One of America’s top outdoor destinations and the country's
fifth largest city, it is not an accident that Phoenix is home to
several of the best destination resorts located in the United
States. Explore desert parks and lakes, tour archaeology ruins and
historic gold mining towns, or visit one of the many the museums
and state-of-the-art sporting facilities.
From Surprise to Apache Junction, the twenty distinct communities
that make up the greater Phoenix area offer visitors everything
from the slow-paced rural southwest to a bustling college
atmosphere. Whether your interest is sports or archaeology,
history or hiking, biking, horseback riding, or bird watching
Phoenix offers something for everyone not wanting to venture
beyond the Valley of the Sun.
Enjoy hiking, biking and horseback riding at the many area parks
such as South Mountain, McDowell or Papago. And if quintessential
southwest is your goal, explore Hohokam Indian ruins and
participate in a simulated excavation at the Deer Valley Rock Art
Center or pan for gold and tour a gold mine in Goldfield Ghost
Town.
On the chance that it does rain or the kids simply need a break
from the great outdoors, take advantage of Valley’s cultural side.
Children of all ages will enjoy exploring a re-created Zuni Pueblo
and participating in hands-on activities at the Heard Museum,
discovering science and technology at the Arizona Science Center,
or taking in a performance at one of the children’s theaters,
Childsplay or Valley Youth Theatre.
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 very far. Many child-friendly activities are
less than an hour’s drive from anywhere in the Valley.
So if you are looking to escape the bitter cold of winter or an
overcast rainy spring, plan a trip to Phoenix and once you've
pulled your kids away from the numerous activities offered at your
destination resort, explore a few of the many fun things to see
and do in the Valley of the Sun.
Getting there
The Sky Harbor International Airport is conveniently located in
the heart of Phoenix. Direct flights to/from most U.S. locations.
International flights to London (UK) and several cities in Canada
and Mexico.
City of
Phoenix
Getting around
Your mode of transportation will greatly influence your options.
While shuttle services will get you to and from your hotel and
public transport will get you around downtown, families wishing to
venture beyond their resort should consider renting a car. A light
rail system is scheduled to begin operation in 2009.
Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau
When to travel
The best time to visit is from November to April.
Weather
Underground
Health & safety
Car seats are required for children weighing 40 pounds or less.
Booster seats are required for children under the age of 8 or less
than 4 feet 9 inches (144 cm) tall. Children under 12 should sit
in the back seat and buckle up.
Arizona GOHS
Things to keep in mind
Distance! The greater metropolitan area covers nearly 2000 square
miles.
Copyright © more2explore S.r.l. All rights reserved.
Ann LoCicero is the founder of
www.kidscantravel.com
an emergent website for families intent on making the most of
their leisure time together.
