With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and a warm, year-round climate, it’s little wonder that the Greater Phoenix area has become such a popular retirement destination. But sunny Arizona is not only a great place for snowbirds, America’s sixth-largest city has plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities that make it an ideal destination for families who want to be active while enjoying an extra dose of sunshine-induced vitamin D.
Museums and Galleries
Greater Phoenix has some excellent museums and art galleries that hold a particular appeal for families. The Heard Museum is one of the best places to learn about the culture and art of the Native Americans that have inhabited this region of the Southwest for centuries. The museum has 10 exhibit galleries and outdoor courtyards and displays a wide array of traditional and contemporary Native American art.
Other great hands-on museums include the Children`s Museum, with a 37-foot climbing exhibit featuring a flying bathtub and a recycled rocket. The smaller Arizona Museum for Youth can also fill an afternoon and is particularly fun for younger children with a hands-on music exhibit, an indoor pretend camping room and a movable block art area.
The Arizona Science Center is great for kids of all ages who enjoy discovery and investigation with more than 300 hands-on exhibits in five themed galleries. There is also an onsite planetarium, an Imax theatre, a cafe and a gift shop.
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Active Endeavors
March is an excellent time to visit Greater Phoenix to take in Cactus League spring training. For kids, it is a chance to see major league baseball stars up close in smaller stadiums and sometimes even get a special autograph. There are 15 teams playing in nine stadiums, and visitors can find a game to watch any day in March. Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy watching Major League Baseball, NBA, NHL and NFL games as well as college games during their regular seasons.
Greater Phoenix is a golf heaven for families who enjoy playing the sport together. There are more than 200 golf courses in and around Phoenix ranging from laidback, budget-friendly municipal courses to opulent championship courses with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
First Fridays Artwalk is billed as the largest artwalk in America and a fun evening out for families. On the first Friday evening of every month, works of art from more than 80 galleries and artisans are on display in a pedestrian-friendly outdoor setting. The event has a carnival feel with more than 10,000 art enthusiasts coming out each month to take it in.
Families can also take in a theatrical performance or a concert at several area facilities including the Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium in Tempe, Ariz., considered to be the last public commission of the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Other fun family endeavors include hiking or biking through the 16,000-acre South Mountain Preserve, horseback riding through the Sonoran Desert, tubing down the Salt River, visiting a recreated Wild West town called Rawhide or shopping in any number of malls or shopping centers. Most families find that Greater Phoenix offers more activities than they have time to take in.
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Phoenix is perfect for the pool with year-round sunshine. // © 2012 Greater Phoenix CVB |
Your Guide to Greater Phoenix
What to do:
Arizona Museum for Youth
www.arizonamuseumforyouth.com
Arizona’s Salt River Tubing and Recreation
www.saltrivertubing.com
Arizona Science Center
www.azscience.org
Cactus League Spring Training
www.cactusleague.com
Children’s Museum
www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
Golfland-SunSplash
www.golfland.com
Heard Museum
www.heard.org
Papago Riding Stables
www.papagostables.com
Phoenix Rock Gym
www.phoenixrockgym.com
Phoenix Zoo
www.phoenixzoo.org3
Where to Eat:
Cherry Blossom Noodle Cafe
914 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ
602-248-9090
www.cherryblossom-az.com
Matt’s Big Breakfast
801 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ
602-254-1074
www.mattsbigbreakfast.com
Moreno’s Mexican Grill
829 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ
480-966-9444
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro
1008 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ
602-241-0707
www.oreganos.com
Paletas Betty
425 S. Mill Ave. #109, Tempe, AZ
480-779-8080
www.paletasbetty.com
Rawhide Western Town and Steak House
5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler, AZ
480-502-5600
www.rawhide.com
Where to Stay:
Family travel has become a big market in Phoenix, and many resorts cater to families. The best of the bunch have great water features and equally great kids programming.
Arizona Grand Resort
8000 S. Arizona Grand Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ
866-539-0036
www.arizonagrandresort.com
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, AZ
866-540-4495
www.scottsdaleprincess.com
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak
7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ
602-997-2626
www.pointehilton.com
Westin Kierland Resort
6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ
480-624-1202
www.kierlandresort.com
From September through April, Phoenix enjoys mild and pleasant weather. If you visit during March, you can take in some of the Cactus League’s spring training games. Summer is extremely hot, but you will find deep discounts and extra family programming at many resorts from May through August.
