An Arizona family reunion is a fantastic idea, especially if your group loves fun activities and beautiful scenery. With a range of destinations and price points, Arizona offers something for everyone.
Whether you want a bucket-list trip to the Grand Canyon or a simple getaway to a scenic city, your family will find some wonderful options in Arizona.
If you are in charge of planning your family reunion, be sure to keep Arizona in the mix. We’ve put together our favorite ideas we think you will love!
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Best Places to Have Your Arizona Family Reunion
1. Phoenix
Phoenix is the perfect place for a family reunion. You can enjoy the lively culture and nightlife of downtown Phoenix, or head to the city’s outskirts, where natural beauty awaits.
Some of our favorite attractions in Phoenix include the Desert Botanical Garden, the Camelback Mountain hike (for strong hikers) or South Mountain Park for all fitness levels, and the Roosevelt Row Arts District.
Phoenix also has some fantastic family-friendly local restaurants (we recommend Barrio Cafe or Pizzeria Bianco), kid-friendly museums, and some epic golf courses.
Where To Stay
The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a top choice for many families. There are a variety of rooms and guest suites too choose from, so you can choose the best for your group. On-site amenities include a waterpark, golf, fitness center, and spa.
If you’re drawn to the culture and charm of Phoenix but want to explore outside of the city, check out these fantastic destinations in the surrounding area:
Glendale
Glendale is located just outside of Phoenix. This city is home to the Arizona Cardinals NFL team and has several attractions for the whole family. Check out the Mattel Adventure Park, Wildlife World Zoo, Westgate Entertainment District, or take a hike or ride the bike paths that run through Thunderbird Conservation Park.
Where to Stay
One property everyone is watching is Vai Resort, scheduled to open in 2025. This vast property will allow your family to stay in one place, enjoying the sparkling outdoor pool, modern restaurants, and onsite shopping. While you are waiting for its debut, we recommend finding a vacation rental in Glendale that can accommodate your group. There are plenty to choose from in this area.
Tempe
If you travel just east of Phoenix, you’ll reach Tempe, a bustling university city with fantastic arts and dining plus some fabulous outdoor activities. Walk around Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe, take a hike in Papago Park or SUP on Tempe Town Lake. Tempe also has an impressive events calendar with many outdoor festivals and concerts.
Where to Stay
Tempe Mission Palms is located in downtown Tempe with easy access to shopping, restaurants, ASU’s campus, and Hayden Butte (an easy hike for families with city views). The property has a rooftop pool, fitness center, and two restaurants on-site.
Mesa
Although Mesa is close to Phoenix, it feels a bit removed. The city has plenty of opportunities to hike, bird watch, spot wildlife, golf, and maybe even go up in a hot air balloon ride. This is a family-friendly destination with splash pads, playgrounds, and dinner theaters.
Where to Stay
Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch has an array of leisure activities and screen-free cabins that are ideal for enjoying quality time. There is also complimentary breakfast, which makes group travel even easier. The beauty of this property is that is sits alongside the Salt River, allowing guests to take kayaks or paddle boards out on the water, and experience trail rides through the area’s natural beauty.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a popular destination near Phoenix, and it’s exciting for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the vibrant community of Old Town Scottsdale, or head into the desert to hike, sightsee, and unwind. There are plenty of spas in Scottsdale, along with go-kart tracks, horseback riding, and art museums. The Musical Instrument Museum is a place all ages will enjoy.
Where to Stay
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch has a fun kids’ pool with waterslides, a tennis and pickleball complex, a golf course, a spa, and delicious restaurants.
2. Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu City is a top choice because it has enough to keep all your family members entertained while allowing plenty of quality downtime. Hike through the desert or hit the water. There are also plenty of playgrounds and beaches for families. Lake Havasu is great for boating, swimming, and kayaking. Pontoon boats are available to rent and make for a perfect day on the lake.
Where to Stay
This family-friendly Lake Havasu rental home has a private pool, hot tub, outdoor BBQ area, and plenty of space – plus a pirate theme to boot!
3. Tucson
Tucson is sure to keep the entire family busy, and planning group activities here will be a breeze. Ziplining, hiking, golfing, and shopping are some of the best things to do in Tucson, and the town’s Wild West vibes make for a memorable trip.
Don’t forget to try some of the delicious and unique food in this Arizona city – its diversity and eclectic atmosphere are a dream for foodies.
Tucson is also home to one of the most underrated yet unique national parks in the US, Saguaro National Park.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for unique reunion venues, consider a dude ranch stay. Tanque Verde Ranch is a 60,000-acre property with onsite activities and various accommodation options.
4. Sedona
Sedona strikes a nice balance between spiritual serenity and unforgettable adventures, so there’s something for everyone here. Take a train, see the red rocks from a hot air balloon, or try a horseback ride. There are multiple state parks with hikes for all skill levels and nice spas for grown-ups wanting to unwind.
Where to Stay
Enchantment Resort is a top-notch place to stay during your Arizona family reunion. The suites are spacious, the grounds are lovely, and the outdoor pool is a blast for kids of all ages.
5. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Escaping into the wilderness is one of the best ways to enjoy a family reunion. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is perfect for families who want to enjoy the outdoors. This gorgeous spot on the Arizona / Nevada border offers excellent hiking, boating, kayaking, and even scuba diving.
Where to Stay
Cottonwood Cove Resort Marina is located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Rent a 12-person houseboat, bring your RV, or book rooms at their motel.
6. Payson
Payson is in central Arizona and it is the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of Tonto National Forest by having your Arizona family reunion. This small town is heavenly for anyone who loves hiking, history, and geography. It’s also home to the world’s oldest continuous rodeo. There aren’t many tourist attractions, but there are plenty of quiet and scenic things to keep everyone busy.
Where to Stay
We recommend booking a vacation rental in Payson. Larger properties have plenty of common areas where the entire family can gather and make memories.
7. Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is on many travelers’ bucket lists. A family reunion is the perfect excuse to visit one of the most iconic sights in the United States. To make sure everyone has a great time, choose accommodations with easy access to the park. Include plenty of downtime to simply gather amid the natural beauty.
But be sure to adventure, too! Things to do in the Grand Canyon include hiking, mule rides, rafting, rail excursions, and sightseeing drives.
Where to Stay
Staying on the South Rim near Grand Canyon Village will put you closest to the main action of Grand Canyon National Park. Bright Angel Lodge has cabins and guest rooms in a historic and scenic setting, making it a relaxing home base with easy access to the park.
8. Show Low
Your family will have a wonderful time in Show Low, especially if they love outdoor recreation and a bit of charming small-town life. This is a fantastic place for fishing, boating, and enjoying the scenery of the White Mountains. Head into town to find vibrant art galleries, regular special events, and several ways to learn about Native American culture.
Where to Stay
Torreon Golf Club has a lot of options for vacation rentals that work for a family reunion. There are some community amentities that might be accessible to renters, but you will need to confirm when making your reservation.
9. Lake Powell and Page
To truly take in the majesty of the Colorado River, plan your Arizona family reunion in Page and Lake Powell. This is home to the Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is an excellent destination for a weekend reunion. Anyone wanting to vacation longer can venture to Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon.
Where to Stay
Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat is a unique glamping destination with a ranch and a variety of lodging options including bell tents, covered wagons, and Navajo hogans. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the American Southwest, complete with stargazing, storytelling, and dining.
10. Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a beautiful mountain town where you can plan the best family reunion any time of year. Hiking, biking, and sightseeing reign supreme and in the winter, skiers and snowboarders will have a fun time in the Arizona Snowbowl.
Downtown Flagstaff has unique restaurants, art galleries, and live music venues. Don’t miss the Lowell Observatory for night skies, Walnut Canyon for ancient cliff dwellings, and Sunset Crater.
Where to Stay
Village Camp Flagstaff is a spacious resort with cabins and RV sites. It’s great for family reunions as the property has modern amenities and classic outdoor action. Be sure to check out the seasonal pool, full-service bar, and the event lawn that works perfectly for outdoor gatherings.
11. Prescott
Looking for a place that will entertain a large group? Prescott works well because of its lively downtown and serene outskirts. In the city, you’ll find live music, cultural museums, and unique restaurants. Head to nearby Jerome for a unique ghost town experience, spend time at Watson or Willow Lake, hike in Prescott National Forest, and be sure to spend time exploring the historic downtown.
Where to Stay
This Prescott vacation rental has the right amount of space for an unforgettable Arizona family reunion. It’s close enough to the attractions of downtown and Lynx Lake but secluded enough to feel like a true retreat.