Kierland with the Kids
A fun afternoon when meeting a friend, you can get a Starbuck’s and walk over to the splash pad and grass area for the children. If the weather is not good head into Barnes and Noble and read a book or play with the train table. Babystyle and Barnes and Noble both have story times for the children. Good dining choices, if you go early, are P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory and the patio of North. Coldstone Ice Cream is in a great location for getting an ice cream and sitting outside.
DC Ranch Market Street
If you go in the morning bring a change of clothes, a towel and a picnic lunch to enjoy the splash pad and 
“mud area.” The park is located behind Grimaldi’s and Blue Wasabi. It is not your typical park with a swing and slide, but is more of a lounging park so bring a shovel and soccer ball to keep the kids occupied within the grassy and sandy areas. Patsy Grimaldi’s for Pizza, Mexican food at San Felipes and Flo’s Hong Kong is a good choice with children. There are also many options for fine dining at Market Street, including; Flemings (known for some of the best steaks in Phoenix/Scottsdale), Eddie V’s for excellent sea food, and Blue Wasabi for Sushi and martinis.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
This is the best place to take your children for the day. Ride on the train, the antique carousel and enjoy a picnic in this large park. If you can make the time, the model trains are on display and well worth the visit.
BIKING AND HIKING:
Pemberton Bike Trail
What’s the best mountain bike trail in Scottsdale? Easy, the Pemberton trail at McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers a great 15.5 mile loop through the Sonoran Desrt with curves, climbs, and hard cranking single track that bikers of all abilities will enjoy. The trailhead is at the large parking area at the end of Schallmo Drive, ¾ of a mile from McDowell Mountain Park Drive. There are also other trails you can take from here (such as the Granite, Stoneman and Tonto Tank Trails) which are all very enjoyable. These other trails are great, but go there for Pemberton. The first eight miles will make you work (700 feet of climbing) and get your heart rate up, but the second half makes it all worthwhile with a roller coaster of single track fun! If you have not ridden here before plan on between 2 and 3 hours (based on your skill level) and you will enjoy great views of the Sonoran Desert and Four Peaks mountain range.
After Pemberton you will notice the signs for the competitive track trails. These are great fun and are the home to many mountain bike races in the valley. There are different levels of ability for the competitive track, but they tend to be faster, a bit more technical and a little shorter. You will love this park!
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
The park has more than 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. Park Trails range in length and in difficulty from easy to strenuous. This great trailhead right off of Bell road and 104th street, takes you up to the summit. You will love the great city views from the top.
Cave Creek Recreational Area
This great hiking spot is located right off of Carefree Highway south of Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek (just north of Scottsdale). There are many great hiking and biking trails in this area at all levels of difficulty.
Lost Dutchman State Park
For people looking to travel just a little bit outside of Scottsdale, we suggest you try the Lost Dutchman trail at the base of the Superstition Mountains. This is a beautiful area of the Sonoran Desert and while there you can look for the historic and fabled Lost Dutchman Mine where legend says that he hid his fortune of gold. There is a visitor center here also, which can offer maps and trail guides.
http://pr.state.az.us/text/featurestories/lostdutchlegend.html
Pinnacle Peak Park
The three and a half mile hike (round trip) leads visitors to some beautiful views of the city and surrounding desert. Rated by the Siearra Club as a moderate hike with about 1,300 feet elevation gain. Guided walks are offered during the peak wildflower season which is generally February 15-April 15. Located one mile south of Dynamite Road and Alma School.
