FL or AZ?

[CebleFish]

Hello all!
I'm in the midst of making plans for a family vacation in April. We have 5 kids, ages 13, 11, 9, 9, and 3. We have been to Orlando many times because it seems to have something that can make everyone happy.

But this time, we are thinking we should expand our horizons. I've always wanted to go the the Southwest and see the Grand Canyon. The question is, is there enough other stuff to do to keep the kids occupied and happy?

Any bit of info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Carol

 

[hucifer]

Hi!

Been to both places, however sans any children. But when DH and I went to AZ, we saw plenty of children around the state and YES, there is plenty to do if you just know where to go.

Like Disney World, it's a matter of being informed before you go, and knowing where to find the info. I recommend the book Arizona for Dummies (now in its 4th edition). This is a great intro to AZ and worked wonders for our first trip to AZ.

I also recommend the usual Frommer's and Fodor's guides. Those are excellent supplements for Arizona for Dummies. A good idea is to sit down with a bunch of these travel books at your local Border's or Barnes and Noble bookstores to see which books fit your travel needs best.

We absolutely fell in love with Arizona and I highly recommend that you expose your kids to the wonders of the Grand Canyon, Sedona, the desert, the old West, etc. There is so much to see in that state! It's unbelievable.

Good luck with your decision.

ETA: Still earning your ears and you've been here for a long time!

 

[minkydog]

Personally, I would love to take my kids to see the Grand Canyon. I'm reading a book called Pioneer Children of the Old West which details the crossings of many families from the "U.S" to California. Many took the northern route, through Utah but a surprising number took the Old Spanish Trail, through New Mexico & Arizona. It is so touching to read about the children, how they played and worked with their families, the hardships they endured and the small happinesses. I would probably not read this book aloud to children, but there are many excerpts that would be suitable for sharing. Read up on the settling of the West and find a guidebook to the National Parks--them majority of them are in the West.

 

[spazzyjazzy]

AZ! Don't really know what there is to do out here. We always head out to California when we get bored. I should get that book Arizona for Dummies myself.

 

[Planogirl]

I would go to Arizona in a heartbeat. The Grand Canyon and so much beauty plus one of my big interests: ghost towns! I think that it would be a fascinating trip.