Phoenix is the capital of the southwestern US state of Arizona. Known for its year-round sun and warm temperatures, it anchors a sprawling, multicity metropolitan area known as the Valley of the Sun. It’s known for high-end spa resorts, Jack Nicklaus–designed golf courses, and vibrant nightclubs. A desert botanical garden, displaying cacti along with numerous native plants.
ENCHANTED ISLAND
The Valley’s best place to take the family is conveniently located just west of 7th Avenue on Encanto Blvd, right in the heart of Phoenix’s picturesque Encanto Park. Enchanted Island is filled with charm and magic, offering eleven fanciful rides and attractions geared especially toward children ages 1 to 10. Ride the historic Encanto Carousel. Pedal boat across fish-filled lagoons. Test your skills at our carnival games or the medieval water battle, and share the memories over a fluffy ball of cotton candy. Whether you like spinning, flying, dropping, bumping, driving, rocking, or rolling, the rides at Enchanted Island Amusement Park are sure to thrill and delight. If you’re in a leisurely mood, tour the grounds on the C.P. Huntington Train, go back in time on the Encanto Carousel, and rent a pedal boat or canoe. More adventurous riders will also want to take in the spectacular skyline views from the Parachute Tower, crash and splash in the Bumper Boats, and maneuver their own airplane on the popular Red Baron ride. Enchanted Island is one of life’s simple pleasures.
1202 W Encanto Boulevard • Phoenix
(602) 254-1200
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is an interactive wonderland for kids ages 10 and under. It has 48,000 square feet of space, which takes up three floors. There are over 300 exhibits that can teach children educational topics in fun, hands-on ways. Some exhibits include a climbing area made of recycled items, a “Noodle Forest” that provides a sensory adventure, and an art studio where kids can get creative.
215 N 7th Street • Phoenix
(602) 253-0501
www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
THE DOLLY STEAMBOAT
Sightseeing + Dinner Cruises
Sit back, relax, and take in the gorgeous views of Canyon Lake! During this one-and-a-half-hour, six-mile cruise, you may see desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and a host of other animals and local wildlife viewed from the decks of the Dolly! We also touch on the beautiful flora from the stately Saguaro cacti to the microscopic organism called desert varnish. Discover why there’s more to Arizona than just desert on this spectacular Canyon Lake cruise. You never know what you might learn about Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat, and the surrounding area aboard the Dolly.
16802 AZ-88 • Tortilla Flat
(480) 827-9144
www.dollysteamboat.com
GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN
If you head to the Superstition Mountains and Canyon Lake, you won’t want to miss this treat. The Goldfield Ghost Town is a fun place to visit. When the mine closed, the town died a slow death and was vacated around 1926. You can now enjoy a stroll down Main Street to enjoy many of the old buildings. You can also tour the mine, ride a train, and enjoy other fun activities. And if you get hungry, check out the Superstition Saloon and Restaurant where you can sit on horse-saddle bar stools and enjoy the dollar-bill “wallpaper” while enjoying a burger with a cold brew or sasparilla. Enjoy a prickly pear cactus gelato at the Country Store next door or go to the Mercantile to buy some fun local gifts. There is also a cute little one-room schoolhouse that you can visit nearby.
SUPERSTITION ZIPLINE
The newest attraction is at Goldfield Ghost Town. Prepare to see the town and the surrounding area like you never have.
Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm no entrance fee to the ghost town
4650 N Mammoth Mine Road
Apache Junction
(480) 983-0333
www.goldfieldghosttown.com
WRIGLEY MANSION
Set just a short drive to the northeast of the city center is the wonderful Wrigley Mansion which lies atop a prominent knoll overlooking Phoenix. Built between 1929 and 1931 by the chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr, the mansion exhibits astounding architecture with terrific tours taking you around all of its sumptuously decorated rooms. Besides showcasing some splendid Spanish Colonial-style architecture, the marvelous mansion is particularly known for its exquisite tile work.
2501 E Telawa Trail • Phoenix
(602) 955-4079
www.wrigleymansion.com
ROOSEVELT ROW DISTRICT
What was once a dilapidated, decaying and even dangerous district just a few short decades ago is now one of the most dynamic areas in downtown. Home to lots of incredible art galleries, local restaurants, and boutiques, the revitalized Roosevelt Row now lies at the center of the city’s thriving arts and culture scene. On top of all its superb shops and restaurants, the area also hosts lots of fun festivals and cultural events as well as a huge art market on the first Friday of every month. With a lively yet laidback feel to it, the vibrant Roosevelt Row District is not to be missed.
333 E Roosevelt Street • Phoenix
www.rooseveltrow.org
