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Arizona is known for the beauty of both saguaro cacti and deep waterways. From the Grand Canyon in the north to the dark skies star gazing in the south, you will find something beautiful to study in this remarkable state. Here are some fun things to do in Arizona for couples and families that will pique everyone's curiosity and wonder.
Studying the Milky Way Can Be a Cheap Travel Destination Activity
From Flagstaff to Phoenix, you can find amazing spots to study the night sky. A trip to the Desert Botanical Garden can be followed up by a night of studying the stars in Superior, Arizona.
Of course, the darker the night sky is, the more stars you will see. You can also plan a trip to Tucson for a trip to the Kitt Peak National Observatory.
Do note that the wind can come on strong after dark and the desert will cool off; make sure you layer up properly for your star-gazing trip with fleece to wear close to your skin and a windbreaker you can use to hold onto body heat.
You can stargaze in Arizona from any area of the state. If you love remote camping in private spots, you can even find free spots to stay far from civilization where you can be far from any city lights.
Treat yourself to a lounge chair that you can either sleep on inside the tent or relax back on under the stars. Carefully review fire restrictions before you head out into the wild places and gear up for cold nights.
The Coconino National Forest is an Arizona Attraction You Won't Want to Miss
Fun things to do in Arizona for couples and families interested in camping include a space in the Coconino National Forest. This area of north central Arizona offers a variety of landscapes; not only are there sections of alpine tundra, but the Coconino National Forest is an old volcanic field.
To properly enjoy the Coconino National Forest, do make sure to travel with hiking shoes that are well-broken in. On a hike in the Coconino, you will find sand, streams, pine needles, and rich soil. You will want to pack a sun hat, plenty of sunscreen, and warm clothes. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may be facing frost in the morning!
Do plan a trip to the Devils Bridge Trail. This hiking trail is located near Sedona and features a natural sandstone arch, open to both sides. Get there while your legs are fresh and take your time; the bridge itself is about 5 feet wide. If you're not good with heights, you will want to tackle this height once you've checked your pack and your shoes.
Monument Valley and the Surrounding Area are Some of the Best Places to Visit in Arizona
Monument Valley and both the upper and lower Antelope Canyons are on Navajo land. You can drive through Monument Valley or book a room in the area so you can enjoy the sunset and sunrise over this magnificent landscape.
There is hiking in Monument Valley. You can take the Wildcat Trail on your own; this trail can be spectacular at sunrise. The desert is a surprisingly fragile ecosystem. Do be sure to bring plenty of water and to pack in what you need while packing out your trash.
While there are many fun things to do in Arizona for couples and families, there are rules and restrictions when visiting Navajo land. For example, if you want to visit one of the best canyons in Arizona, you will need help from a guide in order to get in and out of the canyon.
Visiting the Waterfalls on Havasu Creek is One of the Best Things to Do in Arizona
Getting to Havasu Falls requires getting a camping reservation on the Havasupai reservation. The primary goal for many hikers on Havasu Creek is a hike to Beaver Falls. This is not a hike for families with young children. Although the hike to the waterfalls is challenging, it is still one of the most fun things to do in Arizona for couples and families with teenagers.
You will need a permit and a reservation at the Havasupai campground. Do go to the trouble to plan ahead; recent world events have made travel to many reservations challenging. Stay flexible.
Your hiking chops will need to be pretty strong. It's a 13-mile hike from the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead into the Grand Canyon before you get to the Havasupai campground. From the campground, it's a 3-mile hike to Beaver Falls.
When gearing up for such a hike, remember that it's more than shoes. You will want a pack that can be snugged tight to your body. When you're trying on packs, pay special attention to where the straps hit the front of your shoulders and how the pack feels against your torso. One of the big challenges about a trip to Beaver Falls is that, while the elevation gain is minimal, there is some rock hopping on this trail. You need a pack that will hold your gear close, so you're not pulled off balance.
The Grand Canyon is a Top Arizona Attraction for a Good Reason
Of course, a list of fun things to do in Arizona for couples and families has to include the Grand Canyon. There are several easy hikes near the canyon, such as the Rim Trail on the south side of the Canyon. There are sections of this that are ADA accessible, and it's easy to step off this trail and take a break or turn around if you are tired.
You can also take the Bright Angel Trail on the south rim. You'll find rest stops every 1 and 1/2 miles where you can either fuel up or turn around.
On the north rim, you'll find less traffic. Fans of solitude will love a hike along the Cliff Springs Trail. This is a ledge trail; if you're not good with heights, you can easily turn around if the drop troubles you.
Any time you hike in Arizona, you need to carry water and electrolytes. Carry fruit and snacks that offer a bit of sodium so you can stay fully hydrated.
Never get on a hiking trail without a way to quickly capture trash; there is often wind in the desert, and you don't want to have to chase your trash across the landscape. Take the time to stop, open your snacks, and eat before you pack up your trash and get back on the trail.
No matter your family’s fitness level, you can find fun things to do in Arizona for couples and families to enjoy the remarkable beauty of this state. Like any other fitness activity, hiking is something you can train your family for. Purchase camping and hiking gear slowly, getting pieces that will serve your family as they build their skillsets.
Can you think of any other fun things to do in Arizona for couples and families?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
I loved visiting Tombstone, Arizona! Re-enactments of the gunfight at the OK Corral, the Boothill cemetery, so much more! Been there twice, and I would love to go again.
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I loved visiting Tombstone, Arizona! Re-enactments of the gunfight at the OK Corral, the Boothill cemetery, so much more! Been there twice, and I would love to go again.
Sounds like you had a great time in Arizona!