The Valley is full of fab family-friendly destinations to call home for a weekend during a summer staycation. Here are two very fun and very different ways to treat the family this summer.
This summer, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has added oodles of activities and events to its already-amazing lineup as part of its 25th anniversary. One of the most exciting additions includes a 240-foot zip-line. For $5 per ride or $20 for unlimited rides, daring guests are safely harnessed and get to zip high above the lagoon at speeds up to 25 MPH—a fun experience for kids and adults alike.
The nighttime brings out plenty of good times, too, for guests. The Techno Glo Pool Party means thumping music, LED hula hoops, glow-in-the-dark bubbles, neon lights and more at the Sonoran Splash pool (perfect for the teen set) while the South Pool hosts dive-in movies. Guests are invited to float around in large tubes and snack on popcorn while taking in a family-friendly flick. And, come 9 p.m. on Saturdays, the night sky over the lagoon is lit up with a five-minute fireworks show.
Another reason to get the kiddos to Fairmont this summer: The Kids Resort Dining Passport. The daily passport is an optional $29 per day includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at resort restaurants including Ironwood American Kitchen, the Trailblazers Kids Club, the pools, The Grill and La Hacienda, plus a kid’s beverage at the South Pool during the dive-in movie. (Plus, each restaurant has a designated kid’s menu.) It is a great way to save some money while giving the littles a great dining experience.
It’s not all fun and games for kids at Fairmont; the resort also offers plenty of ways for Mom and Dad to soak up some r-n-r too. Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa offers a variety of tempting spa specials, plus a fresh lineup of fitness experiences, including aerial yoga. Or for some more indulgent “me” time, at La Hacienda grownups can settle in for a tequila tasting, alongside the restaurant’s amazing Latin-inspired eats. For package ideas and reservations, visit www.scottsdaleprincess.com.
For a more urban escape, Hotel Palomar offers luxury, comfort and close proximity to many of Downtown Phoenix’s dining, shopping and entertainment options. This summer, the CityScape hotel offers a very special package perfect for those traveling with tots: the Downtown Discovery Family Package.In addition to deluxe accommodations, guests can choose their own adventure with two children’s tickets to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix or Arizona Science Center. Plus, families are treated to two welcome kids’ packs, which include old-fashioned candy and a bag of popcorn from the on-site Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails. (There are also plenty of summer packages for the adults to enjoy, too.) In room, the kids will most enjoy their goldfish roommate that gets to bunk with them during their stay at Hotel Palomar.
The wee ones will also savor time in Hotel Palomar’s rooftop pool. It offers plenty of space for splash around as well as lots of shade (which will keep Mom and Dad happy). Plus, kids will delight in watching the airplanes fly overhead from the nearby airport.
While staying at Hotel Palomar, definitely look into snagging some Diamondbacks tickets. Chase Field is a short walk away—a perfect way to enjoy the D-backs without having to deal with the parking hassle. For dinner, dig into the eats at Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails. (There is a kid’s menu available.) Stick a fork into the tater tots as an appetizer (the little ones will love it too) and share the fresh and flavorful heirloom tomato salad. For the main event, Blue Hound dishes up delicious seafood dishes on its summer menu, including the spicy Tucson seafood chowda, and hearty meat eats (try the crispy bone-in pork belly). To end the meal on a high note, Blue Hound’s sweet corn milkshake is a unique yet perfect summer sip. For additional summer packages or to make reservations, visit www.hotelpalomar-phoenix.com.
