Family vacations in Phoenix can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on pretrip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on traveling with children, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Phoenix family vacations.
Desert Botanical Garden
The best way to appreciate the beauty of Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert is to take a tour of the
, featuring 145 acres of well-preserved desert and more than 50,000 plant displays in stunning outdoor exhibits. Children will enjoy spotting jackrabbits, hummingbirds, quails and other desert creatures on the kid-friendly grounds.
Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008Phone: 480-941-1225Hours: Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.Price: Adults, $15; seniors, $13.50; students ages 13 to 18, $7.50; children, $5.
Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix
, situated on more than 35 acres in scenic North Phoenix, is the largest theme park in Arizona. Thrill-seekers far and wide come to experience Maximum Velocity, the world's first dueling, gravity-defying Master Blaster coaster.
Address: 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale, AZ 85310Phone: 623-201-2000Hours: Open May through August, hours vary.Price: Tickets range from $19.99 to $34.99, depending on the height of the child.
Children's Museum of Phoenix
The
engages young children and their families with three floors of interactive displays and play stations. Children from toddlers to age 10 will love exploring the art studio, book loft and the spectacular Schuff-Perini Climber.
Address: 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, AZ 85034Phone: 602-253-0501Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. spring through summer.Price: Nonmembers, $11; seniors, $10.
Phoenix Zoo
Get up close with a herd of friendly giraffes, ride a camel, or take a trip around the zoo on the Safari Train at the Phoenix Zoo. Located among the city's scenic red Papago Buttes, this family-friendly attraction keeps everyone from the very young to old entertained with more than 2.5 miles of walking trails and 1,500 animals on display.
Address: 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008Phone: 602-273-1341Hours: Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily in the summer; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in the late summer through late fall; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily late fall through midwinter; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily midwinter through spring.Price: Adults, $18; children, $9.
Arizona Science Center
The
in downtown Phoenix features more than 300 hands-on exhibits spread across four levels. Dazzle your senses at the IMAX movie theater, explore the galaxies at the Dorrance Planetarium, and experience a thrilling, high-wire physics lesson atop the Evans Family SkyCycle.
Address: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85004Phone: 602-716-2000Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.Price: Adults, $12; seniors, $10; children, $10.
Castles 'n' Coasters
, an amusement park and entertainment venue in north-central Phoenix, features two steel roller coasters, an old-fashioned carousel, a miniature golf course and an arcade. The Desert Storm, one of the park's most popular coasters, thrills with loops and vertical drops.
Address: 9445 Metro Parkway E, Phoenix, AZ 85051Phone: 602-997-7575Hours: Hours of operation vary. Please call before you visit.Price: Bronze Pass, $25; Silver Pass, $30; Gold Pass, $35.
Cerreta Candy Co.
Cerreta Candy Co. has been churning out candies, chocolates and caramel creations for more than 40 years in downtown Glendale, Arizona. Experience the magic of candy being made with a special guided tour of this historic chocolate factory.
Address: 5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301Phone: 623-930-1000Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.Price: Free
Have you been to Phoenix? What are your favorite attractions?
Lead photo: IndyAgent; Flickr Mid photo: kevinspencer; Flickr
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