Old Town Scottsdale is not just galleries and cocktail bars. The neighborhood anchors a family-friendly corridor with walkable access to museums, public parks, and some of the best casual dining in the Valley. Pairing that location with a vacation rental—rather than a hotel—gives families the space, kitchen access, and pool time that keep kids happy and parents sane across a week-long Arizona stay.

Why Old Town Works for Families

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale Civic Center Park, and the canal-side walking paths are all within Old Town’s footprint. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park—with its operating train, carousel, and playground—sits just north on Indian Bend Road and routinely ranks as the top kid-friendly attraction in the city. Families staying in Old Town can reach all of these on foot or by a five-minute drive, saving time that suburban Scottsdale locations lose to commuting.

Family Rental Must-Haves

• Pool fencing that meets Arizona code—required for child safety and surprisingly not universal in older rental listings
• A stocked kitchen with high chairs, booster seats, and basic child-proofing supplies
• At least one bedroom on the ground floor for families with toddlers
• A game room, media room, or covered patio with enough space for rainy-day (or too-hot-day) entertainment
• A garage or secure carport for stroller and car seat storage

Day Trip Ideas From Your Old Town Base

A central Old Town location makes it easy to fan out across the Valley for day trips. The best day trips from Scottsdale include the Desert Botanical Garden in adjacent Phoenix, Goldfield Ghost Town on the Apache Trail, and Butterfly Wonderland in north Scottsdale—all reachable in under 30 minutes.

Families with older kids can explore natural swimming holes in the Tonto National Forest or book a gentle sunrise balloon flight that accommodates children age six and up. For desert education beyond the resort pool, stargazing programs at nearby dark-sky sites turn an evening into an unforgettable science lesson.

Budget Tips for Family Rentals

Family rentals in the Old Town area range from $150 per night for a basic three-bedroom to $500 for a remodeled four-bedroom with a heated pool. Booking during shoulder season—late September through mid-November or late April through May—cuts rates by 25 to 40 percent while keeping temperatures comfortable for outdoor play.

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Explore more: What to pack for Arizona with kids and our comparison of Scottsdale vs. Sedona for families.