Seeing the uniquely beautiful deserts and otherworldly scenery of Phoenix, Ariz., can easily be done on a budget — you just have to know where to look. Active families, be prepared to get physical as seeing the sights in Phoenix requires a lot of walking, hiking, light climbing and traversing the impressive landscape for a better view — but then again, that’s kind of the beauty of this destination.
Begin with a morning hike at Camelback when the crowds will be low and the weather is cooler. Inspire the kids for the hike with a thought of a hearty breakfast after, but be sure to pack a couple snacks for younger children so they don’t get too cranky. Think granola and berries. As one of the more popular destinations in Phoenix, Camelback offers exquisite views from the “hump,” an iconic picture point, so don’t forget your camera or phones.
© Hpbfotos | Dreamstime.com
Rent a bike for $2 from Grid Bike Share and hit Papago Park for some incredible sightseeing. While there, be sure to check out Desert Botanical Garden and some 50 acres of cacti, towering desert plants and unique blooms against the red rocks in the distance. The landscape is so uniquely beautiful and your family will love the Wild West-style plant life.
Learn about indigenous cultures that inhabited this amazing land at the Heard Museum, $18. See Native American art and learn about history, culture and incredible stories. Plan to attend one of the rotating events from museum yoga and the Indian Fair and Market to a student-run art show, perfect for your aspiring artists, history buffs and culturally curious children.
On a sunny day, opt for lunch or snacks at the museum and sit outside in the courtyard. Enjoy hummus, $9, and a variety of salads, $13–14, or go big with a southwestern entrée, $12–14. Pack a family picnic and enjoy a typical Phoenix day of sunshine and clear skies.
Conveniently, the museum is centrally located and offers easy access to more of the city’s attractions on foot (for free) or by bike. After an active day exploring for free, or close to it, check out the booming restaurant scene and nightlife and feel free to splurge at T. Cook’s or Chelsea’s Kitchen.
Read more about the bustling city and desert atmosphere here and plan your family trip during one of the city’s many fun festivals and family-friendly events.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
May 7, 20265 Botanical Gardens Great for Kids
Across the United States, botanical gardens add features to appeal to young visitors and spark their interest in nature and plants. Special sections are designed to appeal to children with activities; play features; sensory experiences; and plant tricks, such as green walls and arbors with hanging gourds or fruit inside.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Teens
May 7, 2026The Only Summer Packing List Your Teen Daughter Will Need
Whether your teen daughter is soon heading off to summer camp, anticipating an upcoming sleepover or already prepping for a summer vacation, add these five items to your daughter’s packing list for a fun and enjoyable summer.
Slideshow
May 7, 20267 Tucson, Arizona, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Tucson, Arizona, with us.
Hotels
May 6, 20266 Hotels and Resorts Designed with Teens in Mind
These properties around the world offer families traveling with teenagers plenty of experiences geared toward teens.
Travel Tips
May 6, 2026Dollar Flight Club Launches Enhanced Platform to Help Save on Travel
Affording travel for yourself is hard enough lately, so, if you’re making plans for the whole family, a little help can be a welcome relief. Dollar Flight Club, a membership travel service that helps find affordable flights for customers, recently launched a new platform to make finding affordable, personalized flight options even easier.
ShareThis