Scottsdale With a Toddler: The “Easy Wins” Guide (Low-Stress, High-Fun, No-Fuss Logistics)

Why Scottsdale works so well with toddlers

A few reasons this destination tends to feel like a win for families:

• Short, low-friction arrival: You can be at your resort in about 25 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor, which matters a lot when you’re traveling with a tiny human and luggage.

• Resorts do the heavy lifting: Scottsdale is built for “hotel-first” travel, where the pool and on-site programming can carry the trip.

• Choose-your-own-energy days: You can go full resort mode, add one contained outing, or do a simple Old Town stroll without turning it into a production.

• Pro tip: Scottsdale is perfect for families who want a vacation (rest and ease) rather than a trip that feels like logistics and negotiations.

Pick your “easy win” home base

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Best for families who want a kid-forward, high-energy resort where the pool scene, splash areas, and seasonal events can carry the entire vacation.

Christmas at The Princess

The toddler “easy wins”:

• Dedicated family pool energy: The Princess is known for multiple pool experiences, including family-forward zones like Sonoran Splash.

• Seasonal magic: If you travel in late fall/winter, Christmas at the Princess is a true “wow” night for kids—lights, attractions, and full festive immersion.

• Snack-and-meal convenience: With toddlers, the ability to grab breakfast, snacks, and simple food without leaving the property is everything.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Beach Entry Pool

Where to stay (simple break-down that matches how families actually travel):

Option A: Privado Villas (hotel-within-a-hotel calm)

If you want privacy and lounge-style convenience, Privado can feel like a quieter “inner circle” while still giving you full resort access. You’ll have gated entry, and an easy rhythm of continental breakfast and evening charcuterie, plus a welcome drink moment that makes arrival feel like vacation—not check-in chaos.

Option B: Fairmont Gold (club-floor convenience)

Great if you want that “club floor” feel—less friction around breakfast, snacks, and the constant feeding needs that come with toddler travel. (Also: fewer moments where you’re trying to find a quick option before a meltdown.)

Option C: Main hotel (best value and full resort access)

If your main goal is pool days and family fun, the main hotel keeps you close to the action while often pricing more comfortably than club-level categories.

Pro tip: Privado can be a little confusing to locate the first time—families do best when transfers are pre-briefed with “exact drop point” instructions so you’re not circling the property with an overtired toddler.

Christmas at the Princess

The Phoenician (A Luxury Collection Resort): Best for families who want a resort that feels beautiful and elevated for adults, while still being genuinely fun for kids—especially if you like the idea of having multiple “moods” (play and calm) in one place.

The toddler “easy wins”:

• A real kids zone and splash pad setup: The Phoenician’s Kids Zone includes a treehouse-style play structure and a splash pad with interactive water features (spray elements and tipping buckets).

• Slide factor (for bigger toddlers/older siblings): There’s a 197-foot twisting slide with a 42” height requirement—a great detail to set expectations ahead of time.

• Pool variety: You can mix family pool time with quieter moments (which is ideal for tag-teaming naps or rotating adult downtime).

Where to stay:

Option A: Canyon Suites (the “club-level” play for families who want ease)

Canyon Suites functions like an elevated experience-within-the-resort. One of the biggest family perks: a lobby breakfast buffet setup with a coffee bar, pastries, and hot/cold items—which can seriously reduce morning stress before you even think about a restaurant reservation.

You also get the practical “family layout” advantage: connecting configurations exist (like a double-queen room connecting to a suite)—the kind of setup that makes toddler bedtime doable without everyone whispering in the dark.

Canyon Suites pool & cabanas

Option B: The Phoenician main hotel/casitas/suites (classic resort access and flexibility)

The Phoenician’s accommodations range from hotel guestrooms to casitas and suites, which gives you flexibility depending on whether you need more space (crib and stroller and toys add up fast).

Pro tip: If your child is under 42”, build excitement around the splash pad and play structure—and treat the big slide as a “next time” perk. It avoids the on-site heartbreak moment.

Canyon Suites pool & cabanas

The “Easy Wins” outing menu

(Pick ONE per day. That’s the whole strategy.)

• McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: Trains + playgrounds + picnic energy = toddler gold.

• OdySea Aquarium: An indoor, stroller-friendly reset—perfect for heat, weird naps, or when you want something contained.

• Butterfly Wonderland: A high-visual-payoff indoor conservatory (and a great “quiet wow” for little kids).

• McDowell Sonoran Preserve (keep it short and scenic): For toddlers, the win is choosing an easy, low-elevation loop where the “activity” is simply seeing desert plants up close—no mileage goals required.

• Old Town Scottsdale stroll and Civic Center stop: If your toddler just needs space to move, Old Town and Civic Center is an easy, central, low-pressure outing. Pro tip: If you happen to be in Old Town on a Thursday, the Scottsdale Art Walk runs 7–9 pm—I treat it as a flexible evening stroll, not a formal “art night.”

The Preserve

A low-stress 3-day framework (built around naps)

Day 1: Arrival and resort carries the day

• Check in, unpack toddler essentials first

• Short pool session (end on a high note)

• Early dinner on property and bedtime reset

Pro tip: On arrival day, don’t “save the pool for tomorrow.” A quick splash on day one is the fastest way to flip everyone into vacation mode.

The Phoenician main pool

Day 2: One outing and big pool afternoon

• Morning: Railroad Park or Aquarium (outdoor vs indoor based on weather)

• Midday: nap and quiet time

• Afternoon: pool and splash zone

• Evening: casual dinner

If you’re at the Princess in season, this is a fantastic Christmas at the Princess night.

Day 3: Desert mini-adventure and Old Town

• Morning: short Preserve trail (easy route, lots of stops)

• Midday: nap

• Afternoon: Civic Center and snack stop (stroller walk, fountains, roaming).

Christmas at The Princess Ice Slide

Need to know (the stuff that saves the trip):

• One priority per day: Scottsdale is at its best when you stop trying to stack activities.

• Club access = sanity: Privado/Gold/Canyon Suites-style access isn’t just “luxury.” It’s logistics support when you’re feeding a small child on repeat (breakfast without a production, easy snacks, calmer pacing).

• Set slide expectations early: The Phoenician’s slide requires 42” and taller.

• Pre-arrange transfers: The easiest family arrivals are the ones where you’re not figuring things out in the moment—especially if you’re heading to a “hotel within a hotel” setup.

Pro tips (my favorite “family travel cheat codes”):

• Bring both a compact stroller and a carrier. Stroller for long flat stretches and nap-on-the-go, carrier for crowds and quick transitions.

• Plan pool time right after nap. You’ll get the happiest version of your toddler (and the calmest version of you).

• Choose one “treat ritual” per day. Smoothie, ice cream, special snack—toddlers love predictability, and it keeps the day feeling fun even when plans pivot.

Why book with me:

• Because I’m not matching you to a resort based on a glossy brochure—I’m matching you based on how families actually travel.

When you book with me, I’ll help you:

• Choose between Privado vs. Gold vs. main hotel at the Princess—or Canyon Suites vs. main resort at The Phoenician—based on your child’s age, sleep style, and your tolerance for “extra steps.”

• Build a low-stress day-by-day plan that respects nap windows and avoids the “we did too much and now everyone’s cranky” spiral.

• Arrange smooth transfers so arrival feels simple and supported—because with toddlers, the first hour sets the tone.

• Add the polish: room requests, connecting-room strategy, and the kind of practical prep that makes the trip feel effortless.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Scottsdale page.