When summer hits and the thermometer climbs past 110°F, “go outside and play” stops being an option in Scottsdale. Here’s where to go instead — and the best part is it’s all in one place.

If you’ve lived in or visited the Phoenix metro in summer, you already know the drill: by 9 a.m. it’s too hot to be outside, and by noon the pavement is hot enough to cook on. Finding genuinely fun, air-conditioned things to do in Scottsdale — especially with kids — takes real planning.

The good news? The Pavilions at Talking Stick has become one of the best beat-the-heat destinations in the East Valley, with multiple indoor entertainment venues all in the same parking lot. No driving around, no fighting traffic on Scottsdale Road, no melting in the heat between stops.

Indoor Activities at The Pavilions at Talking Stick

Slick City Action Park — Arizona’s Largest Indoor Slide Park

If you have kids, Slick City is the headliner. It’s an enormous indoor slide park — the largest in Arizona — with giant foam slides, climbing structures, and a dedicated area for younger kids. The whole place is climate-controlled and designed specifically for high-energy kids who need somewhere to burn it off when outdoor parks aren’t an option.

It’s the kind of place where kids disappear for two or three hours and parents actually get a breather. Grip socks are required (available to purchase if you forget), and there are separate sections by age/size so little ones aren’t getting bowled over by teenagers.

Best for: Kids and families, ages roughly 2–14
Tip: Book tickets online in advance on weekends and during school breaks — it fills up fast in summer.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving — The Real Deal, No Plane Required

iFLY is indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel, and it’s legitimately one of the coolest experiences in the valley. A certified instructor takes you through a training session, then you fly — face-down, suspended by wind — in a glass cylinder. It’s the closest thing to actual freefall without jumping out of a plane.

First-time flyers do a 2-flight introductory package with an instructor in the tunnel the whole time. It’s suitable for most ages and a surprising range of fitness levels — kids as young as 3 can fly with adult supervision.

Best for: Kids, teens, adults — really anyone looking for something different
Tip: The “First Time Flyer” package is the right entry point. Most people wish they had booked more flight time after their first session.

Octane Raceway — Indoor Go-Kart Racing

Octane Raceway runs electric go-karts on an indoor track — fast, loud (in a fun way), and fully air-conditioned. The karts hit speeds that feel genuinely quick, not bumper-car slow. They have different kart classes for different ages and heights, so kids and adults can race separately or together depending on size requirements.

The facility also has a lounge area with food and drinks, so it works well as a group outing where not everyone is racing at the same time.

Best for: Teens and adults primarily; kids must meet minimum height requirements (varies by kart class)
Tip: Check their website for weekday vs. weekend pricing — weekday rates are generally cheaper and the track is less crowded.

Bam Kazam — Trampoline Park & More

Bam Kazam is a trampoline and entertainment complex with open jump areas, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and ninja warrior-style obstacle courses. It’s high-energy and exactly what kids who’ve been cooped up need to get out of their system.

Grip socks are required here as well. They have separate jump zones by age, which helps keep it from turning into chaos.

Best for: Kids and teens
Tip: Open jump sessions sell out on summer weekends. Book ahead.

Roadhouse Cinemas — Dine-In Movie Theater

When the energy runs out but you’re not ready to go home, Roadhouse Cinemas is right there. It’s a dine-in movie theater — full menu, alcohol for adults, servers taking orders from your seat — showing current releases. The seats are oversized and comfortable, and you can order actual food instead of just popcorn.

This works especially well as a wind-down after an activity-heavy day, or as the plan when the little ones are past the point of anything requiring physical exertion.

Best for: All ages; great last stop of the day
Tip: Book your showtime and seats in advance — dine-in theaters assign seating and popular showtimes fill up.

Why The Pavilions Works for a Full Day Out

The thing that makes this work as a beat-the-heat strategy rather than just a list of venues is proximity. Slick City, iFLY, Octane Raceway, Bam Kazam, and Roadhouse Cinemas are all within the same shopping center complex, with shared parking. You’re not fighting Scottsdale Road to get between them.

The practical flow for a family: arrive at Slick City or Bam Kazam in the morning when kids have the most energy, move to iFLY or Octane mid-day, and cap it with a movie and food at Roadhouse in the evening. You can realistically do two or three of these in a single day without burning out on logistics.

There’s also a full range of dining options at The Pavilions for meals between activities — sit-down restaurants, quick bites, and coffee.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 9175 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
(At the intersection of Pima and Indian Bend, adjacent to Talking Stick Resort and Salt River Fields)

Parking: Free, surface lot — large enough that it’s rarely a problem even on busy weekends

Getting here: Right off the 101 at Indian Bend. Coming from Phoenix, it’s one of the easier East Valley destinations to reach without dealing with Old Town traffic.

Combine with: The Pavilions sits inside the broader Talking Stick/Salt River entertainment district. Talking Stick Resort, Salt River Fields, and Casino Arizona are all within a mile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best indoor activity at The Pavilions for toddlers?

Slick City has a dedicated younger kids section, and Bam Kazam has age-separated areas. Both are better suited to toddlers and young children than iFLY or Octane, which have minimum age/height requirements.

Is there somewhere to eat between activities at The Pavilions?

Yes — The Pavilions has multiple dining options on-site. Roadhouse Cinemas also serves a full menu if you’re catching a movie as part of your day.

Do I need to book in advance for summer visits?

For Slick City, iFLY, and Bam Kazam — yes, especially on weekends and during school breaks in June and July. These venues fill up fast in summer when the entire valley is looking for indoor options. Roadhouse Cinemas assigns seats too, so book your showtime ahead.

What are the hours for indoor activities at The Pavilions?

Hours vary by venue and season. Summer hours are often extended. Check individual venue websites for current hours before visiting.