5 Family-Friendly Attractions in Arizona
A trip to the Grand Canyon is a quintessential American family vacation. Combined with the beauty of various other nearby Southwestern sites, like Antelope Canyon and Lake Havasu, Arizona is a popular choice for vacationers. If you're planning a trip to the region, be sure to consider some other great attractions that the whole family will enjoy.
Discover a "Hidden Gem" National Monument
Located near Willcox, Chiricahua National Monument is a hidden gem in Southern Arizona where visitors can hike among whimsical rhyolite rock pinnacles, better known as hoodoos, made from the remains of an ancient volcano eruption. Explore the area's 17 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Echo Canyon Trail, where travelers can immerse themselves among the irregular rock formations. As one of the region's “sky islands,” guests will encounter four ecosystems to explore as they travel higher in elevation throughout the monument. Additionally, the bipartisan Chiricahua National Park Act, which is under consideration by Congress, would designate the the monument as the state's fourth national park, joining the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest and Saguaro National Parks. The designation would help increase awareness of this beautiful area of the state and boost conservation efforts in Southern Arizona.
Enjoy Scenic Flight Tours Over Monument Valley
Westwind and Redtail Air have partnered with Goulding's Lodge to provide visitors a bird's-eye view of Monument Valley on their scenic flight tours. Westwind's day trip tour includes amazing views of the Valley's famous red sandstones from the air before landing to embark on an off-road tour through the park to see the formations up close and learn about Navajo culture. Thanks to multiple departure locations throughout the state, travelers have several options to fit their schedules. For those who seek to stay longer, Redtail Air's tour can also include an overnight stay at Golding's Lodge.
Become a Junior Ranger in Prescott
The City of Prescott Recreation Services Park Rangers has created a free Junior Ranger program to promote Prescott's historic attractions, outdoor recreational opportunities and Appreciate AZ Leave No Trace Principles. The program offers free downloadable guidebooks that map out all of Prescott's historic sites and recreational spaces helping children explore Prescott in a responsible manner. Within the guidebook, there is a special passport that outlines the city's museums and attractions. Children who visit at least seven of the passport sites and take the Appreciate AZ pledge can earn a Prescott Junior badge!
Cool Off at the New AquaRidge WaterPark
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa announced that AquaRidge WaterPark, a 140,000-square-foot reimagined and expanded pool experience, is set to open this summer. The $18 million pool transformation embraces the destination with renewed areas offering an enhanced lazy river, a refreshed Wildfire Grove featuring two pools and a waterfall, and the lively Havasu Playground that will offer three new exhilarating water slides.
Visit an Unusual Family Art Collection-turned-Museum
Visit the Last Supper Museum in Douglas to see the world's largest collection of last supper art. One of the most unusual museums in the U.S., two families collected last supper art for 100 years to create this one-of-a-kind museum. Every medium is represented including coal, mother of pearl, volcanic ash, and gourds, among many others. Paintings and sculptures from all over the world representing more than 50 countries are displayed. Open every day but Monday, art lovers will appreciate this new hidden gem that was recently Roadside America's “Sight of the Week!”