| Reviews and photos of Phoenix attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Phoenix sightseeing. Phoenix Map |
 | Phoenix Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 234 |  |
 Lots of Hiking to be done in
Arizona! by jumpingnorman
The Camelback Mountain is located in Paradise Valley. Two very strenuous trails exist: 1) Echo Canyon on the north side (the top of the hump, with sheer red cliffs), in Paradise Valley at McDonald Dr and Tatum Blvd, 2) Cholla on the East side, in Scottsdale at 64th St north of Camelback Rd. Along the hike, you will see glimpses of gated mansions and ritzy resort spas for which Scottsdale is known for.
A less strenuous hike would be the Piestewa Peak, the mountain whose previous name of Squaw Peak was changed in honor of the first female Arizonian killed in Iraq. It has 2 summit trails: 1) inside Piestewa Park (22nd St and Lincoln Dr), 2)through a private yard with an easement (topping out at 2,608 feet).
There is also the North Mountain at 7th St south of Thunderbird Rd, which has multiple trails with varying amounts of difficulty.
Just be sure to bring lots of water and suntan! Leave a Comment Directions: Phoenix East side
|
 | |  |
Visiting Phoenix?
Read reviews about Phoenix Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 Baptism Party at Challenger
Space Center, Arizona by jumpingnorman, 2 more photos
This complex is a Smithsonian-affiliated institution that has hands-on aeronautic exhibits (patterned after NASA’s Johnson Space Center) for young and eager wanna-be astronauts (myself included, hehehe). It has regular planetarium programs and simulated space missions.
There is a nice big elevator that goes up the center's floors, and it has a nice see through windows to look out at the wonderful murals on the wall.
The place also has a huge ground level which is perfect for B I G parties. And so, for our twins’ baptism, we rented out the whole space center for our 150 guests and had excellent outside catering service (our baptismal party was more like a wedding...)! And the satff were very nice in showing our guests around, and even laying out pink and blue tablecovers.
So when in the Phoenix area and the kids are bored, it might be nice to stop by this space museum. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Giant Saguaro with my mom
and nephew, Arizona by jumpingnorman,
1 more photos
Open seven days a week, year round except for July 4,
Thanksgiving Day and December 25.
Garden Seasonal Hours:
October - April / 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
May - September / 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
During evening hours certain trails are closed.
Call 480-941-1225 for more information. Leave a Comment Address: 1201 North Galvin ParkwayPhone: 480-941-1225Directions: Just off of McDowell Road, a major rode linking Phoenix and Scottsdale.Website: http://www.dbg.org
|
| | |
 Great Arizona Puppet Theater,
Phoenix, AZ by jumpingnorman, 4 more photos
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater has been around for 25 years, the largest and prettiest puppet theater in the western United States complete with a puppetry gift shop, workshops and a research library! The show we saw was at 2 PM and we found that the puppet theater was a nice building (kinda residential looking). The gift shop is filled with puppets and the very high ceiling was well decorated with interesting chandeliers. The stage was even more impressive with huge wooden doors, looking like you’re entering a medieval castle. The sound system was also great.
It’s amazing that shows are given several times during the week: W, Th, F 10 AM, Sat 10AM and 2PM and the Sundays at 2PM. So, when you are in town and the kids would like a one of a kind puppet show, go in. Tickets are not expensive (only $6 for kids and $8 for adults).
At the time we went, the show was on The Elves and the Shoemaker, and even we the adults enjoyed it. The kids were able to sit in front and even lie on a carpet in front of the huge stage. And the theater also has shows for “adults” also--- nothing graphic/nasty, instead the puppet show themes include political and economic humor (like looking for humour on the crashing 2008 stock market...) Isn’t that interesting?
Also across the street in the Japanese Friendship Garden which unfortunately is open only until 3PM (as of 2008), but you can walk around it if you come way early before the show. Leave a Comment Address: 302 W Latham St, Phoenix, AZ 85003Phone: 602-262-2050Directions: Take the I-10 to 7th Ave, go south, follow to the first light, then turn left onto Roosevelt. Follow Roosevelt to the light at 3rd Ave. Turn left onto 3rd Ave and go two blocks to Latham. Turn left on Latham and park in the theater’s parking lot.
|
| | |
 Mill Ave during the Fiesa Bowl
block party. by dshinkle
You can find antiques at shops like 'Those Were The Days'.
There is lots of shopping, to quote the official website, 'With nearly 60 different retailers, downtown Tempe offers visitors the variety of a mall while providing a unique, outdoor shopping experience. Shopper favorites such as Urban Outfitters, Bath and Body Works and Sunglass Hut maintain locations in the downtown. Meanwhile longtime local favorites like Yucatecan Imports, Urban Angels and Headquarters provide unique stores where shoppers can find a variety of interesting merchandise. '
There are great restaurants on Mill Ave, like PF Changs, RA Sushi and Ziggys.
And (my favorite), great bars like The Library, Margarita Rocks, Mill Cue Club, and lots more.
Mill Ave is also full of characters. On a weekend night you can see street performers and musicians. Crazy people hang out there, like the Mill Ave Food Critic, a homeless man who cons people out of money by giving restaurant reviews and cons businesses out of free food by threatening them with bad reviews (http://azpantry.com/millavenuefoodcritic/).
At the tip of the street is Tempe Town Lake and nearby are both Arizona State University and Arizona Mills Mall, so you may want to add them to your Tempe itinerary.
Although you can't compare it to the nightlife in a place like Rush Street in Chicago or the West End in Dallas, Mill Ave is safe and it is also warm all winter long.
When you are in Phoenix, make sure and visit. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
Visiting Phoenix?
Read reviews about Phoenix Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 Front of our house near Polar
Ice which we sold by jumpingnorman
Also known as the Polar Ice in the city of Peoria where we used to live. It was nice being near such a nice place to bring the kids to. And with real estate market boom of 2005, I just up put up a sign outside our house (FOR SALE BY OWNER) and sold it in 2 weeks!
So, we are glad we were able to visit this skating center several times before we moved out of the area. For the twins' third birthday party, we rented 3 continuous party rooms in front of the ice rink and the video arcades. There is also a Sbarro pizza branch in the complex.
The Polar Ice is home to several hockey leagues and figure skating clinics, and also offers several hours of public skating. Leave a Comment Directions: near 83rd Ave and Bell Road, Peoria
|
 The twins with my niece at
forefront, Arizona by jumpingnorman
Well, there is a "open" train ride which I am sure your kid will enjoy (because I have 4 yr old twins)--- it is in a park at the intersection of Scottsdale Road (nearer the northern end of Scottsdale Rd) and I think Indian Bend --- the park is on the southeast side of that intersection. The ticket is only $1-2 for the ride, very cheap, and there's also a big park around the train area --- and yes, a carousel too!
Along 101 Freeway, exit Tatum, there's a nice outdoor shopping complex for you to buy some stuff, and your kid might enjoy the video arcades too but it might be too advanced for a 3 year old. But, it's nice walking around this place.
And yes, the Phoenix Zoo is #1 place for kids - kids always love the zoo! And on the west side, the World Zoo exit at Nothern Ave I think Exit 8. where your child can feed a giraffe! My son enjoys doing that! We also ride an open cable seat that hovers over the whole zoo (if you're not afraid of heights).
Also at Exit 7 which is Glendale Ave, do not miss the Stadium (University of Phoenix) where we held the Superbowl this year 2008!!! It's awesome - and beside the stadium is the Westgate Plaza where there is a water fountain where kids can get wet -- but since it is getting cooler now, it might be off. But still, the Westgate is a great place to walk around in. Have Fun in Phoenix/Scottsdale! Cheers, :jumpingnorman Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Squaw Peak by dshinkle
It's not easy climbing the 1.2 mile trail and if you aren't used to the heat yet, do not attempt it. However, if you are in decent shape and want a nice challenge give it a try.
Get there early to get a parking space. Leave a Comment Directions: From Lincoln Drive in Phoenix, between 24 and 22nd Streets, take Squaw Peak Drive north and straight into the mountain preserve
|
 Twins in middle, enjoying with
cousins in Arizona by jumpingnorman
Castles-n-Coasters has a double loop coaster, 4-18 mini golf courses and a total of 15 rides and attractions on top of the interactive video/arcade games. You can't miss it when driving on the I-17 in the Metro Phoenix Area. Definitely a treat for young kids and teenagers!
The place is also near the Metrocenter which is the city’s first bi-level shopping mall in 1973 which has Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears and JC Penney, and cinemas. Leave a Comment
|
My family and I are here almost every week at the Westgate Center where you will see Belllagio-like fountains (of Las Vegas) – well they are smaller, but still a very nice fountain to watch.
If there’s a game, it is sometime broadcasted through a giant screen over the fountains.
The American Idol contestants and the recent winner held concerts here and met their fans.
The Westgate Plaza has shops, restaurants like Kabuki and the Yard House, and several bars including Jimmy Buffet’s Maragaritaville (has jerk chicken and coconut shrimp! And Cheeseburger in Paradise). It is beside the big University of Phoenix Stadium (home of the NFL Arizona Cardinals, college football’s Fiesta Bowl, with retractable roof and roll-out grass field) and the equally immense Jobing.com Arena (home of the NHL Phoenix Coyotes) where I have watched fighting matches like the gory “Rage in the Cage” before. The other night, Metallica just had their concert (Oct 2008).
My favorite places to have a snack with the kids is at Johnny Rockets, Shane’s Grill for the best tasty ribs and a nice sandwich place (Wich a Wich? Did I spell that right?).
Further, the stadium was the center of attention during the Superbowl Football match held this year, 2008 (Super Bowl XLII, February 3, 2008). It was amazing that there was not much traffic at all as the Glendale traffic enforcers did such a great job! Leave a Comment
|
| | |
|
More Phoenix Travel Deals Hotels Phoenix
Free Breakfast & Wi-Fi, 42" HDTVs. Welcome to a Different Place. Phoenix Hotels
New InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, AZ PHOENIX ARIZONA HOTELS
Comfort & Affordability In Downtown Phoenix At The Lexington. Book Now! Sponsored Links - Super 8 Phoenix Airport
3401 E Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ - Budget Suites of America
611 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ - Artisan Hotel Phoenix
212 W Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ - Best Western Innsuites Hotel Phoenix
1615 East Northern Ave., Phoenix, AZ - Econolodge Phoenix
3037 East Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ - Studio 6 Phoenix - Deer Valley
18405 North 27th Avenue I-17 and Union Hills, Phoenix, AZ - Quality Inn Downtown
202 East McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ - Homewood Suites Phoenix-Metro Center
2536 West Beryl Avenue, Phoenix, AZ - Extendedstay Deer Valley
20827 North 27th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ - Motel 6 Phoenix - Northern Avenue
8152 N Black Canyon Hwy I-17 at Exit 206, Northern Ave, Phoenix, AZ - Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Pheonix Downtown
620 N. 6th St., Phoenix, AZ - La Quinta Inn Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport North
4727 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ - Phoenix Travelodge I-17
1624 N. Black Canyon Freeway, Phoenix, AZ - The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix
2401 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ - Super 8 Phoenix North
8130 North Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, AZ
|
