Arizona is just the best place for some adventurous family fun. With 34 state parks, including Catalina State Park and Red Rock State Park as well as several national parks, the state also has four distinct desert ecosystems. It offers plenty of outdoor activities like swimming, hiking and biking through unadulterated nature while enjoying the modern comforts of a few rounds of golf.
Get on board guided adventure tours through the desert and the mountain wilderness from the back of a horse to state-of-the-art ATVs. The kid-friendly wild-west attractions give them a true appreciation for history and the local culture. The state which has something for tourists all year round is best explored from these family resorts in Arizona, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to family-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 30, 2024.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort and Spa; Paradise Valley (from USD 825)
This is a beautifully maintained 53-acre (21.45-hectare) property with lush grounds set in the desert landscape. The property offers a variety of rooms from mountainside villas to spacious suites and rooms. Of these, the spacious Villa Norte can accommodate up to 8 people in 3000 square feet (278.70 square metres) of space.
The resort attracts families for its various in-house recreational activities. There’s an 18-hole golf course, outdoor pools, tennis courts and free bicycle rentals to explore the countryside. A 6.4-mile (10.29-kilometres) drive takes you to Desert Botanical Garden, which houses 50,000 varieties of desert flora.
The resort is pet-friendly for an additional fee of 100 USD per pet per stay, but service animals are exempt from the fee.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort and Spa
Address: 5700 E McDonald Drive
1.38 km (0.9 mi) from Echo Canyon Recreation Area
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain; Marana (from USD 791)
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is located in the Sonoran Desert amidst the Tortolita Mountains. The resort has a Junior Ranger program that keeps kids occupied throughout the day, teaching them everything there is to know about the desert ecosystem. There is also a fun in-room tent experience complete with goodies for the younger kids.
There’s a children’s pool with a waterslide alongside three outdoor pools and the adults can relax at the spa or grab drinks at the poolside bar. Moreover, the mountain-view rooms are non-smoking and can be equipped with cribs or infant beds for the comfort of toddlers.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Address: 15000 N Secret Springs Drive
142.38 km (88.5 mi) from Echo Canyon Recreation Area
3. Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale; Paradise Valley (from USD 408)
The Mountain Shadows Resort is one of the most modern family resorts from where you can explore the desert landscape of Arizona. It is located just 6 minutes from the Echo Canyon trailhead and Camelback Mountain.
The rooms here are highly rated for being hygienic, perfect for families vacationing with young children. While not out hiking the mountain trails, guests can enjoy the premium comforts of the Golf club, grab drinks at the poolside bar, or soak at the steam centre.
The rooms can be equipped with free cribs or infant beds, so the entire family sleeps in comfort. There are two outdoor pools here. The hotel is pet-friendly, so the furry members of the family can enjoy the vacation with you.
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
Address: 5445 E Lincoln Dr
1.34 km (0.9 mi) from Echo Canyon Recreation Area
4. Royal Palms Resort and Spa, part of Hyatt; Phoenix (from USD 411)
This is a luxury resort by the Hyatt group. The property is an original Spanish colonial revival villa with sweeping views of Camelback mountain. You get the best of both urban comforts and desert tranquillity here.
The family rooms are a mix of private villas and suites complete with a terrace with mountain views and are great for families as they come with free infant beds or cribs when needed. Parents can also opt for in-room child care at a reasonable surcharge. Both adults and children can cool off at the pool. The area offers hiking and the nearby Desert Botanical Garden is a popular attraction for all ages.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa, part of Hyatt
Address: 5200 E Camelback Road
1.94 km (1.3 mi) from Echo Canyon Recreation Area
5. Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort; Phoenix (from USD 530)
This is a 5-Star Waldorf Astoria resort in the heart of Phoenix, surrounded by various premium golf resorts. The family-friendly rooms feature a TV with a DVD player. Guests can request free cribs and infant beds when travelling with young children. Moreover, some suites are equipped with modern kitchens.
Guests can lounge and get some sun in one of the seven outdoor pools. The Paradise Pool & Twist, which is popular with kids, is open 24x7 and comes with a waterslide. Guests also have access to pool toys. There are separate adult-only pools for a more intimate experience.
You can also make use of bike rentals and explore the city and the desert.
Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Address: 2400 E Missouri Avenue
4.59 km (2.9 mi) from Echo Canyon Recreation Area
6. The Wigwam; Litchfield Park (from USD 284)
The Wigwam is a modern hotel in Litchfield Park. The nearby attractions of Teeny Town Playland, which is 4 minutes away, and Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium, a 14-minute drive away, make it popular for families with children.
The 4-Star resort is perfect for family vacations as the entire property is smoke-free, with spacious rooms that can comfortably sleep three or more people. Guests with babies and toddlers can request free cribs and infant beds. The LCD TVs with access to cable channels provide in-room entertainment. Guests of all ages can beat the heat at the three outdoor pools.
The Wigwam
Address: 300 East Wigwam Blvd
35.52 km (22.1 mi) from Echo Canyon Recreation Area
7. Prescott Resort; Prescott (from USD 135)
Prescott Resort is a property that truly rounds out an Arizona vacation with its in-house casino. It is conveniently located close to Frontier village shopping centre, which is just 1 mile (1.61 kilometres) away.
Guests can add rollaway beds, cribs or infant beds to the rooms at a reasonable surcharge. This is better for families instead of getting more rooms to accommodate everyone. Kids can take a dip in the indoor pool while adults have access to a spa with plenty of treatments and a hot tub.
Nearby attractions for family fun include Prescott Peavine Trailhead, where one can rent E-bikes, and Watson Woods Riparian Preserve that’s open for hiking with kids. You can reach these attractions in under 10 minutes if you drive down.
Prescott Resort
Address: 1500 State Route 69
122.24 km (76.0 mi) from Echo Canyon Recreation Area
8. The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa; Tucson (from USD 329)
Nestled in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, this property is a thriving oasis of comfort and luxury. This hotel offers child care and babysitting services for a reasonable additional fee. Kids find the property quite entertaining, as it comes with a children’s club and kiddie pool with a waterslide.
Families with kids can consider visiting Tucson Botanical Gardens and the Funtasticks Family Fun Park, both of which are a 14-minute drive away.
The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa
Address: 3800 E Sunrise Dr
166.59 km (103.6 mi) from Echo Canyon Recreation Area
9. Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch; Scottsdale (from USD 479)
This resort in Scottsdale is located on the sprawling grounds of Gainey Ranch. The comfortably furnished rooms are equipped for families with lots of space and seating area. Free cribs and infant beds will be provided for families who need them.
The extensive grounds house 10 outdoor pools, some of which are kid-friendly. The property also has a water park spanning 2.5 acres (1.01 hectares). An outdoor playground is right by the beach. It comes with lots of activities, including a rock-climbing wall and mini golf.
The kids can also be enrolled in the children’s club for a fee and will be entertained throughout the day. Guests can opt for free supervised childcare and babysitting for a surcharge, too.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
Address: 7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd
7.14 km (4.5 mi) from Echo Canyon Recreation Area
10. Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak - Formerly Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort; Phoenix (from USD 191)
Delicious on-site restaurant options, but pricey. Limited food options after 4 pm. Breakfast not included, but available for an additional cost.
Resort fees added to the final price. Expensive food and drink options. High pricing for the amenities.
Great location with easy access to local restaurants and stores. Close to the airport and family-friendly attractions.
Water park, multiple pools, lazy river, on-site restaurants, friendly staff, comfortable beds.
This resort is set on a sprawling 27-acre (10.93-hectare) property that’s well known for family vacations, complete with an in-house water park. It also boasts a Mini Golf course where you can teach your children to tee. You can also let them run free at the children’s playground or swim in the outdoor pool.
The resort restaurants offer kid-friendly meal options, while there is a vending machine for snacks and beverages. They also offer packed lunches for guests who set out to explore nearby attractions. A hike up Camelback mountain offers beautiful views of the valley below.
Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
Address: 7677 N 16th St
7.33 km (4.6 mi) from Echo Canyon Recreation Area
Plan a family vacation in Arizona!
This desert state that is home to the Grand Canyon comes with fun for all ages. The arid weather makes it perfect for vacations throughout the year. Keep your loved ones in comfort by booking your stay at one of these top family resorts in Arizona, USA.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data