Goldfield Ghost Town with Kids: A Family-Friendly Day Trip Near Mesa, AZ
If you’re looking for a family-friendly Arizona adventure that feels a little different from your usual park day, Goldfield Ghost Town with kids just works.
I grew up going here, and recently decided my kids (5 and 9) were finally at the perfect age to experience it for themselves.
It turned into one of those days where you blink and somehow 4–5 hours have passed—and you still didn’t see everything.
Where It Is + Getting There
Goldfield is tucked into Apache Junction at the base of the Superstition Mountains.
- About 35 minutes from downtown Mesa
- About 37 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
First Impressions (Not So “Ghostly”)
We went in mid-February, and the weather was honestly perfect.
The town was bustling—in the best way. You’d never believe it’s a “ghost town.”
Even though it was busy, it never felt overwhelming. The only real wait we had all day was for the train (about 20–25 minutes), and everything else moved pretty smoothly.
Also, fun fact, we found out only one of the buildings is actually original. But they did such a good job recreating everything that it still feels completely believable.
Pricing: Better Than You’d Expect
There’s:
- No admission
- No parking fee
- No entry cost at all
Everything is pay-as-you-go.
That usually that makes me nervous because it sounds like it’ll get expensive fast.
But we were there for 4–5 hours as a family of four and stayed under $160 total.
What We Spent:
- Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad → ~$40 total
- Goldfield Mine Tour → ~$40 total
- Miner’s Grill & Ice Cream Parlor → under $50
- Souvenirs → $30
Even going to Goldfield Ghost Town with Kids, it was not overly expensive.
What to Do at Goldfield Ghost Town with Kids
We Started With the Gunfighter Show
We got there just before high noon, which ended up being perfect timing.
The Goldfield Gunfighters show was honestly way better than I expected.
It had:
- A funny storyline (for adults too)
- Kid-friendly humor
- Enough action to keep everyone engaged
My older daughter and I sat on a rock, and my younger one got the best seat on shoulders.
Real tip: bring small bills—they work for tips.
Ice Cream First (Because That’s Real Life)
After the show, we went to Miner’s Grill & Ice Cream Parlor.
We got some food at the Miner’s Grill and then popped over to the separate entrance for the parlor.
The line for the ice cream parlor was out the door, but we waited it out.
The kids were so excited walking around with their cones and I skipped ordering one because I knew I’d end up finishing theirs anyway.
Exploring the Town – Goldield Ghost Town with Kids
This is where the day really opens up.
There’s a mix of:
- Shops (pottery, knives, random finds)
- A church (with real Sunday services)
- A museum
- Coffee, salsa, souvenirs
We wandered into the museum but didn’t do the full experience. The kids used their souvenir money here, and $15 each was enough, which honestly felt like a win.
Then we slowed down and enjoyed some of the free moments:
- Walking through the church
- Letting the kids explore
- Taking photos
At the top of the hill (to the right of the church and schoolhouse), we found an incredible view of the Superstition Mountains.
A stranger offered to take a family photo for us—and it ended up being one of my favorites from the day.
Mine Tour: Do This Early (Goldfield Ghost Town with Kids)
We accidentally made a really smart move here.
We bought tickets for the Goldfield Mine Tour over an hour in advance, and it saved us from a long wait.
When it was time, we only waited about 5 minutes.
The kids loved getting their colored “dynamite” stick that is esentially your entry ticket and determines which group you’re in.
Inside:
- Short descent into the mine
- Guided history + tools
- Larger open chamber
They were a little nervous at first, but the guide handled it well.
When the tour was over, we walked out with a deeper appreciation for what life used to be like—and it sparked some really good conversations afterward.
The Train: Slow… But Perfect
We ended the day with the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad.
You’ll probably wait about 20–25 minutes.
The train moves slowly.
But by that point, we were tired—and it was exactly what we needed.
It’s more of a relaxing, scenic experience than a thrill ride.
What We Didn’t Get To (And Regret)
We thought we had time for everything, but we didn’t.
We missed gold panning, which we were genuinely excited about.
If your kids loved doing it at the Arizona Museum of Natural History (Check out my post!), don’t save it for later—do it earlier.
What to Wear (Learn From Me 😅)
I wore a dress and sandals.
It worked… but I wouldn’t do it again.
Better options:
It’s dusty, outdoors, and more active than you think.
What to Pack– Going to Goldfield Ghost Town with Kids
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Sunglasses
- Snacks + water
- Portable charger
- Hand sanitizer
- Small bills (tips)
- Souvenir budget
Mom tip: fanny packs for kids > backpacks
Quick Tips (If You Skimmed Everything Above)
- Buy mine tour tickets early
- Do must-do activities first (not later)
- Expect a wait for the train
- Bring cash for tips
- Plan for dust + walking
- Budget ~$150–$160 for a full family day (more if everyone wants their own full meal- my Fiance and I tend to share meals since they’re typically too large to finish as just one person and we packed snacks- nuts and apples were our choice that day)
- Leave time to just wander
Final Thoughts
Is Goldfield Ghost Town Worth It With Kids?
Yes—especially if you’re looking for a low-pressure, pay-as-you-go day trip. There’s enough structure with activities like the train and mine tour, but also plenty of space for kids to explore at their own pace. It’s one of those rare places that works for both younger kids and adults.
This may be a ghost town—but it’s very much alive.
We left tired, dusty, and already planning what we’ll do next time.
And honestly—that’s exactly the kind of day I’m always looking for.
Plan Your Visit – to Goldfield Ghost Town with Kids
Location:
Goldfield Ghost Town
4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd, Apache Junction, AZ
Hours:
Open daily (hours can vary slightly by season and individual attractions)
Most shops + attractions: ~10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
👉 Tip: Check their website before you go, especially in summer
Admission:
- Free to enter
- Free parking
- Pay-as-you-go for activities
Popular Activity Pricing (at time of visit):
- Train Ride: ~$12 adults / ~$8 kids
- Mine Tour: ~$12 adults / ~$8 kids
- Gunfighter Shows: Free (tips encouraged)
When to Visit
Arizona weather can be both beautiful and intense, so timing your visit makes a big difference.
I’d recommend visiting in early spring (like we did), fall, or even winter. These months offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking around and actually enjoying everything the town has to offer.
- Best months: October through April
- Ideal window: November through March
Summer is doable—but you’ll want to be strategic. The heat can be at its most intense between 2:00–5:00 PM, and I would avoid longer visits during that time.
Early summer mornings are more manageable, but still warmer than most people expect, especially with how much walking is involved.
👉 If you want the most enjoyable experience, stick to the cooler months and give yourself time to explore without rushing through the heat.
Money-Saving Tip
Because this is a pay-as-you-go setup, it’s actually easy to control your budget.
We spent about $160 total for a family of four over 4–5 hours, including activities, food, and souvenirs—which felt very reasonable for a full day out in Goldfield Ghost Town with Kids.
👉 My tip: pick 2–3 “must-do” activities and let everything else be flexible.
Nearby Family-Friendly Stops
If you want to extend your day:
- Lost Dutchman State Park
Easy hiking trails + beautiful desert views right at the base of the Superstition Mountains - Scenic drive along the Apache Trail
Great if you want to slow things down after the busier town experience - Head back toward Mesa for dinner if your crew is tired (we definitely were 😅)
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FAQ for Goldfield Ghost Town
Yes, Goldfield Ghost Town is worth visiting with kids, especially if your family likes Old West history, train rides, and easy Arizona day trips. You can walk around for free, then choose which attractions make sense for your family.
Goldfield Ghost Town is free to enter and walk around, but attractions like the train ride, mine tour, and other activities cost extra.
Plan for about 2 to 4 hours. If you’re doing multiple attractions and lunch, you could easily spend half a day.
The train ride, mine tour, Mystery Shack, gold panning, and walking the town are the most popular activities for families.
Fall, winter, and spring are best. In summer, go early in the morning and bring water to beat the heat.
Goldfield Ghost Town is located in Apache Junction, Arizona near the Superstition Mountains.
Yes — Goldfield Ghost Town is absolutely worth it if you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly Arizona day trip with great views, simple activities, and a fun Old West atmosphere. It’s especially great for younger kids and casual exploring without needing a full-day commitment.
