Have a few free hours this weekend and want to try one of the best day trips in Arizona? If you want to escape the heat and enjoy a fun-filled day, then a day trip just might be in store. Here’s a look at some of the best family day trips in Arizona:

1. Spend a hot afternoon sliding and splashing in a natural waterslide!
Slide Rock State Park, Arizona 86336, USA
Bill Morrow/Flickr
Head out to Sedona’s Slide Rock State Park for a chance to cool off from the heat in a natural waterslide. Sitting just off the side of the highway in the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, this popular spot is truly one of the unique things to do around Arizona and has routinely been named one of the top swimming locations in the country.
2. You can also enjoy a day of floating on the Salt River.
Salt River Tubing, 9200 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215, USA
Salt River Tubing/Facebook
If you live in the valley, and are asking yourself, "What is a great day trip near me?" Salt River Tubing is your answer. Enjoy beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert and its wildlife when you enjoy a few hours of tubing on the Salt River. You will enjoy cool water temperatures and a fun time floating for up to five hours.
3. When the weather permits, enjoy a short yet demanding hike to Devil’s Bridge.
Devil's Bridge Trail, Arizona 86336, USA
CEBImagery/Flickr
This beautiful place is absolutely heavenly and a must-see when you’re in the Sedona area. The weathered arch is located 12 miles west of Sedona via a 1.8-mile hike. Come see why this is easily one of the most beautiful hikes in Arizona.
4. Pay a visit to Lockett Meadow for a beautiful view at the Peaks.
Lockett Meadow Spring, Arizona 86001, USA
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
This area is one of the prettiest areas in the state year round! During the summer, you’ll find the temperatures feel delightfully cool making it one of the best day trips in Arizona, and it’s the perfect location for a hike or picnic.

Lockett Meadow is especially jaw-dropping in the fall. Check out this awesome drone video that illustrates this perfectly:
5. Spend an afternoon at Bearizona in Williams to see bears and other wildlife in a natural habitat.
Bearizona Wildlife Park, 1500 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Bea K./Yelp
This family-friendly adventure is one that can be done from the comfort of your own vehicle. A slow three-mile drive through the forest habitat will give your kids a chance to safely see a variety of native wildlife playing, eating, and napping. Bearizona is one of our all-time favorite Arizona day trips, and we think it'll be yours, too.

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6. Visit Flagstaff Extreme for a chance to exercise in the pines.
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course (FLG X), Brigade Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, USA
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course & Adventure Zips/Facebook
This adventure course sits just south of Flagstaff city limits. It ranges from a simple course for the kids to something a bit more difficult for you adventure seekers. Curious? Bet you never knew you could go ziplining in Arizona.
7. Enjoy a drive up to Mount Lemmon for a chance to enjoy cooler temperatures and tasty cookies.
Mt Lemmon Cookie Cabin, 12781 N Sabino Canyon Park, Mt Lemmon, AZ 85619, USA
Mr. Lemmon Cookie Cabin/Facebook
The Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin sits at the top of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson and is a delightful retreat from the desert heat. After a quick hike on one of the trails, enjoy a massive cookie or fresh pizza at the cookie cabin.

Check out this utterly breathtaking drone video of Mt. Lemmon in all its splendor:
8. Enjoy the spectacular views at Petrified Forest National Park.
Petrified Forest National Park, AZ 86028, USA
Andrew Kearns/Flickr
This National Park in Arizona is a must-visit along Route 66 and is one of the most stunning places you’ll ever set your eyes on. Not only will you see a massive collection of petrified wood but also petroglyphs, old ruins, badlands, and even a monument to the Mother Road.
9. Spend an afternoon exploring the massive beauty at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Nf-583A, Pine, AZ 85544, USA
Randy Jenkins/Flickr
A delightful hike to this natural wonder in Arizona is the perfect way to spend a summer day. Located just 14 miles northwest of Payson, you’ll find the place is enchanting with its short hikes and lovely views.

Explore Tonto Natural Bridge State Park in this awesome 4K hike video:
10. Enjoy a drive and visit to the tiny town of Strawberry.
Strawberry, AZ 85544, USA
MPR/Flickr
One of several Rim Country towns, Strawberry is a cute little place surrounded by pines, charming eateries, and hidden gems. You could probably fill up an entire week with all the local activities but a hike and some sightseeing are good for a day trip.
11. Head underground for a tour in the old Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee.
Queen Mine Tour, 478 N Dart Rd, Bisbee, AZ 85603, USA
David Leicken/Flickr
If you want to stay out of the sun, check out this unique tour of the old Copper Queen Mine in Bisbee! You’ll get to ride a mine cart 1,500 feet into the earth and receive a well-informed tour from a former miner.

Hopefully, we answered the question, “Where are the best Arizona getaway spots near me?” Be sure to let us know where you want to spend your summer vacation hours on the best day trips in Arizona!

Want to find other fantastic places to visit around Arizona? Search for hidden gems in Shhh…These 10 Hidden Places Are Arizona’s Best-Kept Secrets.

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Best Family Day Trips In Arizona

Libby Monson | March 11, 2022

Which hidden gem in Arizona should I visit?

The Superstition Mountain Museum is a real gem in Apache Junction, Arizona. Opened in 2003, this history museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Superstition Mountains. You’ll find displays about the lost Dutchmen, gold hunters, and local geology. Outside the main museum are displays showing what life was like for the early settlers of the Superstition Mountains. One of the most interesting attractions is the Elvis Memorial Chapel. This adorable chapel was used in the Western movie Charrol starring Elvis Presley. The museum complex also includes a nature trail and general store, so you can grab a cold sarsaparilla when you are finished with your adventure.

What unique tours can I take in Arizona?

Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a tour that will give you a glimpse into the life and work of world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Taliesin West is the winter home and desert laboratory of Wright and his students. You can take a guided tour of Wright’s residence, drafting studio, theater, and the beautiful desert grounds. Taliesin West is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, which educates the public about Wright’s architecture and legacy. In addition, the foundation is host to an extensive calendar of arts events, including movies, music, dance, and lecture. 

What can I do with kids in Arizona?

If you are looking for something to keep your kids entertained in Arizona, look no further than Castles and Coasters. This small theme park offers thrill rides, mini-golf, and a full arcade. With the purchase of the Elite Pass, the kids can spend the day enjoying everything the park has to offer. Test your bravery on the two coasters, take a ride on the carousel, and go for a spin in a go-cart. Castles and Coasters have you covered with the classic theme park treats and eats when you are ready for lunch or snacks. Some rides have height requirements so measure the kids before you go. 

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