Top 5 fun places in Scottsdale!

Scottsdale beckons with its array of engaging, fun activities. Enjoy gourmet flavors at Toca Madera and navigate through the intricate Laser and Mirror Maze. Traverse the vast Sonoran Desert on a jeep tour, make waves at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, and embark on exhilarating Salt River rafting.

Each option offers distinct excitement, promising to enrich your visit with varied experiences. Let this expert guide help you discover the fun Scottsdale has in store for you.

1 - Enjoy a meal at the vibrant Toca Madera

Discover the thrill of dining at Toca Madera, a bite of luxury in Scottsdale renowned for its innovative take on traditional Mexican cuisine. This venue is a fusion of taste, sight, and sound, promising an experience that's as vibrant as an indoor fiesta.

Diverse Culinary Delights

At the heart of Toca Madera's allure is a menu that captures the essence of modern Mexican dishes. Whether you're craving the innovative flavors of fried sea bass tacos, the jumbo shrimp a la roca (pictured above), or the comforting taste of short rib enchiladas, there's something here for every palate. The kitchen's dedication to quality ingredients ensures every bite is a discovery.

Vibrant Setting

The restaurant's atmosphere is a canvas of elegance, designed to create a backdrop that's as memorable as the food. With its stylish decor, Toca Madera offers a setting where luxury meets festivity, ideal for any celebration or a spontaneous night out.

Engaging Entertainment

Toca Madera offers an exceptional dining experience with live performances that include fire dancers, DJs and musicians, creating an atmosphere that’s both exhilarating and quite unique to Scottsdale.

Then there's the vibrant events that elevate the dining experience, like Toca Tuesdays with special pricing on favorite dishes and cocktails, and their Weekend Brunch for those leisurely Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Toca Madera stands out in Scottsdale not just for its culinary mastery but for its role as a hub of fun and excitement. It represents a blend of fine dining and playful revelry, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to add a spark to their Arizona adventure.

2 - Take on challenges at the Laser and Mirror Maze

At the OdySea Mirror Maze in Scottsdale, adventure seekers can look forward to an experience that challenges both mind and body:

• Navigate through the Mirror Maze, where infinite reflections and visually stunning light effects create a mesmerizing experience.
• Tackle the Laser Maze Challenge by weaving through a web of lasers as quickly as you can, testing your agility and precision.

This attraction is perfect for families, friends, and solo explorers looking for an engaging and entertaining activity in Scottsdale. Positioned within the Arizona Boardwalk, the OdySea Mirror Maze offers a unique blend of entertainment and challenge.

3 - Explore the Sonoran Desert on a Jeep Tour

Experience the vibrant life and scenic beauty of the Sonoran Desert with a captivating Jeep tour. These tours offer a rich journey through diverse landscapes, guided by experts passionate about the desert's ecology and history.

• Expert-Led Tours: Knowledgeable guides share insights into the desert’s unique ecosystem and cultural heritage.
• Nature and Wildlife: Traverse through the Tonto National Forest, home to a vast array of plant species and wildlife.
• Safety and Accessibility: Designed with all visitors in mind, ensuring a welcoming experience for every adventurer.

For those looking to connect with nature and learn about the desert's profound beauty, a Jeep tour presents an ideal adventure.

4 - Splash into Fun at Great Wolf Lodge's Water Park

Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale offers an all-year-round indoor water paradise, kept at a cozy 84 degrees. This family-friendly resort boasts thrilling water slides, a lazy river for relaxed floating, and playful areas for the little ones.

It's the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for all ages, ensuring your family getaway is filled with laughter and joy.

5 - Ride the Rapids with Salt River Rafting in Arizona

Salt River Rafting offers an exhilarating journey through Arizona's stunning Salt River Canyon. Choose from family-friendly Class II-III rapids or jump into the more intense Class IV adventures.

With trips ranging from half-day excursions to full five-day journeys - there's an experience tailored for every thrill-seeker.

Led by expert guides, these rafting trips not only promise adrenaline but also breathtaking views of Arizona’s natural landscapes.

Other fun things to do in Scottsdale

Here are some more of our fun favorites:

Outdoor Exploration and Natural Wonders:

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Sonoran Desert and desert landscape with visits to Camelback Mountain and McDowell Mountains for hiking (watch out for the black bears and mountain lions).

Then there's Pinnacle Peak Park for panoramic views, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for extensive trails. Chaparral Park and Papago Park offer leisurely outdoor activities and scenic beauty and the McDowell Sonoran urban preserve is another gem in Scottsdale that promises serene urban retreats.

Cultural and Architectural Highlights:

Explore Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural marvel, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for modern artistic expressions. Or try Scottsdale’s Museum of the West which hooks you in the Wild West history and culture.

Shopping and Urban Experiences:

Enjoy a wide range of upscale shopping an indoor activities at Scottsdale Fashion Square with brands like Neiman Marcus and Louis Vuitton - or explore boutique options at Kierland Commons. Engage in fun activities at spots like the 3D Theater and movie theaters of the Landmark Scottsdale Quarter complex.

Sports and Adventure:

Experience the thrill of mountain biking in the desert, golfing at TPC Scottsdale, or stagecoach rides at MacDonald's Ranch. Octane Raceway offers kart racing for an adrenaline rush or maybe watch a game or event at Scottsdale Stadium or Salt River Fields.

Leisure and Relaxation:

Enjoy the serene environment of Carlson Creek Vineyards for wine tasting or relax at a sports bar like the excellent K O'Donnell's Sports Bar. Then there's a day of poolside cabanas at OH Pool Bar - perfect for a day of R&R.

Dine Amidst Wonder at Toca Madera Scottsdale

When your day of various activities and beautiful desert scenery is over, we'll be here waiting with a Mexican feast and hospitality that feels like a warm hug.

Picture a place where the air vibrates with the energy of live music and the dazzle of fire dancers - creating a spectacle that captivates and entertains. It's no wonder one review described us as "the Cirque Du Soleil of restaurants"

Our world is one where the thrill of performance meets the joy of dining, creating experiences that linger long after the night ends.

Your adventure awaits at Toca Madera.