Summer In Arizona the Cooler Things To Do

For those who own a 2nd home in Arizona or are thinking of it, this Article is for you.

Last Summer my Nephews (16, 15, & 11 years) flew in from Calgary to visit me here in Arizona for 3 weeks.  I have gotten numerous e-mails asking me.  ”What did you do with 3 Canadian Kids in the middle of Summer in Arizona?”  After Pondering that question I thought I would give you as much information as I could find on things to do with Kids & Us Big Kids here in Arizona.

During the summer (as you probably know) our soaring temperatures sometimes exceed 46C or 115F and on many days there needs to be a few Swimming Pools and a couple of Dogs around to help cool things down.                                                                                            

Please add your ideas at the end and I will edit this blog.

We traveled Back & Forth between Phoenix and Bisbee.   Bisbee is in the High Desert and so is much cooler than the Valley  See Rental Information Below.

Here are My Top Suggestions

1.  Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale has close to 3,000 musical instruments from all over the world and it’s really hands on for kids to look at and learn.  The collection includes instruments from around 200 countries and territories with multiple displays for different types of ethnic, folk and tribal music.  It’s Tony Bennett’s Favorite Museum.

2. Arizona Science Center in Downtown Phoenix is an Educational Experience for everyone.  From Family-Friendly presentations to hands-on Gallery Programs.  Get your Hands On Science!!

3. Kids Museum in Phoenix is Acting on the Principle that learning is a Joy, and the Children’s Museum of Phoenix’s mission is to engage the Minds, Muscles & Imaginations of children and the Grown-Ups who care about them.  Hands-On designed for children.

4. Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson has nearly 300 Aircraft spread out over 80 acres on a campus occupying 127 Acres.  One of the World’s largest, Non-Government funded Aerospace Museums.

5.  Bisbee Arizona is a Unique Mining Town; a picturesque getaway with charming, restored Victorian Homes Perched high on the outlying hillsides & a downtown center filled with Gift Shops, Antique Stores, Cafes, Museums & Art Galleries. Once one of the richest mineral sites in the world.

Things to Do In Bisbee 

Queen Mine Tour-Get outfitted in a hardhat, miner’s headlamp and a yellow slicker. Thousands of Bisbee visitors descend into the Queen Mine each year-heading underground and back in time.

Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum Continues to work closely with the Smithsonian Institution to create exhibits to interpret Bisbee’s legacy.  It has a Long Term Loan of nearly 150 minerals originally from Bisbee.

Every Weekend of the year there seems to be something going on in Bisbee.  look for the Calendar of Events and plan your trip around that.

Where to Stay- Rent the Little House on Taylor Sleeps up to 4 People.  Call Tiffany  at 602-828-8996 for information and availability.  See Video. Takes a minute to download.                                       Bisbee Arizona Furnished Home In Historical District

6.  Tombstone Only 23 Miles from Bisbee.  Tombstone is an Old West Town where the Real West is reenacted everyday of the year.  Home to perhaps the most famous Graveyard of the Old West, Boot Hill.

7.  Kartchner Caverns National Park  It’s secret was kept since it’s discovery in 1974 and it was announced to the World in 1988.  Still virtually pristine, this massive limestone cave has 13,000 feet of passages and two rooms as long as a football field.  Finally opened as a state park November 12th 1999, this underground wilderness will remain protected while offering visitors a rare tour through multi-colored cave formations.

8.  Chiricahua National Park is famous for its extensive vertical rock formations.  this is a great area for a family picnic as it is so picturesque.  Stone Columns are the most common formation in the monument.

9.  Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) is a United States Astronomical Observatory 6,880 ft.   55 miles southwest of Tucson. The Observatory is considered to be part of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) although some of the telescopes located here belong to other groups.  With 26 independent telescopes, it is the largest, most diverse gathering of astronomical instruments in the World.  When we were there we met 2 young scientists (from Japan & Germany) who were measuring the wind velocity on Mars in relationship to earth.  

10.  Diamond Backs Game-Getting Tickets to the Diamond Backs Game turned out to be a highlight of my Nephews Summer.  It is something that they will always remember.

11.  SkyVenture Arizona- is a state of the Art Skydiving Wind Tunnel,  located in Eloy Arizona, halfway between Phoenix and Tucson.  This was a recommendation from  Andrea in Calgary.  

Restaurants 

Finally I would like to recommend a couple of good Kids Restaurants in the Valley.   The Organ Stop  in Mesa has the best Pizza with lots of leftovers for the next day at the Pool.   Thanks Sandi and Kimber for the Pool Time.   Also the Rain Forest Cafe in Tempe has to be a Valley Favorite for many families.

Finally, please make a comment on my Blog..I would love to add your suggestions and remember the Sun Shines 365 days a year in Arizona.  Become a Part of It and I’m here is you ever need me.

Tiffany J Haynes, Realtor, CRS, ABR, CDPE                               RE/MAX Excalibur, Arizona                                                               Direct 602-828-8996  Fax 1-888-851-7722                                   2nd Home Specialist

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