Planning for something to do with the family for Summer Vacation, but you’re on a budget? Phoenix on the Cheap has found some fun things to do right here in Arizona that won’t break the bank. Road-tripping close to home.
Photo of Kartchner Caverns from Media File.
Drive to the London Bridge
What, from Arizona? Surprise the family by taking them to Lake Havasu City where the original London Bridge lives today. It was sold to the United States in the 1960’s. This iconic bridge towers over Arizona’s Lake Havasu.
Besides seeing the bridge, have fun renting kayaks, jet skis, and swimming in the lake. Be sure to check out the Lake Havasu Museum of History then head over to the Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center for waterslides, a wave pool, and so much more.
Explore Kartchner Caverns
Many travelers in Arizona don’t expect to find beautiful caverns in the Grand Canyon State. Kartchner Caverns State Park is about nine miles south of Benson, about an hour south of Tucson. Averaging 50,000 years of age and more, these beautiful caves have 2.4 miles of passages through a limestone cavern.
There are no cameras allowed in the caverns, but take pictures of the surrounding beauty. This is an easy road trip for families visiting from anywhere in the state and to all that want to explore all that Southern Arizona has to offer.
Take Family Photos at the Painted Desert
Head 90 miles east of Flagstaff for stunning badlands and the unique Petrified Forest National Park. Your road trip to the Painted Desert will be filled with beautiful Arizona skies, cacti, and the most amazing sunset you’ve seen in your life.
There are several hikes around the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest worth the views, including Red Basin and Blue Mesa. Don’t forget to bring the camera to capture the vibrant colors of the desert. Better yet, the Painted Desert makes a great backdrop for some memorable family photos.
Photo of Tombstone from Media Files.
Experience the Grand Canyon
No road trip is complete without a drive to the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon is almost 2,000 miles in area.
One of the most popular highlights of a Grand Canyon trip is the Bright Angel Trail on the North Rim. If you choose to do it, remember you need a permit so plan ahead. This trail is at an intermediate level of difficulty and has great views for photos.
If you’re feeling brave, try Colorado River Rafting or ride a donkey into the Grand Canyon. Vacation rentals around the Grand Canyon are an easy way to be close to this National Park while also having your own private getaway.
Take a Tour of Tombstone
Experience the wild, wild west in Tombstone, Arizona, located just over an hour’s drive south of Tucson. This small town is full of cowboy gunfight re-enactments and horse-drawn carriages. Watch a show, go on a ghost tour, then visit the Boothill Graveyard.
You’ll be taken back to the olden days in this friendly town known for its fun and history.
