June 19, 2026
Living at Royal Oaks means you have an active home base that's welcoming and near tons of fun attractions in the surrounding area. Sun City residents are close to golf courses, recreation centers, bowling alleys, shopping, restaurants, sports and cultural attractions. It's also not far from several fantastic family-friendly attractions and easy-to-reach destinations that make memorable day trips when the grandkids come to visit.
Planning time with the grandkids is a lot easier with so many options. You can keep visits as relaxed or action-filled as you want by choosing outings that match the kids' ages and energy levels. You might want a big day trip for some visits, but a short outing before dinner might work better for others. These five grandkid-approved options give you the flexibility to pick something that matches your family's needs on any day.
For a longer family outing, Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in nearby Litchfield Park gives everyone lots to see, from curious young kids to teens who think they're too old for the zoo. With more than 600 species on-site, your family will see Arizona's largest collection of exotic and endangered animals, and the aquarium adds another 80-plus exhibits, including exciting creatures, such as sharks and stingrays. With so many animals in one place, you and the grandkids will have plenty to talk about throughout the day and beyond.
If you're looking for kid-friendly, interactive exhibits, younger children may enjoy the Kids' Petting Zoo. A variety of animal-feeding opportunities and daily shows add a little extra fun for everyone. Be sure to set a manageable pace and take breaks so each child can see all their favorite animals and discover new ones. You can visit for a half-day if your family moves quickly or plan a full day if you want to take your time.
If you're heading to downtown Phoenix, check out the Arizona Science Center. It's a smart choice for curious kids and tech-minded families, with four levels featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits. The kids may also enjoy the five-story-high giant-screen theater, live demonstrations and a state-of-the-art makerspace. All combined, it turns a simple day trip into an extravaganza of interactive, immersive activities to try together.
This outing works especially well when you want to mix fun with learning. Grandkids of all ages can test ideas, explore the body, learn about flight, experiment with sound or be amazed by exhibits that connect science with everyday life. It's also an excellent indoor option on hot Arizona days.
Check on the day's demonstrations and films before you go, so everyone can decide what they want to do during the visit. For Royal Oaks residents who enjoy the community's tech-forward spirit, this can be a great way to share that same curiosity with the next generation.
For toddlers, preschoolers and early-elementary grandkids, the Children's Museum of Phoenix is a can't-miss venue that's perfect for little ones who like to move and enjoy hands-on activities. Best of all, it doesn't require any complicated planning because the museum emphasizes open-ended play, with exhibits that spark curiosity and engage children's imaginations.
Younger children who love to climb, create, pretend and explore will love the museum, and it's easy for you to join in by following your grandchildren's lead. You can admire their masterpieces, cheer them on as they tackle new adventures or enjoy watching them make their own discoveries. It's a playful way for families to spend time together in a welcoming space that's highly entertaining.
Cerreta Candy Company in Glendale offers a sweet outing that grandkids will remember, with a behind-the-scenes look at how candy is made. This family-owned business has been part of Glendale for more than 50 years, with multiple generations involved in making various chocolates and other candy. Tours are offered on weekdays and include an insightful look at the factory, with VIP options that include hands-on chocolate-making activities.
Touring a candy factory is a great fit for grandkids who like seeing how things are made, especially when the result involves caramel, chocolate and a few samples. It's also easy to add to a casual lunch or stroll in Glendale to round out the day. For families who want something more unique than a movie or mall visit, a trip to this candy factory offers a day of fun and fascination.
Uptown Alley in Surprise is a practical pick that feels like a treat. This family entertainment venue offers bowling, arcade games, virtual reality, karaoke, sports simulators, billiards and so much more under one roof. It's an ideal choice when you're trying to amuse grandkids of different ages and attention spans.
Many activities make it easy for families to play together, such as laser tag for action seekers or billiards for a more low-key option. The bowling lanes are designed for both casual and more experienced players. While the arcade offers a mix of newer games and familiar favorites, older grandkids can choose virtual reality for a techy twist.
Uptown Alley works well for shorter visits, last-minute plans or family gatherings where some people want action and others want to sit, snack and cheer others on. It's also a dependable backup plan when the weather is too hot for outdoor activities or when you want a fun outing that doesn't require a full day.
The best family visits don't require a lot of planning. They just need the right balance of variety for everyone to enjoy themselves. Before heading out, check each attraction's current hours, reservation details and seasonal updates so the day goes smoothly. Then keep the plan simple so you have a great outing, enough time to enjoy it and a relaxed return home.
Whether your grandkids love animals, science, pretend play, candy, virtual reality or bowling, you can find fun and memorable things to do for every visit that are all nearby when you live at Royal Oaks.
Contact us at 623-208-6621 to connect with a residency counselor and learn more about Royal Oaks and our engaging Life Plan Community lifestyle in Sun City.
