Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Families are always looking for new vacation adventures, and if youve never been out to the west coast, there are some great places in Arizona that you wont want to miss. Boasting a variety of different climates C depending upon the portion of the state that youve chosen to visit C this is one of the most unique of the 48 contiguous states. In addition to man-made facilities and activities, the natural sights are numerous C and breathtaking. If youre interested in experiencing Arizona, consider these tourist attractions which are suitable for the entire family.
Covering 93,533 acres of land, the Painted Desert is bordered by both the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Park. With 10 miles of paved road running through it, visitors can stop along the way to enjoy areas of particular interest and to snap pictures. As a result of erosion and mineral deposits, this spectacular vista is constantly changing, and bands of colorful layers of the earth can be seen as a result of the layering of mud, sandstone and volcanic ash, as well as animal and vegetable matter. Fossils have also been exposed as a result of this erosion C from up to 220 million years ago, during the Triassic Era. Youll have to see this natural artwork to fully appreciate its beauty! Also located in the park is the Petrified Forest C one of the worlds largest areas of colorful petrified wood.
The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world, covering an area of 1,218,375 acres in northwestern Arizona. Besides some of the most magnificent photographic images in the world, Grand Canyon State Park offers camping, biking, horseback riding, nature walks and much more for the total enjoyment of your family. Theres even cross country skiing and snowshoeing during the snowy season! Since the park is home to abundant wildlife, there are strict regulations regarding the feeding of animals. Be certain that every member of the family understands the no feeding policy C this is strictly enforced, since some of the animals may become aggressive (specifically, deer and squirrels) and bite tourists.
Scottsdale, Arizona is home to the old western town of Rawhide. This is a wonderful representation of life in the early west, with re-enactments, various shows and attractions - some of which include the Desert Train Ride, Halloways Haunted Hotel, Deadmans Drop (a rock climbing adventure), gold panning, burro and camel rides and Buckshot (a trampoline bungee jump). For the youngsters in the family, theres the Petting Ranch, which allows children to interact with a variety of animals, including miniature horses. The entire family will enjoy Arrest-a-Guest, which is a random selection of visitors being hauled off to the old jailhouse by the local sheriff. Photographs are then taken, and tourists can purchase Wanted Posters with their pictures on them as souvenirs.
The Wildlife World Zoo, located in Litchfield Park, Arizona, boasts over 1,300 inhabitants to make up the worlds largest collection of exotic animals. To add to the fun, visitors are given the opportunity to enjoy a variety of rides, including the Verizon Sky Ride, the Australian Boat Ride, the African Train Ride and a Merry-Go-Round, to name a few. For the kiddies, theres a playground within the confines of the zoo, as well as a number of exhibits and shows for the entertainment of the entire family. If your vacation coincides with the Christmas holiday, this spectacular zoo stages Wild Winter Nights C a holiday light display including over 500,000 lights. For your further enjoyment, many of the animals and exhibits are integrated into this magnificent display.
Within the city of Phoenix, Arizona, youll find The Great Arizona Puppet Theater C awarded the title of Best Childrens Theater in 2003 by New Times Magazine. Since 1983, this marvelous has worked to develop an offering of over 50 shows which include classic fairy tales, as well as original shows. These delightful presentations include such tales as Rumpelstiltskin, The Monkey and the Pirate, Frankensteins Baby, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Baby Bear Goes to School and more. When the shows over, you and the kids can visit The Puppet Gift Shop. Within its walls, youll find everything related to puppetry, from marionettes to Puppetry Journals. This is one vacation spot thats sure to delight the kids!
In Tempe, Arizona, youll find Big Surf C a waterpark that features 15 slides C tube, body and speed, to name a few C as well as water sport activities, such as basketball and volleyball. A wave pool is also available, where visitors can receive boogie boarding lessons. The youngest members of the family will enjoy Captain Cooks Landing play area, when theyre not splashing around in the wading pool. There are, of course, areas for taking a bit of refreshment when you just need a break from all the fun. The park is a great place to spend the entire day, and will help to cool off those weary travelers who arent quite used to the Arizona heat.
The Lazy K Bar Dude Ranch, in Tucson, Arizona, will make a great stopover in your vacation, if youve never experienced the dude ranch lifestyle and long for something a bit different, with some local flavor. Theres an abundance of activities for the entire family, some of which are horseback riding, hiking, nature walks, horseshoes, barrel racing, basketball, volleyball and skeet shooting. Nightly activities feature country western dancing, cooking and hayrides, as well as other family centered entertainment. Treat your family to the cowboy lifestyle at the Lazy K Bar Dude Ranch for an experience theyll never forget!
Arizona Balloon Safaris C in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area of Arizona C offers piloted rides across the desert for the entire family in colorful balloons with large wicker baskets. Youll have excellent opportunities for photographs, as you reach the goal of 400 feet, with a full 360 degree panoramic view. This is a wonderful way to explore the desert wildlife, and youll be able to get pictures of roadrunners, coyotes, javelina and other animals as you sail quietly along in a sturdy balloon. Even folks who are afraid of heights will have no trouble riding on one of these, since there is no sensation of height while riding in a hot air balloon. Attire should be chosen to reflect the daily temperature, but Arizona Balloon Safaris staff strongly suggests that you wear closed toe shoes, a hat and sunglasses. Enjoy the desert from the sky, and make an exciting new memory!
Your vacation wont be complete unless you pay a visit to the Four Corners Monument C part of the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona. You and your kids will be able to stand in four different states at one time when youre at the monument. While youre in the area, visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument, which is home to Indian village ruins that you and your family can explore either by guided Jeep or horseback tours. This is an intriguing way to get to know Arizona, and will offer lots of opportunities for magnificent photographs.
Arizona isnt just sand and palm trees, after all! There are lots of great tourist spots, many of which are geared for family entertainment. For more information or additional vacation ideas, contact the Department of Tourism in Arizona or your local travel agent.
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