We live in Oregon and want to get some sun in the spring March/April-ish. We'll have just under a week (ie. Thurs - Tues). Want lots of kid stuff for a 2 yr old. Considering Phoenix and area but am unsure what kinds of kid things there are. Husband and I did San Diego before little guy so not sure we want to go back yet - plus I think little guy would like it better in a year or two.

Could do east coast but don't want to waste days traveling rather than sightseeing but am open to ideas for future. Does not need to be beach but he would love the water. Santa Barbara - I remember enjoying it but kid stuff?

Help with places as well as things to do would be great!!

Sara & Little Guy

Santa Barbara has a zoo, a bird refuge, the little seaquarium there on the Pier....and of course a 2 year old could spend days just on the beach and at the pool, weather should be great in April. I agree save Disney/San Diego etc until he is a little older, now is the time for someplace laid back like SB while your son is still easily entertained. You'll have plenty of other years for vacations on the go-go-go hopefully.

By warm, do you mean 70's or 80's? Santa Barbara may be sunny in April, but not very warm. Check out weather.com to find places in the 80's in March or April.

http://www.weather.com/activities/tr...r/?from=travfl

Have you thought of Palm Springs? It should be in the 80's then. There are lots of resorts with great pool areas. They also have the Living Desert Zoo and the Aerial Tram.

The Pointe Hilton in Phoenix has a waterpark and kids activities. Maybe some AZ experts can weigh in on Children's museums and activities.

I would venture to say that Tucson has more to offer for kids than Phoenix. There is the AZ Desert Museum, Reid Park Zoo and playground, Children's Museum etc. Plus there are tons of great kid-friendly restaurants. I did a trip report of Tucson with a 2 yr old from Nov 2005 if you want to take a look. Just click on my name and you'll find it.

It sounds like you want guaranteed swimming, and that a pool will suffice, beach not necessarily necessary. Do I read you correctly? Plus activities for a 2-year old. How about a cruise down the west coast of Mexico on one of the lines with lots of family entertainment? You would probably only need to travel to LA.

If you are on a budget, Arizona is the place. You can get three star hotels on Priceline for around $36 a night.

No a beach isn't necessary and it doesn't have to be hot - just drier than our liquid sunshine. I think I like to see more than a cruise would allow but will certainly keep that in mind. Glad to know the differences between Tucson and Phoenix. I had researched Santa Barbara and am kinda leaning that direction. Any great kid hotels for no more than $125/night. I like continental breakfast, fridge, microwave, and pool. Same for Tucson would be great, I certainly know less about it - yeah I get to research!

Thanks for the suggestions.

Sara

In Phoenix there's the Phoenix Zoo and the World Wildlife Zoo. The World Wildlife Zoo is in the far west valley and absolutely wonderful for young kids. You can easily spend a good 4-6 hours there. In addition to all the cool animal exhibits there's a boat ride, train ride, and "ski lift" ride that carries you over the whole park. There's also a huge kids playground area and nice snackbar.

Phoenix also has a great Science Center downtown, complete with an IMAX theatre, but there's really not much there for the 2 year old crowd.

On 24th street and Shea (right off the 51 freeway) there's a wonderful place called Imagination Avenue. It's an indoor, parent-supervised imaginary town complete with a police station (and cars), fire station, store, theatre, school, home with dress-up items, etc. The whole village is child size. You can easily spend a morning or afternoon there. My kids loved it at that age.

If you stay at a resort with a good children's slide/pool your little one would enjoy spending time in the water. I have to say that March/beginning of April weather may still be a bit cool for the pool unless it's well heated. I always recommend the Pointe Hilton at Tapatio off 7th Street. All the rooms are 2-room suites and the water area is awesome. The Pointe Hilton at Squaw Peak is also nice and has a lazy river.

There's a great railroad museum and rides at McCormic Park. (I'm not sure of the spelling.) Your family may also enjoy a jeep ride in the desert, which your hotel can arrange.

There are also tons of parks with playground equipment in the greater Phoenix area. The weather should be at its best in the spring... perfect for an afternoon at the park.

Just ask if you have any more questions.