Arizona

Phoenix Arizona, home to the ruins of an age-old culture, appears barren, but is rich in wildlife, vegetation, and minerals. Though dry, Arizona was formed by ancient seas, and rushing rivers carved its breathtaking canyons. Though harsh and arid, it harbors a fragile beauty, with solitary juniper trees and cacti springing from its cracked soil.

South of the central mountains, the desert claims most of the land. Surrounded by irrigated fields and picturesque mountains, the city of Phoenix sprawls across one of the region's saucer-shaped valleys. Many family friendly resorts can be found in Phoenix and we've listed some of the best.

Primary Activities: Tennis, golf, swimming pools, breathtaking scenery, Lake Mead.

Best Time to Travel: September through March are probably the best times to vacation in Phoenix, but any time of the year offers a peaceful vacation. Summers are very hot, but as you northern folks know, you'll never have to shovel the heat!

The Buttes

• Kids stay free in parents' rooms.
• Larger rooms are available for an extra charge.
• Cribs are available free of charge, roll-aways $10 charge.
• Baby-sitting is available. Cost varies.
• On-site restaurant with child's menu.
• Disposable diapers are available on-site
• The Buttes offers a summer program for kids, with 1/2 day or full day of organized activities and can include meals.
• Pool area has a mountain slide.
• Offered by: Southwest Airlines Fun Pack Vacations.

Pointe Hilton on South Mountain

• Kids stay free in parents' room.
• Larger rooms are available for an extra charge.
• Cribs and roll-aways available free of charge.
• Rooms have refrigerators. Courtesy Bar will be converted to include snack, juice and soda.
• Baby-sitting is available. Cost varies.
• Disposable diapers for sale on-site.
• Pool with significant shallow end.
• Offers a program for kids aged 4 - 12. It runs from 9 am - 5 pm and consists of organized kids' activities.
• Hotel has a game room on property.
• Offered by: Southwest Airlines Fun Pack Vacations.
• United Vacations

Hospitality Suite Resort

• Kids stay free in parents' room.
• Larger rooms are available for an extra charge.
• Cribs, and roll-aways cost $10 each.
• Rooms feature full kitchens.
• No baby-sitting available.
• Three play pools on-site.
• Hotel offers discount coupons for local activities and free transportation to such places as the local zoo, water park and skating rink.
• Offered by: Southwest Airlines Fun Pack Vacations Offered by: Southwest Airlines Fun Pack Vacations, United Vacations

Note: All Southwest Airlines Fun Pack Vacations packages include use of an Alamo economy rental car for the first 24 hours with optional upgrades to a family size car. Packages also include a funbook discount coupon booklet and 24 hour traveler assistance. Optional Disneyland and Universal Studios passes are also available. Kids 2 and under fly free, and discounts are available for the 2nd and 3rd seat booked by a family traveling with children.