To the southwest of the United States lies the state of Arizona, the sixth largest and fifteenth most populous state in the country. Located at one of the four extremes, it borders New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, California, and Mexico. It is characterized by a desert climate that results in sweltering summers and mild winters. The northern region of the state is full of pine and fir forests, mountain ranges and canyons. Summer temperatures are warmer than in the southern part, and the amounts of snow in winter make it an ideal destination for skiing. With so many landscapes and climates, Arizona is synonymous with perfect vacations.
- Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Its main attraction is the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the world. The total land comprises some 492,608 hectares in two countries, and it was not until 1919 that it became a national park.
Visit the southern margin, which has more than a dozen places to appreciate the most famous canyon, which has been part of numerous television series and films. Access to the Grand Canyon West is a little more complicated, so you will need some pre-preparation; although it is worth getting to the blue and green waterfalls. The Eastern Grand Canyon houses two of the local treasures: The Little Colorado River Tribal Park establishment and the Horseshoe Bend, from where you can photograph the north bank with the Colorado River in the background. While it’s all part of the same canyon, it’s an entirely different experience. The area is so quiet that you can hear the echo of your voice. Amazing, isn’t it? Don’t miss it!
- Desert Botanical garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and covers about 57 hectares. It houses some 21,000 plant species, of which one third are native to the region and another 139 are endangered and exotic. This place is a source of pride for the city of Phoenix.
You can choose to tour the Botanical Gardens on your own or join the special family activities that take place here. On weekends ‘Ask a Gardener ‘ information talks are held, where a group of professionals will give you advice about the care of your own garden. On Thursdays and Saturday afternoons, shows are offered that allow you to experience desert magic at night, such as the Garden Flashlight Tour. Everyone goes at their own pace and is ideal for all ages. Other popular attractions include Garden Discovery Stations, Talks in the Garden, Birds in the Garden tours with audio and games for children. The event is The Music in the Garden Concert Series occur from October to June and will give visitors the chance to stroll through the gardens until you reach the terrace of the Square, where they can enjoy performances of musicians of the first level.
- River Rafting
If you’re an adrenaline lover, the chances of rafting in Arizona are limitless. Natural beauty and rivers are incredible throughout the region. You can choose Phoenix, Scottsdale, Flagstaff, or Marble Canyon to be your starting point for this adventure.
In addition, you can contact Arizona River Runners to tour the Grand Canyon as never before imagined. You will appreciate the walls, the indigenous ruins, the wildlife and, of course, the wonderful waters in the company of an experienced guide. Salt River Rafting takes you through the crystal clear waters of Salt River Canyon, and best of all, it’s safe for the whole family. You can stay half a day, a day or camp for several days with an experienced team of professionals. If you really like the action, Arizona Raft Adventures specializes in 6-16-day rafting expeditions through the Grand Canyon. No matter how much experience you have in this sport, everyone can make the most of it in Arizona.
- Phoenix Zoo
It was opened in 1962; it is a non-profit establishment and is a source of pride for the city of Phoenix. Here you will find more than 1,400 animals and about 4 kilometers of footpaths. These are divided into four thematic areas: Arizona, Africa, the tropics and the children’s section.
Arizona exhibits plants and wildlife from the state of Arizona, such as coyotes, necklace peccaries, mountain lions, and Lynx, to name but a few; as for plants, you will see desert cactus saguaros. In Africa, you will see African wild dogs, mandrels, ostriches, white rhinos, giraffes, African lions and Sumatra Tigers, among other wonders. The tropics are divided into two parts; the internal road leads you to the birdhouse Tropical Flights and allows you to be face to face with species like the lemur ringtail or see the primates at Monkey Village. The external tour covers the Land of Dragons exhibition and walks through the habitats of Asian elephants, anteaters, and tropical birds. The children’s section gives the youngest children the chance to meet up close with lovely mammals from all over the world on the Harmony Farm.
- Canyon Oak Creek
Oak Creek Canyon is generally considered the smallest cousin of the Grand Canyon due to the incredible landscapes you will find in the area; it is a rocky formation located between Flagstaff and Sedona. You can enter the site by Highway 89A and continue until you reach the end of Sedona. It is about 19 km long and between 1.3 and 4 km wide; in depth, it is between 240 and 610 meters.
The route to the canyon is considered one of the five most picturesque in the United States and is about 22.5 kilometers long. You can ascend to the Canyon at Sedona and descend on Flagstaff, as both routes are pleasant to the eye. Reddish cliffs, oak forests and dark green pine forests are the perfect landscape. A famous stop on tour is Slide Rock, where you can enjoy water Entertainment. This place is the ideal opportunity to look closely at the wonders of nature. Don’t miss it!
- Reid Park Zoo
The Reid Park Zoo is a 97-acre non-profit establishment that belongs to the city of Tucson. The more than 500 species are distributed in four areas organized into habitats. The adaptation area houses brown bears and giant tortoises of Aldabra; the South American one contains Jaguars and front bears; the Asian one gathers Malaysian Tigers and bears; and finally, the African animal area is home to lions and giraffes. On the other hand, in Expedition Tanzania, you will see 6 African elephants. Fight Connection is a giant birdhouse containing dozens of bird species from Australia, Africa, and Asia.
The zoo offers summer camps, informative talks for teachers, and even a tour of South America. It is an educational and, at the same time, extremely informative and exciting attraction. Don’t stop bringing your kids to the zoo! Don’t regret it!
- Big Surf
The Big Surf water park is located in the heart of Tempe and opened its doors for the first time in 1969; it boasted of having the first wave pool in the United States. The wave pool Waikiki Beach was declared “the first installation for the surf under roof in North America,” and Big Surf became the first park to receive recognition of ASME as a “World Heritage of Engineering.”
It is the perfect destination to come with your family to surf waves. You don’t have to worry about bringing anything, the boards are at your disposal at all times. Bora Bora Bay is ideal for children who love climbing; don’t worry, adults will be able to accompany them if they wish. The slides are wonderful and varied: Otter Slides, Hurricane Slides, The Black Hole, Tornado Twisters, and much more. In the park, you will also find the Tyrolian Mauna Kea Zip Line, which carries it above the wave pool, from one end to the other. Everyone can enjoy safe and healthy fun in this place!