Heading outside for an adventure with the kids is a great way to make fond memories, deepen your family’s bond, and take a step back from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Kids of all ages thrive when they regularly taste the freedom of being in wide open spaces, surrounded by nature. Time and time again it’s being proven that being outdoors is essential for children’s physical, emotional and social development.
Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and arguably a great place to start if you’re looking to burn off some steam with the kids. But where else could you take them? Here are some of the best and most unique places in Arizona to find outdoor adventures for the whole family.
Goldfield Ghost Town
Goldfield is an old gold mining town which was abandoned in the late 1800s. Recently brought back to life as a tourist attraction, it retains all the wild west qualities of its glory days. Families can explore parts of the mine, ride on the narrow gauge train, watch a cowboy gunfight reenactment and even pan for gold with the stunning Superstition Mountains as your backdrop.
For a step back in time, Goldfield Ghost Town is about as accurate as they come. Just outside of Phoenix on the Apache trail, this town is a fun and educational place to visit for the whole family.
Slide Rock
Slide Rock State Park is a beautiful historic apple-farm, formerly known as the Pendley Homestead, in Oak Creek Canyon. While a popular attraction throughout the summer, with 43 acres of spectacular landscape to explore, there is plenty of room for everyone. The creek features a river that winds through the state’s classic red-rocks and lush green foliage, making a natural waterpark of cool water which is sure to provide hours of fun for the whole family. The smooth rocks create a fun series of slides to whoosh you from one pool to the next as you drift through the canyon.
Cibecue Falls
For the intrepid family, there is a real hidden gem to be found in Arizona by the name of Cibecue Falls. This breathtaking oasis features a 40-foot waterfall, which tumbles into a welcoming pool of emerald water. To discover the fall, you’ll need to hike for around two miles through shallow rivers and over red-rock boulders, through the valley of Salt River Canyon.
