It’s high time for some family-friendly desert excitement in adventurous Arizona

With its stunning desert landscapes and vibrant culture, Claire Zlobin finds an Arizona family vacation has endless opportunities to create memories right now.

Desert Botanical Gardens © Lawrence Elizabeth Knox

Whether you’re embarking on outdoor adventures or savoring the local flavors, an Arizona family vacation provides a variety of experiences that cater to children and adults alike. Here’s what our family got up to, from hot air balloon flights and off-road desert drives to the best places to sleep and eat at this time of year. 

Day 1. Off-road thrills in the sensational Sonoran Desert

For families seeking adventure on their Arizona family vacation, a thrilling 800cc 2-seat ATV Sand Buggy ride through the Sonoran Desert is perfect. Guided by experts from Desert Dog Offroad Adventures, this fast-paced tour takes you through rocky gardens, sandy washes, twisty canyons, and water crossings.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the unique flora and fauna, including the iconic saguaro cactus and local wildlife like bobcats, jackrabbits, and roadrunners. It’s an exciting, educational, and action-packed experience for all ages!

Tony Duncan, Papago Park © Visit Phoenix

Explore Papago Park and the “Hole in the Rock”

At Papago Park visitors can hike a short 1/10-mile trail to reach the “Hole in the Rock,” an ancient natural formation used by the Hohokam civilization to track the sun’s position. If you get a chance, go at sunset, though it will be busier as that’s a popular time.

Desert Botanical Gardens © Visit Phoenix

Add Desert Botanical Garden to your Arizona family vacation

Desert Botanical Garden features over 50,000 arid-land plants from deserts worldwide, spread across five themed trails. These trails focus on desert conservation, plant life, and the relationship between people and the Sonoran Desert. The garden hosts workshops, tours, seasonal events, and family-friendly activities, offering a blend of education and natural beauty. Kids will enjoy learning about desert ecosystems through the garden’s themed trails and interactive exhibits.

We went early afternoon and stayed until sunset, which we recommend. The sky was painted with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows—a perfect backdrop for photos.

Dining on the Patio, Gertrude’s © Visit Phoenix

Have lunch at Gertrude’s in the Desert Botanical Garden

Conveniently located at the entrance to the Desert Botanical Garden, Gertrude’s is known for its farm-to-table approach. It offers seasonally inspired dishes that celebrate local producers, so you’re  The family can enjoy dining in the garden’s tranquil setting on the patio or in the indoor dining room. With dishes ranging from American classics to globally influenced flavors, there’s something to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Biking, McDowell Sonoran Preserve © Visit Phoenix

Day 2. Hiking and Exploring in the Sonoran Desert

Kick off your morning with a classic Arizona adventure at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with REI. At the Fraesefield Trailhead, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly trails with stunning views of the Sonoran Desert. From mountain biking (there are trails for all skill levels), to hiking going with a guide is a good idea if you aren’t familiar with cacti and the dessert . Be sure to head out early to avoid the midday heat. 

Grab some starry BBQ at The Thumb

After working up an appetite, grab lunch at The Thumb, a local favorite featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Known for its hardwood-smoked BBQ, this quirky spot doubles as a gas station and car wash. But don’t be fooled by its humble appearance—The Thumb’s BBQ is top-notch. Enjoy a laid-back lunch with options like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, all of which are sure to satisfy hungry kids and adults alike. After brunch, we explored the shop and found the souvenirs here to be unique and reasonably priced.

Wonderspaces, Scottsdale © Visit Phoenix

Wonderspaces brings the art to your Arizona family vacation

After a morning outdoors, head to Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall for a fun indoor activity: Wonderspaces, an award-winning immersive art experience. This year-round art show features interactive installations from artists around the world. The exhibits are designed to engage all ages, making it a perfect stop for families. Kids will love the hands-on nature of the exhibits, and parents can enjoy the creative and evolving artworks.

High Street patio, Hula’s Modern Tiki

Try family friendly eats at Hula’s Modern Tiki

End your day with a meal at Hula’s Modern Tiki, a modern twist on the classic tiki bar experience. This urban tiki restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for families. The extensive menu includes everything from tacos and poke bowls to burgers and skewers, with plenty of options for picky eaters. If you indulge, try their signature tiki cocktails while the kids sip on tropical mocktails.

Camelback from Mummy Mountain © Visit Phoenix

Day 3: Explore the natural local legends and take to the skies

Start your third day with a hike if you are up for it, take some time to explore the resort’s hiking trails at Mummy Mountain or venture out to the Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain for a more challenging hike. While the summit hike is not recommended for younger children, the easier trails around Camelback’s base are perfect for families looking for scenic desert walks.

Next, head out for a delicious brunch at Hash Kitchen. Known for its over-the-top brunch dishes and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, this spot will surely be a hit with the whole family. Kids will love the fun, creative breakfast options like pancake towers and loaded hashes, while adults can indulge in mimosa flights and coffee cocktails. The lively atmosphere, complete with a live DJ, sets the tone for a fun day.

Balloon ride, Sonoran Desert © Hot Air Expeditions/Visit Phoenix

Elevate your Arizona family vacation with a Sunset Balloon Ride

One of the most magical ways to experience Arizona’s Sonoran Desert is from the sky. In the late afternoon, embark on a hot air balloon adventure with Hot Air Expeditions. As you float above the desert, you’ll take in breathtaking views of the landscape. The flight is gentle and family-friendly, and after landing, you’ll be treated to a post-flight celebration with bubbly and hors d’oeuvres. 

Camelback from Mummy Mountain © Visit Phoenix

Day 4: Fit some cowboy time into your Arizona family vacation

Take the kids on a horseback riding adventure with Fort McDowell Adventures. This family-friendly activity is excellent for kids of all ages, and the guides ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone. The views of the desert and mountain ranges during the ride are stunning, and it’s a perfect way to introduce kids to Arizona’s cowboy culture. 

For lunch or dinner, head back to Scottsdale and visit The Sicilian Butcher, where you can enjoy hand-rolled meatballs, made-from-scratch pasta, and Sicilian charcuterie boards. This family-friendly spot is casual but serves up some of the best Italian food in the area. The build-your-own meatball experience will be a hit with the kids, letting them get creative with their meals.

Musical Instrument Museum © Musical Instrument Museum/Visit Phoenix

Tune into tradition at the Musical Instrument Museum

Before wrapping up your Arizona adventure, take a trip to the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), the largest museum of its kind. The museum’s vast collection of instruments from around the world offers kids an educational and interactive experience. With exhibits covering musical traditions from hundreds of countries, kids will enjoy the hands-on galleries where they can try out instruments.

Kembara, the latest concept by Celebrity Chef Angelo Sosa at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, showcases his culinary journey across Asia, drawing inspiration from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan. The menu reinterprets traditional recipes with Chef Sosa’s signature “trinity of flavors”—a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty – and also features a fully vegetarian menu and a curated beverage selection. In fact, if you booked your Arizona family vacation specifically for the experience at Kembara no one would be surprised. 

Where to stay on your Arizona family vacation

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is the ideal base for your family trip. The resort is on 125 acres of pristine desert land, with incredible views of Mummy Mountain and Camelback Mountain. Kids will love the resort’s two heated outdoor swimming pools, while parents can unwind at the 32,000-square-foot spa. There’s something for everyone: the 36-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, and seven restaurants and lounges offering diverse dining options.

Your standalone guest casita or suite, with a garden patio or balcony, ensures privacy and space for the whole family to relax. And, after settling in, take a leisurely walk around the resort’s beautiful desert garden terraces: the peaceful setting is perfect for a quiet evening after your travels, and the winding trails are great for a family stroll before dinner.

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

For a luxurious finish to your trip, stay at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. This expansive resort offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including five pools, a lazy river, and world-class dining. Parents can unwind at the spa while kids play in the pool, and the whole family can enjoy the resort’s scenic desert views.