Budget Trip--Phoenix, AZ Area

[kkandaj]

Most likely, we will be driving from KC to Gilbert (outside Phoenix) for DNephew's high school graduation next May/June. I'm a planner and like to know costs in advance to be able to budget. After googling, I do see that I can rent condos for roughly $400-500/wk. We will need a full kitchen because of DS's food allergies and not being able to eat out.

If we are staying a full week, I want to do SOMETHING other than just hang out with DH's fam--they are welcome to go anywhere we go, I just don't want to sit in a house for a week when we will be spending 4 days driving. What is there to do (on a budget) in the area? I know nothing about AZ, other than it will be hot. Anything historical for us to see? We love nature, the arts, sports, amusement parks, pretty much anything.

Of course, the first part of our time there will revolve around the graduation--and it will be close to 6 years since our kids have seen each other (DS was only about 6 months old).

TIA for any suggestions!

 

[PHXscuba]

Most likely, we will be driving from KC to Gilbert (outside Phoenix) for DNephew's high school graduation next May/June. I'm a planner and like to know costs in advance to be able to budget. After googling, I do see that I can rent condos for roughly $400-500/wk. We will need a full kitchen because of DS's food allergies and not being able to eat out.

If we are staying a full week, I want to do SOMETHING other than just hang out with DH's fam--they are welcome to go anywhere we go, I just don't want to sit in a house for a week when we will be spending 4 days driving. What is there to do (on a budget) in the area? I know nothing about AZ, other than it will be hot. Anything historical for us to see? We love nature, the arts, sports, amusement parks, pretty much anything.

Of course, the first part of our time there will revolve around the graduation--and it will be close to 6 years since our kids have seen each other (DS was only about 6 months old).

TIA for any suggestions!

1. Phoenix Children's Museum. Currently $11 each to get in but a truly awesome place for kids.

2. Chandler's city pools are mini-waterparks with super-cheap admission. Mesquite Groves and Hamilton are some of the better ones.

3. Diamondbacks baseball games. Depending on the temperature they will play with the roof closed or open.

4. Early morning or evening at the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert. Great nature walks before it gets hot, and telescope viewing some nights.

I'm sure sure your local family will have some great ideas of what to do as well.

PHXscuba

 

[kkandaj]

1. Phoenix Children's Museum. Currently $11 each to get in but a truly awesome place for kids.

2. Chandler's city pools are mini-waterparks with super-cheap admission. Mesquite Groves and Hamilton are some of the better ones.

3. Diamondbacks baseball games. Depending on the temperature they will play with the roof closed or open.

4. Early morning or evening at the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert. Great nature walks before it gets hot, and telescope viewing some nights.

I'm sure sure your local family will have some great ideas of what to do as well.

PHXscuba

Thanks for these ideas! I will be looking into all of these!

 

[tarheel618]

what about making a trip to the Grand Canyon?

 

[dtnrhi]

I second Diamondbacks games. Great, cheap, fun.

Look on Groupon for waterpark deals. I believe the Phoenix Zoo has $10 Tuesdays (not sure when they start, however.)

The Arizona Rattlers are also a great thing to do. Arena Football is one of the better atmospheres sports-wise in town. Great bang for your buck. You can get upper level tickets for $6 each from the box office at US Airways Center. Nice cheap night out!

 

[sunflare]

What PHXScuba said Also, check to see if you have a couple members of your family that can check out Culture Passes from the local libraries (this link is for the city I'm in - Peoria - but I believe Gilbert has them too) http://library.peoriaaz.gov/polaris/library/userdef/ud_culture_pass.aspx

There may also be cheap groupons/livingsocial/etc for the water park in Tempe, as well... you just have to keep an eye out for them.