Top 12 Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventures in Arizona

NOTE: Keep in mind that fees can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information, alerts, notices.

Today you’re going to see the world-famous Grand Canyon to water fun of Slide Rock State Park and hiking in Oak Creek Canyon.

If you’re planning to visit Phoenix or Tempe, parks like South Mountain, Papago Park, and Tempe Town Lake offer great outdoor fun and 2 of them are free.

After all of this you can try the zip lines at Flagstaff Extreme, ride the gondola at Arizona Snowbowl, or explore the Kartchner Caverns.

For a true desert experience, visit Saguaro National Park to see the giant cactus or go on a wild safari at Out of Africa Wildlife Park.

Each place has different fees and rules, so always check the official websites before your trip to stay updated on prices, hours, and any important notices.

Grand Canyon National Park

The park is divided into two main areas: the North Rim and the South Rim.

The South Rim is open all year round and is the most popular part of the park.

If you’re visiting with your kids, be sure to check out the Junior Ranger Program. It’s a fun and educational activity specially designed for children aged 4 and up.

To get started, kids can pick up an activity book from spots like the Yavapai Geology Museum or Kolb Studio.

Then, by completing some simple tasks and joining ranger-led programs, they can earn a cool badge to take home as a souvenir.

Check Grand Canyon complete fee details here.

Slide Rock State Park

The entrance fees for Slide Rock State Park vary depending on the time of year:

• May through September: $30.00 per vehicle (1-4 people)
• October through April: $20.00 per vehicle (1-4 people)
• Additional Adults: $5.00 per person
• Individual/Bicycle: $5.00 per person
• Children under 6 years old: Free

The entrance fee covers the use of all the park’s general amenities, including:

• The natural water slide area
• Swimming areas along Oak Creek  
• Designated picnic areas  
• Hiking trails
• Restrooms  
• Parking (though parking can be limited)

The park is located in Oak Creek Canyon and it is famous for its natural 80 feet long water slide.

It’s important to note that these fees are for day use only. Parking within the park is limited, especially during peak season, so arriving early is highly recommended.

There are three short and easy hiking trails also beside the water slide which you can enjoy:

• Pendley Homestead Trail (0.25 mile): A paved path that takes you through the old Pendley family farm. You’ll see their original house, an apple-packing shed, and old farming tools.
• Slide Rock Route (0.3 mile): This trail leads you to various spots along Oak Creek, including the famous natural water slide.
• Clifftop Nature Trail (0.25 mile): A short walk that gives you amazing views of the canyon and the park from above.

If you’re coming with a larger group, the park also has two covered ramadas.

Each ramada comes with electrical outlets and picnic bench seating, and can fit around 50 people.

You can reserve a ramada for the whole day for $95.

However, keep in mind that reservations aren’t available from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day Monday.

Oak Creek Canyon

It is located in northern Arizona, between the cities of Flagstaff and Sedona.

It is often described as a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon.

Keep in mind that this canyon is a large and diverse area. Fees and regulations can vary depending on the specific location you are visiting within the canyon.

Here you’ll find designated swimming areas, hiking trails, picnic sites and camping grounds.

Grasshopper Point is a popular swimming and recreation area along Oak Creek.

It features cliffs for jumping (at your own risk), shaded areas, and fishing.

West Fork Trail (Call of the Canyon) a 14-mile trail follows West Fork Creek through a beautiful canyon.

South Mountain Park and Preserve

It is located in Phoenix, Arizona. Best part of this park is that it is totally free.

No fee for anything to anyone.

It is spread over 16,000 acres, it is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the United States.

It encompasses three mountain ranges: Ma Ha Tauk, Gila, and Guadalupe.

Multiple trailheads provide access to different parts of the park, including:

• South Mountain Park/Preserve (Main Entrance)
• Pima Canyon Trailhead
• Mormon Trailhead
• Dobbins Lookout

Dobbins Lookout is the highest point accessible to the public by both hiking trails and Summit Road.

Papago Park

Papago Park is a municipal park that spread across the cities of Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona.

This park have major attractions like Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden.

Papago Park itself, as a municipal park, does not charge an entry fee, and parking is free.

However, the individual attractions located within or adjacent to Papago Park have their own admission fees like Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden etc.

Beyond hiking, the park offers various facilities for outdoor activities, including:

• Papago Ponds fishing lagoon
• Archery Range
• Papago Sports Complex
• Picnic areas and ramadas
• Playgrounds

Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake is located in Tempe, Arizona.

The lake is popular for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing, pedal boating (including swan and duck boats), and electric boat rentals.

It is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) long with an average surface area of 224 acres and an average depth of 16 feet, reaching a maximum depth of 19 feet.

Access to Tempe Town Lake’s surrounding parks and pathways is generally free for public use.

Fees for watercraft rentals vary depending on the type of boat and rental duration.

• Single Kayak: $20 per hour
• Double Kayak: $30 per hour, $40 for two hours
• Stand-up Paddle Board: $20 per hour
• Swan/Duck Pedal Boats: $60 per hour, $80 for two hours
• Double Surrey (4 adults & 2 small children): $55 per hour, $70 for two hours
• Triple Surrey (6 adults & 2 small children): $70 per hour, $85 for two hours

If you wish to bring your own watercraft, a boating permit is required.

Daily permits cost around $10 per boat. Annual permits are available for residents ($25 per boat) and non-residents ($50 per boat).

An Arizona fishing license is required for fishing in Tempe Town Lake.

These can be purchased from the Arizona Game and Fish Department or at most sporting goods stores.

The fees for fishing licenses vary based on residency and duration.

Arizona Snowbowl

It is situated on the western slope of Mount Humphreys, the highest peak in Arizona.

It is a 50 acres of wide-open, natural meadows at Hart Prairie.

During the summer, the area turns into a fun zone for all ages with activities like gondola rides that give you amazing views, a bungee trampoline, a climbing wall, and even summer tubing.

In winter, kids as young as four can learn to ski or snowboard through special programs.

For ages 4 to 7, there are the SkiWee and MiniRider programs, and for older kids (8 to 12), there’s the Snowburners program.

Arizona Snowbowl has different prices for lift tickets and season passes, depending on when you buy them, what day you plan to go, and how busy the season is.

Prices can change, so it’s a good idea to visit the official Arizona Snowbowl website to get the latest rates before you book.

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

It is located within Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff.

There are specific courses designed for kids (ages 7-11) and more challenging courses for adults and teens (12+).

Participants navigate through a series of suspended obstacles like rope swings, scrambling walls, hanging nets, wobbly bridges, and even an aerial skateboard.

The Adventure Zip Lines feature over 30 exhilarating zip lines, reaching heights of 15 to 80 feet above the ground, offering a thrilling experience.

Fee Details

• Adult Adventure Course: Approximately $55 per guest. The approximate duration is 3-4 hours. Participants aged 12-15 must be accompanied in the trees by a paying adult (1 adult per 3 minors).
• Kids Adventure Course: Approximately $39 per guest. The approximate duration is around 2 hours.
• Adventure Zip Lines: Approximately $60 per person (plus taxes and fees). This is for participants aged 12 and older.
• Little Ninja Course: Approximately $2 per guest. The approximate duration is 3-4 hours.

Discounts:
Flagstaff Extreme often offers discounts, such as:

• 10% for Active Military personnel with ID
• 10% for College Students with ID
• 30% for Seniors (60 and up)
  Only one discount can typically be applied per person, and discounts are subject to change.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is located in central Arizona

It is famous for being home to what is believed to be the world’s largest natural travertine bridge.

It stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot-long tunnel and is 150 feet wide at its widest point.

The park features four main trails:

• Anna Mae Trail
• Gowan Trail
• Pine Creek Trail
• Waterfall Trail

The entrance fees for Tonto Natural Bridge State Park are typically:

• Adult (14+): $10.00
• Youth (7–13): $5.00
• Child (0–6): FREE

It’s always a good idea to check the official Arizona State Parks website for the most up-to-date fee information, as prices can sometimes change.

Kartchner Caverns State Park

It is located in southeastern Arizona. It is famous for its preserved living limestone cave.

It offers 62 campsites with full hookups and four camping cabins for overnight stays.

Fee Details:

Park entrance fees and cave tour fees are separate.

• Park Entrance Fee:
• Per vehicle (1 person): $10.00
• Per vehicle (2-4 people): $20.00
• Individual/bicycle: $5.00
• Note: The entrance fee is waived with a cave tour or campsite reservation.
• Cave Tour Fees:
• Rotunda/Throne Tour:
  • Adults (14+): $30.00
  • Youth (7-13): $15.00
  • Children under 7: $5.00
• Big Room Tour (October 15 – April 15):
  • Adults (14+): $30.00
  • Youth (7-13): $15.00
  • Children under 7: Not available
• Helmet & Headlamp Tour (select Saturdays): $50.00 per person (not available for children under 10)
• Photography Tour (limited availability): $125.00 per person
• Camping Fees: Vary depending on the type of site. Check the Arizona State Parks website for current rates.
• Camping Cabin Fees: Also vary; check the park’s website for details.
  Important Notes:

Reservations for cave tours are highly recommended and often essential, especially during peak seasons, as tours fill up quickly. You can make reservations online through the Arizona State Parks website.

Children under 7 are not permitted on the Big Room Tour. Age restrictions also apply to the Helmet & Headlamp Tour.

Saguaro National Park

It is located in southern Arizona, surrounding the city of Tucson.

This park is famous for its giant saguaro cactus.

This park is divided into 2 separate districts:

• Rincon Mountain District (East)
• Tucson Mountain District (West)

Fee Details:

The entrance fees for Saguaro National Park are as follows (note that the fees cover entry to both districts for 7 days):

• Private Vehicle: $25.00 (admits all occupants of a single, non-commercial vehicle)
• Motorcycle: $20.00 (per motorcycle)
• Individual: $15.00 (per person entering by foot or bicycle)

Annual Passes:

• Saguaro National Park Annual Pass: $45.00 (covers up to 4 adults or everyone in a single, non-commercial vehicle for one year in both districts).
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80.00 (an interagency pass valid for one year at all National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands). Other versions of this pass are available for seniors, military members, and individuals with disabilities.

Individuals aged 15 years and younger are admitted free of charge.

For Family-Friendly Adventures you should visit these places in the park.

Tucson Mountain District (West):

• Desert Discovery Nature Trail
• Bajada Loop Drive
• Valley View Overlook Trail
• Signal Hill Trail
• Red Hills Visitor Center
• Scenic/Passey/Packrat Loop

Rincon Mountain District (East):

• Cactus Forest Loop Drive
• Mica View Trail
• Desert Ecology Trail
• Rincon Mountain Visitor Center
• Freeman Homestead Trail
• Tanque Verde Ridge Trail

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

It located in Camp Verde, Arizona.

This park is famous for its “African Bush Safari”, an open air ride.

Fee Details:

• Adults (ages 13+): From $42.95
• Children (ages 3-12): From $27.95
• Seniors (age 65+): From $40.95
• Military (with valid ID): From $35.95
  Additional Experiences with Included General Admission have different pricing:
• Expedition Passport (Adults 13+): From $63.95
• Expedition Passport (Children 5-12): From $48.95
• Expedition Passport (Seniors 65+): From $61.95
• VIP – Behind the Scenes Tour (Adults 13+): From $195.00
• VIP – Behind the Scenes Tour (Children 5-12): From $165.00
• Zippin’ Safari Combo (Adults 13+): From $63.45
• Zippin’ Safari Combo (Children 8-12): From $48.45
• Zippin’ Safari Combo (Seniors 65+): From $61.45
  Encounters that require General Admission:
• Sloth Encounter (for 4 people): From $111.00 (prices vary for groups of 5, 6, or 7)

Annual Memberships are also available:

• Individual Adult: From $89.00
• Individual Child: From $59.00
• Family Membership (2 adults, up to 4 children): Pricing varies.

Remember to check the official website for pricing, timing and to get the most up-to-dated information.

Conclusion

So here are the list of top 12 Outdoor Adventures in Arizona you can do with your family in your next trip.

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