Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Yuma, AZ, with Kids

  • Published 2022/10/11

In Yuma County in Arizona, Yuma remains a tourist favorite because of its warm weather all year round.

In fact, it’s nicknamed the “Sunniest City on Earth” for its sunshine and fun atmosphere.

Its welcoming, big-city charm makes it a must-visit destination for families.

In 1540, the first European settlers came to this land, leaving most of the area unscathed until the 1860s, when Christianity touched the land for the first time.

Yuma remains to be a staple for rich agriculture and nature preserves.

Aside from that, its numerous kid-centered spots make it an appealing place for a weekend trip or an overnight stay.

Here are the best things to do in Yuma, Arizona, with kids:

Teach Your Kid History at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Aerial view of Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

dba duplessis / Shutterstock.com

Opened to the public in 1961, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park will bring you closer to Yuman culture, unlike any other tourist attraction in the city.

The history of this site goes back centuries before it was built.

Authorized by the Legislature in 1875, prisoners began building their own cells the following year.

The grounds of Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock.com

This prison facility then housed criminals and was used by various communities, including a school, a railroad organization, and a hospital.

Now, when you browse through the museum, you and your little ones can learn a thing or two about its state before its preservation.

At the 3,600-square-foot museum, find original artifacts from the prison through immersive exhibits.

Single beds at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park's jail cell

Paul R. Jones / Shutterstock.com

Make your child’s visit more entertaining by helping them receive a Junior Ranger button.

They can follow instructions and crack secret codes while learning history.

Find Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park on Prison Hill Road.

A building at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Paul R. Jones / Shutterstock.com

Play Arcade Games at Z Fun Factory

On East County 10th Street, Z Fun Factory takes pride in being one of the largest sources of public entertainment.

Offering a variety of fun games and play spaces, it specializes in indoor and outdoor recreation for the whole family.

Bring your kids to the 18-hole Mini Golf and teach them the art of perfect swings.

For maximum excitement, take them to the Go-Kart course or the Bumper Boats.

The arcade center can also keep them occupied and stimulated, with over 34 games available.

While your child plays, give meaning to your own fun with a drink from the Z Bar.

After a day of fun, treat them to a snack or a meal at Z Fun Factory’s restaurant.

Leave a Painted Rock at Roxaboxen Park

Roxaboxen Park on South 2nd Avenue is inspired by a children’s book by Alice McLerran.

Much like the literary piece, Roxaboxen Park provides your child with a rocky engagement.

The property doesn’t have the usual playground or theme park atmosphere.

Instead, it introduces an open, empty space, save for a walkway down the middle and various rocks decorating its sides.

Children can build something out of the rocks and boxes scattered around the site.

Jump on the Trampoline at Get Air Trampoline Park

Get Air Trampoline Park combines fun with physical activity and improved flexibility.

Aside from the standard jumps on the indoor trampoline, other activities you and your kids can look forward to include obstacle courses and foam pits.

Join your children as they climb and perform parkour at the Ninja Course.

Build your child’s balance with a walk at the Fidget Ladder.

Get Air Trampoline Park is located along South 4th Avenue.

Immerse in Realistic Games with Your Kid at DOSIS VR Games

Do your kids prefer technological games over traditional ones?

Introduce them to DOSIS VR Games, where they can explore various worlds without going anywhere.

You can choose from a diverse option of games, ranging from the more child-friendly themes to horror games for teens and adults.

You can also book a birthday party or any event at the center so your kids and their friends can go on challenges together.

DOSIS VR Games is on South 4th Avenue, should you want to visit the center.

Build Sandcastles at Gateway Park

A bridge at Gateway Park

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Gateway Park promises a good time in its simple quarters.

This riverside beach park provides a variety of amenities your entire family can enjoy.

At its fishing docks, you can learn a few fishing techniques and teach your younger relatives.

The freeway bridge that is discernible from the park venue offers a breathtaking view of cars and the Yuma skyline.

There’s also a sandy beach at Gateway Park where you and your kids can make sandcastles or have a picnic.

This park is located at the end of Madison Avenue, on South Gila Street.

Try the Zip Line at Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground

Looking for an ADA playground certified and acknowledged by the entire country?

Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground may be the park for you and your entire family.

Also referred to as Castle Park, this park has served the public since 2007 and is now part of the top 20 playgrounds all over America.

Unfortunately, in 2015, the playground experienced a fire that took away most of its amenities.

On a brighter note, this paved the way for more ADA amenities that travelers and residents can take advantage of.

Let your child choose from various playground equipment available on-site.

Installed in the park are a zip line, a swing, and a giant TriNet climbing facility.

Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground is on North 12th Avenue.

Go on a Tractor-Train Ride at Yuma Family Pumpkin Patch

Do your little ones love exploring farms?

Take them to Yuma Family Pumpkin Patch!

This family-friendly pumpkin patch on South Avenue 5 East will get them excited about pumpkin picking for Halloween.

More than that, it also specializes in other pumpkin-related and farm-centered activities that your entire family can participate in.

Go on tractor-train rides and explore the vast area of the patch.

Live animals are also present at Yuma Family Pumpkin Patch, so your little ones can spend time getting to know more about them.

Jumpy castles and an obstacle course also await the most energetic kids.

Sign Your Kid up for Art Classes at The Artsy Fartsy Studio

While in Yuma, engage your child in creative stimulation by enrolling them in an art class at The Artsy Fartsy Studio.

Located on West 16th Street, this art studio harnesses your child’s skills in various forms of art media.

From wood workshops to painting, your little one has endless options.

They can learn to paint clay pots, vases, and other objects they so wish.

You may also register for a class while you’re at it, too.

The Artsy Fartsy Studio accepts walk-ins for its Open Studio classes, so you can immediately drop by for a visit if you think your kid may like it.

Explore the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden at West Wetlands Park

A river at West Wetlands Park

Noah Sauve / Shutterstock.com

Want a subtle exploration of wildlife while at Yuma?

West Wetlands Park can give you this and more.

This 110-acre park on North 12th Avenue offers an array of native trees and a pond.

Alongside the usual park facilities, West Wetlands Park also has walking trails for nature trekking and specified gardens.

Among its gardens include the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden and a burrowing owl habitat, where your little one can learn a thing or two about fowls.

You can also try your hand at fishing at the 15-foot pond.

Have Fun at the Water Play Areas at Friendship Park

Friendship Park brings a new meaning to the usual outdoor relaxation experience.

This park on West 34th Street has kid-friendly amenities for your kids to enjoy.

Alongside the usual walking path and park benches, it has free water play areas for your toddlers and older children.

That way, they get to cool down—literally!

Friendship Park is next to a water tower, so you can’t miss it when you drive by.

Buy a Funko Pop at Lost Empire Games

For the ultimate video game experience, head over to Lost Empire Games.

This game store on Yuma Palms Parkway isn’t only your kid’s gaming destination; it can be yours, too.

Not only does it introduce a variety of gaming memorabilia, but it also allows you to step back in time during your childhood of playing Pokemon and Yugi-Oh.

Pick and purchase special trading cards to add to your kids’ collections.

Funko pops can also serve as a nice gift for your little gamers.

Don’t forget to stop by Lost Empire Games on your Yuma trip!

Have a Picnic while Studying Wildlife at Mittry Lake Wildlife Area

Unwind in nature while taking it as a learning experience for your kid at Mittry Lake Wildlife Area.

This wildlife refuge extends to about 3,000 acres of water and marsh.

With its picturesque view of mountain ranges serving as the backdrop, find peacefulness when you choose to visit.

Open lakes and streamside woodlands are the most common habitats you and your little one can find and explore.

Mittry Lake Wildlife Area is also a great spot for birding and fishing—two activities your little one can learn to love.

Managed by the US Bureau of Reclamation, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, you can find this spot near East Imperial Dam Road.

Use Your Deductive Skills at Escape Room Yuma

Signage of Escape Room Yuma

Cheri Alguire / Shutterstock.com

Head to Escape Room Yuma to get your adrenaline pumping.

On South Main Street, this escape center allows you to solve puzzles and find hidden clues within an hour.

It’s also the ideal time to help improve your child’s thinking skills, but be sure they are eight and older.

The best part is there are many themes to choose from!

From serial killers to bomb-solving, you can be sure that your escape tactics are worthwhile and memorable.

Think outside the box when you get inside Escape Room Yuma.

Should you go with a large group, renting out the whole building is an option for unlimited fun and exhilaration.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Once you’ve already traveled through all the kid-friendly places in Yuma, here are some things you can do nearby.

Go Bowling at Wild River Family Entertainment Center

Bowling can be a bonding experience between you and your family—and at Wild River Family Entertainment Center, you can bowl to your heart’s content.

This entertainment center is one of the first in the area.

With its 24 bowling lanes, alongside dart games and billiard tables, you are sure your family can find an interest to pass the time by.

On top of that, there’s a laser tag area where your kids can run around and challenge each other.

After an afternoon or night of playing games, a snack bar is open to serve your appetite.

Wild River Family Entertainment Center is only 15 minutes from Yuma, on South Avenue in Somerton.

Final Thoughts

Yuma and its wondrous recreational options should not be missed while traveling.

Stack that on top of its sunny weather and warm disposition, and Yuma is a place of endless fun and excitement.

Is this city worth adding to your bucket list?

Now, you have an idea of the best things to do in Yuma, Arizona with kids!

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