21 listings in Phoenix, AZ: free family activities, kids' programs and storytimes. Each one checked against its official source, every catch spelled out.
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Wed and Fri–Sun 11am–5pm, Thu 11am–7pm (closed Mon and Tue)
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art lets visitors 18 and younger in free (adult tickets are $16). Bring the kids or a teen art fan any day it's open, Wednesday through Sunday. Adults can also pay what they wish on Thursdays and every second Saturday.
Verified Oct 27 · scottsdalearts.org
Catch: Ages 18 and under only, with valid ID; adults pay $16 (or pay what you wish on Thursdays and second Saturdays)
Webster Recreation Center's annual Halloween Carnival has free games and activities plus a new trunk-or-treat. Come in costume. Friday, October 30, 2026, 5:30–7:30pm.
Trick-or-treat through Downtown Chandler and join a family Halloween night at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, with costume parades at 6:15 and 7:30pm. Park admission is free. Friday, October 30, 2026, 5:30–8:30pm.
Phoenix Public Library's main library holds a weekly Family Storytime for kids from birth to five and their grown-ups. Sessions are Thursdays 6–6:30pm (MACH1 room) and Saturdays 10–10:30am (Children's Place).
Phoenix Children's Hospital gives away free kids' bike helmets (while supplies last) at a library Bike Safety Rodeo, with a parking-lot obstacle course to practice the rules of the road. Bring your bike and helmet, or borrow a bike or scooter there. Saturday, October 31, 2026, 10am–noon.
Verified Oct 27 · calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org
A free community celebration at Heroes Regional Park with a giant group pickleball lesson, a 1K fun walk, a 5K fun run and a ninja-warrior obstacle course. It runs 9am–3pm on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The city's page doesn't say whether the 5K needs sign-up.
A free family morning with Arizona PBS, Valley Metro and Phoenix Public Library: storytime, a live DJ, take-and-make crafts, a photo booth, the unveiling of a new Alma's Way Valley Metro bus and photos with Alma. Saturday, November 7, 2026, 10am–noon.
Verified Oct 27 · calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org
ASU professors emeritus Duane and Maureen Roen lead a free, hands-on workshop at HD South in Gilbert where you make simple percussion instruments from everyday items and play them. Saturday, November 7, 2026, 1–2:30pm.
Families can get fitted for a free bike helmet from Phoenix Children's, learn safe-cycling tips and practice on a bike rodeo course with Mesa Police officers and cadets. Bikes and scooters are provided for kids 11 and under. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 10am–noon.
Phoenix Children's Hospital gives away free kids' bike helmets (while supplies last) at a library Bike Safety Rodeo, with a parking-lot obstacle course to practice the rules of the road. Bring your bike and helmet, or borrow a bike or scooter there. Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9–11am.
Verified Oct 27 · calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org
Catch: Free helmets while supplies last
Kids & familyFree (worth about $10)Eligibility applies
Kids stitch a holiday-themed wall hanging on muslin, taught by Louise Kircher, at HD South in Gilbert on Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10am–noon. All supplies are provided and each child takes the finished piece home.
Verified Oct 27 · hdsouth.org
Catch: Registration required; class size limited · Recommended for ages 8 to 14
Author-illustrator Jenifer Tull-Gauger reads from The Calm View Karate Kid, her book about cooling anger, at HD South in Gilbert on Saturday, November 14, 2026, 1–3pm. Geared to ages 5–10 but all ages are welcome; light refreshments are served.
Verified Oct 27 · hdsouth.org
Catch: Registration required · Children under 14 must come with a parent or guardian
Twice a year Phoenix Art Museum holds an all-ages Family Funday with free access. The next one is Sunday, November 15, 2026. Check the museum's site for the day's hours and activities.
Phoenix Children's Hospital gives away free kids' bike helmets (while supplies last) at a library Bike Safety Rodeo, with a parking-lot obstacle course to practice the rules of the road. Bring your bike and helmet, or borrow a bike or scooter there. Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10am–noon.
Verified Oct 27 · calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org
Gilbert Classical Academy's AP teacher Karen Maas and her students run hands-on STEM activities at HD South in Gilbert: 3D pens and printers, Tinkercad design and Makey Makey with fruit. Saturday, November 21, 2026, 1–2:30pm.
Verified Oct 27 · hdsouth.org
Catch: Registration required; closes at noon the Friday before
Phoenix Children's Hospital gives away free kids' bike helmets (while supplies last) at a library Bike Safety Rodeo, with a parking-lot obstacle course to practice the rules of the road. Bring your bike and helmet, or borrow a bike or scooter there. Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10am–noon.
Verified Oct 27 · calendar.phoenixpubliclibrary.org
First Friday of each month, 5–9pm (none in Nov 2026 or Jan 2027)
Children's Museum of Phoenix
The Children's Museum of Phoenix opens free to everyone on the first Friday of each month, 5–9pm. Upcoming free nights: Dec 4, 2026, then Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7 and Jun 4, 2027 (no free night in November or January).
Goodyear's synthetic ice rink at Civic Square is free for residents and non-residents, skates included (toddler 7 to adult 15). Drop in for 30-minute sessions at 5, 6, 7 and 8pm, first come, first served. Open Fridays–Sundays in December from Dec 5 (except holidays) plus January 2–3, 2027. Bring socks.
Four days of free live music, Native dance and artist demonstrations, morning art walks and hands-on family art activities at the Heard Museum, 10am–2pm daily, December 26–29, 2026. The courtyard event is free; the exhibitions need regular museum admission.
Verified Oct 27 · heard.org
Catch: Free event only: museum exhibitions need paid admission
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch (Dragonfly Ramada) · Gilbert
On the third Saturday of each month from October through March, Desert Rivers Audubon leads free, family-friendly bird walks at the Riparian Preserve with an expert birder. Binoculars are provided, and some Saturdays Liberty Wildlife brings live raptors. Groups head out from the Dragonfly Ramada starting at 8am; just bring walking shoes.
Second Friday of each month, 5:30–9:30pm (weather permitting)
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch · Gilbert
The East Valley Astronomy Club sets up telescopes at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch on the second Friday of each month, and anyone can come look at the night sky for free. Viewing begins at dusk (listed 5:30–9:30pm), weather permitting. Upcoming: Nov 13 and Dec 11, 2026.
Verified Oct 27 · discovergilbert.com
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