is a great place to take the kids. Train rides on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and the antique Scottsdale Charro Carousel score major points with kids of all ages, even big ones like my husband, Dave. There’s also a railroad museum, picnic and playground areas, and the Snackstop Caboose, which serves up kid-friendly favorites like hamburgers and hot dogs.

Phoenix Zoo. Highlights include the All About Animals Show, Land of the Dragons and Monkey Village (my personal favorite) where you can get up-close and personal with frisky squirrel monkeys. Dave loved the Giraffe Encounter so much that we went back for both feeding sessions (10:00-11:00 a.m. and 1:00-2:00 p.m.). If you’re short on time, hop aboard the Safari Train, a 25-minute tour that covers all the major animal exhibits and gives you tips on zoo activities for the day.

the coolest new attractions in the area. It’s super high-tech, with wireless headsets that tune-in automatically to the streaming audio at each display and let you hear instruments from 200 countries around the world with perfect clarity. Don’t miss the Experience Room where you can try your hand at a harp, bang a gong or play other exotic instruments.

city and to see inside the home of an architectural legend, you won’t want to miss Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. This unique compound set in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains was originally built as Wright’s winter home and architectural studio, and showcases his amazing ability to seamlessly blend architecture and environment. You can choose from a variety of daily tours, as well as a handful of seasonal offerings like the after-dark Night Lights on the Desert Tour and the Desert Shelter Tour, which is led by students of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.

among fans of architecture and design, Italian architect Paolo Soleri has built a fascinating complex of experimental concrete structures. It’s also where Soleri’s world-famous bronze windbells are made and sold. The foundry is right on site, so be sure to call ahead for bronze pouring times.

love to spend an afternoon at Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. This gorgeous park has a little something for everyone, from public art (like Robert Indiana’s famous Love sculpture) and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts to several popular restaurants. The mall also hosts a number of art and culinary celebrations throughout the year, as well as the seasonal Native Trails festivals.

where you’ll find the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. SMoCA, as the locals call it, exhibits innovative works by the world’s best contemporary artists. It’s also home to James Turrell’s Knight Rise installation. This airy, circular room gives you a unique perspective on the desert sky and how light changes during the day (tip: Knight Rise is free to view during regular museum hours).

about Native American culture, the Heard Museum is a can’t-miss destination. The museum’s 10 exhibit galleries explore Native American cultures, history and art, and offer fun hands-on activities for kids. Get a taste of the Southwest at the Courtyard Café, which serves up treats like tepary bean hummus, posolé, crispy corn tacos and fry bread.

Desert Botanical Garden, which is home to thousands of varieties of desert-dwelling plants that are displayed along five thematic trails. But here’s a tip – the Garden is also a great nightlife spot! During the seasonal Music in the Garden Concert Series, you can enjoy a catered dinner, a glass of really great wine and some of the area’s most popular bands like Rose’s Pawn Shop, who rocked the stage the night we visited.