10 Fun Things to Do in Phoenix With Your Family This Winter
Are you looking for a warm and easy-to-visit U.S. destination for winter? Phoenix, Arizona is the place for you!
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I’ve lived in Arizona almost my whole life and I love it here. We live in a suburb of Phoenix, and it’s the best! Especially in the winter!
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Phoenix in the winter!
Hiking
Broadway Cave in the Superstition Mountains
This hike has awesome views of the desert! You are surrounded by SO many cacti.
The hike is 3.7 miles round trip with 800 feet of elevation gain. Pretty much all of this elevation gain is in the last half mile so be prepared.
Hieroglyphic Trail to Petroglyphs
See real-life Native American hieroglyphics up close
3 miles round trip with about 600 feet of elevation gain
Great hike for kids!
Fat Man’s Pass
This hike is in the other direction from the other 2 hikes. This one is Southwest of Phoenix.
The whole trail is about 3.7 miles with 925 feet of elevation gain. It’s not too difficult but is definitely a climb if you’re not used to hiking.
There is an option to slide through “Fat Man’s Pass” which is a small opening between 2 large rock formations. This is optional.
Hole in the Rock in Papago Park
This is barely a hike! It’s only .3 miles round trip and we’ve been taking our kids here since they were babies.
At the top of the mountain is a huge hole in the rock that is super fun for kids to explore.
This is right next to the Phoenix Zoo, which is also awesome for families.
I don’t recommend hiking Camelback Mountain because the parking is inconvenient, it is a very difficult hike, and it is crowded. But if you really want to do it, you could check out a guided tour for hiking Camelback Mountain with a guide who is a first responder and someone who will make it as easy .
If you’re heading to the Phoenix area and want more hiking suggestions, message me on Instagram!
Golfing
If you like to golf, come to Phoenix this winter!
There are so many gorgeous courses around Phoenix.
Arizona Golf Resort is a less expensive course that’s good for beginners! But there are lots of options!
Phoenix Open
The Phoenix Open is a huge golf tournament where you can watch some of the world’s best golfers!
The next dates are February 8-11, 2024
You can buy general admission tickets.
Desert Botanical Gardens
There are so many beautiful desert plants to see here! The desert is prettier than it gets credit for.
If you come in December, you have to get tickets to see the luminaria displays! They are magical! But act fast as they do sell out.
There are musical groups throughout the gardens with seating to enjoy the shows.
However, you won’t really get to see the plants since this is a nighttime event.
Barrett-Jackson Car Auction
Hear me out on this one! I never thought I would like a car show… at all. But this one is so cool!
Every January, Scottsdale (right by Phoenix) hosts the Barrett-Jackson car auction. You can see some of the coolest fixed-up old cars here.
The next dates for this event are January 20-28, 2024.
Horseback Riding
Many people think of the desert as being the Wild West. If you head out of the city, you can experience the classic Western activities.
I would suggest Googling “Horseback riding near (insert where you are staying.)” There are lots of places to go for a ride in the desert!
This is a horseback riding tour that I recommend because it is in Scottdale which will likely be central to other activities you are doing while in Phoenix.
Goldfield Ghost Town
This town is located in Apache Junction, which is on the east end of the Phoenix area.
Goldfield Ghost Town used to be a real mining town that was a big deal in the early 1900’s.
You can visit all of the original stores that existed when this city was habited.
They have Western shows with “shootouts”, a railroad ride, shopping, and panning for gold.
Be aware that some activities cost extra upon arrival. But there are also free options here!
You can take this all-day tour from Scottdale that includes time at Goldfield Ghost Town plus a 90-minute ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. It’s a great way to experience some wild-west fun and stunning views from the lake.
The Fairmont Princess Hotel goes all out for Christmas!
If you are in Phoenix in December, consider checking out the fun holiday events at the Princess.
They have ice skating, hot chocolate, s’mores, Santa visits, and Christmas lights!
It is $35/person to visit, and additional costs for some events. I know this might get pricey for larger families, but if it works for your family, it’s worth looking into experiencing.
Bonus idea! Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
You can take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the desert. I haven’t done this yet but I’d love to do it.
There is also a great option that includes breakfast with your hot air balloon ride.
Restaurants (with a Western Cowboy vibe)
This is located in Queen Creek, which might be far depending on where you stay.
They have fire pits with picnic tables and great food.
I actually haven’t been here yet, but I have heard so many awesome recommendations about this place! I need to go!
This is located in South Phoenix and has great views overlooking the Phoenix Valley.
You can order rattlesnake here!
There is an option to ride down a slide to get into the main restaurant area.
Taliesin West is Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture school. It is amazing to see!
If you are at all interested in architecture, check this place out!
This might not be the best for little kids, but older kids and adults will have lots to see.
I hope you love your trip to Phoenix! Reach out to me on Instagram if you’re ever visiting Arizona and want more recommendations!