Planning a quick family getaway? Whether you’re driving through Arizona or flying in for a weekend escape, Chandler is a hidden gem that offers big fun for little travelers for a perfect weekend in Chandler with kids. Think big skies, fun museums, lots of great food, and more ice cream stops than your kids will know what to do with. Here’s a fun-filled itinerary with family things to do this weekend in Arizona that is guaranteed to please everyone in the family.

Day 1 in Chandler: Planes, Trains & Pizza

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Veterans Oasis Park - Family Outing

Day 1: Planes, Trains & Pizza

Get your trip off on the right foot with breakfast at Hangar Café, a local favorite for families. This kid-friendly restaurant in Chandler sits right at Chandler Municipal Airport, so while you’re sipping coffee or savoring a sweet cinnamon roll, you can watch planes take off just a few feet away.

 

From there, pick your vibe. Want something hands-on and history-packed? Head to the Arizona Railway Museum, where train enthusiasts of all ages can explore old railcars—one of the best things to do with kids in Chandler. If nature’s more your thing, go for a light hike at Veterans Oasis Park, a perfect family-friendly activity in Chandler. Bonus points if you’re there the first Saturday of the month (November to April), when Desert Rivers Audubon leads a free guided tour.

 

By lunch, wander over to Downtown Chandler. Grab a table at The Perch Brewery, where tropical birds hang out while you eat (yes, really), or dig into a wood-fired pizza at Craft 64. Dessert is a no-brainer: The Screamery is close by and totally worth the stop for ice cream.

 

While you’re walking off the sugar rush, check out the street art. Be sure to stop at the colorful “Monuments to Us” mural located in the downtown breezeway. It’s practically begging for a family selfie.

 

Later, head back to your hotel and chill by the pool for a bit (especially if you’re staying at a family-friendly hotel in Chandler like the Crowne Plaza or Cambria Hotel, where the pool setups are on point). When evening hits, go big with a stop at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. With go-karts, laser tag, and a massive arcade, it’s the ultimate teen-friendly activity in Chandler.

Day 2 in Chandler: Museum Explorers & Mall Madness

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child at table with plat of pancakes

Day 2: Museum Explorers & Mall Madness

Fuel up at Over Easy at their West Chandler or Downtown Chandler location (insider tip: order the apple crumble French toast), then hit up the Chandler Museum. It’s small but packed with hands-on exhibits—an easy win if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Chandler that also sneak in a little learning.

 

Next stop? Chandler Fashion Center. The kids can hop on the indoor Ferris wheel at SCHEELS or hit the bowling lanes at Round1 Bowling & Arcade, another top teen-friendly activity in Chandler. For lunch, head to The Mexicano, where they serve guac on a mini Ferris wheel. It’s guaranteed to wow your Instagram followers and keep the kids entertained.

 

Cool down afterward at the mall’s spray pad, then make your way to Sweeties, Arizona’s largest candy store. Back at the hotel, squeeze in another pool break, then wrap up the night at Singing Pandas Asian Restaurant & Bar. Between the Mongolian beef and Elvis impersonators, it’s dinner and a show rolled into one.

Day 3 in Chandler: Diner Vibes & Indoor Adventures

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American Way Smoke House

Day 3: Diner Vibes & Indoor Adventures

For your final morning, keep it classic with Chase’s Diner, serving up made-from-scratch American fare, or go wild at Hash Kitchen with their over-the-top pancakes and famous Bloody Mary bar.

 

Then head west for a little more fun: Swingin’ Safari Mini Golf is quirky, colorful, and the perfect family-friendly activity in West Chandler for all ages. Or, if you’re melting in the sun, cool off at Ice Den Chandler, where ice skating is a blast for both kids and teens.

 

Last stop: Merchant Square for some treasure hunting and vintage finds. Wrap things up with lunch at American Way Smokehouse and don’t skip the cookies from Tattered Aprons.

Ready to plan your AZ family weekend getaway?

From kid-friendly restaurants in Chandler to high-energy attractions and family-friendly hotels in Chandler, it’s easy to pack your weekend with memory-making moments. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, tweens or teens, the city delivers a perfect mix of family-friendly activities in Chandler and unique fun for every age.

Chandler AZ Family Weekend Map

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