How to Be a Tourist in Phoenix?

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g31310-Activities...

Here you go!! Have fun!!

Grand Canyon isn't too far. It's a good three hour drive if you just want to go see it. It's pretty neat to see. If you want to go down to the bottom well then you should plan a over night trip. The interstate 17 is the quickest route to Flagstaff. The drive is pretty desert with the sequoia cactus everywhere.

Camel Mountain is a good hike, take plenty of water and a camera for the views. :)

Goodyear has the baseball fields for the major league teams to practice.

Scottsdale has a place called Rawhide that gives the feel of the old west. http://www.rawhide.com/

Depends upon what you think is too far for the Grand Canyon - it's a good 3 hours from Phoenix and it's not just a "drive by" there's things to see and do there.

There are a TON of outdoor activities in Phoenix. Camelback Mountain (now I've not been in 30 years - sorry - showing my age here) but it was fun hiking it way back when.

Sedona is about 1.5 hours north of Phoenix and it's a freaking awesome place.

Good luck! Have fun!

I agree with Elaine B's advice re tripadvisor, TONS of current useful reviews and info, I travel a LOT and it's by far my favorite travel site.
The Grand Canyon is way too far for a day trip, it's at least a four to five hour drive. If you have the time and energy you could spend a few days in Flagstaff (about three and a half hours from Phoenix, an hour and a half from the Grand Canyon) and also see Sedona, which is breathtaking. Flagstaff is a cute, family friendly, historical college town, my son went to school there, NAU!
As far as Phoenix it's mostly people, traffic and buildings, and GOLF of course. Scottsdale has some nice shopping and history. The Phoenix Zoo is actually pretty cool because it's not too big and they have several exhibits and animals that are unique to the southwest, so it really isn't like every other zoo.
Get on tripadvisor for ideas and maybe current events, festivals, etc. Have fun, the desert is cool (well not literally lol!)

I lived in the Phoenix area a couple of years. We hiked South Mountain a few times. It is an easy hike. When do you plan to go? Be sure to check on the weather before you go. Summer is extremely hot. If you're hiking you need to do it in the early morning or the evening. I've hiked outside Sedona and enjoyed it. It's an hours ride from Phoenix, if I remember right. Weather is somewhat cooler.

I've been to the foot of Camelback Mtn. Even if you don't hike it, driving around there is interesting. I remember the trails not so easy.

My granddaughter and her Dad rode horses led by a guide. All very western. You'll find horse rides along South Mountain. Again, be sure to carry water. Carrying water is a must at all times.

How old are your kids? I enjoyed the Botanical Gardens. Kids might find it boring.

The Grand Canyon is too far for a one day trip. It is worth seeing and an overnight stay. The trails are rigorous. You definitely can not go to the bottom. I've been to the Grand Canyon often. It is amazing. There is an interesting film about the canyons history and a small museum containing historic boats and equipment from when it was discovered.

My cousins and I trained so we could hike from the north side to the south side. Took 2 days of hard hiking. We stayed at Phantom Ranch over night. Phantom Ranch is very rustic with no electricity or piped in water. I's the only building at the bottom of the canyon. Another year we rafted down the river. Stayed overnight in a camp set up by the guides. Had a delicious dinner and breakfast, cooked by the guides. Slept under the stars, did our business in a camping potty behind a scrub brush. You do have to make reservations at least a year in advance. Maybe longer ahead of time now.

There is a lodge and motel inside the park. I stayed in the motel once. It's close to the rim and worth spending a few extra bucks. It's best to make reservations well ahead of time.

There are numerous motel options outside the park that are less expensive. You can ride mules on one of the trails.

The museum in Phoenix area shows only things from the dessert aND indian culture. It's not like every other museum. I was glad I went.

You can get more information from their website.

My in-laws winter in nearby Scottsdale and we've taken the kids there a couple times now. You might like Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale. It's a huge indoor room full of butterflies. They will often land right on you, so it's great for kids. There's a mirror maze next door and they were in the process of building an aquarium last time we were there that I think should be open by now.

Have heard that the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is worth a visit and plan to go there on a future visit.

Depending on where you stay in Phx, the Grand Canyon can be more than 3.5-4 hours. It doesn't take a long time to see the GC. LOL Obviously the only "activity" that would take time is to hike down. They also have helicopter rides. You can google all that. But to just go "see" it, you can easily do that in a day.

On your way to or from the GC is Sedona (about 2 hours from Phx). It has beautiful red mountains and tons of hiking trails and things to see outdoors. They also have the Pink Jeep Tours that are super fun and easy to see the area. Look them up on Google.

Phx itself is surrounded by mountains that have hiking trails. Make sure you take enough water. It's still over 100 here.

When we have family/friends visit we take them to Goldfield in Apache Junction (just east of Mesa). It's a "ghost town" but mostly old mining stuff, food, ice cream, shoot out, train ride, souvenirs and beautiful views of the Superstation Mountains.

Not far from Goldfields is Usery Mountain Shooting Range. Not sure how old your kids are but that may be a fun and memorable thing to do with them. You can google details on their website. Good luck.

I also use TripAdvisor, but love to come here and get tips from people who live near by or who have advice on things still. Nothing wrong with asking advice for family fun in a city :).

I haven't been to AZ since I was in middle school (mid 90's) and I think we spent most of our time in Tucson. I hope you have a great trip though!!

Google top 10 things to do in Phoenix

I've only been to Sedona, which is about 2 hours north of Phoenix, as a tourist. I drove through Phoenix.

I would contact a travel agent or use tripadvisor.

I live in Phoenix, born and raised so if you have any questions feel free to pm me :o)