Phoenix, Arizona

Soak up the unspoiled Arizona desert as you hike, bike, or fish in Papago Park—also home to the Desert Botanical Garden's stunning plants, children's programs, and a must-see butterfly habitat. At Deer Valley Rock Art Center, activity sheets turn hiking into a scavenger hunt for petroglyphs. And special Phoenix Zoo events include 'Critter Keeper' all about animal care, after-dusk 'Night Camp', animal shows, and pedal boating on the lake.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Visit a crater left by a giant meteor that smashed into town 50,000 years ago (astronauts practiced moon walking there)! Look through the telescope where Pluto was discovered at Lowell Observatory. Ride the chairlift to the top of Agassiz Peak. Take in a wildflower walk, birds of prey demonstration, or full moon bat program at the Flagstaff Arboretum. And marvel at limestone dwellings made 800 years ago at Walnut Canyon.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

One mile deep and 18 miles wide, but even the vast Grand Canyon has plenty of kid-friendly corners. Hike the Rim Trail for some of the park's best vistas. Although 12 miles long, it's on the shuttle bus route, so you can combine walking and riding—just hop on and off the shuttle at viewpoints along the way. Mule rides are a unique and memorable Canyon experience, one family favorite is the day-long Plateau Point Ride offering awesome views of the Inner Canyon and Colorado River. See fossils and sunset at Bright Angel Point. And let ranger-led nature walks, campfire talks, or river rafting round out your visit.

Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah border

Have your kids ever spent the night on a houseboat? It can happen here, along with swimming, fishing, water skiing, boating, rafting, even an overnight kayak camping tour. Spend an evening at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area's amphitheater where rangers fill families in on the plants, animals and history that surround them.

Sedona and Red Rock Country, Arizona

Kids will feel like they're in a Wild West movie when they see the red rock bluffs, buttes, and spires of Sedona. Head off road on a bumpy backcountry jeep tour of gulches and ravines. Find kid-friendly hikes at Red Rock State Park. Tube down a natural rock slide and creek at Slide Rock State Park. Or take a unique Evening Sky tour in this star-studded paradise far from city lights.

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