I'm meeting a girlfriend (she's coming from Chicago with a 6 yr. old and a 2.5 yr. old), I'm coming from N. California with a 4 yr. old and a 1.5 yr. old.

Our goal is to spend time together, and keep the kids entertained, and preferably eat as well as possible with small kids. (we really don't eat chain fast food ever- my kids have not ever had it)

We will have rented vehicle(s).

HOTEL/CONDO: We are thinking of Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, but are open to other ideas- need a kitchen. We realize it may or may not be warm enough for the water.... Other ideas? We want suites, if not a condo but I am confused on what would be central-located vs. not, since I don't know Phoenix

ACTIVITES: Arizona Science Museum, Zoo, Out of Africa, McCormick RR Park, Encanto Park all sound good from searching the archives.

FOOD: suggestions? Vegetarian options in particular?

ttt

Scottsdale is a good place to stay - near shopping and restaurants. If you want a suite look at Summerfield Suites by Hyatt. They have two bedroom suites with kitchens and are nice and very reasonable.
http://scottsdale.summerfieldsuites....ites|780612728

Out of Africa is now located quite a ways norht of Phoenix in the Verde Valley.

My wife and son went to Wildlfe WOrld Zoo on the west part of the Phoenix area. My wife liked it alot better than the Phoenix Zoo - which she likes, having gone at least 20 times over the y ears. A bonus to her was watching the jets at nearby Luke AFB taking off and landing.

I would consider the Pointe Squaw Peak to be centrally located.

check out the calendar at for current happenings www.raisingarizonakids.com
for current happenings for kids

Another nice place to take your kids is out in Mesa - the youth art museum http://www.cityofmesa.org/amfy/default.asp and/or if they like dinosaurs the mesa southwest museum. If you travel during non-rush hour eg after 9 or so, you shouldn't run into traffice from central phoenix.

As to places to eat - I'm not too familiar with the Squaw Peak area, check out this food blog or the chowhound board for recommendations.

Any other thoughts? Thanks!!!!!!

i second the Mesa Southwest Museum. we used to take our kids all the time and they loved it - fun for adults also.

Hall of Flame - firetrucks

Goldfield ghost town east of the valley, just outside Apache Jct.