Would like to take trip with two pre-teens Thanksgiving week. Would like to go West- Arizona, Nevada, or West Coast. We would like ideas for family-friendly destinations, hotels, and attractions. Prefer no all-inclusive resorts.

You can't go wrong with San Diego and kids of any age. Plenty to do and see for all age ranges. My preference in the area is staying at the Hotel Del Coronado. It's not as hectic as the Mission Bay area and you have a nice beach.

I can't suggest a trip but why not look into a ranch visit in Wyomming or Montana. Not sure what the weather is doing. I would also consider a week in Vail Colorado. They have mild slopes for beginners and last year there was snow on Thanksgiving not sure that it happens every year. Just an idea.

A really nice and relatively inexpensive trip you could take at that time would be to catch a cheap flight into Las Vegas, rent a car and head for the Grand Canyon. It could be a little chilly in the high country, but I'm guessing that it wouldn't be just too bad and that aspect would be compensated by the lack of crowds. You could take in some of historic Route 66, Lake Havasu, Monument Valley, some cliff dwellings, Petrified Forest National Park, etc. I love Wyoming and Montana, but the weather can be dicey by Thanksgiving week. Happy Trails!

Jim how long is the car trek to the canyon from Las Vegas?

It seems to me that it is about 5 hours to the south rim area from the airport in Vegas. You can catch Hoover Dam on the way -- it's just a short drive from Las Vegas. Flagstaff is a great place to stage from for the Canyon and I would recommend that you check out the Continental Suites as a possibility for a place to stay (your kids will love the indoor pool area).

Squaw Peak or Taqpitio Cliffs Hilton in Pheonix. Great rooms, great food, great activities and a great price.
Vegas go for the Monte Carlo a great bargain for the money.

If you're considering stopping in a gambling venue but you don't quite want all the glitz and other aspects of Las Vegas, Laughlin is a great "value stop" on your way back from your trip. Check out the Harrah's for a great room at a great price. The Ramada there is also an interesting hotel. The buffets are cheap and it doesn't have the "sin city" quality of Vegas.