Extended Weekend Getaways For the Wild Bunch
From natural wonders to interactive museums and kid-friendly activities, Arizona is the perfect family playground. Families can experience a world of wonder, with activities and attractions that will delight travelers of all ages. Explore the Grand Canyon or head to one of the many hands-on museums. There are numerous outdoor adventures, as well. Whether you’re planning a short family trip or a week-long vacation, this guide highlights the top spots for making memories together. Get ready to embark on an adventure that every family member will treasure forever.
- Grand Canyon is a wonder on two legs or four. Choose the latter, and riding into the Grand Canyon on a mule is one of the most memorable experiences you can have.
- If you have children between the ages of 4 and 14, they can become a Grand Canyon National Park Junior Rangerand earn a badge and certificate by completing a list of activities in the park.
- For the photographers: The Skywalk has become such a part of the larger Grand Canyon experience, it’s difficult to believe the glass-bottomed, U-shaped observation deck has been open only since 2007. Jutting 70-feet over the West Rim—which drops 4,000 feet straight down to the Colorado River below—the Skywalk offers amazing views and is a photo-op must.
For the Historians
Discover the rich history and traditions of the native communities in Arizona, where art and culture continue to be a major influence throughout the state. From the Navajo Nation in the high country—the largest reservation in the United States—to picturesque areas along the fertile flood plains of the Colorado River, the forests of central Arizona and the vibrant Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona, American Indian communities share unique cultural experiences with visitors.
Some of the most popular cultural attractions take place near stunning natural wonders and manmade landmarks such as the ancient pueblo dwellings on the Navajo Nation in the north and Mission San Xavier del Bac on the Tohono O’odham Nation in the south. Many tribes operate museums to share their traditions with visitors. The Navajo Nation Museum, Hopi Cultural Center and other cultural centers throughout the state are excellent options for travelers interested in history, art and culture. Internationally known museums also preserve the heritage of the state’s tribes.
For the Foodies
Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant in Benson is a small, colorful restaurant is known for dishes like enchiladas, fajitas and the taco salad — artfully plated. Whole-wheat tortilla wraps and Southwestern-style eggs move the menu needle into fusion territory. Save room for the top-secret-recipe carrot cake and plan to call in sick on a workday. Mi Casa is only open Tuesday through Friday.
Old County Inn in Pine specializes in wood-fired dishes, locating it on Old County Road — hence, the restaurant’s name. Day-trippers and locals alike go for the house-made bread sticks dipped in green chile beer cheese, and the pizzas, two of which are named after Townes Van Zandt’s plaintive song “Pancho and Lefty” and are respectively topped with roasted pork and green chile, and roasted chicken with barbecue sauce. Save room for the chocolate-coconut-macadamia cast iron cookie.
The Turquoise room in Winslow honors Chef Jesus Nunez — who continues the restaurant’s glorious menu, inspired by Native traditions and Four Corners ingredients. Located in the restored 1930 La Posada Hotel, a Fred Harvey hostelry designed by Mary Colter on the Santa Fe Railway, the restaurant features dinner dishes like free-range bison short ribs, pork carnitas and the Southwest vegetable platter anchored by a hemp tamale and wild mushroom roasted corn flan. Pace yourself on starters like Hopi hummus made with reservation-grown tepary beans or the signature soup: half cream sweet corn and half spicy black bean, served side-by-side in the same bowl. Take time for a postprandial stroll through the hotel’s art-filled hallways, or better yet, spend the night and stay for breakfast.
This time of year in Arizona means vibrant landscapes, warmer temps and outdoor adventures galore — in other words, it’s the perfect time to visit!
