The Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix is home to one of the best water parks in the country, and is a refreshing place for families with children to escape.  Many local residents book hotel rooms for their family just so they can have free access to this awesome water park.  For more details about this outstanding resort read our series of articles about our Family Trip to the Arizona Grand Resort.

Fortunately, the entire state is not roasting during the summer months, and there are plenty of places that both residents and vacationers alike can go to see a bit more of the lovely state, while also getting some welcome relief from the hot sun.

The Grand Canyon

One of the most popular places to visit is the Grand Canyon, in northern Arizona. Nearly five million people come to visit the one-mile deep and incredibly scenic canyon each year. Visitors to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, at 7,000 feet above sea level, can see a lot of it from their vehicle at overlooks located along the South Rim; this is also the most accessible part of the park. A smaller group of visitors will experience the Canyon on the North Rim side; it’s about 1,000 feet higher in elevation and is less accessible. The Inner Canyon includes everything beneath the rim and is typically seen by hikers, river runners or people riding mules (just like the Brady Bunch did back in the 1970s!).  For more related articles visit the Grand Canyon topics on our site.

Grand Canyon Formations – photo by Dougtone

Sedona’s Red Rocks

The red rocks of Sedona, Arizona are a breathtaking part of the state. The town also boasts cooler temperatures in the summertime. The area truly offers something for everyone — from people who love geology and are fascinated by the stunning red rock formations and those who appreciate the area’s numerous art galleries. There is plenty to do for people who like outdoor sports and the spiritual qualities that are inherent to the area. The area is home to some of the most amazing scenery in the world. Red-rock monoliths featuring whimsical and accurate names like Coffeepot, Cathedral and Bell Rock inspire photographers and painters alike. If travelers have the time and opportunity, nearby Jerome is another interesting area that is full of history and interesting scenery.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff Arizona, north of Sedona and at a higher elevation, offers visitors a cool respite from the heat. For people who enjoy camping, the area offers a variety of places to pitch a tent and kick back and commune with Mother Nature. From families who like to camp at a facility that offers at least some of the comforts of home to those more rugged types who don’t mind sleeping under the stars and starting their campfires with a couple of pieces of flint, Flagstaff has plenty to offer. As ArizonaGuide.com noted, Flagstaff is also rich with history, cultural diversity and plenty of recreational activities. Located about 80 miles from the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is also close to an impressive seven national parks.

Driving Highway 12 on Utah’s Grand Circle tour will lead you past many awesome sights like these

Circling the southwest’s national park corridor from the edges of Arizona and Nevada throughout Southern Utah is one of my favorite trips. Some travel sites will recommend you take up to twenty-one days for this itinerary, and some of you reading this will think that it’s too much to see and do in such a short time, and especially with small children. But trust me, it isn’t.

It’s jam packed, it’s colorful, it’s fun, but the only thing crazy about the trip is how wonderful it is for such little effort.

Fly into Las Vegas or drive from Vegas or Los Angeles – but the trip itself doesn’t truly begin until you reach St. George, Utah, a few hours from Las Vegas up I-15.

There you’ll find the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site. Your children will be fascinated by the fossilized dinosaur prints – some two thousand in fact, and it will keep everyone from being restive as you drive another ninety minutes or so into park number one, Zion National Park. If you’ve come spring through fall, you’ll park at the park entrance and jump on the free shuttle that plies the full length of the park. You can hop on and off at short stops for photo overlooks, at the park lodge for lunch, or stay on the bus and just stare out the window. There are several child-accessible trails worth taking too, which will lead to a full day of pleasant adventure. The super gentle Riverside Walk traverses the Virgin River and passes beneath a hanging garden. Wading up the river itself when the water flow is low, is also highly recommended, but be sure you’re wearing rubber sandals or water shoes as the bottom is rocky. Steep red cliffs on either side of you, pleasantly cool water under foot – awesome afternoon. Recommended overnight accommodations: any number of comfortable motels in adjoining Springdale. We spent two nights here.

Arches and cliffs and rivers and views oh my!

It’s only two hours from Zion to the hoodoos and mysterious red rock formations of park number two, Bryce Canyon. The aptly named Bryce Amphitheater offers a wonderfully easy walk around the rim for a view at all the wonders below, or traverse the paved path down into the Queen’s Garden Trail for an up close look at the vibrantly colored and surreally shaped rock hoodoos. Over night stop: the lodge at the rim of the canyon, for its stellar proximity to the Amphitheater rim.

You’ll want to take the stunning Utah 12 over Boulder Mountain to the park number three, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The stunning multi-colored rocks form what Led Zeppelin might’ve been inspired by, a virtual Stairway to Heaven. A short hike that’s accessible for little feet or the parents who carry them is Calf Creek Falls.

You are now two to three hours away from park number four, Capitol Reef National Park, considerably less visited than Bryce or Zion. Dome shaped white and multi-colored rock formations are one attraction, and so is the pioneer-settled town of Fruita. Founded in the 19th century, you’ll still find and be able to pick fresh fruit from the trees. Recommended over night accommodations are found in the small town of Torrey, where mom and pop motels offer the most bang for your buck, but chain offerings are also available.

You’re now heading east and south through a dry desert moonscape where satellite radio briefly deserted us and we picked up a scratchy AM station playing the theme song to The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. In about three hours you’ll be in park number five, the stunning Arches National Park.

Here, jaw dropping orange and red rocks shape a stone facsimile of Wall Street, delicate arches span sand dunes, and hills, including arches made famous to many children courtesy of  Indiana Jones 3. Devils Garden Trail lets you see a number of arches but requires a walk along the way, many of the arches are park and walk over to scramble up – true child’s play.

An easy scramble – parents, lift your little ones – leads to a grand view on Utah’s National Parks tour.

Across the highway from Arches is one part of national park six, Canyonlands National Park called Island in the Sky. Drive to the over looks, and admire the Green River far below; the trails here are longer than most small children can traverse. Another amazing lookout spot is on a spur road just before the entrance to Canyonlands. This is Dead Horse Point, a state park with a sad story behind it of horses plunging to their doom, but an amazing view also accessible by simply climbing out of your car. You can find pleasant motel accommodations in Moab proper, or swing out route 128 to Red Cliffs Lodge for delightful views and a spacious suite near the Rio Grande. We stayed two nights in this location. It’s a long five hours but it’s an easy drive across I-80 to reconnect with I-15 and turn south to Las Vegas or LA, with hundreds of photographs and sleepy children dreaming of red rock fairy lands through the last remaining miles.

-A side trip: about an hour north of your intersection with the I-15 is Cedar Breaks state park whose scenic overlooks are less than twenty minutes off the highway. There’s an easy rim trail to traverse, or stay with the five mile road that rings the small park whose amphitheater is similar to that inside Bryce Canyon National Park. You’ll have scenic overlooks from which to grab some stunning photos, which in the summer months will include a view of wild flowers.

Taking Scenic Highway 89A to Jerome, Arizona

We’d had highway 89A recommended to us as a greatly scenic drive several years ago, and decided to check it out this trip. Jerome, Arizona is reached via many twists and turns in the road. It’s a former copper mining town with a wild history of debauchery and fires. Today, it’s a quaint art mecca with a fascinating mining museum and a population between three and six hundred residents, many with an artistic bent. In fact, there are more than thirty galleries and artists studios in town, and if you reach this pretty little town on a Saturday, there’s a monthly art walk. The Old Jerome High School houses many artists and their studios. And since visitors come for the art but not in huge packs daily, the artists are glad to show their wares, and friendly to kids, too. One artist created a quick aluminum bird shaped from a shredded soda can – and gave it to my daughter. If you’d like to browse some antiques, try the House of Joy, a former brothel with everything from old tea cups to mining treasures.

Nestled in the Arizona hills - Jerome, AZ

Museums and More

And speaking of mining, a must-stop is the Jerome Mining Museum. While my kids’ favored the exhibit that recreated an old town saloon, there were other goodies including a Cold pistol used in a famous gun fight, miner’s candle sticks, and the sure to captivate any child “potty cars” used by miners underground. Also fascinating were the photos that depicted mining life, and displays of Jerome, Arizona domestic life from an earlier period ranging from milk bottles to a Chinese laundry’s washing machine.

We also enjoyed exploring the Douglas Mansion, built in 1916 of adobe made right on the property and painted white. In its day it featured the incredibly rare luxuries of central steam heat and a vacuum system.

Since the owner of Douglas mansion is no longer around to offer an elegant meal in his massive dining room, we found time to make a lunch stop at the tiny Flatiron Café on Main Street. With a pleasant outdoor patio and good sandwiches, we enjoyed the sunshine and the mountain air and the reasonable prices.  And if you’re staying over night, the Jerome Grand Hotel is perched on the top of a hill. This old beauty has small rooms and a slightly rickety – but child enchanting – caged elevator. The hotel has several suites to fit families. It was once a miner’s hospital and is reportedly haunted. The hotel’s restaurant, the Asylum has a white-table-cloth atmosphere for adults and a kid’s menu. We took dinner at the more casual Quince Grill and Cantina on Main Street, where vegetarian options were easier to come by.

Twisting and Turning into Prescott

The next morning we headed to Prescott, another historic town perched along a mountain road. Excellent views come with the terrain here, including a sweeping view of Watson Lake. The road is narrow but the views continue to be great as you head into Prescott. As a side note, if you keep going toward Sedona, Highway 89A continues to be unsparingly beautiful, especially just north of Sedona near Oak Creek Canyon. It’s a welcome, if less traveled, drive than busy Highway 17.

Downtown Prescott

But you’re heading to Prescott – or at least we did. Our lunch stop was the Raven Café. Local art, great coffees for the adults and smoothies for the kids. Fortified, we explored the beautiful western art in the galleries at the Phippin Museum. The museum is dedicated to George Phippen, who was the first President of the Cowboy Artists of America, and the exhibits follow the wishes of its founders, creating a special place for the display of artists whose work depicts the American West. If you visit over Memorial weekend in May, you’ll find an extensive art sale put on by the museum, where you can take home some of your own western art and support the museum foundation. Currently, there are some wonderful works on display by pioneering female artists.

A surprise in this quaint western town was The Spot children’s museum. Open only on weekends, this interactive exhibit space, gives kids and parents a truly fun look at hands on science, with exhibits on water, air, light, wind, recycling, magnets and more. We loved that the museum focused on green technology and ecology both in terms of the museums exhibits and their use of sustainable or recycled materials.

We spent the night in Prescott’s very low key, old time Hotel Vendome. The kids loved the claw footed tubs in the bathrooms. Although the rooms are small, the rates are very reasonable, and old time cowboy movie star Tom Mix once hung up his saddle here.

Dinner found us at the Palace Restaurant & Saloon. You’ll find live music and a beautiful wooden bar that was saved from a raging fire by patrons in 1900. We loved the historical treasures in cases adjoining the bar, and the crispy fries.

We Scream for Ice Cream

Heading back to Phoenix, we stopped in slightly dusty Wickenburg at the Screamer’s Drive In for a really good, and inexpensive root beer ice cream float.

Sunset Crater

Our first stop was the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument outside of Flagstaff, Arizona. Uncrowded, this enormous and apparently not often discovered crater is a beauty of lichen covered black rock. The Lava Flow trail is an easy one mile loop that lets kids get up close and personal with volcanic formations. Steeper, and best suited for children over five is The Lenox Crater Trail. It’s much tougher going up – and takes about a half an hour to climb the cinder cone. Going down took us less than fifteen minutes. The trail is just under a mile. We enjoyed it and found the steep walk well worth it, but if the weather is hot, you may want to stick with the Lava Flow trail.

Wupatki National Monument

Trail to Wupatki

Not far away from Sunset Crater is Wupatki National Monument. Amid the rocks and boulders you’ll find a series of ancient pueblo ruins. My kids were fascinated exploring  the largest, Wupatki Pueblo. In the 12th century, this massive dwelling contained about a hundred rooms for that many residents. Think of it as an early apartment building. All of the pueblos are reached via simple, less than a quarter mile trails.

Glen Canyon Recreation Area – Views and Trails
Our next stop was a part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Horseshoe Bend is accessible on a quiet, easy, less than a mile trail and leads to a cliff view of the Colorado River, a thousand feet below. Along the river, red and orange rocks ride up from the tree lined banks. It’s a lovely sight, like a small, relatively quiet Grand Canyon.

The Colorful Petrified Forest

One of our favorite stops on our wanderings was right off Highway 40. The Petrified Forest is a collection of trees long buried and covered with quartz from the sediment under which they were trapped about two hundred million years ago. My kids were impressed by their age, and very much enjoyed the twenty-eight mile road that meanders through the “forest.” There were plenty of places to pull out, snap a photo, and stretch our legs. Kachina Point was one such over look, and we also enjoyed taking a short hike on the Blue Mesa Trail, which leads into the painted desert’s badlands. Colorful chunks of petrified wood are everywhere. Newspaper Rock is an even more rewarding stop, with over six hundred petroglyphs. Both trails are paved and easy to traverse.  The following articles provides more details:  Lots of Rocks: Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona.

Meteor Crater

Looking down into the crater – pretty big!

Our last destination was Meteor Crater, also off Interstate 40. It’s described as the best preserved meteor crater on Earth, and it’s certainly impressive. It was the result of an asteroid and Earth meeting up about fifty thousand years ago. At a mile across and over five hundred feet deep, we enjoyed strolling its circumference, and the kids also enjoyed the slightly hokey Collision and Impact Film showing in the visitor’s center.

The enormous crater sits on private land, and the exhibits in the visitors center have a less educational feel than those in the national parks and monuments visitors center. It’s also a slightly expensive attraction at $15 per adult.

Flagstaff for the Night

Staying in Flagstaff, we enjoyed the historic Monte Vista in downtown’s historic district. The rooms were large, the staff was friendly, and the atmosphere, replete with ghost stories, fit our theme of exploring Arizona’s attractions. Before leaving the area the next day, we checked out the Museum of Northern Arizona. The exhibits here helped put the natural wonders and archeological history we’d see in perspective. We were particularly interested in The Old Courtyard’s Life Zone Exhibit, which presented interactive information about the Colorado Plateau’s climate along a Nature Trail and Amphibian Pond. Indoors, Hopi Indian pottery and a mural were highlights.

Dining in Flagstaff can be a bit hit or miss, but we enjoyed the pizzas and fondue at Beaver Street Brewery a lot. Fondue? That’s right, fondue. The delicious and unexpected cheese concoction was served with both bread cubes and veggies for dipping and was a big hit with all of us.

We were thrilled to discover there was so much to see off the beaten path in Arizona. Coming from Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, or Phoenix, it’s pretty simple to fit in all of these attractions by extending your trip just a day or two. From black lava to ancient pueblos, it was a fascinating journey, and both the kids and I felt as if we were discovering new territory and attractions, highway close and worlds away from Phoenix.

Arizona is a treasure trove when it comes to family resorts and gorgeous spring weather. With spring break around the corner, many are already looking to chase the sun and some outdoor fun.  Each of the following resorts is an oasis in the desert that will melt your winter woes into a delightful spring holiday.

Arizona Grand Resort – Phoenix

The water park at the Arizona Grand Resort is fantastic (courtesy of Arizona Grand Resort)

The Arizona Grand Resort boasts an amazing seven acre water park with swimming pools, a wave pool, 83-foot high tower with three exciting water slides, lazy river for floating with inner tubes, and 800-square foot water playground for children with lots of spray elements to keep younger kids cool and happily entertained. Available seasonally, the Grand Adventures Kids Club offers half-day camps with fun activities, crafts and games for children ages 5-12. All the luxurious accommodations are comfortably appointed with private patios or balconies. Enjoy golfing, pampering spa treatments, fitness classes at their onsite Athletic Club, a variety of outdoor recreation activities, and family-friendly dining at this fantastic all-season resort.  For more information about the Phoenix Arizona Grand Resort read about our family experiences:

Top 10 Family Resorts on the West Coast
Driving to the Arizona Grand Resort
Kicking off our Arizona Grand Resort Vacation
Discovering more of the Arizona Grand Resort
Vacation Flu at the Arizona Grand Resort

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale – Scottsdale

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale sits on 27 lush acres with manicured gardens (courtesy of Hyatt Regency Scottsdale)

Situated on 27 lush acres with manicured gardens and cascading fountains in Scottsdale, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is a fantastic choice for family holidays. It offers a fitness center, golf at the adjacent Gainey Ranch Golf Club, tennis, onsite bicycles, resort shops, soothing spa, 10 shimmering pools, sandy beach, whirlpool spa, waterslide, dining, and spacious accommodations with a balcony or patio. Babysitting services are available, as well as complimentary shuttle to surrounding shopping areas. The location is exceptional, treating guests to gorgeous panoramic vistas, and the service is impeccable. There are many local off-site activities to explore as well, such as horseback riding, balloon rides, hiking, biking, ATV tours and more. For more information on this resort visit their website www.hyattregencyscottsdale.com

JW Marriot Desert Ridge – Phoenix

The JW Marriot Desert Ridge is an enchanting family retreat (courtesy of JW Marriot Desert Ridge)

Championship golf, an assortment of delicious dining, a luxurious spa, classy accommodations with balcony or patio, and exquisite design elements that incorporate fountains, graceful palm trees and the striking desert are just a few of the things that lure families to this Sonoran Desert retreat. The JW Marriot Desert Ridge in Phoenix Arizona also features four pools, two hot tubs, a waterslide and lazy river for guests to slow down from life’s harried pace. A tennis center, on and off-property walking trails, Segway tours, bike rentals and numerous local activities make for a memorable vacation. For more information on this exclusive resort visit their website www.jwdesertridgeresort.com

Related Article: Top 10 Family Resorts on the West Coast

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa – Scottsdale

Sunset evenings with live bagpipe music on the rolling green are magical at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (courtesy of Westin Kierland Resort & Spa)

With its rolling green hills and live Scottish bagpipes playing during the evenings with the stunning Arizona sunsets, the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale makes an enchanting family escape for Spring Break. In addition to its breathtaking location offering magnificent views, its lovely accommodations with private balconies or terraces, golf, spa, and dining, there is plenty of fun to be found for the whole family. Its water park features swimming pools, a lazy river, water slide, and a children’s water play area with shallow pool and water play elements. Children ages 4-12 will love the year-round kids club with its endless engaging activities including crafts, story time, games and much more. For more information visit their website www.kierlandresort.com

Related Article: Top 10 Family Resorts on the West Coast

Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa – Tucson

The Catalina Mountains are a perfect backdrop to the distinctive Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa (courtesy of Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa)

With five swimming pools, a 177-foot waterslide, a  27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and tennis courts at the La Paloma Country Club, distinctive dining, spa, fitness facility with classes, steam rooms and indoor racquetball court, the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson is a splendid sanctuary. This haven is set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Catalina Mountains with views that inspire tranquility and wonder. Children will enjoy the Westin Kids Club Discovery Room which features crafts, music, games, an outside play area and more for children 6 months to 12 years. The accommodations are elegant and soothing with private balconies. For more information on this distinctive resort visit their website www.westinlapalomaresort.com

This shop blends Route 66 kitsch with Old West style

Williams, Arizona, is often known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is just an hour from Williams by car, or two hours on the elegant Grand Canyon Railway. A thriving tourist town, Williams is also home to roughly 3,000 year-round residents. Dad and I visited twice during the summer of 2011, once as part of our Grand Canyon Railway package and again on our own to further explore the Canyon.

About Williams

Historic Route 66 runs through the center of town

The town of Williams was settled in 1881 and incorporated in 1901. It is named for “Old Bill” Williams, a local trapper and explorer, for whom nearby Williams Mountain is also named. Historic Route 66, established in 1926 and fully paved by 1938, ran directly through downtown Williams. Bypassed by Interstate 40 in 1984, one year before Route 66 was officially decommissioned, Williams has the distinction of being the last town bypassed by the interstate highway system.

Although Route 66 has been officially off the books since 1985, historic preservationists have worked tirelessly to preserve what remains. In 1999, preservationists got a huge boost from then-President Bill Clinton, who provided $10 million in matching grants through the National Route 66 Preservation Bill. Many towns celebrate their Route 66 heritage, and Williams is no exception. A well-maintained two-mile loop still serves as Williams’ version of Main Street.

The nightly gunfights are a particular highlight

Despite its love for Route 66, Williams never forgets that it is also part of the Old West. Cowboys and gunslingers played an important role in the area’s early history, and they are celebrated with equal fervor in Williams today. Williams is the only town we’ve seen where nightly Wild West gunfights take place outside 1950s diners!

Williams sits well over a mile high, at an elevation of 6,770 feet. Those with breathing problems or other health conditions might have difficulty acclimating to the height. Take it easy and plan for plenty of rest breaks, particularly during your first day or two in town. Assuming that you have no problems with the elevation, however, Williams is an eminently walkable small town.

What to Do in Williams

The last stoplight on Route 66

The Grand Canyon is the major draw for visitors to Williams Arizona, and it can easily take two or three days to scratch the surface of all that the Canyon has to offer. Like any tourist town, though, Williams offers plenty of excitement to add an extra day or two to your Grand Canyon experience. Horseback riding, the Planes of Fame museum and the Bearizona drive-through wildlife park are all highly recommended, but we simply ran out of time. Instead, we turned our attention to the shops and restaurants of downtown Williams.

Our first stop was the Visitor Center. In addition to the normal maps and vacation planning materials, the Visitor Center is also home to a small but surprisingly well-done museum. The displays trace the history of Williams from the earliest peoples through today, with a decided focus on the glory days of Route 66. If you’ve ever wanted to see the last Route 66 stoplight or peruse old maps and tourist brochures, this free museum is a definite must-see.

The depot is fun and free to visit

The Grand Canyon Railway depot is also worth seeing, even if you do not take the train ride. Opened in 1908 by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, the depot once included a Harvey House Hotel with 43 guest rooms. Founded by Fred Harvey in 1870, the Harvey House chain was well-known throughout the American Southwest for impeccable cleanliness, excellent food and top-notch service provided by the charming and wholesome Harvey Girls. Today the train depot has been meticulously restored. A large, well-stocked gift shop offers a wide variety of local souvenirs.

By far, our favorite activity in Williams was the nightly gunfight. The fights occur in the early evening at various spots along Route 66, so pick up a list of places and times at your hotel or campground. The free show is decidedly silly, but a lot of fun.

The streets of Williams are lined with kitschy shops and roadside diners, so be sure to leave ample time in your schedule to simply explore. We enjoyed dining at Twisters so much that we had dinner there during both visits. The family-owned diner is sure to take you back to the 1950s. Gleaming red and white accented by neon signage made me feel like I was in the Shake Shop from The Patty Duke Show. The menu is largely traditional diner fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs and onion rings, as well as an extensive list of ice cream options. But vegetarians and those who prefer a more substantial dinner will not be disappointed. The food was fresh and tasty and prices were reasonable.

Tips for Parents

Twisters reminded me of the Shake Shop from The Patty Duke Show!

Williams is a tourist town and priced accordingly. Gas, in particular, is extremely expensive. If possible, fill your tank before you arrive. The shops sell a mind-boggling array of souvenirs from kitschy to collectable, so set a budget in advance and try to stick with it.

Despite the plethora of tourists, Williams is a clean, safe small town. Keep an eye on your kids as you would in any tourist destination, but allow them the freedom to play and explore. If you have time, amble down to the railroad tracks to experience the “Williams traffic jam” in the morning or afternoon–when the Grand Canyon Railway rolls through, three or four cars get backed up at the tracks! Slow down, relax, and enjoy the laid-back way of life.

Yes, this particular Sonic is in Kayenta, AZ

About Kayenta Arizona

Kayenta is a small Native American reservation town, mostly tourist motels and a Navajo community. It’s the place to stay to experience Monument Valley’s red rock monoliths, if you’re trying to keep costs fairly low. If money is no object, there’s the Navajo owned View Hotel Monument Valley, with a fantastic view of the monuments and prices that rival New York City, or the older but still pricey Gouldings. Don’t get me wrong, the View Hotel is a lovely, modern structure built to blend into the landscape, and Gouldings motel-like accommodations have great views themselves and are right there at the monuments for some excellent star gazing. But if you can do your monument viewing and manage the twenty minute drive into Kayenta, you’ll save funds. And possibly a canine or too.

Rescuing a Stray Dog

Kayenta is, apparently, the home of many friendly and hungry strays. We had several trail us around the motel parking lot, and in fact, helped a woman with a no kill animal shelter nearby lure one such pup into her shelter-vehicle with kibble, the next day. But that night, after a full day of driving and walking around the monuments, after a non-descript hotel dining room dinner, we headed for the Sonic. And while ordering from our car, with a bountiful full moon keeping us company, several hungry dogs gathered around. And I found our meatless-family ordering burgers without the buns to feed them, too. Eventually, the Sonic crew got the idea, and pitched in with left overs. That night at least, the dogs were well fed, and my kids and I felt as if we’d done a very good deed. When we helped the animal care worker the next day, we told her of this canine car hop crew, and she promised to return to help them.

Now of course, you’re probably not going to bring your family to this part of Arizona just for the drive-in and the potential dog rescue.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley after all served as the background for many movie westerns over the years, from John Ford’s iconic classics to the gun toting Thelma and Louise. We drove into the area from Moab, Utah, and stopped for a tip of the hat, so to speak at the landmark Mexican Hat sombrero-like rock formation just outside of the small town of the same name. Then, with the sky scraper-tall red rocks of the valley itself looming, we made many more photo stops before paying fees to enter the Navajo Tribal property and road that takes you up close to the wonderful, awe inspiring formations.

You can take a tour through the rough dirt loop road, by jeep or in the back of a truck operated by Navajo guides. Or you can drive yourself. We thought we’d drive ourselves on the seventeen mile dirt trail, which is why we only got about half way around the loop, and I can’t say I recommend the adventure of backing out of a rut so deep I was afraid I’d leave half my Rav4 behind. The enormous red cliffs and steep gorges are so stunning that you’ll want to see the whole thing, so unless your vehicle is decidedly high clearance, take the tour.

While you can get a good distance view of the monuments straight off of the uncrowded Highway 163, you’ll want to see them close up, too. If a driving tour isn’t for you, there are also guided hikes into the monuments, and we saw many elementary age children and up children on these, as well as babes in arms/backpacks. Stick to the vehicular tours if you have toddlers, as the terrain is rocky, if not particulary challenging. Either way, spend at least half a day exploring the magnificent setting.

magnificent Monument Valley

Whether your walk or drive, Monument Valley’s red and rust sandstone creations rise at up to a thousand feet into the sky, vast and beautifully overwhelming mesas, buttes, and boulders. Each of the monuments is named, and each has a great deal of spiritual significance to the Navajo. We saw the East and West Mitten Buttes, which do resemble gloved hands, and which we were told are viewed as symbols of  spiritual presences watching over the land. We were also taken by Elephant Butte, which does, naturally, resemble a large elephant. While you’ll find plenty of tourists taking the drive, Monument Valley is not a crowded attraction, drawing less visitors in a week than the Grand Canyon does in a day. You’ll have plenty of space to look up at the red rock wonders.

You’ll also want to check out the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum, in nearby Tuba City, Arizona, whose media savvy exhibits offer a great introduction about Navajo both artifacts and tribal traditions. My children’s favorite was the ability to go inside a recreated Navajo log hogan, where an interesting weaving demonstration was taking place.

A longer drive from the monuments is the well known Four Corners Monument, which is more of a curiosity than a must-see attraction. It is however, a the only location in the United States with four states touching boundaries: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. We found the line of tourists waiting to take photographs in front of the monument a bit daunting, but nonetheless, we waited our turn to stand in four different states at the same time. The scenery around the area is not particularly astonishing, especially after spending at afternoon in the company of the awe inspiring red rocks of Monument Valley, but if your children are like mine, and they know they can do the state-split, you’ll be headed there.

Leaving the area, chances are even if you didn’t stay in town, you’ll swing through Kayenta. And if you do, make a stop at the Sonic, and donate a burger or too, if you see any hungry tail waggers hanging out at the drive in.

Red rocks for climbing and exploring - Scottsdale, AZ

Pool-Side Resorts

First choice for any child-friendly vacation in these desert parts of course is the pool. So you’ll want to make sure that you select one that will keep everybody smiling throughout your vacation. On the elegant end, check out the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa with eight pools to choose from, plus a water slide. Kids will love the play area with a floating jungle gym, the extensive pool children’s menus; and family programs ranging from cooking to hiking.

Costs are a bit lower and beyond the pool there’s a full children’s playground with sand box and swings at the Doubletree Paradise. Less full scale resort and more hotel, the Hotel Valley Ho has a nice pool and offers a great location walking distance into downtown Scottsdale, with its shops, restaurants, and galleries. While a solid wallet saver, the 3 Palms Resort Oasis has modern rooms, comfortable beds, and a decent sized pool with view of Camelback Mountain.

Scottsdale Family Attractions

So you’ve found a place to stay with a pool, now what? Check out the fascinating Native American artifacts at the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix. My young children enjoyed the courtyard area most of all, where under Phoenix’s blazing sun they experienced a traditional step in Native American meal making – pounding corn into meal.

Young tourists will also enjoy the Arizona Science Center, where you must head down, down, down into the ground to find the planetarium. My kids found it an interesting oxymoron, viewing the heavens from beneath the earth. Lots of interactive exhibitions, many focusing on the Arizona area, make this a must-stop for families.

So for that matter is the Phoenix Zoo, a nice habitat for over thirteen hundred animals, including the endangered Sumatran tiger. Yes, there’s a petting zoo and a carousel ride, too, which will keep the smallest tots easily occupied. We liked best the exhibits of local animals such as the prong horned sheep and desert fox. The simians cavorting in the monkey village were also a big hit. Be warned, the zoo can get hot, even in the winter months, and we were ready for some time in the shade.

We found it by decamping for a siesta-inducing meal at La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. We found that many of the more sophisticated dining options in downtown Phoenix were either beyond our budget or not as child-friendly as we’d like. Given that we’re not chain restaurant or fast food diners, the alternative in Scottsdale are hotel restaurants, and this was a good one for all. Mariachis played soothingly and the menu had tasty grown up options like vegetarian ancho chiles, as well as tried and true favorites like cheese enchiladas for the kids. The kids menu was very reasonable, and it’s a restaurant you can linger in for awhile – something we particularly enjoyed after several hours at the zoo.

The warm ambiance of a Scottsdale, AZ resort...look at those blue Christmas skies!

Ready to head outside again? Try The Desert Botanical Garden with cacti from the familiar saguaro to the far less common octopus and pleated varieties of cacti. We liked that children are offered checklists to help them identify the types of plants they’re seeing, making it a kind of where’s Waldo? for the desert flora.

While these attractions are in Phoenix proper, we particularly liked Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Playgrounds, green space, a small but interesting railroad museum inside a baggage car and Pullman car. A good place to run around, inexpensive, and completely child friendly.

Sticking close to Scottsdale for the evening, we followed our time at the park with some downtown strolling. Scottsdale’s open air sculptures and open-late shops make an appealing warm evening browse when the stars come out. Scottsdale’s old town offers access to many galleries with Native American art, contemporary and western themed pieces, and of course erasers shaped like chiles, water pistols with cowboy holsters, and packages of Christmas lights shaped like cacti, lizards, and sombreros.

A good and reasonable dinner choice is Malee’s Thai. With plenty of vegan and vegetarian options and the ability to eat family style, trying many different flavors, we loved the casual vibe and organic produce as well as the Pad Thai. During Christmas time Santa strolled through doling out candy canes, making our warm-weather holiday complete.

Bisbee was once a miner's delight - now it's a great spot for family tourists, especially for the holidays.

Bisbee Ghost Tours

My son always loves hearing ghost stories, and those abound in Bisbee, too. While we didn’t witness any signs of the paranormal here, the elegant old Copper Queen Hotel is reputedly very haunted as stories written by guests and kept in a front-desk log will attest. Our room included a small parlor, and a rollaway bed to supplement two doubles, but no ghosts. To satisfy my son’s curiosity, we did take the truly fun Old Bisbee Ghost Tour, an evening walking tour through alleys, up mountainside staircases, and inside other reputedly haunted buildings. Unlike a similar tour we took in San Antonio, we didn’t spy any ghostly apparitions. This was fine by both me and my daughter, and we loved hearing the history and ghost stories of certain eerie stair cases and back alley buildings; but my son was a bit disappointed. If you don’t want to walk, there is also a hearse ride ghost tour that takes you past some of the same sights.

Bisbee Lavender Jeep Tour

No one was at all disappointed by the cities Lavender Jeep Tour. This is a great way to experience the town’s sights, as the many steep streets and narrow stairs make difficult climbing whether you’re an adult or a small child. And if you drive through town yourself, the narrowness of the roads will keep you from getting a good look at all the funky cottages and Victorian era bungalows, gracious old bank buildings, and more that mark the city’s one time competition with San Francisco for grace and commerce. Plus, riding around in a lavender jeep is just fun. While we took the ninety minute Backroads of Bisbee tour, they too offer a ghost tour, a tour of historic churches in the area, and an adventurous tour of the surrounding area that takes you up steep mountain passes.

Bisbee Arizona main street

Bisbee Mines

Kids over the age of five will love putting on a hard hat and a miner’s lamp and taking a train tour of Bisbee’s famous copper mine, the Queen Mine. Smaller children may find the extended time underground a little scary – if you think otherwise, the train is a comfortable ride. The mine once produced a massive quantity of copper, but it closed in the mid-seventies. In place of copper mining came tourist mining, and the public tours are led by miners who once worked in the property, and can offer many interesting stories about working as a miner. If your kids haven’t had enough mining lore, or if you decide to eschew the tour, check out instead the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum in town. Accessible and well laid out, you’ll learn everything from how to mine to the quality of copper ore. We found Bisbee’s colorful past well presented here, in a museum that’s proud to be a National Registered Landmark as well as an affiliate of the Smithsonian. The building was once the  headquarters of the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company.

More of Bisbee’s Rich History

Nearby, the Muheim Heritage House Museum is another historic building, a home built between  1898 and 1915. Fully restored and furnished, this Victorian home offers a great view of Bisbee from its perch on a hilltop, and we spent a fair amount of time after the guided tour just taking pictures of the mountain view and the sprawl of the town below.

We also explored the kitschy aluminum Airstream Travel trailers that offer an alternative accommodation to the Copper Queen. We didn’t stay, but we did look inside the Shady Dell’s Airstream collection which is supplemented by a yacht and a bus. The kids were fascinated and voted to stay here next time; as much fun as it looked we thought the Copper Queen offered better accommodations for a family.

Bisbee Shops and Dining

In town, there were plenty of Santa Fe-style small art galleries, and eclectic shops, many featuring copper jewelry and turquoise in a uniquely bright shade of blue. And there were also fun restaurants. Bella Roma’s organic-sourced pizzas and salads were delightful and very reasonably priced. Cafe Roka’s upscale, super cool modernity served up a reasonable, Italian-themed four course meal with wonderful vegetarian soups, and an emphasis on plant based cuisine that we really appreciated. And we loved the historic, multi-leveled setting in a former department store.  The kids enjoyed getting their choice of dining spots on the ground floor or mezzanine.

Bisbee During the Holidays

In November and December, holiday decorated historic homes are opened for tours, Santa visits downtown, and lights are strung merrily throughout the quaint streets. We came specifically for the Small Town Holiday weekend just after Thanksgiving. A homey carnival like atmosphere reigns downtown with face painting for the kids, balloon animal crafting, and plenty of music playing on every corner. Best of all were free horse and carriage rides for the family, and for the adults, wine and appetizers offered in shops and galleries. As dusk fell and the lights twinkled on, carolers sang; many of the downtown shops and restaurants decorated their windows festively, too. We’ve heard another family-friendly event is the Halloween celebration with costumes and hayrides. But, whatever time of year you visit Bisbee, you’ll have busy days in this beautiful old mining town.

Jerome is known as America’s Most Vertical City

Dad and I are from the flatlands. Having spent a lot of time in Central Florida, we are familiar with the Walt Disney World mountain range: Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and the Disney version of Mount Everest in Expedition Everest. But actual mountains? Not so much. When we headed to the American Southwest in the summer of 2011, we knew we were in for culture shock. But even our wildest dreams could not have prepared us for Jerome, Arizona, a city literally built on the side of a mountain.

History of Jerome

Jerome was slightly mind-boggling to us flatlanders

Known as “America’s Most Vertical City,” Jerome, Arizona is built on a 30-degree incline. Located in the Verde Valley near Prescott and Sedona, Jerome was founded as a copper mining camp in 1876. Then a tent city almost exclusively populated by miners, Jerome fell victim to four fires but was continuously rebuilt.

By 1899, when the City of Jerome incorporated, it had grown into a flourishing town. Like all mining towns, Jerome had its fair share of prostitution, gambling and other vices. In 1903, Jerome was labeled the “wickedest town in the West” by the New York Sun. The city grew rapidly after the turn of the century, becoming the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory. At its peak in the 1920s, Jerome was home to approximately 15,000 men, women and children.

The old jail literally slid down the mountainside!

The Great Depression slowed the copper boom, but it was renewed during World War II. The market declined rapidly after the war, and Jerome’s mine closed in 1953. Most people moved away, leaving less than 100 holdouts in what was rapidly becoming a ghost town. The remaining citizens heavily promoted Jerome’s historic value, and the city was declared a National Historic District in 1967. Meanwhile, a new wave of hippies and artists were beginning to settle in Western ghost towns where rent was cheap and government interference was minimal.

By the 1970s, Jerome was again flourishing. The first wave of new residents had a preservationist mindset that continues today. Virtually all of Jerome’s buildings date to the turn of the 20th century, and most have been carefully restored. However, not everything is as it used to be. Jerome’s dramatic incline took its toll on some of the original buildings including the Old Jail, which slid partway down the mountainside in the mid-20th century. It still stands where it landed. Today, Jerome is home to approximately 450 year-round residents, and tourism is booming.

Our Visit

The drive was quite a thrill, especially with rain threatening!

The drive to Jerome from nearby Cottonwood, where we were base camping, was only nine miles. But we knew we were in for an adventure when our GPS informed us that it would take more than half an hour. As it turns out, the last five miles of the drive were straight up the mountainside, along a series of tight switchbacks! That was a lot of fun for us lowlanders, though the hour-long drive to Prescott, on the other side of Jerome, was even more breathtaking. That one actually offers pullouts and overlooks, allowing you to take all the photos you like.

Upon entering Jerome, we stopped first at a small pullout overlooking the main part of town. This quick stop is a true must-do to get your bearings. Highlights include informational signage, old mining equipment, and a fantastic view of the town.

Jerome State Historic Park and Audrey Headframe Park

The museum was packed with interesting artifacts

Leaving the overlook, you have two options. The main road continues straight ahead to downtown Jerome, while the right fork goes to Jerome State Historic Park and the Audrey Headframe Park. We weren’t sure how long the state park would take, so we opted to go there first.

The museum is located inside the Douglas Mansion, built in 1916 by James S. Douglas, owner of Jerome’s Little Daisy Mine. The mansion was intended as not only a family home, but a lodging facility for visiting investors and mining officials. The home had such cutting-edge features as steam heat, marble showers, a wine cellar and even a central vacuum system.

Today, the museum houses a plethora of artifacts and exhibits that tell the concurrent stories of Jerome–the rough and ready mining town and the place where hundreds of families raised their children. As of 2011, the museum is open 8:30 to 5 Thursday through Monday, and is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Holiday schedules may vary, so contact the park directly before planning a holiday visit. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids aged 7 through 13. Those under age 7 are free.

This was taken straight down the shaft

Just outside the State Historic Park is Audrey Headframe Park. As of 2011, the park is open daily 8 to 5. There is no admission fee. The tallest wooden headframe still standing in the state, the Audrey Headframe was built in 1918. Visitors are invited to stand on a Plexiglas covering over a 1,950 foot mine shaft. The view is truly mind-boggling!

Downtown Jerome

Most parking is at the base of the mountain

Our next stop was the Jerome Visitor Center, a tiny trailer at the base of town. Although the center is quite small, it is packed with informational brochures on attractions, restaurants, and special events. The staff is quite friendly and extremely helpful, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation.

Jerome exists on three main levels, crowned by the Jerome Grand Hotel at the top of the mountain. Although there is parking at the hotel and a few spots in front of individual businesses, the vast majority of tourist parking today is at the bottom of the mountain near the Visitor Center. Due to his health conditions, Dad was a bit dubious about the climb, but he did just fine.

A steep gravel road leads down to the old Crib District

As long as you are comfortable with stairs, Jerome is an eminently walkable small town. Clean, safe and friendly, Jerome is packed with interesting local shops. Artisans abound, from glass blowers and potters to painters and wineries. There are a couple of museums, and many buildings have historic plaques out front.

Down a steep gravel road from the main parking area is the Crib District, where Jerome’s Wild West prostitutes once plied their trade. Close by is the Old Jail, set at a seemingly impossible angle where it came to rest after sliding down the mountain. Keep a tight hold on your kids around the jail building. Although it is blocked off by railings, it would be easy to lose footing, especially for small children.

Jerome Grand Hotel

After that climb, Dad needed to park himself in Handicap Parking!

Every once in awhile, Dad gets an idea into his head, and no one can talk him out of it. In Jerome, the idea was hiking. Although the Jerome Grand Hotel has a perfectly good parking lot, Dad got it into his head that it was a nice day for a stroll. Located at the very top of the mountain, the hotel is quite a climb from the base-level parking where we left our car. But the walk was wonderfully scenic and despite the occasional moans caused by the osteoarthritis in his spine, Dad was quick to yell out periodically, “This is so worth it!”

The Jerome Grand Hotel has changed little since 1926

Built in 1926, the last major construction project in Jerome, the hotel began life as the United Verde Hospital. Fireproof and able to withstand blasts from the nearby mine, the building was truly a marvel of modern engineering. The hospital closed in 1950, shortly before the closure of the mine. It sat undisturbed until 1994, when the Altherr family purchased it to use as a hotel. Other than cleaning and conversion, nothing has been done to the original building. The 1926 elevator was never upgraded, and is now one of the oldest self-service elevators in the country. The original steam heat system is still in place, providing heat to all rooms with the original motor and two vacuum pumps.

Dining in Jerome

The Haunted Hamburger signs give a clue as to what to expect

From what we heard from locals and tourists alike, it would be nearly impossible to get a bad meal in Jerome. As an Arlo Guthrie fan, Dad was intrigued by the look of Alice’s Restaurant, which is apparently an excellent organic spot. But we ultimately decided on lunch at The Haunted Hamburger and dinner at Grapes.

Both spots are owned by the same family, who also own the wonderful Nick’s and Tavern Grille in nearby Cottonwood. Haunted Hamburger, housed inside a reputedly haunted historic building, is known throughout the Verde Valley for its eclectic collection of gourmet burgers. Of course, if you’re not a hamburger fan, the menu offers a wide range of choices, including vegetarian options. Unless your appetites are enormous, pay the $3 sharing charge rather than ordering separate meals.

Housed in Jerome’s original telegraph and Pony Express station, Grapes is a fantastic casual Italian spot with an extensive wine list. The atmosphere is family-friendly and portions are easily big enough to share ($3 sharing fee applies). Choose from an expansive list of options from sandwiches and salads to the Create Your Own Pasta.

Tips for Parents

Keep your kids well back from the railings!

Jerome is a true must-see for anyone visiting the Verde Valley region of Arizona. The friendly locals, interesting shops and exhibits, and historic feel make Jerome an excellent choice for families. Evening ghost tours, offered by Jerome Haunted Tours, are highly recommended. Dad and I thoroughly loved the walking tour hosted by Shotgun Sadie.

Jerome is approximately a mile high, at 5,200 feet. If you are not used to the elevation, take it slowly. Exertion, such as climbing the mountain streets of Jerome, could cause you or your kids to become winded sooner than you might expect. Drink plenty of water, as the desert air can be dehydrating.

Keep a close eye on your kids. Jerome is full of steep gravel roads, concrete steps and drop-offs. Although there is an excellent system of railings, it is always best to err on the side of caution.

Plan to spend at least one full day in Jerome. It is the type of experience that unfolds slowly, and the best treats are not always readily apparent. Slow down, relax, and enjoy your exploration of this unique historic town.