family! You won’t be bored even if you never leave the resort.

The rooms themselves are generously sized at over 500 square feet. While the location is pretty far north, it’s ideal for family-friendly hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, shopping and dining at Kierland Commons or exploring the Musical Instrument Museum – one of the most unique things to do with kids in Scottsdale.

There’s a guests-only car rental desk at the Fairmont, so it’s easy to borrow one for part of your trip to explore the area!

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is a fan favorite with a well-earned reputation as one of the best family hotels in Scottsdale. It’s an especially great choice for families with water-loving kiddos! Adventure Water Park offers pools, a lazy river, a massive waterslide and even a FlowRider wave simulator to try out surfing.

If you want non-water activities, check out the luxurious spa, golf course or dine in one of the numerous well-regarded restaurants. There’s even a kids club and the option to make s’mores over the fire pit on weekends! You can also relax with lawn games or check out the Friday reptile presentation in the lobby.

When you’re ready to leave the resort, you’re just steps away from Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter – adjacent shopping/dining/lifestyle centers. You can also rent a car on-site if you only need one for a few days or decide to take a day trip to Sedona, for example.

DoubleTree by Hilton Paradise Valley Resort Scottsdale

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Scottsdale for families, the DoubleTree in Paradise Valley (technically an independent town surrounded by Scottsdale) is a great choice. It’s in an incredibly convenient location just a mile from Fashion Square and Old Town Scottsdale, which also puts it closer to lots of our favorite Phoenix attractions like Desert Botanical Garden and the zoo.

The DoubleTree has two different pools with plenty of seating, plus a lovely outdoor dining area. There’s even a huge gym, a putting green and tennis courts.

In a heart-warming departure from pretty much every other resort in the world, the DoubleTree in Scottsdale provides free parking to their guests. Shocking, I know! But if you’re spending a week in Scottsdale for spring break, for example, $35 per day for parking can really add up.

For families what want a balance of pool time and checking out all of the fun family activities in Scottsdale and Phoenix, the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale provides a great balance and a great value. It’s one of the top kid-friendly resorts in Scottsdale AZ for families looking to stretch their vacation dollars!