Whether you own Arizona real estate with your family or are here for a visit, there is no shortage of things to do with your kids. All across the state, there are a plethora of opportunities for children and parents alike to be entertained, educated and capture memories of Arizona family activities that will stay with them for a lifetime.
If you are in the Phoenix area, be sure to check out the family-friendly Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park. Approximately 1,200 animals from all over the world call the beautifully-maintained zoo home. The Phoenix metropolitan area is filled with other kid-friendly activities, from parks and water facilities to all kinds of children’s museums.
Just north of Phoenix is Montezuma’s Castle National Monument. Most children are inherently fascinated with castles, only instead of a classic castle with turrets and a moat, this one is found in a cliff recess a hundred feet above the Verde Valley. It was built back in the 12th century by Sinagua farmers and was once a five-story, 20-room residence. Visitors can walk along a trail until you get to the amazing dwellings.
Drive further north and you’ll find fabulous Sedona, home to four-wheel-drive tours that offer fast-paced, bumpy rides through the surrounding hills and deserts. Kids often remark that the rides can seem like a roller coaster thanks to its twists and turns and drops. Sedona is also home to numerous shops and boutiques featuring a variety of fudge flavors, toys and souvenirs, including the always-popular paperweight containing an encased, preserved (but thankfully deceased) scorpion.
All the way up north is the Grand Canyon, and no trip to Arizona would be complete without at least a day at this world-famous landmark.
In addition to its spectacular vistas, the canyon offers hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, many of which are ideal for the younger crowd. Remember when the Brady Bunch made their way down to the bottom of the canyon on mules? If you and your kiddos are feeling brave, you can follow in the mule-steps of Greg, Marcia and the whole Brady gang as you mule-ander down the Bright Angel Trail.
Head south to Tucson and you’ll find the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, filled with creepy-crawly living exhibits as well as more tame displays of fossils, rocks and minerals, all native to the area. Children and their families are also sure to enjoy a trip to nearby Kartchner Caverns, a figuratively and literally very cool cave. The Rotunda/Throne tour includes the chance to see 45,000-year-old bat guano—this alone might be enough of a reason for many kids to want to come visit the caverns.
No matter what you decide to do, it’s easy to keep your entire family happy and busy in Arizona. And as a major plus, the adults who come along for the ride are sure to have just as much fun as the younger crowd.
