Arizona is a state full of contrasts. We have chilly evenings and scorching-hot days. Our major cities are surrounded by many miles of empty desert. Those extremes are what make this an interesting and exciting place to be. To help you explore and truly appreciate all this unique place has to offer, we have compiled a list of our favorite places in Arizona that are perfect for the family and won’t break the bank.
Go For A Hike
Arizona is replete with excellent hiking trails. Whatever corner of the state you’re in, there’s bound to be a trail nearby. Waterfalls, petroglyphs, rock formations, and stunning vistas are just a few features you can take in (often for free) on Arizona’s hiking trails. The Sedona area offers many beautiful hiking areas. In Phoenix, consider exploring Camelback Mountain or the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. On the south side of the state, Tucson Mountain Park has many miles of maintained hiking trails.
If your kids need a little more interest and excitement during your hikes, try geocaching. It’s like adding a treasure hunt to each hike, and anyone can do it. Just download the free app on your phone, pick a destination, and start hunting!
Check Out A Museum
Perusing a museum can be a fun and affordable way to pass the day. Arizona is home to dozens of museums, most of which are air-conditioned and many are very inexpensive to visit. Look around for special offers and discounts on admission for students, seniors, current military and veterans.
If you’re in Phoenix with the whole family, check out the Children’s Museum of Phoenix or the Arizona Science Center. For date night in the city, we suggest the Phoenix Art Museum or the Heard Museum. The Musical Instrument Museum is a wonderful choice for music-loving visitors of any age.
For those exploring the Tucson area, we recommend booking a tour of the Titan Missile Silo. This silo was home to one of the Titan II missiles that were kept ready to launch during the Cold War. Or, try the Pima Air & Space Museum. It’s an 80-acre aircraft graveyard featuring over 400 historical aircraft and six indoor hangar exhibits.
Visit Tombstone
The famous historic town of Tombstone is located a short drive southeast of Tucson. Tombstone is a real operating town with a Wild West flavor. There are cheap and free attractions, shops and restaurants to enjoy. Many types of tours are available for all kinds of interests, including historical stagecoach tours, underground mine tours, and nighttime ghost tours. If you’re lucky, you might even wander into a gunfight reenactment. Visiting Tombstone is free. Check the town’s ever-growing events calendar to catch a festival or another special occasion.
Explore One Of Arizona’s National Parks
While admission to national parks is often reasonably affordable, it’s never been easier to add these excursions to your family’s adventure itinerary. In 2021, the National Park Service is offering free park admission on six days throughout the year. Take advantage of this deal by planning a visit to one of Arizona’s three national parks:
- Saguaro National Park, located just north of Tucson
- Petrified Forest National Park, which is approximately 200 miles northeast of Phoenix
- The Grand Canyon. The South Rim is approximately 80 miles north of Flagstaff. Getting to the North Rim requires a wide loop to the east and adds about 120 miles to the drive
Additionally, every fourth grader is eligible for a free national park pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program.
Camp At The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of those things everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Maintained footpaths, shops, displays, and visitor centers make the Grand Canyon experience accessible to everyone. You can also make the visit relatively affordable by camping there.
The entrance fee to Grand Canyon National Park is $35. This fee covers everyone traveling in your vehicle for a whole week. From there, you have several developed campgrounds to choose from. Some campgrounds take reservations, and some don’t. Depending on what campground you select and what kind of site you need, campsite rentals cost start at $5 and increase from there.
Take In A Game
Arizona is home to professional hockey, baseball, basketball and football teams. Attending a game might be more affordable than you think! Some of the cheap seats start below $20 per person. Each organization also offers discounts for students, current or retired members of the armed forces, seniors and first responders.
Also, don’t forget our college teams in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson. You can cheer on the up-and-comers at an exciting college ball game for very reasonable prices.
Explore with Arizona Central Credit Union
We hope this list provides you with some inspiration for your next budget-friendly family outing. If you want to upgrade your excursions but need help getting your budget healthy first, Arizona Central Credit Union is here to help. Reach out to one of our banking experts for professional advice about budgeting, saving, investing, and more.
