Resorts in Phoenix and Scottsdale for families
By Sarah Vernetti
Westin Kierland (Courtesy Kierland Resort)
With plenty of year-round sunshine, ample opportunities for family-friendly fun, and a majestic desert setting, it’s no surprise that Phoenix and the neighboring town of Scottsdale are popular destinations for those traveling with kids. Luckily, accommodation options are vast, and many of the area’s family-friendly resorts feature impressive pools and engaging kids club programs. If you’re looking for a place to stay during your Arizona getaway, consider these resorts in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Westin Kierland
As if a pool, lazy river, and waterslide weren’t enough to keep families entertained, the Westin Kierland goes above and beyond by adding one more water feature to the mix: the FlowRider. Guests who are at least 52 inches tall can surf in the desert thanks to this unique attraction. (Kids 42 inches and taller can opt for bodyboarding instead of surfing.) When it’s time for a break from the sun, guests can head indoors to see the animal habitat in the lobby, which features desert-dwelling snakes and a Gila Monster. The Westin Kierland is located at 6902 E. Greenway Parkway. Advanced reservations for FlowRider are recommended.
The Phoenician
The Phoenician (Courtesy The Phoenician)
This upscale AAA Five-Diamond resort features a luxurious pool with a 165-foot waterslide, a splash pad for kids, and the Funicians Kids Club program. At the splash pad, kids can play under the colorful buckets and misters, while parents relax in the nearby cabanas. Spacious guest rooms feature oversized bathrooms, Wi-Fi access, and private balconies or patios. The Phoenician is located at 6000 East Camelback Road. A full day at the kids club is $85 per child; half day camp is $65 per child.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch (Courtesy Hyatt)
This Scottsdale resort features an elaborate “water playground,” which includes ten pools, numerous fountains and water features, and a waterslide. In addition to poolside fun, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale also offers the Camp Hyatt kids club. Here, children ages 3-5 and 6-12 will make crafts, play games, and learn about life in the Southwest. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is located at 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road.
The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Paradise Valley
This resort is a great option for active families, since it offers swimming and poolside fun, tennis, racquetball, and basketball. Guest rooms feature mini-refrigerators (a plus for families) and private balconies. And of course there’s that fresh-baked cookie that guests receive at check-in, a DoubleTree tradition. The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley is located at 5401 N. Scottsdale Rd.
(MORE: Family-Friendly Things to Do in Phoenix and Scottsdale)
FireSky Resort and Spa
FireSky Resort and Spa (Courtesy FireSky Resort)
This Kimpton property offers something for every member of the family. The garden-like pool area features a kid-friendly sandy “beach,” lined with comfortable deck chairs and plenty of shade. Plus, FireSky Resort offers spacious rooms, each with a private balcony or patio. When it’s time to leave the resort and explore the surrounding area, guests will find that shopping and dining are conveniently located nearby at Scottsdale Fashion Square and Old Town Scottsdale. The FireSky Resort is located at 4925 North Scottsdale Road.
Sarah Vernetti contributed this to MiniTime. When she isn’t writing about travel and the family-friendly side of Las Vegas, she’s busy crafting short stories and flash fiction.
