Arizona

A Local Phoenix Vacation This Year

It's getting close to summertime, and I recently began thinking about where to take my kids for our family vacation. I wanted to spend a little less money for our summer trip, and then plan a Mexico vacation during our school's Fall break in October (fabulous weather in Mexico at that time of year). I debated about a trip to Las Vegas -- about a 6-hour hour drive from the Phoenix area -- and summer rates are low because it is SOOO hot there.

Then a friend of mine asked if I had ever seen the waterpark and pool areas at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort here in Phoenix. I hadn't, so the kids and I drove over to the resort a few Sundays ago to have a look. All I can say is... WOW! I was shocked that such a fabulous family resort existed right here in town, and I had never realized it. The resort is developed within the classic desert terrain of rolling foothills and natural cactus vegetation, but it exists within a larger region known as the Biltmore area of Phoenix. This is a very high-end zip code, and the surrounding community is very nice and very safe.

We walked up to the waterpark entrance (it's so much more than a swimming pool) and explained that we lived locally and would like to see the grounds since we're thinking about making a reservation. The staff was very nice and let us in for a tour, no problem. Just inside, we found the nirvana for kids. There are a couple of tall and lengthy waterslides that curve around the various pools; there's an area of fountains and sprinklers (great for smaller kids); and, best of all, there's a lazy river (floating on inner tubes) that winds throughout the entire waterpark area. Of course, once the kids are bored with all of that, there's a miniature golf course that travels side-by-side with the winding ways of the lazy river. Honestly, my kids were just knocked out! They can't wait for their local vacation this summer.

Here's the best part... since it's so incredibly hot here in Phoenix during the summer, the rates are actually quite low after about mid-June. I'm using my trusty AAA card to get a great rate with no strings attached. Since we're used to the summer heat, we'll be fine during a July vacation. I'll pack lots of sunscreen, and I'll be spending my time under a shady umbrella keeping an eye on my happy kids.

Here's the link for the resort if you'd like more information:
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort