Spring Break Activities in Phoenix, AZ

By Traveling4JustusMom on November 15, 2009 @ 3:33 pm
No GravatarThe Valley of the Sun-Phoenix, AZSchool has only been in session for two months but it’s time to start planning spring break. If you frequently travel with kids for spring break like me, then I’m sure the requests have begun to pour in for spring break destinations.  In the back of my mind I’ve been pondering a staycation for spring break this year, but my constituents beat me to the punch with suggestions. This week, my son announced that he wants to go to Phoenix for spring break. Phoenix?

Why Phoenix?  He wants to catch an NBA game: Phoenix Suns vs. LA Lakers.  This is my child, the future Ban Naismith Award winner and rookie of the year-without a doubt.  He’s been to Jamaica three times, Nassau,  Atlantis on Paradise Island, Punta Cana, Cozumel, Key West, and Miami.  He’s spent a week in Orlando at Disney World frolicking in the Magic Kingdom and running around the Animal Kingdom. If you ask him to consider the most memorable days of his extensive 6-year old  life, he’ll undoubtedly tell you about the 30 minute drive to the meadowlands to watch the NJ Nets or taking the train into Madison Square Garden to watch the Knicks or the Liberty. So why not consider Phoenix for spring break? It provides for affordable and kid-friendly travel.

Okay, so two nights we’ll go to the Suns game..  During the day we’ll lounge around the Squaw Peak Resort hotel and maybe I’ll sneak in a round of golf or spa appointment.  But that still leaves five more days of activity. Surprisingly Phoenix has quite a bit to offer. Though there are no beaches in the middle the  Sonoran desert there is plenty for us to do as a family.

The Phoenix Zoo was voted one of the top 5 zoos for kids so it’s sure to be on our list of activities for the week.  Though we’ve been to other zoos this one offers something special with a Blue Cross Blue Shield “Wild Walk” that mixes your walk around the zoo with fun exercise stations.  The Arizona Museum of Natural History is a great choice for a spring break activity.  We can learn about North America’s first inhabitants, Paleoindian hunter and gatherers, and Arizona’s first settlers, the Hohokam. We can also view some of the biggest dinosaurs that ever lived. Castles and Coasters amusement park and the Enchanted Island are in the heart of Phoenix and offer a fun day for the whole family. With rides, shows, and attractions we can spend a whole day in these parks.  When evening falls we can hit the miniature links for a round of golf.

I may also consider the Arizona Science Center which boasts plenty of hands on activities for kids and families.  The reviews of this place are marginal so we’ll have to see for ourselves if this is something we want to do.  We can also go horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, and rock climbing. If all else fails we can hang at the kids club at Squaw Peak.  It’s such a kid friendly hotel that we could easily spend five days there without leaving the property.

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Category: All Travel, Family Travel, Family Vacations, Traveling While Black
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Woo Hoo! There are 4 comment(s) for me so far ;)

#1
Toyi, I don’t want to dash your high hopes, but having visited Phoenix regularly, I feel compelled to say that I find the city to be devoid of culture. Not much beyond shopping and eating. That being said, out family has enjoyed hiking on South Mountain. Maybe that’s something to add to your family’s activity list? (plus, it’s free!) Or go 2 hours north of Phoenix to Oak Creek Canyon — beautiful. Phoenix does have amazing shopping, golf courses and spas, but my kids are too little to appreciate them. Hope you prove me wrong and have a great spring break there! (seriously).
JamieB wrote on November 18, 2009 - 12:50 pm
#2
Hi Toyi, Have you been to Phoenix before? I live about 2.5 hours from there (in the Tucson metropolitan area). :) Here are a few comments/suggestions: * Castles and Coasters is not particularly exciting. The rides are mediocre and the environment is underwhelming. * Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse (in Chandler) looks fun, but I’ve never been: http://metropolitanmama.net/2009/11/for-him-flash-65-pack-by-rei/. * I have also heard good things about the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde: http://www.outofafricapark.com/. * If you’re in the area, you should eat at The Farm at South Mountain: http://www.thefarmatsouthmountain.com/. The environment is wonderful. Have fun! - Stephanie
Stephanie wrote on November 19, 2009 - 3:16 pm
#3
I’ve been to phoenix several times but never for a “spring break” type trip. We stay at Squaw peak and do tours. This time I considered taking advantage of the city…maybe. :-)
Toyi Ward wrote on November 20, 2009 - 11:08 pm
#4
Hello Tory, If you want good tips about diverse attractions and fun things to do in Phoenix we have a few interesting posts about Phoenix at http://www.foxrentacarblog.com . We offer diverse information about different cities on the West Coast to help travelers plan their trip and get the most out of the city they visit. The Mystery Castle is always fun for kids and the Pueblo Grande is a great cultural stop. Phoenix has quite a few fun attractions and off the beaten path sites to visit.
maria wrote on November 25, 2009 - 11:21 pm
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