5-Day Family-Friendly Nature Itinerary in Phoenix, Arizona

Day 1: Explore Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Snooze A.M. Eatery

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Snooze A.M. Eatery, where you can enjoy their signature pancakes and a variety of egg dishes.
Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Desert Botanical Garden

Stroll through the stunning Desert Botanical Garden to learn about the unique desert flora and fauna, with engaging activities for kids.
A short drive from the restaurant (10 mins).
USD24, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Farm at South Mountain

Enjoy a delicious, fresh farm-to-table lunch at The Farm, surrounded by beautiful trees and gardens.
Drive 15 mins to South Mountain.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Hike at South Mountain Park

Embark on a family-friendly hike at South Mountain Park, which offers various trails suitable for all ages and levels.
Head to the park entrance (5 mins from lunch).
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Encanto Park

Unwind at Encanto Park with playgrounds, a lake, and the historic Encanto Boathouse, perfect for enjoying a peaceful afternoon.
Drive 15 mins to Encanto Park.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Bianco

Savor world-renowned wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Bianco, a must-try for pizza lovers.
Take a 10-minute drive back to downtown.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Scenic Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Butterfield’s Pancake House

Indulge in a hearty breakfast with a variety of pancakes and omelets at Butterfield’s.
Located in Scottsdale, a short drive from your accommodation.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Discover the vast McDowell Sonoran Preserve, home to miles of hiking trails where your family can observe native wildlife.
A 20-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Morning Squeeze

Stop for lunch at The Morning Squeeze, where you can find fresh and organic choices for the whole family.
Drive 15 mins to the restaurant.
USD40, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit the Scottsdale Desert Discovery Center

Dive into interactive exhibits and learn about desert ecosystems in a fun and engaging environment at the Desert Discovery Center.
A quick 10-minute drive from lunch.
USD20, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Hike on Pinnacle Peak

Embark on a family-friendly hike on Pinnacle Peak for breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert.
Drive 15 minutes to Pinnacle Peak Park.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, where the menu has options for everyone, and don’t forget dessert!
20-minute drive to The Cheesecake Factory.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Beauty of Sedona

Sedona, Arizona

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Pot Restaurant

Fuel your day with a delicious breakfast at The Coffee Pot Restaurant, known for its variety of omelets and scenic views.
Located in Sedona, approximately 2 hours from Scottsdale.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Family-friendly hike at Bell Rock

Enjoy a relatively easy hike at Bell Rock, where kids can scamper around and you can soak in stunning views.
Drive 10 mins to the Bell Rock trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Hideaway House

Take a break for lunch at The Hideaway House, which offers delicious comfort food and great views.
A 15-minute drive from the hike.
USD40, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross

Stop by the stunning Chapel of the Holy Cross, built into a red rock formation, for breathtaking views and family photos.
Drive 20 minutes to the chapel.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Slide Rock State Park

Have fun at Slide Rock State Park where kids can play in the water and slide over natural rock formations.
Drive 15 minutes to Slide Rock.
USD20, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Mariposa Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dinner with a spectacular sunset view at The Mariposa Restaurant, offering a menu inspired by South America.
A 20-minute drive to Mariposa.
USD100, 2 hours
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Day 4: Discover Prescott

Prescott, Arizona

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club, known for its tasty options and cozy ambiance.
Drive 1 hour and 45 minutes from Sedona.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Thumb Butte

Hike the Thumb Butte trail for an easy, family-friendly path with panoramic views of Prescott.
Drive 15 mins to the trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Raven Café

Enjoy delicious lunch options from wraps to baked goods at The Raven Café, perfect for refueling.
15-minute drive from the hike.
USD40, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Watson Lake Park

Spend the afternoon at Watson Lake Park, known for its beautiful scenery and well-marked hiking trails, perfect for families.
30-minute drive to the park.
Free, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at The Prescott Brewery

Wind down your day with a casual dinner at The Prescott Brewery, with local beers and a friendly atmosphere.
Drive back to downtown Prescott (15 mins).
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Return to Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Wildflower Bread Company

Savor a healthy breakfast at Wildflower Bread Company, known for its artisan bread and fresh options.
Drive around 2 hours back to Phoenix.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Papago Park

Explore the iconic Papago Park, with hiking trails, picturesque views, and the famous Hole-in-the-Rock formation.
Drive 15 mins to Papago Park.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Refuge Café

Enjoy a healthy lunch at The Refuge Café, which offers plant-based and gluten-free options to suit all dietary needs.
A quick drive (10 mins).
USD35, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the Phoenix Zoo

Spend the afternoon at the Phoenix Zoo, which is perfect for families and has a wide range of animals to explore.
Drive 15 mins to the zoo.
USD40, 3 hours

4:30 PM

Relax at Desert Ridge Marketplace

End your trip by relaxing at Desert Ridge Marketplace for shopping or enjoying the outdoor atmosphere.
Drive 20 mins to Desert Ridge Marketplace.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Claim Jumper

Celebrate the end of your trip with dinner at Claim Jumper, where you'll find an extensive menu of American cuisine.
A 15-minute drive later.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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