ISSUE 14
2026
bloom
THE 2026 ARIZONA ADVENTURE GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
best kid-friendly destinations across state 48
A LETTER FROM THE CHIEF CURATOR
hey, mama! Exploring Arizona with my son has become one of the greatest gifts of motherhood. Somewhere between our first road trips and the adventures we take today, I realized these places have become the backdrop of some of our most treasured memories. I still think about our very first Mother's Day together, wandering through Petrified Forest National Park with a baby in my arms. I had no idea then how many miles we'd travel together—chasing cooler temperatures in the pines, earning Junior Ranger badges, splashing through creeks, discovering hidden gems, and filling ordinary weekends with extraordinary memories. With every trail, scenic drive, and small-town stop, I've watched my son become more curious, more confident, and more connected to the incredible state we call home. Those adventures have become an investment in our relationship, and that's exactly why we created this issue. Inside, you'll find family-tested itineraries, budget-friendly destinations, and practical tips to help you confidently explore Arizona with your own little adventurers. My hope is that this issue becomes dog-eared, bookmarked, and tossed into the backseat as you set off to discover somewhere new together. xo, Amy J McConnell, APR East Valley Moms Chief Curator
Intro
EAST VALLEY MOMS
Table of Contents
Our writing team of local moms has put together this resource to help you find all the comforts of community that make parenting a little easier
keep reading
East Valley Moms writing team is comprised of local moms
4 Flagstaff Folk Festival with Kids 5 A Perfect Fall Day in Pinetop-Lakeside 7 48 Hours in a Covered Wagon with Kids 9 Road Trip meals That Save Time (and Money) 10 Stay & Save: Our Favorite Arizona Stays 11 A Better Way to Spend School Break 14 Strong Moms. Big Adventures. 15 The Planning is the Hardest Part 17 Grand Canyon Deer Farm 19 8 Smart Safety Tips for Exploring Arizona with Kids 21 Arizona Has A Volcano – And Kids Can Visit It 22 Camp, But Make It Family Time 25 Why Families Keep Coming Back
Contributor Desa Rae, mom of 3, lives in Gilbert, AZ Desa Rae currently resides in Gilbert with her college sweetheart, three kids (ages 4 and under). . During the week, she is most likely at a park, attending a free event in town, baking anything with sourdough, or curled up in bed reading a good book. Originally from Ohio, she and her family are happy to call sunny Arizona home since 2017.
photo credit: Kate Mae Photography
Flagstaff Folk Festival with Kids WRITTEN BY AMY J MCCONNELL, APR MESA MOM OF 1
If you're looking for a reason to escape the Valley heat next June, add the Flagstaff Folk Festival to your family's summer calendar. After attending for the first time with our 6-year-old, we can confidently say this community celebration has earned a spot on our annual list of favorite Northern Arizona traditions.
A Summer Tradition Worth Planning Around
Held each June on the grounds of the Arizona Historical Society's Pioneer Museum, the festival features five stages of live folk music, local food trucks, artisan vendors, and hands-on activities for kids. Adult admission is around $20, while children 16 and under attend free, making it one of the best entertainment values we've found in Flagstaff.
Why Families Love it Unlike larger music festivals, the Flagstaff Folk Festival is refreshingly relaxed. Folding chairs are provided at each stage, families are free to wander between performances, and kids can simply be kids. My son spent the afternoon making homemade instruments at a community activity booth, exploring the Pioneer Museum grounds, and playing beneath the ponderosa pines while we enjoyed incredible live music. There was never any pressure to sit still or follow a strict schedule. How to Plan Your Time here Plan to spend three to five hours rather than the entire weekend. It's the perfect amount of time to catch a few performances, enjoy lunch from a food truck, explore the museum, and soak in the cool mountain air before continuing your Flagstaff adventure. If you're making the drive from the East Valley, we recommend turning the festival into a full weekend in the mountains. Stay at High Country Motor Lodge, one of our favorite family-friendly hotels, and save 20% with code EVMOMS. Prefer the extra space of a cabin? Village Camp Flagstaff offers thoughtfully designed cabins and community amenities that make the stay feel like part of the vacation. East Valley Moms readers can save 15% with code EVM15.
fall in arizona
A Perfect Fall Day in Pinetop-Lakeside A family-friendly itinerary for chasing Arizona's most beautiful fall colors BY EAST VALLEY MOMS TEAM
For Arizona families, fall doesn't arrive on your doorstep—you have to go looking for it. Every October, we head to the White Mountains to chase golden aspens, cooler temperatures, and that unmistakable feeling of fall. Over the years, we've discovered one of our favorite ways to experience the season—and it doesn't require expensive attractions or weeks of planning. Here's exactly how we'd spend the day: 8:00 a.m. | Fuel Up Before You Go One of our favorite budget hacks is eating breakfast at your hotel or cabin before heading out for a day of exploring. It saves money, gets everyone fed before the adventure begins. Before leaving town, pack plenty of water and a picnic lunch, or grab sandwiches to-go from PersNIKKIty's Café. You'll be glad you did once you reach the scenic overlooks. 9:00 a.m. | Chase the Fall Colors From Pinetop-Lakeside, make the scenic drive to Greens Peak via Forest Road 117. This is where Arizona truly feels like fall. Families driving cars, SUVs, and minivans can comfortably enjoy Forest Road 117 with its many scenic pullouts. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, Forest Road 61C offers an optional adventure closer to the summit for even more expansive views.
11:30 a.m. | Picnic Among the Aspens Spread out a blanket beneath the trees, unpack your sandwiches, and let the kids run while you soak in the scenery. There are no restaurants or services once you leave town, making this one of the best picnic spots in the White Mountains. 1:30 p.m. | Continue the Adventure If you're visiting on a fall weekend, keep the adventure going with a stop at Sunrise Park Resort. During Arizona's fall color season, the resort opens on weekends with family-friendly mountain activities including scenic chairlift rides, the Alpine Coaster, summer tubing, climbing walls, and more. Riding the chairlift over a landscape filled with changing aspens offers a completely different perspective on the White Mountains, while the Alpine Coaster winds through the forest at speeds up to 25 mph. It's a fun way to balance a slower morning in nature with an afternoon of adventure
5:00 p.m. | End the Day Slowly If you're not quite ready to head back to your cabin, make one last stop in Show Low at The House. This is one of our favorite places to wrap up a day in the White Mountains. The spacious outdoor patio opens onto a large grassy yard where kids can run, play lawn games, and burn off any last bit of energy while parents relax and enjoy the cool mountain air. The restaurant is known for its scratch-made menu and laid-back atmosphere, making it the kind of place you'll want to linger for happy hour or an early dinner. If it's your first visit, trust us on one thing: order the Pickle Chicken. It's become our go-to recommendation. After dinner, it's an easy drive back to your cabin with full bellies, tired kids, and a camera roll full of golden aspens—the perfect ending to a fall day in Arizona.
glamping in Arizona
48 Hours in a Covered Wagon with Kids WRITTEN BY AMY J MCCONNELL, MOM OF 1, LIVES IN MESA If your family loves the idea of camping—but prefers real beds, air conditioning, and coffee before breakfast—covered wagon glamping at Verde Ranch RV Resort might become your new favorite Arizona tradition. Just two hours from the East Valley, this modern take on the Old West feels adventurous enough for kids while staying comfortable enough for parents. Think king-sized beds, bunk beds, electricity, heat and A/C, a mini fridge, coffee maker, and your own private bathroom just steps from your wagon. It's the kind of destination that's easy enough for a long weekend but memorable enough to become an annual school break tradition.
Day One: Arrive & Settle into Wagon Life Plan to arrive in the afternoon so everyone has time to explore before dinner. After checking into your covered wagon, let the kids do what they do best—run. The wagon village is tucked into its own quiet loop where little ones naturally find each other while parents finally exhale after the drive.
Spend the afternoon exploring Verde Ranch's included amenities. Gemstone mining is always a hit, followed by time at the playground, fishing pond, pool and splash pad (seasonally), or arcade. As the sun begins to set, light a campfire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy dinner outside your wagon. The slower pace is part of the experience.
Day Two: Adventure at Your Own Pace One of the best parts about Verde Ranch is that you don't have to fill your schedule. Spend the morning enjoying coffee outside while the kids play, then choose your own adventure. Stay on property for pickleball, creek walks, and fishing, or head into Camp Verde to explore. One of our favorite stops is grabbing coffee in town before heading to nearby McDonald Trail, an easy kidfriendly hike that ends with fascinating cave formations little explorers love discovering. On your way back to the wagon, grab pizza togo by local favorite, Crusty’s Pizza.
Inside the covered wagons; king size bed and bunk beds Day Three: One Last Adventure Before Heading Home Before making the drive back to the Valley, spend one last slow morning around the resort before heading just a few minutes down the road to Montezuma Castle National Monument. One of Arizona's most impressive cliff dwellings, Montezuma Castle is an easy stop with young kids thanks to its short, paved walking trail and fascinating history. Junior Rangers can pick up an activity booklet, learn how the Sinagua people built homes into the limestone cliffs more than 800 years ago, and earn another National Park Service badge before heading home. It's the perfect way to end the trip—equal parts history lesson and adventure, without requiring a long hike or an all-day commitment. By the time you're back in the East Valley, you'll have packed an entire school break into just a few days: campfires, covered wagons, mountain air, new discoveries, and the kind of simple family memories that have a way of becoming annual traditions.
Scan here for details on upcoming retreats
Back at camp, end the evening with another campfire— or our family's favorite splurge: projecting a movie onto the side of the covered wagon under the stars. You pack the car. We'll take care of the rest. Want the getaway without planning every detail? East Valley Moms is returning to Verde Ranch RV Resort for two hosted Mom & Mini retreats during the 2026–27 school year. We'll handle the itinerary, organize the group activities, and create opportunities for moms and kids to connect —you simply pack the car and come enjoy the adventure. Upcoming Verde Ranch Retreats: Fall Break October 5–7, 2026 Covered wagon glamping or private cabins, easy hiking, Montezuma Castle, and one of our most popular retreats of the year. MLK Weekend January 16-18, 2027 Private covered wagons and cabins in the pines, forest play, playgrounds, campfires, and the perfect season for exploring.
Road Trip Meals That Save Time (and Money) BY EAST VALLEY MOMS
One of our biggest family travel hacks has nothing to do with where we stay—it's how we feed everyone once we get there.
Travel Dining with Kids
Packing a cooler with familiar, ready-to-eat foods means fewer expensive drive-thru stops, less time waiting for food, and happier kids when hunger strikes.
Breakfast: Keep It Grab-and-Go Skip the restaurant wait and fuel up before heading out for the day's adventures. We love packing overnight oats, egg bites, yogurt cups, fresh fruit, and muffins that everyone can grab while getting ready. Lunch: Make It a Picnic Instead of stopping for fast food, pack simple picnic favorites like sandwiches, wraps, snack boxes, fruit, veggies, chips, and a few fun treats. Toss a blanket in the car, and suddenly lunch becomes part of the adventure—whether you're in a pine forest, lakeside, or at a scenic overlook. Dinner: Let Someone Else Do the Work Our favorite travel hack is bringing a crockpot along for cabin stays. Dump in a freezer meal before heading out for the day, and come back to a hot dinner waiting for you. Chili, soups, taco meat, and shredded chicken all travel well and make feeding a family effortless. For an even easier option, order family meals from The Nest Prep before you leave town. Their hearty, family-friendly dinners (and breakfast burritos)—our favorite is the Orange Chicken—can be reheated in a vacation rental, cabin, or even many hotel rooms with a microwave, giving you a homemade dinner without spending your vacation cooking. A little planning before you leave home means more time exploring, more money left in your travel budget, and fewer "I'm hungry!" emergencies along the way. Scan the QR code for our go-to crockpot dinners for traveling on this blog post
FREE FAMILY FUN
STAY & SAVE: OUR FAVORITE ARIZONA STAYS PLUS EXCLUSIVE READER DISCOUNTS
CALENDAR
After hundreds of family road trips across Arizona, we've found the hotels, cabins, and resorts we recommend again and again. These are places we'd happily book with our own families—and because we love them so much, we've partnered with them to offer exclusive savings for East Valley Moms readers.
A local events calendar that only shares FREE events for families
Whether you're planning a quick overnight escape or a long weekend adventure, be sure to take advantage of these exclusive offers.
Bookmark the events calendar at this QR code, we’re always adding to it!
Village Camp Flagstaff Modern cabins in the pines with family-friendly amenities. Save 15% with code EVM15 High Country Motor Lodge | Flagstaff A retro-inspired mountain lodge with a heated pool, campfire atmosphere, and easy access to downtown. Save 20% with code EVMOMS Rocky Rim Resort | Heber-Overgaard Our favorite cozy cabin getaway for unplugging in the White Mountains. Save 15% with code EVMOMS Verde Ranch RV Resort | Camp Verde Covered wagon glamping, cabins, and resort-style amenities the whole family will love. Save 20% with code EVM20 (Book by Sept. 30, 2026 for stays through the end of 2026.) Arizona Grand Resort | Phoenix One of our favorite staycation destinations with an incredible water park. Save 20% with code EVMOMS
arizona travel
A Better Way to Spend School Break BY EAST VALLEY MOMS
School breaks always sound like a great opportunity to make memories—until you're the one responsible for planning them. Researching destinations. Booking lodging. Finding kid-friendly restaurants. Figuring out activities everyone will enjoy. It can quickly start to feel like another job. That's why we created our Mom & Mini Cabin Campouts. These intentionally small mountain getaways are designed by moms, for moms, making it easy to escape the desert without spending weeks planning every detail. We choose the destination, map out the family-friendly activities, organize the group experiences, and create plenty of space for downtime—so all you have to do is pack the car and enjoy your child. Each school break, a small group of East Valley moms and their little ones gather together for a cozy couple days together. Just as meaningful were the moments for moms: morning coffee with new friends, conversations that didn't have to be rushed, shared meals, and the comfort of knowing someone else had already figured out the itinerary. Our retreats are intentionally affordable, thoughtfully scheduled around school breaks, and kept small enough that both moms and kids quickly feel like part of the group. They're designed for elementary-aged children who still think a cabin, a campfire, and a flashlight are all you need for the best weekend ever. If you've been looking for an easier way to make the most of school breaks without taking on all the planning yourself, we'd love to have you join us. Keep an eye on East Valley Moms for upcoming Mom & Mini Cabin Campout dates—our weekends tend to fill quickly with families who are making this their newest tradition.
Make school breaks the weekends your kids remember most. We've already done the planning—you simply pack the car and join us for a cozy mountain escape filled with campfires, crafts, kid-friendly adventures, and meaningful time together. Space is intentionally limited to keep each retreat personal and easy for moms and kids to connect. Join the waitlist and be the first to know when registration opens at East Valley Moms. sign up for the waitlist
What's Included Every East Valley Moms retreat is thoughtfully designed so you can spend less time planning and more time making memories. Your registration includes: Carefully selected family-friendly lodging A curated itinerary with our favorite local adventures Group activities, crafts, and memory-making experiences East Valley Moms welcome gifts for kids A digital guide packed with our favorite restaurants, coffee shops, playgrounds, and local recommendations A private attendee group to connect before the trip and stay in touch afterward On-site hosts throughout the retreat, so every detail is taken care of Think of it as the easiest family getaway you'll take all year —we've already done the research, made the reservations, and planned the fun.
2026-27 GETAWAYS BY EAST VALLEY MOMS Fall Break October 5–7, 2026 Camp Verde, Arizona Covered wagon glamping or private cabins, easy hiking, Montezuma Castle, and one of our most popular retreats of the year. Winter Break Snow Family Camp December 28–30, 2026 Flagstaff, Arizona Our signature cozy cabin weekend with s'mores, nature play, and plenty of mountain holiday magic to make the season last a few more days.
MLK Weekend January 16-18, 2027 Camp Verde, Arizona Private covered wagons and cabins in the pines, forest play, playgrounds, campfires, and the perfect season for exploring. Spring Break March 12-14, 2027 Grand Canyon Full Family Camp Gather the whole family for a bucket-list weekend exploring the South Rim with scenic overlooks, Junior Ranger activities, wildlife spotting, and memories that will last a lifetime.
just for moms
Strong Moms. Big Adventures. WRITTEN BY EAST VALLEY MOMS
Last Mother's Day, I traded brunch reservations for hiking boots and completed the unforgettable trek to Havasupai Gardens in Grand Canyon National Park. It pushed me mentally, physically, and emotionally—and somewhere along those switchbacks, I realized every mom deserves to experience a challenge that reminds her just how strong she really is. In Spring 2027, I'm bringing a small group of East Valley moms back to do it together. This isn't about racing to the finish. It's about encouraging one another, celebrating every mile, and sharing the kind of accomplishment that stays with you long after the hike is over. If a Grand Canyon adventure has been on your bucket list, we'd love to have you with us. Scan the QR code to join the waitlist and be the first to hear when registration opens.
Mom & Mini + Family Retreats • Planned Around School Breaks Hosted and produced by East Valley Moms We plan the itinerary You make the memories Affordable mountain getaways Small groups & cozy private cabins
Flagstaff • Camp Verde • Grand Canyon Fall • Winter • Spring Break Adventures
Scan to view 2026–27 retreat dates and reserve your family's cabin
The Planning Is the Hardest Part So we decided to take it off your plate.
Family adventures are supposed to feel like a break—but for moms, they often begin with hours of research, reservations, packing lists, and trying to build an itinerary everyone will enjoy. We know because we've been there. After years of exploring Arizona with our own families, we realized we weren't just collecting memories—we were collecting the kind of local knowledge that makes traveling easier. The hikes worth taking. The restaurants kids actually enjoy. The hidden gems you'd never find on your own. The little details that turn a good trip into a great one, like this tree swing in Flagstaff (pictured left). That's why we created East Valley Moms Getaways. We scout the destinations, build the itineraries, and take care of the planning, so you can spend less time behind a screen and more time around a campfire, on the trail, or simply making memories with the people you love.
When someone else carries the planning, you get to carry the moments. Photos from past East Valley Moms Getaways.
Roadside attractions
Grand Canyon Deer Farm
WRITTEN BY AMY J MCCONNELL, APR MOM OF 1, LIVES IN MESA
If you're driving to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, or Williams, there's one roadside stop our family never seems to skip: the Grand Canyon Deer Farm.
Best Ages We've visited with toddlers, preschoolers, and now an elementary-aged child, and every stage has been fun in a different way.
Don't let the name fool you—this isn't just a place to feed deer.
One thing to know: the deer are enthusiastic eaters. Younger children sometimes need a little reassurance when several deer gather around them at once.
The 10-acre family attraction is home to llamas, wallabies, reindeer, bison, alpacas, peacocks, and other friendly animals, making it one of northern Arizona's most memorable stops for kids.
The staff does an excellent job explaining how to safely feed the animals, and we've always found them patient and encouraging with first-time visitors.
What to Expect This is a real, working farm. Expect dirt paths, mud after storms, curious animals, and plenty of opportunities to get a little messy. The deer are incredibly friendly (and very food motivated), so don't be surprised if one nudges your elbow, investigates your pockets, or gives your shoelaces a curious nibble while waiting for another snack. Admission gets you into the farm, but animal feed is purchased separately, so be sure to budget a few extra dollars if your kids are excited to feed the deer (trust us—they will be). The property is almost entirely outdoors, so dress for the weather. In summer, arriving early in the day makes for a much more comfortable visit. During winter, bundle up, especially if you're pairing it with a Polar Express weekend.
Maximizing Your Visit One of the biggest perks? Your admission includes all-day re-entry. If you're spending the day in Williams, keep your receipt and come back later. The farm also has plenty of parking—including RV parking—along with picnic tables, restrooms, handwashing stations, and a gift shop. Since there aren't many food options nearby, we almost always pack a picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy before getting back on the road. Pricing & Hours Adults: $20.00 Seniors 62+: $18.00 Children 3-13: $15.00 Children 2 and under are FREE Check website for summer and winter hours and for weather closures
safe travel
8 Smart Safety Tips for Exploring Arizona with Kids WRITTEN BY DESA RAE HOFFMAN MOM OF 3, LIVES IN GILBERT
Some of our family's favorite memories have happened on simple Arizona adventures—a day trip to the pines or a weekend exploring a small mountain town. Before you hit the road, keep these simple safety habits in mind: Teach the basics. Make sure your child knows your full name, phone number, and how to identify safe adults, such as employees or other parents with children. Set expectations early. As soon as you arrive at a park, trail, or attraction, point out clear boundaries and choose an easy meeting spot in case you become separated. Share your plans. Whether you're heading to a splash pad or spending the weekend up north, let someone know where you'll be. Lock up right away. Once everyone is safely inside the vehicle, lock your doors before getting settled or pulling away. Keep safety within reach. A whistle or personal safety alarm clipped to your keys, stroller, or backpack is a small item that can provide extra peace of mind. Pack for the unexpected. Along with snacks, water, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit, consider packing a portable door lock or door alarm for hotel and vacation rental stays. Be mindful about social media. Share the memories after you've left a location rather than posting your family's whereabouts in real time. Stay aware—not anxious. The goal isn't to be fearful; it's to be prepared. Trust your instincts, stay present, and remember that confidence often comes from having a simple plan. The goal isn't to travel in fear—it's to travel prepared. A few simple habits can give you the confidence to say "yes" to more adventures, knowing you've done your part to keep your family safe.
We Go First So You Can Travel with Confidence. One of the biggest hesitations we hear from moms is, "Can I really do this by myself?" Whether it's traveling with multiple kids or navigating a new destination, it's natural to wonder if you'll need an extra set of hands. That's why, for the past three years, East Valley Moms has personally visited, vetted, and hosted every getaway. We choose family-friendly properties we'd confidently recommend to our own families, then create an environment where moms naturally support one another.
Kids quickly become adventure buddies, and you'll never be far from another mom who understands exactly what you're juggling. Still prefer to make memories together? Many of our getaways also offer Family Camp weekends, where dads and siblings are invited too. Every East Valley Moms getaway is personally visited, vetted, and hosted by our team. We never send families somewhere we wouldn't take our own.
Arizona Has a Volcano —And Kids Can Visit It Looking for a family adventure your kids will actually talk about on the drive home? Just 25 minutes north of Flagstaff, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument lets families explore the remains of a real volcano that erupted nearly 1,000 years ago. Walk through black lava fields, stand at the base of the cinder cone, and experience one of Arizona's most unique landscapes. The easy, stroller-friendly Lava Flow Trail and Bonito Vista Trail make it a great stop for families with young children, while older kids will love earning a Junior Ranger badge and learning how astronauts have trained here since the 1960s. Plan to spend about two hours exploring before continuing your Flagstaff adventure. It's the perfect half-day outing to add a little "wow" to your Northern Arizona itinerary.
FAMILY VACATION
Camp, But Make It Family Time Inside the East Valley Moms Family Camp experience
WRITTEN BY AMY MCCONNELL MOM OF 1, LIVES IN MESA
What if you, as mom, got to show up and enjoy your family vacation instead of planning it all? Our East Valley Moms Family Camp is designed for families with young children to step away from the everyday routine and spend a few meaningful days together in the cool mountain air around Arizona. It’s a chance to slow down, explore, and surround your family with others who are in the same beautiful (and busy) stage of parenthood. Each family will stay in their own private mini cabin, giving you space to relax and recharge while still being part of the larger camp community. WINTER CAMP WITH EAST VALLEY MOMS 2025
Your Private Cabin
Evenings at Camp
Families will stay in cozy mini cabins nestled among the pines, offering the perfect balance of privacy and community. Each cabin serves as your family’s home base for the weekend — a quiet place to unwind after a day of exploring while still being steps away from the rest of camp.
As the sun sets, families come back together for relaxed community time. These evenings are all about connection — simple meals, playful activities for kids, and meaningful moments with other moms and families who truly understand this stage of life.
Daytime Adventures, Your Way Family Camp is intentionally designed with flexibility in mind. During the day, you’ll have time to explore with your own crew. Our team will provide four curated itineraries filled with family-friendly ideas near our cabins — from easy nature walks to local attractions — so planning is effortless while still leaving room for spontaneous fun.
What’s Included in Your Family Camp Experience Private mini cabin lodging Curated family adventure itineraries Evening community activities Kid-friendly crafts and experiences A welcoming community of East Valley families Because the best summer memories aren’t always the biggest trips — sometimes they’re simply a few days away together.
Why Families Keep Coming Back Mom & Mini Cabin Campouts, Family Camp & Camp Mom
Group dinners with a kid table
Mud pie contest... with prizes.
The campfire nobody wanted to leave.
Epic photo opps for moms & minis
Bonding time and planned adventures
Camp crafts