Are you looking for an Arizona vacation packed with adventure, wildlife, and learning experiences for the whole family? Arizona offers a wide variety of activities to engage kids and adults alike! Find out what to see, where to stay, how long to visit, what is there to do & more. This easy-to-follow 4 days in Arizona with a kids itinerary will ensure your family has a fantastic time!
Best Time to Visit Arizona | Arizona Weather
When is the best time to visit Arizona? This question can be tricky because there is no one definitive answer. Arizona experiences all four seasons, so different times of year might be better depending on what you are looking for.
Winter: December-February
Winters tend to be mild in Arizona, with 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit highs and lows of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, there are still sunny days on which you can go outside even when it is chilly. Arizona's dry climate means the sun heats the land quickly, so you will get warm fast.
Spring: March-May
Spring is an unpredictable season in Arizona with highs reaching between 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a higher chance of rain showers this time of year, but it also brings the most daylight hours. Plus, kids are on break from school!
Summer: June-August
Summers in Arizona are hot, with average highs of 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the dry heat makes the weather bearable. July and August are the hottest months.
Fall: September-November
Fall is a great time to visit because the temperatures are mild, there is less chance of rain.
Arizona is known for its hot weather, but there are many different parts of the state with varying climates. Arizona's lower and central parts are pretty hot, while the northern part of the state experiences cooler temperatures. The best thing to do is check the forecast before you go!
Best Airport to Fly Into When Visiting Arizona
There are a few different airports you can fly into when visiting Arizona. The best option is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, located in the heart of the greater metropolitan area. You can fly in from many major cities, including New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The airport is also a central hub for American Airlines, making it a great choice if American Airlines is your airline of choice.
Getting Around Arizona | Transportation Around The City
Once you're in Arizona, getting around the state is relatively easy. There are many transportation options, including:
Car
If you're visiting one of the larger cities in Arizona, such as Phoenix, Tucson, or Flagstaff, then getting around by car is your best option. For best rates on car rentals check out this website.
Uber/Lyft:
If you're comfortable sharing a car, Uber and Lyft are great alternatives for transportation around the city. Make sure to look into any special deals that might be going on in your area at the moment. Some Ubers even have car seats available for toddlers making traveling Arizona with kids a bit easier.
Electric Scooters:
In recent years, electric scooters have become quite popular in Arizona. You can find them in most of the larger cities, and they're a great way to get around without having to worry about traffic or parking. Just be sure to read the rules and regulations before you go so you know where you can and cannot ride.
Rome2rio:
If you're looking for more information on transportation options in Arizona, Rome2rio is a great resource. It provides detailed information on how to get from point A to point B, including options for walking, biking, ferry, driving, taking public transportation, and flying.
Best Hotels and Airbnb For Families In Arizona
When choosing a hotel or Airbnb for your family vacation, it's essential to consider the essential amenities. Below are some great options for hotels and Airbnb's in Arizona to accommodate families of all sizes.
Our Favorite Luxury Hotel
If you're looking for a luxurious hotel experience, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort is a great option. It offers world-class amenities, including four pools, three championship golf courses, and a wide variety of dining options.
Our Favorite Mid Range Hotel
Sheraton Phoenix Crescent hotel is an excellent option for families looking for a mid-range hotel. It offers comfortable rooms, a heated pool, and free shuttle service to the airport and local attractions.
Our Favorite Airbnb – Industrial
Chic Old Scottsdale Home With Pool is an amazing Airbnb located in Scottsdale. It offers a comfortable and open living space, as well as one of the best pool areas you will find!
Our Favorite unique stay
Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch – If you're looking for a unique stay, look no further than Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch. It's located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert and offers cottages with kitchenettes and bathrooms/showers. You can even enjoy a dip in their pool! If you're a history buff, Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch is a must-visit.
Must-Try Family Friendly Restaurants In Arizona
Arizona is a foodie paradise, and there is something for everyone when it comes to dining out with your family. From Mexican food to Italian, you're sure to find a restaurant that will please even the pickiest eaters. Here are some of our favorites:
Dinner Spot
Culinary DropOut is the perfect dinner spot in downtown Phoenix that serves American cuisine with a delicious twist. A place where food and music are life, it's perfect for families looking for a fun and relaxed dining experience.
Breakfast or Brunch Spot
OverEasy is a great family-friendly breakfast spot that offers many dishes, from pancakes and waffles to omelets and breakfast burritos. With locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale, it's a great option for those visiting either city.
Fast Food Spot
Eegee's With several locations in Arizona, Eegee's is a local chain that serves fresh and delicious wraps, salads, sandwiches, and more! Kids love their kid-friendly menu, including macaroni and cheese, pizza bites, PB&J sandwiches, ice cream cups with sprinkles on top, of course! Fruit smoothies, and more.
Vegan Spot
Green New American is a great vegan restaurant in downtown Phoenix that offers fresh, healthy food with many vegetarian options. Kids will especially love the macaroni and cheese, while parents can enjoy one of their delicious specialty cocktails!
https://worldinfourdays.com/the-mission-old-town-best-tacos-in-scottsdale-az/
4 Days In Arizona With Kids | 4 Day Arizona Itinerary
Now that you know a little bit more about what to expect when visiting Arizona with kids, it's time to start planning your itinerary. The following is a suggested 4-day itinerary that will allow you to see some of the best sights and attractions the state has to offer.
Day 1 – Explore the Phoenix/Tempe Area
Some great family-friendly things to do in the Phoenix/Tempe area include:
- Visiting the Arizona Science Center – Featuring over 250 hands-on exhibits, the Arizona Science Center is a great place for both kids and adults to learn about science in an engaging way. The center also has an IMAX theater, so you can catch one of their current movies!
- Visiting the Phoenix Children's Museum – One of the best things to do with kids in Arizona, the Phoenix Children's Museum offers over 140 educational activities for kids, including an ancient Native American village and a bubble room!
- Spending Time at Pueblo Grande Museum & Archeological Park – A 20-minute drive from downtown Phoenix, Pueblo Grande is an excellent place
- Riding the Phoenix Zoo Express train – This train takes you on a tour of the Phoenix Zoo, and is perfect for kids who love animals!
- Hiking in the Superstition Mountains – If you're looking for a fun day outdoors, consider hiking in the Superstition Mountains. You'll find a variety of trails and gorgeous views. Perfect for the whole family!
- Exploring the Desert Botanical Garden – If you're looking for a day outdoors, consider exploring the Desert Botanical Garden. It's perfect for all ages! The garden also offers monthly events and festivals, so be sure to check their calendar.
- Watching a game at Chase Field – If you're in town when the Arizona Diamondbacks are playing, head to Chase Field for a game. It's a great experience for the whole family!
https://worldinfourdays.com/a-guide-to-phoenix-in-a-weekend/
Day 2 – Explore Scottsdale
Some of our favorite family-friendly things to do in Scottsdale include:
- Visiting the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) – If your kids are into art, then they'll love SMoCA. The museum offers tons of rotating exhibits in addition to the permanent collection, so it is always fresh and interesting!
- Taking a tour of Taliesin West – If you're looking for something truly unique to do with the family while in Scottsdale, consider taking a tour of Taliesin West. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this architectural masterpiece is a must-see!
- Riding the Talking Stick Resort Shuttle around downtown – The Talking Stick resort offers a free shuttle that takes you on a tour of downtown Scottsdale, and it's perfect for families who love to explore!
- Visiting Malls – The best malls in Arizona include Desert Ridge Marketplace, Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, and Chandler Fashion Center.
- Boardwalk Arizona – If you're looking for a place to cool off, Boardwalk Arizona is the perfect spot. With its lazy river, wave pool, and waterslides, it's sure to please kids of all ages!
Day 3 – Day Trip To Sedona
Some of our favorite family-friendly things to do in Sedona include:
- Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure – If you're looking for a fun way to see some of the best views in Arizona, consider taking this train ride through Verde Canyon. You'll get to explore an old mining town and learn about how it developed.
- Sedona Outback Trail Adventures – If you're looking for a more rugged way to explore Sedona, consider taking one of the many guided tours offered by Sedona Outback. They offer jeep tours and hikes, so you'll have a variety of options!
- Spending Time at Slide Rock State Park – This park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It's the perfect place to relax and take a dip in the cool water!
- Hiking Cathedral Rock – If you're looking for a challenging hike, consider hiking Cathedral Rock. The views from the top are simply incredible!
https://worldinfourdays.com/a-guide-to-phoenix-in-a-weekend/
Day 4 – Day Trip To Tombstone
We have to pick 4-5 family-friendly things to do in Tombstone where kids can learn about history.
- Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park – Head to the Tombstone courthouse, which was built in 1882 and is filled with history. Your kids will love exploring the museum and seeing exhibits about the wild west!
- Tombstone Epitaph Museum – Visit this newspaper printing press, where you can read about famous events surrounding Tombstone's Wild West days. Perfect for older kids.
- The Bird Cage Theatre – If your kids are into history, they'll love the Bird Cage Theatre. This was once the most popular theatre in Tombstone, and it's now a museum filled with interesting exhibits.
- Boot Hill Cemetery – Another great place for older kids is Boot Hill Cemetery. It's the final resting place of many famous people from Tombstone.
- Big Nose Kate's Saloon is a popular place to dine.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLH6GEhAV6L/?utm_medium=copy_link
Whether you're looking for a fun vacation spot or someplace to explore the great outdoors, Arizona has something for everyone. And while it's true that summer is hot in Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale, Autumn and Spring are beautiful!
Our 4 day Arizona with kids itinerary is just a small taste of all the amazing things there are to do in the state of Arizona. Be sure to check out our blog post on all things Arizona for Arizona travel tips, must-try dining experiences, and things to check off your bucket list.
