Phoenix, Arizona

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While it may be tempting to spend a Phoenix family vacation within the confines of a five-star luxury resort, families venturing beyond the swimming pool, spa and golf course will quickly discover that there are lots of fun things to do with kids in the Valley of the Sun. Area parks such as South Mountain, McDowell Mountain and White Tank Mountain Regional Park offer more than a bit of 'green', hiking, biking and horseback riding await outdoor adventure seekers. If quintessential southwest is your goal, explore Hohokam Indian ruins and participate in a simulated excavation at the Deer Valley Rock Art Center. Tour a re-created Zuni Pueblo and participate in hands-on activities at the Heard Museum. Families in search of the 'Old West' will want to head to Goldfield Ghost Town and pan for gold and tour a once functioning gold mine. Jeep tours and amusement parks, not to mention the Phoenix Zoo and professional sporting matches, are but a few of the Phoenix attractions offering family fun.

Getting there

Families traveling to Phoenix, Arizona by air will arrive/depart the centrally located Sky Harbor International Airport. U.S. domestic airlines offer direct flights to/from points across the United States. U.S. and international carriers service international routes with direct flights to London (UK) and numerous cities in Canada and Mexico. Families traveling by car have a variety of options from scenic byways to major interstate highways.

Map It!
Google Maps
Airlines Servicing Phoenix
City of Phoenix
Phoenix Roadway Conditions
Arizona Department of Transportation

Getting around

The greater Phoenix metro area spans roughly 2000 square miles or 5180 square kilometers! While taxis and shuttle services (advance booking required) are readily available at the airport, a car is required to fully explore Phoenix and the surrounding area. Families intending to visit Phoenix attractions and partake in the activities unique to the Valley of the Sun will need to carefully plan their movements or you might spend all of your time driving from end to end. A light rail system, scheduled to initiate service in 2009, will make it easier to get from place to place.

Taxi & Shuttle Services
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau
Rental Cars
World Wide Rental Cars
Public Transportation
Valley Metro

When to travel

Phoenix, Arizona boasts 325 days of sun. Yet the best time of the year to visit is from November to April. The summer from June to September is hot and by late July the dew point average rises with the arrival of the summer monsoon. Thanks to a desert climate, the days are hot and the nights are significantly cooler throughout the year.

Weather Forecast & Climate History
Weather Underground
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau

Travel health & child safety

Nature and the elements are potential hazards for families intending to make the most of the great outdoors. Carry plenty of water when hitting the trail and don't get caught out in a storm, in the mountains they can be severe. Crime is an issue in downtown and central Phoenix. Arizona law requires children under 5 years of age be properly secured in a U.S. government approved child safety seat. Booster seats are encouraged for children under the age of 8 or less than 4 feet 9 inches (144 cm) tall. Children under 12 are encouraged to sit in the back seat and must buckle up. The law does not apply to taxis and buses.

Desert Survival
DoTucson.com
Arizona Child Restraint Laws
Arizona GOHS

Things to keep in mind

While you will need to do a fair bit of planning if you intend to take advantage of the many activities unique to Phoenix, there is no need to venture far. There are a plethora of family attractions and kid-friendly places in the Valley of the Sun.