karenvk

We're gearing up for our annual spring break visit to Scottsdale/Phoenix to visit the out-laws. Have done most of the big attractions (zoo, Out of Africa, Science Center, Rawhide, BOB, the challenger space center, Encanto Park, and tons of shopping - much to the kids' dismay). They are 9 & 7, any other suggestions for fun activities while we're there (other than the infamous bike week which I heard will be there at the same time as us)? Appreciate your input!

karenvk

topping

kkj

Looks like you've hit the highlights. The only things left seem to be a jeep tour of the desert, the Wildlife Zoo on the west side and Pioneer Village near Anthem.

To me it looks like a road trip is called for.

I suggest that you take a quick trip to Tuscon. They have a lot of sights that might interest your kids: Old Tucson, Pima Air Museum (has a section of old planes that is great), Colossal Cave to name a few.

Other choices would be north to the Grand Canyon for the day. It's a long day, but your kids would probably like the scenery.

karenvk

KKJ, thanks for your reply. We've done the Wildlife Zoo as well but have not tried the Pioneer village. We've also done the Tucson stuff...
The jeep tour sounds like a great possibility. Do you know a reputable tour company in Scottsdale? I would like to check that out!
Thanks again.

ceg

A couple other ideas. Fiddlesticks at Indian Bend and Pima in Scottsdale: mini-golf, lazer tag, gocarts etc. McCormick-Skillman Park: Scottsdale Rd. and Indian Bend, mini-train, trains, large play Structures. Fort McDowell Adventures at Fort McDowell east of Fountain Hills has horseback riding. Desert Ridge Shopping center in North Phoenix has a Jilly's (kind of expensive, video type games) but also has a water spray playground as does Kierland Commons in Scottsdale. Botanical gardens in Phoenix. Hiking South Mountain or Papago Park.

karenvk

Ceg: thanks to you too for your suggestions. Yep, we've hit Fiddlesticks, Jillians, McCormick Park (which, by the way, I recommend to all visitors with kids). I'm still toying with the botanical gardens idea. Would a 7 & 9 year old (boy & girl) enjoy that?

azgrl

Sorry, I don't know anything about the Phoenix attractions, other than Bikeweek, which really is not all that bad. Park Rangers are stii trying to figure out what to do about the Mountain Lions in Sabino Canyon, it may or may not be open. There is a book out called, "Day Trips from Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff" by, Shifra Stein. Pretty good, off the beaten path type of book.

ceg

Check out the Botanical Gardens website at www.dbg.org for more info. They probably would not be real excited about a bunch of plants but there is a butterfly pavillion.
Have you considered going to Payson for the day? It is NE of Phoenix up Hwy 87 about an hour away. Up in the mountains near the rim. The Tonto Natural Bridge is amazing and there is good hiking and picnicing. www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/tonto.html

Alice

I was there last year with a 4 and 6 year old. Besides hanging IN the pool at the resort for most of the time (kids never get tired of that old standby), we went horseback riding one day on a trail ride - the kids even had their own horses and we went on a float trip one day. Both were a huge hit and very child friendly!

azgrl

You said you went on a float trip? Was it down the Salt Water river? I'm not sure how strong the river is running now, but it's worth the trip to do.

bonesaz

I don't have any kids so maybe I'm not qualified, but you might also check out Castles n' Coasters near Metrocenter. While it will never be mistaken for a full fledged theme park (Something PHX definitely lacks, probably because we are so close to S. Cal) it does have a decent roller coaster and a few other rides. There's miniature golf and video games too. Other posters have covered all the other kid friendly stuff I can think of. Hope you enjoy your visit.

karenvk

Thanks for all the great ideas! Some good new ones too! This post made me realize that we've accomplished a lot during our visits. Maybe this year, we'll just spend more time lounging by the hotel pool...maybe drop the kids at the grandparents and visit Taliesen West! We are tacking a 3 day quick visit to San Diego at the end of our stay so there will be plenty of sight seeing then! Do tell me more about the float trip though...that really sounds like it's our speed!

azgrl

The web site is www.saltrivertubing.com. I'm not sure if it will be open during your visit. It's a lot of fun, an all day trip.

karenvk

Thanks AZgirl. I checked out the website but it indicated children must be at least 8 years old and Alice stated in her post that her kids were 4 & 6. Probably a moot point since the website I saw said tours don't start until May...thanks anyway.

Annie5304

I think the Southwest museum in Mesa has a new and pretty awesome display of dinosaurs. I know my son couldn't get enough of dinosaurs. Have fun and good luck.