A travel journal to Phoenix by azprincess
Quote: Long regarded as a desert oasis, the metropolitan Phoenix area hosts over 12 million visitors each year, 62% of whom are leisure travelers. With its Sky Harbor Airport serving 21 airlines, over 52,000 hotel rooms, a rich Mexican and Native American heritage, and 300 days of sunshine per year, Phoenix is an ideal option for a family escape. Like many family vacation planners, you probably feel lost in a sea of travel brochures. Never fear, as a Phoenix resident and freelance travel writer, I can offer inside tips on the top spots to visit during your Phoenix family vacation.
Attraction
During our last trip in March, the kids emptied grandpa's wallet of pennies with the penny-flattening machine. They also enjoyed the interactive video/light exhibit and the musical instrument room. The adults' favorite things included the gyro-bike in which the guest rides a bicycle around in a loop-de-loop (wear closed-toed shoes, there is a height restriction). Don't skip the fourth floor, where I rode a Segway scooter, my own personal favorite.
Tip: Be warned that on hot summer days or days coinciding with school vacations, the museum will be packed and you may have to wait in a long line at the entrance.
Arizona Science Center.
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 19, 2003
Arizona Science Center 600 East Washington St Phoenix, Arizona 85004 (602) 716-2000
Attraction | "The Phoenix Zoo"
Adults $12, seniors $9, children 3-12 $5, children 2 and under FREE. Discounts offered for adults and seniors during summer season.
Tele: 480.273.1341 Phoenix Zoo.
Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 19, 2003
Phoenix Zoo 455 North Galvin Parkway, 64th Street Between Van Buren & Mcdowell Roads Phoenix, Arizona 85008 (602) 273-1341
Attraction | "Arizona Mills Outlet Mall"
As if the shops alone weren't enough, the shopper is entertained as he/she walks through the wide corridors by huge ceiling-mounted television monitors playing all the latest hip videos.
Just off the food court are two great family restaurants - Gameworks and The Rainforest Cafe. With both IMAX and traditional multiplex widescreen movie theaters, a family could easily spend an entire day inside this air-conditioned complex.
Be sure to stop by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and indulge in one of their gourmet caramel apples.
Tele: 480.491.9700 Arizona Mills.
Arizona Mills Mall 5000 Arizona Mills Circle Phoenix, Arizona 85282 (480) 491-7300
Throughout the park there are also several picnic ramadas, some with nearby playgrounds to wear out your kids (just in case they didn't get enough exercise on the trail).
There is a $5/car entrance fee for day use.
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Usery Mountain Park 3939 N. Usery Pass Road Phoenix, Arizona 85207 Ph: 480-984-0032
Tip: View the largest collection of wildland firefighting equipment exhibit in the USA at the newly-opened Wildland Firefighting Gallery.
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting 6101 East Van Buren St Phoenix, Arizona 85008 +1 602 275 3473
Attraction | "Desert Botanical Garden"
Tip: On the DBG website, click on the interactive "Sammy Saguaro" to peak your kids' interests about desert plants and wildlife before your visit.
Hours are seasonal: October through April 8am to 8pm; May through September 7am to 8pm Tele: 480.941.1225
Tele: 480.941.1225
Desert Botanical Gardens 1201 North Galvin Parkway (southeast Of Mcdowell Road & 64th Street) Phoenix, Arizona 85008 (480) 941-1225
Although this is undoubtedly where the area's wealthy residents do most of their shopping (count the number of chauffers leaning up against Bentleys and Rolls Royce Coupes in the parking area), the average shopper will not feel out of place.
If you happen to be in town on a Friday between October and May, check out the open market set up in the courtyard area of Biltmore Fashion Park.
Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 20, 2003
Biltmore Fashion Park 2502 East Camelback Road (northeast Corner 24th Street & Camelback Road) Phoenix, Arizona 85016 +1 602 955 8400
azprincess Chandler, Arizona