Arizona
Family travel to Arizona combines culture, adventure and kids. Visit a Native American Indian Reservation, explore one of the state's many archaeological sites or discover dinosaur tracks. Spot wildlife or watch birds. Marvel at the Grand Canyon. Hike, horseback ride or take a mule pack trip. And during the winter holiday season, take a train trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express. Whether you camp under the stars or relax in luxury at a family destination resort there are countless things to do in Arizona with kids.
Situated just north of Mexico, Arizona shares more than a border, or corner, with five U.S. states - New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and California. It shares the 'Old West' and Southwest cultures with several of its neighbors. Yet there is much to Arizona that is unique.
Arizona's rich cultural heritage dates back more than 11,000 years when the Clovis people, a Paleo-Indian tribe, traveled through what is today Southeastern Arizona. But it wasn't until AD 400 and the arrival of the pueblo cultures - Hohokam, Anasazi, Mogollon and Salado - that the state was actually settled. Today, twenty-one Native American tribes, each with its own distinct culture and traditions, call Arizona home. Tour a pueblo ruin or visit an Indian reservation on an Arizona vacation and learn more about this corner of the American Southwest.
The history of Arizona is also tied to the Wild West. Gold diggers and mountain men were attracted to this once inhospitable U.S. State. A family trip to the frontier towns situated in Northwestern Arizona provides an opportunity to introduce the kids to times past.
A family trek from corner to corner is a trip across seven of Merriam's Life Zones. Watch closely and take in each transformation along the way. And the change isn't limited to the vegetation; the wildlife also varies with the altitude and latitude. Don't forget your binoculars on a family vacation in Arizona!
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Arizona hotels and accommodation
Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, Phoenix
Type of Accommodation: resort
2400 East Missouri Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85016 tel: +1 (800) 950 2575 (toll free US only)
The Arizona Biltmore is a Phoenix landmark. This Frank Lloyd Wright inspired Arizona resort may be nearly 100 years old but its style is 21st century. The latest novelty? Spa treatments for teens. Kids Korral offers outdoor water fun. Weekend activities are geared to kids aged 5-12. Recognition: AAA Four Diamond.
        Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins, Grand Canyon South Rim
Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
West Rim Drive, South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona 86023 tel: +1 303 297 2757 or +1 888 297 2757
Xanterra operated Bright Angel Lodge offers no-frills accommodation on the South Rim. What is lacking in comfort is offset by the view. Some of the cabins are right on the Rim Trail and can be quite noisy. The restaurant is fair. Children under 16 sleep free.
  El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon South Rim
Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Grand Canyon Village, South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona 86023 tel: +1 303 297 2757 or +1 888 297 2757
The Xanterra operated El Tovar Hotel, opened in 1905 and last renovated in 2005, is the perfect choice for families in search of Western charm on the South Rim. Not all rooms have a view of the Grand Canyon. Children under 16 sleep free. Rollaways and cribs available upon request.
 Grand Canyon Lodge, Grand Canyon North Rim
Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
Bright Angel Point, North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona 86052 tel: +1 303 297 2757 or +1 888 297 2757
Built in 1936, Grand Canyon Lodge is a national landmark and the only North Rim hotel. Both the motel style rooms and cabins overlook Transept Canyon near Bright Angel Point. Children under 16 stay free. Cribs and rollaways are extra. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
 Grand Canyon West Ranch, Grand Canyon West
Type of Accommodation: rural tourism
3750 E. Diamond Bar Ranch Rd. Meadview, Arizona 86444 tel: +1 702 736 8787 or +1 800 359 8727
Grand Canyon West Ranch is the only accommodation on the West Rim. Whether you sleep in a pine cabin or Indian tipi your stay at this working cattle ranch is two for one, a Grand Canyon vacation and dude ranch adventure.
 JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, Phoenix
Type of Accommodation: resort
5350 E. Marriott Drive Phoenix, Arizona 85054 tel: +1 (480) 293 5000
With over 900 rooms the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix is the largest luxury resort in Arizona. Kopelli Kids for children aged 4-12 offers full and half day interactive and energy burning programs. Recognition: AAA Four Diamond.
  Lost Dutchman State Park Campground, Superstition Wilderness Area
Type of Accommodation: camping / caravan
6109 N. Apache Trail Apache Junction, Arizona 85219 tel: +1 (480) 982 4485
The campground at Lost Dutchman State Park is open year-round and accommodates both tents and RVs (caravans). All sites have picnic table and barbecue fire ring. There are no RV hook-ups. Availability is first-come, first-served.
Mather Campground, Grand Canyon South Rim
Type of Accommodation: camping / caravan
Grand Canyon Village, South Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona 86923 tel: +1 518 885 3639 or +1 877 444 6777
Mather Campground, centrally located in Grand Canyon Village, is open year-round. The campground has tent and caravan sites but no RV hookups. Showers and laundry facilities are located nearby.
 McDowell Mountain Park Campground, Phoenix
Type of Accommodation: camping / caravan
McDowell Mountain Park Drive Fountain Hills, Arizona tel: + 1 (602) 506 2930
The campground at McDowell Mountain Park is open year-round and accommodates both tents and RVs (caravans). All sites are 'developed' and have water, electrical hook-up, dump station, picnic table, barbecue grill and fire ring. Availability is first-come, first-served. Reservations are not accepted.
North Rim Campground, Grand Canyon North Rim
Type of Accommodation: camping / caravan
North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona 86052 tel: +1 518 885 3639 or +1 877 444 6777
The North Rim Campground is the only developed campground on the North Rim. Of the 82 well-shaded forested campsites, several are situated near the rim. The campground offers hot showers, laundry and potable water.
 Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon
Type of Accommodation: lodge / cabin / hut
North Kaibab Trail, Inner Canyon Grand Canyon National Park Arizona 86023 tel: +1 303 297 2757 or +1 888 297 2757
Xanterra operated Phantom Ranch may not be luxurious but it's rustic charm and hearty family style meals are in keeping with the adventure required to arrive. Showers are communal. The evening ranger programs are superb.
 Pointe South Mountain Resort, Phoenix
Type of Accommodation: resort
7777 South Pointe Parkway Phoenix, Arizona 85044 tel: +1 (866) 267 1321
Pointe South Mountain Resort offers a multitude of recreational facilities for the entire family. And it has its own water park. Activities at the Cactus Kids Club (schedule varies seasonally) range from supervised swim time to arts and crafts. Recognition: AAA Four Diamond Resort.
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort, Phoenix
Type of Accommodation: resort
5594 West Wild Horse Pass Boulevard Chandler, Arizona 85226 tel: +1 (602) 225 0100
This Phoenix area destination resort has plenty of Southwest appeal. Kid friendly activities include horseback riding and a waterslide. The Koyote Kid's Club for children aged 5-12 operates year round. Recognition: AAA Four Diamond resort.
 The Phoenician, Phoenix
Type of Accommodation: resort
6000 East Camelback Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 tel: +1 (480) 941 8200
The Phoenician is more than a luxury hotel it is a top Arizona resort. And it excels at making an adult environment work for children. The Funician Kid's Club caters to kids aged 5-12. Activities for teens are run separately. Recognition: AAA Five Diamond Resort.
 Usery Mountain Park Campground, Phoenix
Type of Accommodation: camping / caravan
McDowell Mountain Park Drive Fountain Hills, Arizona tel: + 1 (602) 506 2930
The campground at Usery Mountain Park is open year-round and accommodates both tents and RVs (caravans). All sites are 'developed' and have water, electrical hook-up, dump station, picnic table, barbecue grill and fire ring. Availability is first-come, first-served. Reservations are not accepted.
White Tank Mountain Park Campground, Phoenix
Type of Accommodation: camping / caravan
13025 N. White Tank Mountain Road Waddell, Arizona 85355 tel: + 1 (602) 506 2930
The campground at White Tank Mountain Park is open year-round and accommodates both tents and RVs (caravans). All sites are 'semi developed' - picnic table and barbecue fire ring only. They do not have water or electrical hook-up. Availability is first-come, first-served. Reservations are not accepted.
Wigwam Resort & Golf Club, Phoenix
Type of Accommodation: resort
300 E. Wigwam Boulevard Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340 tel: +1 (623) 935 3811
The Wigwam, Starwood Luxury Collection, was one of the first family destination resorts in the Valley of the Sun. Golf and southwest style define this desert oasis. Camp Pow Wow offers themed activities year round for children age 5-12.
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