Leave Bozeman around 8:00 AM, following I-90 west toward Butte and then US-93 south through the Bitterroot Valley. Plan on roughly 3½–4 hours of driving in good conditions, plus a fuel and coffee stop; winter weather can add considerably more time, so check Montana 511 before leaving and keep the schedule flexible. A stop around Butte is practical for fuel, restrooms, and a quick packed lunch if the roads are slow. After arriving in Hamilton, drop off the dog before sightseeing and confirm your hotel’s parking arrangements—particularly if you have a larger vehicle or trailer.
Once settled, take an easy 45-minute walk beside the Bitterroot River, choosing an accessible public riverfront pullout or trail near town rather than trying to cover a long stretch. The valley views are especially striking in winter, but expect mud, ice, or snow and bring traction-friendly shoes; daylight is limited in December, so aim to be on the river by early afternoon. Then continue to the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust for about an hour. The mansion is a highlight of Hamilton, but holiday-season tours and hours can be limited or closed, so verify the current schedule before committing. If it is open, reserve enough time for the tour and parking; if not, enjoy the exterior and grounds without counting on interior access.
Finish at Bitterroot Brewing Company, a convenient, casual choice after the mansion and river walk, with burgers, pizza, and local beer. Expect approximately $15–30 per person before drinks and tip. Arrive a little earlier than the main dinner rush if you want an easier table for five, and check holiday hours before setting out. After dinner, keep the evening quiet—the next day begins the longer southbound drive toward Idaho Falls, so an early night will make the US-93 and I-15 departure much more comfortable.
Leave Hamilton around 8:00 AM via US-93 and I-15, allowing roughly 4½–5 hours with winter-road pauses. Check Montana 511 and Idaho 511 before setting out, top off the tank, and keep the packed lunch, water, blankets, and snacks accessible rather than buried in the luggage. The route is straightforward but can be slow around mountain passes and in blowing snow, so treat the arrival time as flexible.
After checking into your Idaho Falls hotel—ideally one with included breakfast and easy downtown parking—head to the Idaho Falls River Walk for about an hour beside the Snake River. The paved paths and falls are an easy way to loosen up after the drive; in December, daylight fades early, so go as soon as you arrive. From there, it’s a short drive or roughly a 15-minute walk to the Museum of Idaho, where you can spend about 1½ hours with regional history and the current rotating exhibits. Confirm Sunday’s hours and admission before leaving Hamilton, since holiday schedules can change; adult admission is generally around $10–15, with youth tickets typically less.
Walk or drive a few minutes to the Idaho Falls Temple grounds for a quiet 30-minute stop. The grounds are especially pleasant around dusk, when the architecture and landscaping are illuminated, though this is an outdoor visit—bring warm layers and allow time for snow or icy paths. Finish at The SnakeBite Restaurant downtown, a comfortable choice for a hearty dinner after the road day; budget roughly $20–35 per person before drinks and tip. It can be busy on Sunday evenings, so call ahead or arrive early, and confirm its holiday hours before committing.
Leave Idaho Falls around 8:00 AM for the drive south on I-15, allowing 3½–4 hours in normal conditions and extra time for winter weather, road work, and a quick fuel stop. Keep lunch and warm layers accessible in the car, and check Idaho 511 and UDOT’s road report before leaving. After arriving, park near Capitol Hill—street parking can be limited, so a garage or metered space is usually easier—and leave the car there while you explore the first two stops on foot.
Start at the Utah State Capitol, where the grand interior and broad views over Salt Lake City make a worthwhile first stop after the drive. Allow about 45 minutes, but verify Monday visitor access and tour availability before relying on an interior visit; holiday schedules can change. From Capitol Hill, drive or walk downhill toward Temple Square—roughly a 15-minute walk, depending on your parking spot—for about an hour among the historic grounds and seasonal displays. Several buildings and exhibits may have restricted access, so treat this as an outdoor campus visit unless current holiday information confirms otherwise.
Continue a few blocks to City Creek Center, an easy indoor break in the heart of downtown. Plan around an hour to browse, warm up, and pick up a snack or hot drink; the open-air sections are pleasant when the weather cooperates, but the covered areas are especially useful with teenagers and winter temperatures. The walk from Temple Square is only about five minutes, or you can use the free downtown TRAX zone if everyone is tired. Keep the afternoon relaxed rather than adding another major attraction—this is a travel day, and downtown traffic plus hotel check-in can take longer than expected.
After checking into your hotel, head to Red Iguana in north downtown for dinner. It is about a 10-minute drive from central downtown, with parking available nearby, though availability and waits are unpredictable. The restaurant is popular for its rich regional Mexican dishes and usually costs around $15–30 per person; with five people, expect a wait at peak dinner time, so arriving around 5:00–5:30 PM is the safest approach. If you arrive later, put your name down and take a short walk nearby rather than waiting in a crowded entryway.
Leave Salt Lake City around 7:30 AM for the roughly 4½–5-hour drive south on I-15. Make a quick fuel and restroom stop along the way, and keep your packed lunch, water, and warm layers accessible in the car. Check UDOT and Utah 511 before leaving; winter conditions can still affect the higher stretches near Cedar City, even when the weather in St. George is mild. After checking into your hotel, allow a little time to stretch and settle in before exploring downtown.
Start with a relaxed 45-minute walk along St. George Historic Downtown, particularly Main Street and the blocks around St. George Boulevard. The red sandstone buildings and tidy historic streets make this a pleasant first look at the city, and the compact center is easy to explore on foot. Continue to the Brigham Young Winter Home, a well-preserved historic house downtown; allow about 45 minutes, but check the official opening schedule before setting out because holiday hours may be reduced or the site may close on short notice. Street parking is generally convenient downtown, though a short walk may be easier than moving the car between stops.
Drive about 10 minutes northwest to Pioneer Park and spend roughly an hour among the red-rock formations and viewpoints. This is a good place for the teenagers to burn off some road-trip energy, but wear shoes with traction and keep younger or less confident scramblers close to the marked paths—some edges are steep and the sandstone can be slippery. Aim to arrive before sunset; winter daylight fades early, and the park is best enjoyed while there is still enough light to see the informal trails. Bring jackets even if the afternoon feels warm, since the temperature drops quickly after sunset.
Return downtown for dinner at George’s Corner Restaurant, a casual choice where the family can eat without turning the evening into another production. Budget approximately $15–30 per person, and expect a holiday-period wait if you arrive during the main dinner rush; calling ahead is sensible for five people. After dinner, take a brief stroll through the nearby historic blocks if everyone still has energy, then return to the hotel for an early night and breakfast before tomorrow’s drive.
Leave St. George around 7:30 AM for the planned drive via I-15 and US-93, allowing 5½–6 hours plus fuel, lunch, and winter-traffic delays. Check Utah, Nevada, and Arizona road conditions before departing, and keep water, snacks, and the packed lunch within reach. After arriving in the Phoenix area, allow time to check in and unload before heading back out; with five travelers, driving your own car is easiest, and parking is generally straightforward at the afternoon stops.
Start with Papago Park, where the short climb to Hole-in-the-Rock gives everyone an easy first look at the red sandstone and broad desert landscape. Plan about an hour, ideally before sunset; the trail is free, though parking fills more quickly on pleasant winter afternoons. From there, it is only a few minutes by car to the Desert Botanical Garden for roughly two hours among the Sonoran Desert plant collections and seasonal displays. Reserve timed admission in advance if the garden is using timed entry, especially during the holiday period; admission commonly runs around $30–40 for adults, with teen pricing varying by date.
Drive about 15–20 minutes to Old Town Scottsdale and spend an hour wandering the galleries, public art, and palm-lined streets around Main Street and Marshall Way. This is a good low-key introduction to the Phoenix area after a long driving day, and most of the district is easy to explore on foot. Finish at The Mission for modern Mexican food in a memorable historic adobe setting. Dinner is typically about $25–45 per person before drinks and tip; reserve ahead, since holiday-week tables can disappear quickly. Afterward, return to your hotel and keep the evening simple—the family will have had a full travel day.
Start with breakfast at your hotel, then aim to reach Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park shortly after opening—around 9:00 AM is ideal for cooler temperatures and more active animals. Plan on about three hours for the main trails, including the Africa Trail and Arizona Trail; comfortable shoes, hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles are essential even in late December. Holiday-season hours and timed-ticket requirements can change, so check the zoo’s official calendar and reserve admission in advance if offered. Parking is generally available on-site, but arrive early for the easiest spaces; admission is commonly in the mid-$30s to $40s for adults, with youth pricing varying by age.
After the zoo, drive roughly 10–15 minutes to Tempe Town Lake, allowing extra time for holiday traffic and parking. Stretch your legs with an easy walk along the waterfront—about an hour is enough for the pedestrian paths, bridges, and views toward Tempe Beach Park. If the family wants to bike, rentals may be available through local bike-share or rental operators, but check winter holiday hours before relying on them. The lakefront is a good place to use your packed lunch if everyone prefers a quick, inexpensive break before the next stop; bring a light layer, since the breeze can feel cool.
Continue a few minutes south to Arizona Mills for an indoor change of pace and roughly 90 minutes of shopping or entertainment. This is especially useful if the teenagers want some independent browsing after the outdoor morning. The mall’s individual attractions and restaurant counters keep separate holiday hours, so check the center’s calendar before committing to a particular activity; parking is plentiful, though the complex is large and can become busy during the holiday week. Keep the visit deliberately flexible rather than trying to cover the entire mall.
Finish in Tempe at Cornish Pasty Co., a relaxed choice for a hearty dinner after a full day. The stuffed pasties are filling and easy to share, with vegetarian and meat options plus salads and other sides; budget about $15–30 per person. Expect a possible wait around the dinner rush, particularly during the holiday period, so check the restaurant’s current hours and join a waitlist if available. From Arizona Mills, allow roughly 10–15 minutes by car depending on traffic; afterward, return to the hotel without adding another stop—the zoo, waterfront, and mall already make this a satisfying family day.
Because this is Christmas Day, verify holiday hours and buy tickets in advance before building the morning around it. If open, arrive close to opening—roughly 10:00 AM is a comfortable target after your hotel’s continental breakfast. The Heard Museum is one of Phoenix’s finest cultural stops, and its galleries are substantial without being exhausting for teenagers; allow about two hours for contemporary Indigenous art, historic collections, and the particularly engaging exhibits on Native peoples of the Southwest. Admission is typically in the adult-$26–30 range, with reduced youth pricing, but holiday schedules and prices can change.
Afterward, drive downtown—usually about 10 minutes, depending on your hotel—and park once for the next two stops if possible. At Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, wander among Arizona’s memorials and civic landmarks for around 45 minutes. It is an outdoor stop, so bring water and sun protection even in December; the plaza is free and open-air, though individual buildings nearby may be closed for Christmas.
Continue to Phoenix Public Market for your planned snack or picnic provisions, but treat this as a holiday-hours check rather than a guarantee. Regular market operations may be reduced or closed on Christmas Day, so confirm same-day availability before setting out; if it is open, allow roughly 45 minutes for browsing and picking up something easy to share. If not, keep the afternoon flexible around downtown and return to the hotel for a break—after several travel-heavy days, the teenagers will appreciate some unstructured time more than another scheduled attraction.
Make Pizzeria Bianco your one firm evening reservation, and confirm both Christmas opening and the reservation policy directly. The restaurant is celebrated for wood-fired pizza, but holiday seating can be limited and walk-in waits may be lengthy; reserve as soon as the holiday schedule is released and arrive early enough for parking and check-in. Budget approximately $25–45 per person before drinks and gratuity. After dinner, take an easy stroll through downtown if everyone still has energy, but keep the evening low-key—Christmas hours throughout Phoenix can be limited, and the best version of this day is a memorable meal rather than a rushed string of backup plans.
Have breakfast at the hotel, then drive north to the Musical Instrument Museum for opening time, ideally around 9:00 or 10:00 AM. From central Phoenix, allow roughly 30–40 minutes by car; parking is free, and arriving early makes it easier to see the galleries before they become busy. Plan on about 2½ hours, focusing on the geographic galleries and the Experience Gallery, where the teenagers can try instruments themselves. Check the museum’s holiday schedule and reserve timed admission if required—December hours and ticket availability can change.
After the museum, continue about 10–15 minutes to the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve. This is a compact visit rather than a major hike: allow about an hour for the short trail and the petroglyph viewing area. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring water, and stay on the marked path to protect the fragile desert surface. Verify seasonal hours before leaving the museum, since this site may have a narrower schedule than larger Phoenix attractions.
Drive south toward the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, allowing approximately 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. For a manageable family outing, use the Gateway Trailhead and walk part of the Gateway Loop—the full loop is longer than you need today, so turn around when everyone has had enough. Late afternoon is beautiful here, with warm light on the granite and saguaros, but carry water even in winter. Parking at popular trailheads can fill, so arriving before the busiest late-afternoon window is helpful; check the preserve’s trail and parking updates before setting out.
Finish at The Stand Burgers in north Scottsdale, roughly 10–20 minutes from the preserve depending on the trailhead and traffic. It is an easy, teenager-friendly dinner with burgers, fries, salads, and shakes, generally about $12–25 per person. This is a full but nicely varied day—museum, archaeology, and open desert—so skip any extra stop afterward and head back to the hotel for a relaxed evening.
Have breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Taliesin West in north Scottsdale for a timed tour, ideally around 9:00 or 9:30 AM. From central Phoenix, allow roughly 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic; from the East Valley, the trip may be shorter. The guided experience usually takes about two hours and involves walking outdoors over uneven, sloped surfaces, so bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes even in December. Tour availability and pricing vary, commonly landing around $40–$60 for adults, with youth tickets often less; reserve in advance because holiday-weekend spaces can disappear quickly. Afterward, use the restroom and refill water bottles before leaving—the next stops are close together but parking and walking take a little time.
Drive south to Scottsdale Civic Center, roughly 15–20 minutes from Taliesin West, and spend about 45 minutes wandering the gardens, shaded paths, and public art. It is a good low-key reset after the tour, and the teenagers can stretch their legs without committing to another long attraction. Parking around the civic center and Old Town may be metered or time-limited, so check signs carefully and avoid leaving valuables visible. Continue on foot or by a very short drive to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, where an hour is enough for its compact galleries. Verify Sunday opening hours and holiday-period programming before setting out; admission is often modest, with discounts for students and youth. If everyone wants a break, Old Town’s cafes and shops make it easy to split up briefly without adding another scheduled stop.
Walk or drive to FnB for dinner, allowing about 10–15 minutes from the museum depending on where you park. This is the day’s splurge and a particularly good fit for your preference for a memorable meal: the menu emphasizes seasonal Arizona ingredients, local producers, and creative vegetable dishes alongside meat and seafood. Expect approximately $35–$60 per person before drinks, tax, and tip, and reserve ahead for your party of five—Sunday dinner availability may be limited. Afterward, take an unhurried walk through the nearby Old Town streets before returning to the hotel; December evenings are usually comfortable, but bring a light layer.
Have breakfast at the hotel, then drive south to South Mountain Park and Preserve, allowing about 25–35 minutes from central Phoenix. Take Summit Road up to Dobbins Lookout for the day’s best wide-angle view over the Valley; the drive is paved but winding, so take it slowly and confirm the road is open before leaving. Plan about 1½ hours, with a short walk, photos, and time for the teenagers to explore without turning this into a strenuous hike. Entry is generally free, though hours and summit-road access can change; arrive in the morning for cooler temperatures and clearer light.
Continue east toward Arizona Falls in the Arcadia area, roughly 25–30 minutes away depending on traffic. This compact historic site sits along the Arizona Canal and makes an easy 45-minute stop: follow the paths around the old hydroelectric works, read the interpretive signs, and enjoy the contrast between the engineered canal and the surrounding desert neighborhood. There is limited shade and no substantial food service, so bring water and a small packed snack. Parking is limited, and the site is best treated as a brief outdoor visit rather than a full attraction.
From Arizona Falls, drive about 15 minutes to Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area. Since the summit trail is steep, rocky, and demanding—even for experienced hikers—keep this to the lower recreation area and overlook paths as planned. Spend about an hour taking in the red-rock scenery and getting photos, but avoid starting the main ascent late in the day or without plenty of water. Parking fills quickly and spaces are not guaranteed; if the lot is full, do not leave the car illegally on surrounding residential streets. Winter afternoons are pleasant, but bring layers for the breeze and check current park access before going.
For an easy family dinner, head to Chompie’s in central Phoenix; allow roughly 15–25 minutes from Camelback Mountain, depending on the location and rush-hour traffic. This is a good night for oversized deli sandwiches, matzo-ball soup, latkes, burgers, and desserts that let everyone choose something different. Budget about $15–30 per person before drinks and tip, and check the specific location’s holiday-season hours. After dinner, keep the evening relaxed—this outdoor-heavy day is more enjoyable without adding another major stop.
Leave Phoenix around 7:00 AM after the hotel’s continental breakfast. Follow US-93 northwest toward Boulder City, allowing roughly 3½–4 hours to reach the dam with fuel, restroom, and winter-road stops; the full drive to St. George is about 5½–6 hours before sightseeing. Keep your packed lunch, water, warm layers, and snacks in the cabin, and check Arizona and Nevada road conditions before departing. At Hoover Dam, use the official visitor parking areas and allow time for security screening. The dam-top walk and viewpoints take about 1½ hours; interior tours require advance booking, timed availability, and additional screening, so treat a tour as optional unless reserved.
After the dam, drive about 15 minutes into Boulder City and park around Nevada Way and Arizona Street. Spend roughly 45 minutes wandering the compact Boulder City Historic District, where the former railroad-town streets have independent shops, murals, and small galleries. This is a good place to eat your packed lunch in a relaxed setting or pick up coffee before the final leg. Leave enough daylight for the drive north on US-93 and I-15; the remaining trip to St. George generally takes about 2½ hours, but holiday traffic and winter conditions can stretch that considerably.
Check into your hotel, warm up, and give everyone a little downtime before dinner. For the celebration, head to Anasazi Steakhouse, where expect approximately $25–50 per person before drinks, tax, and tip. Reservations are wise for a group of five, especially during the holiday period; confirm the evening’s hours and reservation policy before leaving Boulder City. After dinner, keep the evening easy—the long drive and dam stop make this a day for an early night rather than another attraction.
Leave . George around 8:00 AM after for the roughly ½–5-hour drive north on I-. Check UDOT road report before departing, especially mountain passes, and keep layers, water, and your lunch within reach. With a family five, plan one practical stop for fuel and restrooms rather than trying to push through. After checking into hotel, allow a little time to warm and unload before heading out.
Begin at Gilgal Sculpture Garden in the Central City neighborhood, a compact and wonderfully odd collection of self-taught stone sculptures tucked among residential streets. It takes about 45 minutes, and admission is free; the garden is outdoors, so wear coats even if the afternoon feels mild. From there, drive roughly 15 minutes east to the Utah Museum of Natural History on the University of Utah campus. Give the museum about two hours for its dinosaur halls, regional geology, and hands-on exhibits. Confirm Wednesday hours before leaving, and expect paid parking or campus parking rules to vary by lot; budget approximately $20–30 for a family admission, depending on current rates.
Head back toward the east-central city for an hour in the 9th and 9th Street District, where independent shops, bookstores, and cafés make for an easy, low-pressure wander after the museum. Park once and explore on foot rather than moving the car between storefronts. For dinner, continue downtown to HSL, a polished but welcoming choice for a special family meal, with seasonal plates and a good setting for marking the middle of the trip. Entrées generally run about $30–55 per person, and reservations are strongly recommended for a Wednesday evening—particularly during the holiday period. Allow 15–20 minutes by car from 9th and 9th Street, with extra time for downtown parking.
Leave Salt Lake City around 8:00 AM after the hotel breakfast for the northbound I-15 drive, allowing 3½–4 hours in normal conditions and extra time for winter weather. Check UDOT and Idaho 511 before departure, and keep the packed lunch, water, blankets, and warm layers accessible. Since Bear World is south of Idaho Falls, stop there before checking in if it is operating; the detour is easiest with a full tank and should add roughly 1½ hours. Its winter schedule can be limited or closed, so verify the seasonal calendar and admission details before committing.
After Bear World, continue into Idaho Falls and take a short break at the Idaho Falls Greenbelt, a paved riverside path along the Snake River. In late December, keep this to about 45 minutes: the waterfalls and bridges are atmospheric in winter, but daylight fades early and paths may be icy. Park near the central riverfront, wear traction-friendly shoes, and use the walk to stretch after the drive rather than trying to cover the entire Greenbelt.
Head to Idaho Brewing Company for dinner, roughly a 10-minute drive from the riverfront. It is a relaxed choice for a family after a travel day, with burgers, sandwiches, pub fare, and nonalcoholic options; budget approximately $15–30 per person. Check the kitchen and holiday-week hours before leaving the hotel, as schedules can shift around New Year’s. After dinner, return to your hotel, unload the car, and keep the evening quiet—tomorrow’s winter drive to Bozeman is manageable, but an early start is wise if US-191 or the West Yellowstone route has snow or mountain-pass restrictions.
Leave Idaho Falls around 8:00 AM after breakfast, allowing 3½–4½ hours to reach Bozeman via I-15 and US-191. On New Year’s Day, check Idaho 511 and Montana 511 before departing, particularly for conditions around West Yellowstone and Gallatin Canyon. Keep winter layers, water, snacks, and your lunch accessible, and allow extra time for fuel and snow-packed roads rather than trying to make up time later.
If conditions are clear, stop first at Big Sky Town Center, roughly 45 minutes south of Bozeman, for a leg stretch and a quick wander through the shops. It is an easy place to park, use the restrooms, and grab a warm drink if the family wants one. Continue through Gallatin Canyon toward a safe, signed pullout along the Gallatin River for about 30 minutes of mountain scenery; skip this stop entirely if roads are icy, visibility is poor, or parking areas are snowed in.
Arrive in Bozeman around early afternoon and have your packed lunch before visiting the Museum of the Rockies. Plan about two hours for the dinosaur galleries and regional-history exhibits, an especially good final stop for teenagers after several days in the car. Verify New Year’s Day opening hours and holiday admission details in advance; parking is generally straightforward, but allow a little extra time if the museum is operating on a reduced schedule.
After the museum, settle into your hotel or take a short break before heading downtown. Reserve Plonk Bozeman ahead for dinner—its lively atmosphere suits a celebratory final night, with entrées and drinks typically bringing the meal to about $25–50 per person before extras. Downtown Bozeman is compact and pleasant for a brief post-dinner walk, though keep it short in January and confirm holiday hours when booking.
No packing list attached yet.