Arizona Boardwalk
Scottsdale's premier entertainment hub, featuring OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, and unique interactive exhibits for all ages.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer experience
Arizona Boardwalk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scottsdale's premier entertainment hub, featuring OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, and unique interactive exhibits for all ages.
"A cool place with lots of shops and attractions, great for kids, grandkids, and adults too!"
🎟️ Combo Tickets Save Big
Buying tickets for multiple attractions at once is much cheaper than individual entry.
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
Many indoor attractions make it a perfect escape from the Arizona sun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

OdySea Aquarium
Arizona Boardwalk
Explore a desert oasis with thousands of marine animals, from sharks to penguins. A top-rated aquarium experience.

Butterfly Wonderland
Arizona Boardwalk
Wander through a rainforest conservatory filled with thousands of colorful butterflies. A serene and beautiful escape.

Museum of Illusions Scottsdale
Arizona Boardwalk
Challenge your perception with mind-bending optical illusions and interactive exhibits. Perfect for photos and fun.

Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Arizona Boardwalk
Discover the weird, the wonderful, and the unbelievable with bizarre artifacts and oddities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat Indoors
Bundle Up for Savings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Tickets Save Big
Buying tickets for multiple attractions at once is much cheaper than individual entry.
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
Many indoor attractions make it a perfect escape from the Arizona sun.
📸 Illusion Museum Photo Ops
The Museum of Illusions is packed with unique spots for memorable photos.
🚗 Parking is Plentiful
Ample parking is available, making arrival smooth for families and groups.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Tickets Save Big
Buying tickets for multiple attractions at once is much cheaper than individual entry.
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
Many indoor attractions make it a perfect escape from the Arizona sun.
📸 Illusion Museum Photo Ops
The Museum of Illusions is packed with unique spots for memorable photos.
🚗 Parking is Plentiful
Ample parking is available, making arrival smooth for families and groups.
📅 Check for Free Events
The courtyard often hosts free family entertainment like Foam Frenzy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Arizona Boardwalk for its diverse range of attractions, particularly OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland, calling it a great place for families and adults alike. Many appreciate the indoor options for beating the heat and the free events. However, some find the individual ticket prices high and note that certain exhibits can be closed or empty, suggesting combo tickets or passes are the best value.
"Really cool place to visit the Odysea Aquarium and Butterfly experience were very cool especially the Aquarium lots of cool shops great place to take kids and grandkids, as well as adults too."
mark alterman
"They have nine different attractions. If you buy each ticket individually, it will get expensive. It is best to purchase multiple attractions at once. You can also purchase an annual pass for the OdySea Aquarium, which will pay for itself after a couple of visits. Plenty of photo opportunities throughout the boardwalk. There are a few food options to choose from as well."
Alice Weaver
"We did the free foam frenzy event and my baby had sooooo much fun. I live in Peoria and it was worth the drive. We'll be attending again when they have another event. Obviously there was foam but also they had a fire truck there and were letting kids hold the hose and spray water at people. It was alot of fun 😁☺️☺️"
Stephanie Macnab
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Arizona Boardwalk is located at 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving or ride-sharing services are often recommended.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Arizona Boardwalk, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, the Arizona Boardwalk is located in Scottsdale, which is part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, making it an easy trip for Phoenix residents and visitors.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get to and from the Arizona Boardwalk.
While the Boardwalk itself is walkable, consider checking for a map online or at the entrance to plan your route between attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Arizona Boardwalk grounds is generally free, but individual attractions require separate tickets. Purchasing combo tickets or an annual pass for OdySea Aquarium can offer significant savings if you plan to visit multiple venues.
Yes, it's highly recommended to look into combo tickets or multi-attraction passes, as buying individual tickets can become quite expensive.
Most attractions at the Arizona Boardwalk offer online ticket purchasing, which can sometimes come with discounts and helps you skip the lines.
The Arizona Boardwalk often hosts free events in its courtyard, such as the popular Foam Frenzy, and general admission to the grounds is free.
While not always mandatory, booking OdySea Aquarium tickets in advance, especially during peak times or weekends, is a good idea to secure your entry and potentially get better pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Arizona Boardwalk features a variety of attractions including OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, Museum of Illusions, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, UFO Experience, Laser + Mirror Maze, Pangea Land of the Dinosaurs, and Cluville Kids Escape Room.
Absolutely! With attractions like OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, Pangea Land of the Dinosaurs, and Cluville Kids Escape Room, it's a fantastic destination for family fun.
For indoor fun, consider OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, Museum of Illusions, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and the Laser + Mirror Maze, which are perfect for beating the heat.
Yes, the UFO Experience and Ripley's Believe It or Not! offer unique, hands-on, and quirky exhibits that you won't find everywhere.
The Arizona Boardwalk frequently hosts free events in its courtyard, such as Foam Frenzy, and seasonal celebrations, making it a dynamic destination.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Arizona Boardwalk offers a variety of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down meals, catering to different tastes and budgets.
You can find a range of food choices, including casual eateries and restaurants, suitable for families and individuals looking for a meal or snack.
Dining prices can vary, but there are options available to suit different budgets. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask about specials.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the individual attractions, but check the specific policies of each venue.
Many restaurants aim to accommodate various dietary needs. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant staff about specific options.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged at most attractions, especially at the Museum of Illusions and Butterfly Wonderland, for capturing memories.
The Museum of Illusions offers countless unique photo opportunities with its mind-bending exhibits. Butterfly Wonderland's vibrant setting is also very photogenic.
For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to contact the Arizona Boardwalk management or individual attractions beforehand to inquire about their policies and any associated fees.
While generally permitted, some attractions might have specific rules regarding flash photography or filming, especially in sensitive areas like aquariums. Always check signage or ask staff.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is usually sufficient for most visitors. For more advanced shots, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens would be ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples Seeking Unique Dates
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Aquatic Wonders
Beyond OdySea, Butterfly Wonderland provides a tranquil contrast. This conservatory is home to thousands of butterflies that fly freely around visitors. The experience is often described as magical and calming, with a special 3D movie about monarch migration that immerses you in their journey. It's a popular spot for school groups, so visiting during off-peak hours can enhance the serene atmosphere.
For a more playful aquatic adventure, the Laser + Mirror Maze offers a fun, albeit brief, diversion. It's a great spot for quick family fun and a good way to cool off.
Mind-Bending Fun and Oddities
For those who appreciate the strange and unusual, Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a must-visit. This attraction is packed with bizarre artifacts and oddities that spark curiosity and conversation. It's a place where you can learn about the weirdest things from around the world, making it an engaging experience for the curious-minded.
Adding to the unique attractions is the UFO Experience, which offers hands-on displays and interactive elements related to extraterrestrial themes. It's a distinctive addition to the Boardwalk's entertainment lineup, appealing to those with an interest in the unexplained.
Family Adventures and Entertainment
Pangea Land of the Dinosaurs is another family favorite, featuring dinosaur exhibits and activities like bumper boats, offering a prehistoric adventure. The Boardwalk also boasts a carousel, adding a classic touch to the family fun.
Beyond the ticketed attractions, the Arizona Boardwalk frequently hosts free events in its courtyard, such as the popular Foam Frenzy. These events often include additional entertainment like fire trucks, making them a hit with younger children and providing budget-friendly fun for families.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit