We’ve reached that beautiful time of year again in Arizona – Spring! From February to May Phoenicians are blessed with that gorgeous weather that makes you happy to be living in Phoenix – and eager to have your kids spend as much time outside before that summer heat hits!
Luckily, there are plenty of low cost but high rewarding family activities in the Valley. Take advantage of the excellent deals and natural beauty found in our desert oasis and get your kids outside and active.
Take a hike
One of the benefits of living in the Valley is the healthy options of hiking trails. Ranging from expert to beginner, there are plenty of trails that children and adults of all ages can take advantage of. Consider taking the little ones to Hole in the Rock at Papago near Tempe, or a day trip towards the White Tanks for some fun outside city limits. Luckily, Visit Phoenix has published an extensive list of local hikes that feature floral varieties of all kinds and hikes of all difficulties, so whether you’re exploring with grown children or preschoolers, you’ll be able to find something to just right for everyone.
Check out a ballgame
Another fun fact about Phoenix? We’re known for Spring Training. The Cactus League Spring Training, a seasonal rite in Greater Phoenix, begins – you guessed it – during the spring each year. The 2018 Cactus League season features 15 major league teams and more than 200 games from February 23 to March 27. Ticket Prices are based on age and game, but no sports-loving family could afford to miss such a vital part of Phoenix identity. Plus, nothing inspires children to take up sports more than to grow up going to games!
Take a day trip
Known as The Grand Canyon State, the world famous natural wonder is only a short 4-hour drive from Central Phoenix. The canyon is among the most visited national wonders in the world. No child should ever miss out on experience one of the most humbling natural wonders, especially when it is so close to home.
Not all trips have to be far away. Consider taking the family to Saguaro Lake, about 45-minutes from Phoenix in Tonto National Forest. Or, consider visiting the Salt River and take a chance on seeing the wild horses.
Another great lake is Lake Pleasant. About an hour from downtown Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is an excellent escape from city life. Children will love to fish for the first time, play on Scorpion Bay, or maybe even camp overnight.
Check out one of the many zoos
Another great aspect of the valley is the number of zoos. Cultivate your child’s love of nature and life of all kinds by exploring The Phoenix Zoo, The Wildlife World Zoo, or even the latest addition, the Odysea Aquarium.
No child can resist falling in love with animals. And with the amount of educational shows and demonstrations seen at many of the zoos, children are guaranteed to learn more about the world they live in and develop a better understanding of their roles in keeping the world a safer place for all types of life.
At Raising Arizona Preschool, we encourage families to spend quality time together. Each year we several family events at no cost for our families and enjoy seeing all the families that come to enjoy dinner on us, Christmas Around the World, and other family events.