Arizona Family Vacation Ideas

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Best Family Vacations in Arizona: Where to Go and What to Do

Arizona is a fantastic destination for family vacations, offering everything from stunning natural wonders to exciting city adventures. Whether your family loves outdoor exploration, history, or fun-filled attractions, Arizona has something for everyone. It’s one of my favorite vacation destinations because there is so much to do there–but it’s also a great place to just enjoy the sunshine and beautiful resort pools if you’d rather simply relax. Here are some of the best cities to visit in Arizona, along with top attractions and family-friendly hotels.

1. Phoenix

Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is a great destination for families looking for a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural attractions.

Top Attractions:

• The Phoenix Zoo – One of the top-rated zoos in the country with interactive exhibits and a splash pad.
• Desert Botanical Garden – A fun way to learn about desert plants with beautiful trails.
• Children’s Museum of Phoenix – Hands-on activities and exhibits for younger kids.
• Papago Park – Great for hiking and home to Hole-in-the-Rock, a must-see viewpoint.

Check out even more fun things to do in Phoenix in this popular blog post of mine.

Family-Friendly Hotels:

• Arizona Grand Resort & Spa – Features a massive water park and spacious suites.
• The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa – One of the best Arizona resorts with a lazy river. Plus it offers lots of kids’ activities.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Scottsdale – Spacious suites with free breakfast.

Here’s a complete list of the best family resorts in Phoenix.

2. Sedona – A beautiful place for an Arizona family vacation

Sedona is known for its breathtaking red rock formations and outdoor adventures, making it an excellent family destination.

Top Attractions:

• Slide Rock State Park – A natural waterslide in Oak Creek Canyon, perfect for cooling off.
• Red Rock Scenic Byway – A must-do drive with stunning views and easy hiking trails.
• Pink Jeep Tours – A fun off-road adventure through Sedona’s iconic rock formations. Check out the off-roading tours in Sedona.
• Chapel of the Holy Cross – A unique architectural marvel with great views.

Family-Friendly Hotels:

• Arabella Hotel Sedona – Offers a pool and great views of the red rocks.
• Poco Diablo Resort – Family-friendly with plenty of outdoor space.
• Enchantment Resort – Luxury stay with kid-friendly activities.

3. Grand Canyon National Park

A visit to the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list experience for families, offering unforgettable views and outdoor fun. It’s on my list of the best national parks to visit with kids as well. From here, you can do a road trip to Las Vegas for an exciting twist.

Top Attractions For Your Arizona Family Vacation:

• South Rim Visitor Center – Great starting point with kid-friendly exhibits.
• Rim Trail – A scenic, easy hike suitable for families.
• Mather Point Overlook – One of the most famous viewpoints.
• Junior Ranger Program – Fun and educational for kids visiting the park.

Family-Friendly Hotels:

• Yavapai Lodge – Comfortable and conveniently located inside the park.
• Maswik Lodge – A great budget-friendly option with easy access to trails.
• Grand Canyon Railway Hotel – Offers a fun train ride experience to the canyon.

4. Tucson

Tucson is a great spot for families who love history, culture, and outdoor fun. We spent a few days there and loved relaxing by the pool in between hikes. We spent time in the Saguaro National Park and we spent a day in Tombstone while was so cool to visit.

Top Attractions:

• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – A zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum all in one.
• Pima Air & Space Museum – Explore hundreds of aircraft, including historic planes.
• Old Tucson – A Wild West-themed attraction with live shows and rides.
• Saguaro National Park – See the iconic giant cacti up close.
• Tombstone – Worth the drive to visit the famous town. Check out these family things to do there.

Family-Friendly Hotels:

• Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort – Beautiful views and great pools.
• Lodge on the Desert – A charming boutique hotel with family-friendly amenities.
• JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa – Features a lazy river and hiking trails nearby. Check out my complete review of this resort here.

5. Flagstaff– For those looking for an adventurous Arizona family vacation

Flagstaff offers cooler weather and access to incredible natural wonders, making it perfect for a family getaway. We went as a spring break destination one year, and were able to easily visit both the Grand Canyon and Sedona from our hotel in Sedona.

Top Attractions:

• Lowell Observatory – A great place for stargazing and learning about space.
• Walnut Canyon National Monument – Explore ancient cliff dwellings.
• Arizona Snowbowl – Enjoy skiing in winter or scenic chairlift rides in summer.
• Bearizona Wildlife Park – A drive-through safari park with bears, wolves, and more.
• Flagstaff Lava Tube – A pitch black underground lava tube for those up for the adventure

Family-Friendly Hotels:

• Little America Hotel Flagstaff – Spacious rooms and a great on-site playground.
• Drury Inn & Suites Flagstaff – Offers complimentary meals and a cozy atmosphere.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Flagstaff – Spacious rooms and a great location.

6. Scottsdale– One of my favorite places for a relaxing Arizona family vacation

Scottsdale is a great destination for families who want a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and luxury resorts.

Top Attractions:

• OdySea Aquarium – A massive aquarium with interactive exhibits and marine life encounters.
• Butterfly Wonderland – Home to thousands of butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting.
• McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – A fun spot for kids with train rides and a carousel.
• Taliesin West – A fascinating tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and school.

Family-Friendly Resorts in Scottsdale:

• The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort – Features a great kids’ program and water slides.
• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Offers multiple pools and seasonal family-friendly events. See my full review of this resort here.
• Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa – Includes a water park, sandy beach, and kids’ club.
• Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale – A full water park and lots of family entertainment.

Plan Your Arizona Family Adventure

Arizona offers a perfect mix of outdoor fun, cultural experiences, and exciting attractions for families. Whether you want to explore the Grand Canyon, experience the Wild West in Tucson, or cool off in Sedona’s natural waterslides, there’s something for everyone. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family vacation in the Grand Canyon State!

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