Phoenix, is the capital and largest city in the state of Arizona. The winter months provide mild climate and lots of sunshine, and the summer brings temperatures over the 100-degree mark during the day. Phoenix has miles of hiking and biking trails, water parks to cool off and cultural and educational places to see. Whatever time of year you are in Phoenix you will find many family activities to keep you busy morning until night.
Hiking
There are many hiking trails in the desert of Phoenix and surrounding areas to explore. When hiking in the summer, go in the early morning before the temperature rises, and take lots of water for the entire family to stay hydrated. The Camelback Mountain hike, which is in central Phoenix, is a challenging hike, best for older kids. Camelback Mountain has shorter trails for younger children, such as Bobby's Rock Trail and Ramada Loop Trail, where you can view wildlife and enjoy beautiful vistas. The Piestewa Peak hike, also in central Phoenix, takes between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours. It offers elevation but has stone benches along the way to rest.
Biking
Phoenix is a bicycle-friendly city and most streets have wide bike paths. Rental shops throughout the city offer a wide variety of bikes and often have organized rides on the weekends. South Mountain Park, located just south of downtown Phoenix has an 11-mile gentle bike path. Bike Indian Bend Wash, which is a flat road from downtown Tempe to downtown Scottsdale, approximately 8 miles in length and easy for young kids.
Water Activities
One of the best ways to fight the heat in the hot summers is covering yourself with cool water. You can go tubing on the salt river, head for a public or private swimming pool or try one of the water parks in the Phoenix area. Wet 'n' Wild, newly renovated in 2009 and located in nearby Glendale, has water slides, tubing slides and an area for young kids and toddlers to splash and enjoy the water. Big Surf is located in close-by Tempe with slides and man-made waves and offers water basketball and other water sports. There is a special area with sprinklers and shallow water for young kids, where parents can keep a watchful eye.
Zoo and Botannical Gardens
Families can visit the Phoenix Zoo. It has over 125 acres of natural habitat, including rain forests and 200 species of animals. The zoo has been in operation since 1962 and is family friendly, allowing ice coolers and picnic lunches. Adjacent to the zoo is the Desert Botanical Gardens, which includes hundreds of different plants and cacti that your kids can have fun identifying. There is a kids' corner where kids can plant cactus seeds and learn about the desert flora. The zoo and gardens are located in Papago Park.
Horseback Riding
If your kids like to horseback ride or want to try it, they can start their new adventure in Phoenix. They can saddle up at one of many stables in the area, including Carefree, a city just north of Phoenix, and South Mountain Park, just south of Phoenix. You can ride through the landscape and view the local critters and desert flora. Working ranches in outlying areas of the city offer dinner rides with guides to take you on the best riding trails throughout the desert.
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