CANYON LAKE
ABOUT CANYON LAKE MARINA Less than an hour`s drive from Phoenix lies the unspoiled beauty of Canyon Lake. Here, you`ll revel in a playground with more than 28 miles of cactus dotted shoreline. Waterski, jet ski, or wind sail with over 950 surface acres of sparkling waters to run. Explore wondrous rock formations, discover peaceful private coves and spot Big Horn sheep, deer and javelina roaming freely over the picturesque landscape. You`ll find new meaning in the spectacular Arizona sunsets that paint the canyon walls. Tuck into a secluded cove and fish for bass and trout, or take a leisurely cruise and marvel at the scenery. Idyllic year-round weather makes Canyon Lake Marina a great destination for all watersports enthusiasts. Everything you`ll need for a pleasant stay at the lake is available on the marina premises.
Location: Apache Junction, AZ
Phone: (480) 288-9233
ODYSEA AQUARIUM
OdySea Aquarium offers an entertaining, interactive, and educational experience for guests of all ages by combining theme-park-style amusement with highly engaging presentations of aquatic life.
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Phone: 480-291-8000
GREAT WOLF LODGE
No matter what the weather outside is doing, our resort at Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale / Salt River, AZ, keeps the indoor water park fun flowing 365 days per year. Splash, swim, and slide with the whole family, then dry off and head into our adventure park to delight in dry-land attractions such as bowling, arcade games, mini golf, our immersive MagiQuest adventure game, and more. Kids will love the assortment of entertainment included in your stay—from yoga and arts & crafts projects to a dance party and story time that wrap up the day—and be sure to keep your camera handy for a photo op with the Great Wolf Kids characters who have been known to roam around the resort. Whether you`re planning a special occasion or just need a quick escape, our Great Wolf Lodge resort provides top-notch service that creates memories of a lifetime.
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Phone: 480-948-9653
ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
The Renaissance Festival is a medieval outdoor amusement park, a 16-stage theatre, a 50-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a Jousting Tournament, and a feast, all rolled into one non-stop, day-long, family adventure.
Location: Gold Canyon, AZ
Phone: 520-463-2600
BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND
Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly conservatory in America. It features a magnificent indoor conservatory that brings a tropical rainforest environment to the Arizona desert where thousands of butterflies fly freely. In addition, there are interactive exhibits, a Butterfly Emergence Gallery, 3D movie theater, Spineless Giants exhibit, Butterfly Cafe, Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop, a Rainforest Reptile exhibit, Rainforest Birds and a “bug vending machine” known as the “Edible Insect Station” that teaches visitors about entomophagy – the practice of eating insects. Butterfly Wonderland is open daily at 9 a.m. Cameras are welcome.
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Phone: 480-800-3000
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDENS
Desert Botanical Garden is a living museum of over 50,000 plants representing more than 4,000 different species. The Garden`s vision is to be the premier center in the world for the exhibition, research and conservation of desert plants. The Garden strives to be an indispensable resource for learning about cactus, agave and other desert plants of the Sonoran Desert and the world. Every element of the Garden reflects excellence, beauty and inspiration to transform the guest experience into one of discovery. The Garden is here to help everyone enjoy the beauty of the desert and to help them care about protecting and sustaining the natural world for the benefit of future generations.
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Phone: 480-941-1225
GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN
Come and visit Goldfield Ghost Town today! Walk down Main Street, explore the many shops and historic buildings. Tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and visit the Goldfield Museum. Pan for gold then take a ride on Arizona`s only narrow gauge train. You`ll also get to witness an old west gun fight performed by the famous Goldfield Gunfighters! Spend a fun filled day, rich in wild west history!
Location: Apache Junction, AZ
Phone: 480-983-0333
HERITAGE DISTRICT
Downtown Gilbert is known by the locals as the Heritage District. It is now a collection over 30 restaurants in a fun and vibrant space, adding some of the top restaurants in the metro Phoenix food scene to the best of Gilbert`s locally grown creations. The district features the Hale Centre Theatre with Broadway shows and active weekend markets, including the popular Gilbert Farmers Market. You`ll find a family-friendly environment, a vibrant nightlife, and a plethora of pet-friendly restaurant options with ample patio space. And when you want to explore using pedal power, Gilbert`s 135-mile trail system connects the Heritage District to parks and attractions throughout town.
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Phone: 480-503-6000
OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE
Old Town Scottsdale has always been among the most vibrant and unique urban downtown centers in the American Southwest. Its pedestrian-friendly streets are home to world class art galleries, museums, restaurants and retail shops … and when the sun goes down you don`t have to because of the exciting nightlife.
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Phone: 480-312-7177
SAGUARO LAKE
Saguaro Lake was formed by the Stewart Mountain Dam, which was completed in 1930. It was the last of the reservoirs to be built on the Salt River. The lake is named for the Saguaro Cactus, which stand majestically in the surrounding desert landscape. Saguaro Lake has more than 22 miles of shoreline, creating a great environment for boating, kayaking, sailing, skiing, jet skiing, fishing and camping. The Saguaro del Norte Recreation site is near the dam and includes Saguaro Lake Marina, which includes a restaurant and boat concession, a Maricopa County Sheriff`s aid station, picnic tables, restrooms and boat ramps. Butcher Jones Beach, which can be reached by a road a few miles north of Saguaro del Norte, features swimming, picnic and restroom facilities.​Saguaro Lake is located within the Tonto National Forest just 20 minutes from Mesa, Arizona. There is so much to do at Saguaro Lake! Visit Precision Marine and rent a runabout, fishing or pontoon boat, or take a relaxing Desert Belle tour boat ride around the lake, then eat at the yummy ShipRock Restaurant. Saguaro Lake is great fun for everyone!
Phone: (480) 986-5546
SALT RIVER TUBING
Ride an innertube down the Salt River! Salt River Tubing is open annually, late spring through early fall. They take care of transportation between the start and end of your float. Rent tubes from them, or bring your own! Don`t forget your water shoes!
Location: Mesa, AZ