Arizona has something for everyone, whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just some good old-fashioned fun. Arizona is an excellent destination for families, with a range of fun, educational, and engaging activities for kids of all ages. This blog will look at some of Arizona's best kid-friendly attractions and activities and how you can get the most out of your family vacation with Arizona Shuttle.
Outdoor Adventures
Arizona is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are plenty of outdoor adventures with the family. Arizona is great to explore the great outdoors, from hiking and camping in the Grand Canyon to a scenic drive through Sedona's red rock formations. Grand Canyon travel guide If you're looking for something more active, consider taking a hot air balloon ride, horseback riding, or kayaking in one of Arizona's many lakes and rivers. Lake Havasu transportation Lake Havasu transportation
Sedona red rock tours
Cultural Experiences
Arizona is also rich in cultural experiences, from its Native American history and art to its Spanish colonial heritage. The Heard Museum in Phoenix is a great place to start, with various exhibits and events showcasing the state's Native American cultures. To taste Spanish colonial history, visit San Xavier del Bac Mission near Tucson, one of the best-preserved Spanish missions in the United States.
Fun and Games
Of course, a family vacation is only complete with some good old-fashioned fun and games. Arizona has a range of amusement parks and attractions that are perfect for kids of all ages, from the thrill rides at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix to the interactive exhibits at the Arizona Science Center. For a more low-key experience, consider visiting one of Arizona's many parks, lakes, or zoos, or take a guided tour of the state's deserts and canyons.
Getting Around with Arizona Shuttle
Arizona Shuttle is the best way to get around Arizona with your family, offering reliable, convenient, and affordable transportation to all of the state's top attractions. Whether you're looking to explore the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Phoenix, or beyond, Arizona Shuttle has you covered with a range of shuttle services to suit your needs. With Arizona Shuttle, you can sit back, relax, and let someone else drive, giving you more time to enjoy the attractions and activities you love.
Arizona is an excellent destination for families, with a range of fun, educational, and engaging activities for kids of all ages. Arizona has something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and good old-fashioned fun. With Arizona Shuttle, getting around is easy and convenient, so why not plan your family vacation today and discover all the Grand Canyon State offers?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good outdoor activities for kids in Arizona?
Arizona offers hiking, camping at the Grand Canyon, scenic drives through Sedona's red rocks, and more active options like hot air balloon rides or kayaking.
Can we visit both the Heard Museum and San Xavier del Bac Mission in one day?
Yes, you can explore both within a day; the Heard Museum is in Phoenix while San Xavier del Bac Mission is near Tucson, making it feasible with good planning.
What are some fun attractions for kids that aren't theme parks?
Consider visiting interactive exhibits at the Arizona Science Center or taking guided tours of deserts and canyons for a more educational experience.
How do I get to Lake Havasu from Phoenix with Arizona Shuttle?
Arizona Shuttle offers convenient transportation services, including routes to Lake Havasu, making it easy to visit with your family.
Top Family-Friendly Resorts in Arizona
When you’re planning a family getaway in Arizona, choosing a resort that offers more than just a place to sleep can turn a simple trip into an unforgettable adventure. Several resorts across the Phoenix‑Scottsdale corridor and Sedona have built their reputations on kid‑approved amenities, from sprawling pool complexes with lazy rivers to on‑site spas and diverse dining. Below is a concise guide to the most popular family‑focused resorts, based on publicly available information from familyresortguide.com and kidsareatrip.com.
Resort Comparison Table
| Resort | Signature Family Feature | Dining Options | Nearest Major Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa | Lazy river, 8‑story water slides, wave pool | 5 restaurants (including a poolside grill) | I‑10 (Exit 106) – 2 mi |
| Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | Seven pools, adult‑only pool, three water slides | 7 dining venues, two cocktail bars | AZ‑101 (Exit 36) – 1 mi |
| Westin Kierland Resort & Spa | Lazy river, 27‑hole golf, full‑service spa | 8 options (upscale to casual) | AZ‑101 (Exit 34) – 0.5 mi |
| Arizona Grand Resort & Spa | Oasis water park – 8‑story slides, wave pool, 25‑person hot tub | 6 eateries (including a poolside café) | I‑10 (Exit 138) – 3 mi |
| Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort | Large pool complex, 27‑hole Gainey Ranch Golf Club | 5 restaurants | AZ‑101 (Exit 40) – 2 mi |
| Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock | Proximity to Bell Rock trailhead, outdoor pool | 4 dining options | US‑89 (Exit 298) – 0.5 mi |
| Arizona Biltmore | Seven pools (including adult‑only), three water slides | 5 on‑site dining venues | I‑10 (Exit 147) – 4 mi |
| The Phoenician | Three 9‑hole courses, full‑service spa, family pool | 7 restaurants (Mexican, Italian, BBQ, Southwestern) | AZ‑101 (Exit 50) – 1 mi |
Best Lazy Rivers & Water Parks for Families
Arizona’s desert heat makes water‑based attractions a must for families, especially those with younger children. The state boasts several “lazy‑river” complexes and water parks that are both safe and thrilling.
Top Lazy‑River Resorts
- JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge – The “River Run” lazy river loops around the main pool area, offering a gentle current perfect for toddlers and parents alike. (Source: familyresortguide.com)
- Westin Kierland Resort & Spa – The resort’s 0.5‑acre pool deck includes a meandering lazy river that winds past cabanas and a splash zone for kids.
- Arizona Grand Resort & Spa – “The Oasis” water park features a 1,000‑ft lazy river that glides past water slides and a wave pool.
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – While the focus is on its family pool with three slides, the adjoining “Princess Lagoon” offers a calm river segment.
Water‑Park Highlights
For those looking for more than a lazy river, the following parks deliver excitement without straying far from Phoenix:
- Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix – Located off I‑10 in Glendale, this park offers more than 30 rides, including a 70‑foot tall wave pool and a family‑friendly raft ride.
- Oasis Water Park at Arizona Grand Resort – Besides the iconic 8‑story water slides, the park includes a 25‑person hot tub and a dedicated splash area for toddlers.
- Aquifer Waterpark (Mesa) – A smaller, community‑focused venue with a lazy river and interactive water playground, easily accessed via US‑60.
Comparison of Top Water Parks
| Water Park | Key Attractions | Location / Nearest Highway | Age Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Six Flags Hurricane Harbor | Wave pool, family raft ride, thrill slides | Glendale, off I‑10 (Exit 115) | All ages (height restrictions apply) |
| Oasis (Arizona Grand) | 8‑story slides, lazy river, splash zone | Phoenix, I‑10 (Exit 138) | Toddlers to teens |
| Aquifer Waterpark | Lazy river, interactive play structures | Mesa, US‑60 (Exit 196) | Primarily younger children |
Kid‑Friendly Hiking Trails & Scenic Drives
Even in the desert, Arizona offers plenty of gentle trails that are perfect for families with small children. The key is selecting routes with well‑maintained paths, moderate elevation gain, and rewarding views.
- Papago Park – Hole in the Rock Trail (Phoenix) – A 0.5‑mile, paved path that leads to a natural rock opening with panoramic views of downtown Phoenix. Accessible via AZ‑202 (Loop 202) eastbound, Exit 4.
- South Mountain Park – Bailey Loop (Phoenix) – A 2‑mile loop with gentle slopes, perfect for strollers. The park can be entered from US‑60 (South Mountain Freeway), Exit 119.
- Sedona – Bell Rock Pathway (Sedona) – An easy 1.5‑mile loop around Bell Rock, offering striking red‑rock vistas. Access from US‑89, then AZ‑179 south.
- Montezuma Castle National Monument (Camp Verde) – Although a historic cliff dwelling, the visitor center features a short, paved trail with interpretive signs, ideal for early learners. Located off I‑17, Exit 293.
- Tombstone Trails – White Rock Loop (Lake Pleasant) – A family‑friendly 3‑mile loop near Lake Pleasant Regional Park, reachable via AZ‑74 west of I‑17.
When driving between these sites, use major corridors such as I‑10 for Phoenix‑to‑Tucson trips, I‑17 for Phoenix‑to‑Flagstaff journeys, and US‑60 for east‑west traverses across the Valley.
