The Child Life Zone, or “the happiest place,” is a unique therapeutic space where kids can be kids. It’s designed for children to play, create, learn and connect with others. This procedure-free area gives patients and families the opportunity to enjoy time together in a fun and comfortable environment.

Where We’re Located

The Zone is at Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Thomas Campus. We’re located on the first floor of the East Building. To contact us, call 602-933-4545.

What You’ll Find in the Zone

In the Zone, we have everything your child needs to have fun. Staffed by our Child Life team, the space offers:

  • Arcade games, including air hockey, pinball, pool, basketball and a claw machine
  • Gaming stations and virtual reality goggles
  • Interactive touch screen to teach children about their bodies and medical procedures
  • Kitchen and cooking area for special events like chef-supervised cooking classes
  • Lite-Brite-style wall where children can create illuminated pictures
  • Live broadcast studio where kids can create and view their own programs for CLZTV, Phoenix Children’s TV network
  • Makerspace equipment with a 3D printer and laser printer
  • Music and recording studio
  • Photo booth
  • Positive image room for haircuts, massages and spa days
  • Projection screen
  • Sports lockers with professional apparel and equipment
  • Telepresence robots
  • Therapeutic crafts and activities
Boy making peace sign in photo booth in The Zone
The Zone at Phoenix Children's Hospital - Thomas Campus
Arcade games in The Zone
Girl and parent playing arcade game
Woman and boy playing foosball
Girl playing air hockey
Basketball Arcade Game and Diamondbacks Gear Display
Boy playing basketball arcade game in The Zone
Photo booth in The Zone
Sisters in photo booth in The Zone
Recording studio in The Zone
Woman teaching girl to play the guitar in The Zone
Boy playing the drums in The Zone
Girl playing the keyboard in The Zone
Lite-Brite wall and Hallway in The Zone
Boy playing with Lite-Brite wall in The Zone
Boy on soundstage in The Zone
Boy playing video game in The Zone
Kitchen in The Zone
Girl in hair salon in The Zone
Boy using 3D printer in The Zone
Boy writing on whiteboard in The Zone

Who Can Use the Zone

We reserve the Zone for patients, both inpatient and outpatient, who are at least 6 years old. Patients can’t be on isolation precautions. If you’re an inpatient, you must have nurse approval and a Zone sticker to enter.

All siblings ages 6 years and older are also welcome to the Zone, as long as they’re with a parent.

The Stage in The Zone

Teammates for Kids Foundation

The Child Life Zone is made possible by a generous endowment from Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Foundation, which provided funding to construct the Zone. Teammates is a large network of professional athletes who donate funds based on their performance. Members of the organization’s board pay all overhead costs so that 100% of the money raised goes directly to children's charities.