Family-Friendly Guide to Phoenix

Travel Advisor Jen Disler in a gray and purple ski outfit in the snow with trees in the back.
Curated By

Jen Disler

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  • Arizona

  • Phoenix

  • Family Travel

  • Outdoors

  • Relaxing

  • Kid-Friendly

city next to mountains during daytime
Curator’s statement

My husband and I decided to take a quick trip (3 days) to the JW Marriott in Phoenix with our kids over President's Weekend. Since the weather wasn't super warm, we ended up doing a lot of fun activities besides sitting by the hotel pool which made for a super memorable trip.

The Fora Difference

Book with Jen to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

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Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Phoenix, Arizona

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Fresh from a 2022 renovation, this spa and golf escape is the pick for active types, with a raft of sports onsite and five relaxing pools.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Iconic Scottsdale luxury hotel with the feeling of a grand all-inclusive getaway with Southwestern vibes.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale

Tucked into Camelback Mountain, the Phoenician is a lovely modern enclave with a Sonoran feeling.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 food / beverage credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Travel Advisor Jen Disler in a gray and purple ski outfit in the snow with trees in the back.

Unlock perks by contacting Jen to book your trip.

Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona

pool and chairs next to palm trees during daytime

  • Desert Botanical Garden - Take a walk around the Desert Botanical Garden right outside of Scottsdale. There are a ton of beautiful flowers amongst the various kinds of cacti.

  • OdySea Aquarium Scottsdale - Super unique aquarium with a main attraction of a moving room that passes through four different tanks of sea creatures including sharks, seals and stingrays.

  • Walk around Old Town Scottsdale - There are tons of art galleries and shops to stop into.

  • Enjoy the grounds of the hotel and pool - The JW Marriott had a ton of fire pits scattered around the property which was awesome because it was on the cooler side when we visited.

  • Play a round of golf/tennis or pickleball - My kids are a bit too young to play but there are a ton of golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts

Places to eat & drink in Phoenix, Arizona

tables and chairs on a patio next to a pool with palm trees

Breakfast

  • The Boozy - Have a great kids option where they could choose from a combination of pancakes, eggs, french toast, fruit for their meals which they loved. Had an extensive brunch cocktail menu, all of which looked amazing.

Lunch & Dinner

  • Tia Carmen - We ate both lunch and dinner here. The tuna tostada was really excellent but on the lighter side for lunch. Highly recommend starting with the fried bread dumplings with honey butter. The kids loved their grilled cheese and burger. Loved the outside atmosphere where we sat under heaters next to the outdoor fireplace.

  • Meritage - Basically an upscale American bar-type place located next to the golf course. Perfect for the kids as they have a heated outdoor patio area with games.

  • Cook & Craft - High Street - Had great cocktails and was very kid friendly with lots of outdoor seating and heaters.

Need to Know

For more travel tips, check out Couples Weekend in the Hudson Valley, NY.

Travel Advisor Jen Disler in a gray and purple ski outfit in the snow with trees in the back.

Travel Advisor

Jen Disler

Get in touch with Jen

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Arizona, and our series on family travel.