Family getaways in Arizona

Known for its sunny warm weather, Arizona has a lot going on this summer.

There is a virtually unlimited supply of inspiration for that that perfect family friendly adventure.

From relaxing lakeside retreats to water sports, train rides up the Grand Canyon and great food, discover the best summer getaways for the family.

Lakeside relaxation

Lake Havasu City
For a beach trip without dealing with the massive summertime crowds, Lake Havasu City offers visitors all the perks of staying in a ‘beach’ town steps away from the desert. There are more than 400 miles of shoreline. Relax on Lake Havasu’s sandy beaches after kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, wake surfing or swimming in the lake’s clear waters. Stroll across the one and only London Bridge before exploring the city’s waterfront shops and restaurants.

By boat or by land, you can see the most lighthouses on any inland body of water in the Southwest. Each lighthouse is a scaled-down replica of famous lighthouses from all parts of the country. Visitors can then embark on desert adventures including hiking, cycling and ATVing through the picturesque area where the Sonoran and the Mojave Deserts meet.

Page
Spend a sunny day floating on Lake Powell in Page . Enjoy stunning views while canoeing, boating, fishing and tubing on this man-made lake. You can even overnight on the lake by renting a houseboat. A trip to Page is not complete without visiting Horseshoe Bend, one of the most popular places to visit in Northern Arizona due to its stunning view and insta-worthy photo opportunities. With the city near some of Northern Arizona’s Tribal lands, those who desire to walk among sandstone slot canyons should join a Navajo-led tour of Antelope Canyon.

Unique mountain experience

Pinetop-Lakeside
A hidden gem city located in the White Mountains on the eastern side of Arizona, a trip to Pinetop-Lakeside during the summer is perfect for families exploring nature. With more than 50 lakes and 800 miles of rivers, families can swim, fish and kayak from one lake to the next. Pick a trail, whether that be on foot or via mountain biking, horseback riding or ATVing.

After spending time in nature’s playground, stop by the White Mountain Family Fun Park, to race go-karts and play mini-golf. Stay under the stars when camping at one of the city’s campsites or sleep in comfort at The Kull B&B, which has rustic-themed suites.

Best of the outdoors

Williams 
Families that crave one-of-a-kind experiences should plan a trip to Williams. Board the Grand Canyon Railroad to embark on a two-hour train ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and enjoy entertainment from cowboys on the train. After visiting this natural wonder, continue to explore nature in Williams at Bearizona to see bears and other animals roam freely before heading to Canyon Coaster Wonder Park to ride a roller coaster down a mountain.

There are out-of-the-box hotel experiences close to Williams that families can enjoy such as overnight in a dome with a 1,000 square feet panoramic window at Clear Sky Resorts or sleeping inside a Conestoga Covered Wagon at Circle Pines KOA Holiday. Or try luxury camping at Backland. Each tent comes with a full en-suite bathroom with shower, is fully insulated and has automatic climate control.

City of Gastronomy

Tucson 
As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a family holiday to Tucson means music, food and history. Spend your days sampling Mexican food along Tucson’s Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food, an unofficial food trail that has countless Mexican restaurants. Stop by the award-winning Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a fusion of a botanical garden, zoo and history museum to learn about the creatures that inhabit the city before heading to Tucson’s Mini-Time Machine Museum to see more than 500 antique dollhouses with hundreds of miniature objects within.

Beat the heat by hiking early in the morning. End your day at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, a desert oasis with a water slide, kids club and babysitting service.

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