Arizona Family Adventure: A Journey Through Red Rocks to Desert Wonders
The American Southwest has always held a special allure for families seeking adventure, and Arizona stands out as a premier destination where ancient landscapes meet modern fun. A weeklong journey through Sedona, Phoenix, and Tucson offered the perfect blend of outdoor excitement and natural wonder that kept both parents and kids engaged. They chose properties that were all family-friendly, had pools as well as activities on property.
Sedona
Stay: Enchantment Resort
The clients began their week-long Arizona adventure in Sedona, where towering red rock formations create a dramatic backdrop. The first morning started with an exciting Pink Jeep Tour through the rugged terrain. The kids couldn't contain their excitement as the skilled drivers navigated the famous Broken Arrow Trail, sharing facts about the geology and history of the area while off roading down enormous rocks. One of the kids asked the driver if he had to be trained to drive on these big rocks! The following days were filled with family-friendly hiking adventures. The Bell Rock Pathway proved perfect for children of all ages, offering a relatively flat terrain and stunning 360-degree views. For a more challenging experience, they tackled the Cathedral Rock Trail early one morning, where the older children proudly conquered the moderate climb.
A few recommendations for summer trips would include a day trip to Slide Rock State Park, hot air balloon and white water rafting.
Phoenix
Stay: The Phoenician
Heading south to Phoenix, clients discovered how the Sonoran Desert's urban oasis caters to family entertainment. For a dose of desert adventure, they booked a guided 2-hour ATV/UTV tour in the outskirts of Phoenix, where the entire family experienced the thrill of navigating desert trails. The next day they went on a full day private adventure complete with horseback riding, skeet shooting and a delicious cowboy lunch at Western Destinations. Everyone tried their hand at authentic cowboy games such as hatchet throwing and pistol shooting. When families need to beat the heat Arizona Grand Resort's Oasis Water Park, is a great place to do so. You can spend a full day enjoying seven acres of water slides, wave pools, and a lazy river.
A few places the clients didn’t make it to but are recommended for families are; The Musical Instrument Museum and The Desert Botanical Garden.
Tucson
Their final stop in Tucson was nothing short of perfection. They chose to stay here for the longest amount of time and quickly settled in at The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain where they felt like they were at home. The property offered a variety of activities they could choose from when they were spending downtime at the property. Live music, nightly s’mores, mixology classes and raptor programs were a few they enjoyed. They dedicated a full day at Saguaro National Park. The kids participated in the Junior Ranger program, learning about the iconic saguaro cactus and desert wildlife. They booked a guided sunset hike with a local naturalist who pointed out native plants, animal tracks, and shared fascinating stories about the desert's indigenous peoples. After dark, they booked a private stargazing experience through the hotel for an unforgettable experience. The astronomy guide's enthusiasm was contagious as they helped the children spot constellations and explained the ancient stories behind them. The clear mountain air and elevation made for exceptional viewing conditions, and everyone was thrilled to capture photos through the telescope with their phones.
Some other recommendations for families include The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson Studios.
Travel Tips for Families:
Time your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, when traveling during summer months
Pack plenty of water, sun protection, and light, breathable clothing for hikes and outdoor adventures
Make advance reservations for popular activities like jeep tours and guided adventures
Consider shoulder season (spring or fall) for more comfortable temperatures
Include indoor activities in your itinerary for afternoon breaks from the heat
Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting and stargazing
Connect with me to plan a desert vacation for you!
