SAnParis2

My kids have been clamoring to take a 'plane trip' so since I just rec'v'd my annual 'buy a ticket get 2 more for $99 each' from US Air, I figured Spring Break would be a good time. They want to go to the Keys, but it is still 'in season' there which means at least $200/night in Key West, & similar prices on the way out. So, I began looking at other options & figured a trip to the SW would be cool, as they have never seen the desert, we could hike & it would also be educational (as many of our trips are). In addition, we may run into other 'Spring Breakers' in the Keys, not so much in Az. + I can get a cottage there for less than $1000/wk. I need more selling points, 'kid stuff' for my kids in Az. (they are 4 & 7, btw) Thinking Tucson &/or basing up near Jerome/Flagstaff since we'll have 10 days. Also haven't ruled NM out , but leaning towards Az.

SAnParis2

This will be 2nd week in April, I believe. Just an FYI.

notbob

What about Sanibel Island Florida?

You'll leave the college kids behind a Ft Meyers although prices may still bit higher. I think that some spots drop about the second week in April.

SAnParis2

Not a bad suggestion although I am not a big 'gulf-side' fan + we're going to Amelia Island over Thanksgiving, I think I'd just as soon drive back to Amelia as fly to Sanibel (as it is outside my acceptable driving radius). I'll keep it in mind, since the flying part is required by my Spring Break travel aficionados.

garyt22

My kids enjoyed the Northern Arizona swing including trips on the Grand Canyon Railroad from Williams to GC (including a realistic Cowboy hold-up)... Jerome... Rt66... Volcano Sunset Crater... Meteor Crater.... The observatory in Flagstaff... Sedona and Sliderock... all are family friendly and very educational..... even the younger one will be impressed...

Save the Keys for their teen years when you can take them on a party fishing boat, enjoy Key West treasures, snorkeling, sunset sails and the party feel... they are still too young for much other than shell collecting and maybe some of the water things...

wtm003

We went to Tucson for Spring Break about 2 1/2 years ago. My children were 13 and 10 at the time. I highly recommend the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

www.desertmuseum.org

Other than that the kids swam (it was too cool for me in late March), visited Saguaro National Park and hiked.

With 10 days, I'd probably make the drive and see the Grand Canyon.

SAnParis2

Thanks - the train ride is a must, my Son loves trains + they've already been to the Keys (a couple of times) so I'm thinking I'll split time between Tucson & the North somewhere.

nancythenice

In Sedona, you can take a sunrise balloon ride, and go on a jeep trek. Don't miss the Grand Canyon. My experience is it provides kids a sense of awe and wonder they won't forget. Flagstaff still has a western feel, which is fun, but it is likely to be chilly in April, if not snowing.

SAnParis2

I think it would be cool to do the desert the first part of the week & then have snow the latter part of the week - We'd kind of like that, I think, we don't see snow much.

lvk

Another vote for the SW. Is there a reason you are choosing Tucson, instead of Phoenix/Scottsdale? It will add another 2 hours on to your drive north to Flagstaff.

Some kid-friendly fun we have enjoyed include guided horseback rides, Native American cliff dwellings, Painted Desert and Petrified Forest NP, Ghost Towns, Golfland

http://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/PEFO/index.htm
http://www.golfland.com/mesa/

I don't think they allow young children on hot air balloons. When we were there with our kids, they had to be 48" tall.

SAnParis2

My 7 yr old would be tall enough, not the 4 yr old. I'm just thinking of splitting time between the north & south, I am not a big PHX fan, at all. Spent too much time there for work. The only part of PHX I'll likely see will be the Airport, coming & going. Thx, S.

SAnParis2

ttt

SAnParis2

ttt

lennyba

The weather in Tucson in April is likely to be perfect, if that helps you. There is excellent hiking here. Your kids might enjoy a side trip to Tombstone and Bisbee - Bisbee has a neat copper mine tour. Kartchner Caverns are simply amazing.