Expert: Judy Hedding - 6/27/2007

Question
Hi Judy, I'm planning a large family vacation to Arizona. We'll be flying into Phoenix in November. There will be 11 of us (4 kids under the age of 6). Can you recommend some attractions in Phoenix and the surrounding area. We would like to do a day trip to Sedona and perhaps on to the Grand Canyon if it's not too far. Do you think it's do-able? If so, what should we target I'd also like some recommendations on towns we should look into for house rentals. Phoenix and Scottsdale are great, but on the pricey side. I've seen houses in Glendale and Chandler. Are they nice towns? Thanks so much for all your help!  ~Chris

Answer
Hi Chris,

I'll address the second half first--parts of Glendale are great. Go as far north/west as you can and avoid downtown. Try to stay near Arrowhead Towne Center (mall) and you'll be good. Traffic is bad, but you'll survive that. Chandler is fine, too. Again, avoid downtown Chandler. You'd be okay near the Chandler Fashion Center mall, too.

For day trips up north, Glendale is better since it will shave an hour off your drive time. Chandler is better if you'll be driving east (Superstition Mountains) or south to Tucson.

On the north side of town, try to find a rental that's not too far from (but not on top of!) the 101 loop. That way you can hop into north Scottsdale for a nice dinner, or down to the sports arenas/theatres, or over to I-17 to head up north.

A day trip to Sedona is very doable. Grand Canyon is too far for a day trip, especially with young munchkins. I normally tell people that they can't visit Sedona without a Pink Jeep Tour.
http://phoenix.about.com/od/daytriptosedona/ss/pinkjeep.htm
It will be pricey for a group the size of yours, and if some of the kids are teeny they should be left behind since you can't really hold onto babies on that tour. Of course, there are more docile tours, too, so if you are determined to not leave anyone behind to babysit talk to the tour folks about it. I'd make those reservations now.

More About Sedona:
http://phoenix.about.com/od/daytriptosedona/Sedona_Oak_Creek_Canyon.htm

As for attractions, there are many, so I don't really know how to narrow it down. Zoos, gardens, museums, lakes, shows, sports, festivals....
http://phoenix.about.com/od/attractionsandevents/Things_to_Do_and_See_Having_Fun...

November is a busy time in the Valley of the Sun. Here are the annual events that take place in November. It isn't updated for 2007 yet, but you can get a good idea. Obviously,  if you are coming at the end of the month, the holiday festivals start to kick in.

One more thing about your plans--you probably know this but Sedona, and especially Flagstaff/Grand Canyon have bona fide winter weather. Elevations there are between 4000 and 7000 feet. It will be cold, especially at the Canyon, and can be snowy. You'll have to bring some winter clothes. (yuk.)

The best place to get into a discussion about recommendations would be the Phoenix forum. http://phoenix.about.com/mpboards.htm
You have to join to post a question, but it is free and easy to sign up. I recommend that when you ask a question, be as specific as possible—what kind of activities you like, how far you're willing to drive etc. The more specific your question, the more likely you’ll get responses.

I hope that helps.

Regards,
Judy Hedding
About.com Guide to Phoenix, AZ
http://phoenix.about.com

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