From a mule trip into the Grand Canyon, to a wild west show in Tombstone, the "town too tough to die," there are wonderful things to thrill children on their trip to Arizona. They will learn, have fun and remember their visit for years. What is great about these activities for children is that the adults accompanying them will have just as much fun!
This is a living, breathing cave. Cave tours alternate between the Throne Room and the Big Room. Karchner Cave is a relatively new find and the history of how and why the cave was kept a secret is very interesting. Children 7 and older allowed on the tour. Reservations are necessary. (520) 586-CAVE (2283) Call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except state holidays.
The desert truly comes alive at this outdoor museum. Kids will love it because there are some fantastic creepy, crawly things. Most of their exhibits are living exhibits, which simulate natural habitats and their interrelationships of plants, animals and geology. All plants, animals, minerals, and fossils are native to the Sonoran Desert region, with very few exceptions.
3. Grand Canyon - Junior Rangers, Train Trips, Mule Trips and More
The Grand Canyon is a fantasic place for children. They will remember the awesome, deep canyon for years to come. If you plan ahead, and your child is over 4 ft. 7 in. tall (and brave, I might add) you can go with them on a mule trip down Bright Angel Trail. For milder activities, you can check out the Junior Ranger Program. Kids who love trains can enjoy a trip up to the Grand Canyon from Williams, AZ on a special train.
A Sedona jeep tour is a very popular thing to do in red rock country. Several companies offer Sedona jeep tour options, but one of the most popular trip is a drive up Schnebly Hill Road, the so-called "Broken Arrow" route, named for a Western film made here. Children will love the bumpy ride out in the desert and marvel at Indian pictographs.
As much as I don't like Tombstone, it is usually a place that children just love. Tombstone is very commercial, yet there are historical sights to see. They charge for almost everything and this includes the Gunfight at OK Corral show. It is something the kids will enjoy and look forward to. Tombstone is worth a stop. Enjoy the wooden sidewalks, shops and stagecoach.
The third-largest aircraft museum in the United States, Pima Air Museum houses over 250 aircraft, displayed on 80 acres of land. The kids will run their legs off climbing up to the larger aircraft and going from building to building. This extensive collection of one-of-a-kind aircraft covers military aviation from World I through Desert Storm. VIP collection includes the Air Force One used by Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.
There isn't much doubt about it. People came to Arizona because of the mining opportunities. Gold, silver and copper were the natural resources that eventually led to Arizona becoming a state. When they left, towns were abandoned. Ghost towns aren't necessarily spooky or haunted by spirits but why spoil all the fun. Children will enjoy fantasizing as they explore the empty buildings.
The Phoenix Zoo, in Papago Park, has animals from all over the world. They have approximately 1,200 animals on exhibit. The zoo has been divided into four different trails. Usually the Africa and Tropics Trail take about an hour each and the Arizona and Discovery take about a half hour each. We recommend approximately 2 and a half to three hours to enjoy the zoo.
You and the children will love their visit to Bisbee's Queen Copper Mine to experience what it was like working underground where temperatures are 47 degrees year-round. To take the tour, enter the changing house, pick up your mine token, and get outfitted with your slicker, helmet and miner's headlamp. Board the mine train and descend into the mine. Tours are conducted by miners who worked in the mines and tell their own stories from personal experiences.
North of Phoenix, Montezuma Castle stands in a cliff recess a hundred feet above the Verde Valley. It was five-story a 20-room dwelling built by the peaceful Sinagua farmers in the 12th century. After stopping at the visitor's center you will walk along the trail until you reach these impressive cliff dwellings.
