What to Do in Scottsdale
By Judy Koutsky
Blessed with sunshine, ample outdoor activities and spirited Western-flavored culture and history, Scottsdale is one of those special destinations that invite families to come out and play. Kids and adults prepared to spoil their inner child will find endless opportunities here.
Whether watching live demonstrations devoted to Native American culture, listening to a cowpoke rattle off Western lore, or learning about the habits of Gila monsters from a desert guide, Scottsdale is a treasure trove of enriching experiences for families ready to explore. No wonder that when it comes to family travel options, the sky is the limit in Scottsdale.
Surrounded by a natural wonderland, Scottsdale is the perfect setting for family adventures in the great outdoors. More than 100 miles of hiking and biking trails provide plenty of moderate options perfect for family excursions into one of Scottsdale’s recreation areas, such as the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Kids also are big fans of jeep and hummer tours, which allow them to ride safely in the rugged vehicles while colorful guides share tall tales and explain the fascinating habits of the denizens of the Sonoran Desert. This unforgettable outing may include gold panning, petroglyph walks and chuck-wagon cookouts as well.
And surely the highpoint of a visit here for any youngster has to be a flight over the Sonoran Desert landscape in a hot air balloon. Here, they will get the bird's-eye view of the desert wildlife from the gondola as the balloon drifts quietly across the blue Arizona sky. Horseback and hay rides are other wonderful ways to experience the West's living legacy, which also is on display at the Desert Botanical Garden (www.dbg.org). The best place in the area to learn about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, kids especially love the Garden's free clue sheet, which turns learning into a game as various cacti and plants are matched with their proper names and places of origin.
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