Ah summer, the time of year you’ve been waiting for. A time where you can relax with your kids after working hard all year. Your kids have been working hard also – spending hours on learning, homework and tests. Give them a summer vacation in the desert with activities that will make childhood fun again. Yes, you’re right – it is hot in the summer. This is the desert. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t have the most epic summer ever! With the right planning, some creative packing, and a well-chosen vacation rental, a summer trip to the Phoenix and Scottsdale can quickly turn into a Scottsdale summer adventure you want to recreate year after year.
What Parents Need to Know About Summer in the Desert
Let’s talk about the heat so we can move on to discussing the fun stuff that summer dreams are made of! You need to know that daytime temps can climb well into the triple digits, but the good news is that it’s a dry heat. (Yes, the lack of humidity really makes a difference!) Early mornings and evenings tend to be more comfortable since the sun is not at its peak. The areas of Phoenix and Scottsdale are built to manage the heat well. Air conditioning is everywhere, along with shaded patios and shops where you can pop in and get a refreshing, cold drink.
Plan your schedule wisely. Outdoor activities like walks on desert trails should be taken early in the day or later in the evening. Fill the hotter midday hours with the activities mentioned below – museum visits, aquarium tours, and time at the water park. We’ll get into how you can maximize your time at these kid-friendly attractions.
What to Pack for Your Kid-Friendly Desert Adventures
When traveling with kids to the desert in the summer, you want to pack smarter not harder! Think light, breezy clothing, short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and a light jacket to take the chill off when you’re someplace where the air conditioner is blowing. Don’t forget swimwear! Hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential to keep your eyes and skin safe from the powerful UV rays. It won’t hurt to pack a few cooling towels or misting fans for those moments when being out in the midday sun is inevitable. Hydration is key for happy, heat-resistant kids, so pack reusable water bottles.
Kid-Friendly Activities for a Sizzling Fun Summer
Start at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. This place is essentially a giant, air-conditioned playground designed to spark creativity as kids explore the over 300 interactive play areas inside! Bored won’t even be in your child’s vocabulary thanks to interactive exhibits, a three-story climbing structure, art rooms, and pretend play areas.
Next, head over to the Arizona Science Center. This hands-on museum is filled with fascinating exhibits about space, weather, the human body, and more. It’s a great way to spend a warm day, since there’s even a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
Now our couple of activities are outdoors, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park features train rides, amazing model railroads and towns, a vintage carousel, playgrounds, and shaded picnic areas.
Kids who love animals will love visiting the Phoenix Zoo! It’s home to more than 3,000 animals and features different trails that lead to animals that call that specific area home. It is advised that you bring your sunscreen, cold water, hats and umbrellas! There are also splash pads where you and the kids can keep cool.
When it’s time to cool off, head indoors at the OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale. Kids will love the touch pools, aqua lobby, and shark exhibits! Come see these amazing sea creatures living in the heart of the desert!
And it wouldn’t be a summer activity list if we didn’t include a water park! Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix is the place to be for epic water slides, splash rides, and the adventure river.
The best way to enjoy these activities is to plan to get your tickets in advance. This will save precious time and get you and the kids having fun as quickly as possible!
Summer Rentals from Manor Retreats
All of these activities sound fun, right? You’re sure to be tuckered out after a good day of exploring. Wouldn’t it be nice if you had your own spacious, luxury home to return to where you can relax?
Manor Retreats can help! Take the stress out of summer vacation by choosing from our collection of luxury family-friendly vacation rentals in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Experience the best of summer right from your summer rental with amenities like private pools, large spacious bedrooms, gourmet kitchens, and private outdoor spaces. And yes, each home comes with excellent air conditioning so you can stay cool and comfortable throughout your stay.
Make This the Summer to Remember with Manor Retreats
As you can see, planning a kid-friendly summer vacation to Phoenix and Scottsdale is all about creating a balanced itinerary, packing correctly, and choosing the right place to stay.
Kids will love staying in a luxury family rental from Manor Retreats. They’re cool, comfortable, and packed with amenities that make traveling with kids easy. Reach out today to reserve your summer stay!
