The Top 9 Memory Making Family Resorts in Arizona

With nearly 950 rooms set on 316 acres in northeast Phoenix, the JW Marriott Desert Ridge is the largest resort in Arizona.

With a dedicated family concierge you can expect a wealth of options from a daily morning kids camps, and afternoons that include family arts and crafts, movies and board games. Daily activities always include something for families from a culinary class to a scavenger hunt.

Take advantage of Arizona’s great weather on a family bike ride or hike, on a float down the resort’s lazy river, or challenging each other to a game of pickleball.

For some adult only time, book a couples massage at the Revive Spa or hit the links on courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo.

If you sometimes wonder if your kids are secretly Mermaids or Mermen, the Westin Kierland is the spot for the family vacation. While other Valley resorts have incredible pools, the Westin Kierland could easily double as a water park. The resort is the only one in town with a FlowRider flow-board to simulate surfing in the desert. The Adventure Pool offers a water slide and lazy river. For the ultimate experience rent the Tommy Bahama private island. You’ll enjoy your own private section of the lazy river, lounge seating, day bed, and a dining table directly in the reef.

In late 2019, the Westin unveiled a complete renovation of its 732 guest rooms, debuting a more modern, refined aesthetic designed to reflect the connection with the desert setting.

Dad (and Mom!) should take advantage of the hotel’s Scotch Library. The collection of over 300 whiskeys, including some of the rarest in the world, makes the hotel’s portfolio one of the strongest in the country. Every Friday one of the resort’s kilt-clad Scotch Ambassadors leads an educational tasting of three unique whiskies.

Located in the saguaro foothills of Tucson National Park, the JW Marriott Starr Pass is one of the top resorts in the city.

The pool area, with its waterfalls, lazy river, multi-level pools and dancing fountains are the stuff of childhood dreams. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore miles of trails on property by foot or bike, or take the family on the daily guided hike offered. During the season, family yoga on the lawn is offered daily and a Native American ceremony starts each day at the resort.

Families enjoy dining at the Signature Grill, which highlights Mexican, Native American and Cowboy chow on its menu, or at the poolside Plunge, which has a special kids menu.

The historic Hacienda Del Sol began as a ranch school for the daughter’s of society’s elite families, and in the 1940s was converted to a guest ranch that became a Hollywood favorite for Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Clark Gable and more. Today it tempts families with its rustic charm and old west activities like horseback riding and hiking in the Catalina Mountains that make up the resort’s backyard.

Hacienda Del Sol has both historic guest rooms, many named after former students of the ranch school, and 32 new guest rooms that were added during its 2015 remodel. The furniture throughout the property was handmade in Mexico and colorful Talavera tiles evoke old west flavor.

The Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain is one of only eight properties in the world to hold a position on both Forbes verified lists of the World’s Most Luxurious Hotels and World’s Most Luxurious Spas. Last year the five-star property unveiled a $10 million renovation that saw a floor-to-ceiling makeover of all 253 guest rooms and enhancements throughout the property, including the three swimming pools and 235-foot slide.

The hotel offers the Ritz Kids Ranger program where young adventurers learn about the environment, health and history through fun games, experiments and activities.

Accommodations range from standard guest rooms to casitas over 2,000 sq. ft. Instead of adding a rollaway bed to accommodate kids, opt for the in-room tent experience where the bed is replaced by an indoor tent. The indoor camping experience is glamping at its best with featherbeds and twinkle lights.

Located at the far end of Oak Creek Canyon, the recently renovated Arabella is a quiet oasis of 144 rooms in the heart of downtown Sedona. The original hotel, the first in town, was built to accommodate Hollywood and hosted John Wayne and Elvis Presley when they were shooting in town.

The family-friendly property offers two pools, complimentary cruiser bike use, and an easy trail adjacent to the hotel to get into the red rocks. The hotel is within walking distance of the historic Tlaquepaque outdoor shopping market and some of the finest dining in Sedona at Mariposa and the Elote Café.

Nestled into the towering red rocks of Boynton Canyon, Enchantment Resort is an oasis that blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the landscape.

With more than 100 weekly activities, including mountain bike treks, guided hikes and art courses, guests could easily never leave the property. For young children, Camp Coyote offers half-day and full-day programming focused on everything from scavenger hunts and pottery making to nature walks and Yoga. The tennis center offers programs to introduce kids to the sport and a junior academy where advanced players can hone their skills.

The affiliated Mii Amo spa is a true destination spa that has been named top spa in the country for the second year in a row by Travel & Leisure magazine.