https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 15 Jul 2026 03:19:46 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arizona-with-a-5-year-old#post-2892656 Mon, 29 Jul 2019 10:15:13 +0000 SteelerGirl 2892656@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sedona is fantastic definitely go there! It's only a 2 hour drive from phoenix, so you wouldn't even have to stay overnight (assuming Phoenix is your home base).<br /> There's so much for kids in the Phoenix area. I live in Scottsdale and the McCormick Stillman Railroad park is one of our favorite places to go. I also love McDonald's Ranch. A bit farther away is Out of Africa (like a zoo, but specializes in big cats like Lions and Tigers). Near the Phoenix zoo is a VERY short (but relatively steep) "hike" (like 10 minutes) up to a place called hole in the rock. It's just what it sounds like- you get to stand in a giant hole in a mountain. You can see the entire city in front of you. Kids love it.</p> <p>Just a warning- the Grand Canyon is quite far from Phoenix (5 hour drive). Las Vegas is much closer. So if you plan to do that, you may want to make Vegas your "home base". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arizona-with-a-5-year-old#post-2892650 Mon, 29 Jul 2019 08:52:15 +0000 DesertDreams88 2892650@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've lived in AZ for 9 years and done tons of hiking with and without kids. Where are you driving from? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arizona-with-a-5-year-old#post-2892631 Mon, 29 Jul 2019 07:05:22 +0000 karenbme 2892631@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sedona is spectacular, and has lots of mellow hiking opportunities. When we were there a few years ago we also went to a couple really cool early American sights all within an hour drive—a petroglyph site and a well preserved cliff city—that we’re super interesting. The cliff city (Montezuma Castle?) also had ranger presentations with live animals that I’m sure a kiddo would love. There was another day trip we did to a natural well that, aside from the 19th century graffiti and the roadrunner that was hanging out there, wasn’t worth it.</p> <p>I also feel like if you get away from the main tourist trap areas (bus stops) the Grand Canyon is 100% worth it. There are elk everywhere, which may be good or bad (not knowing how old/curious your DD is) but they’re pretty harmless. And if you stay on the rim the hiking is flat but super rewarding in terms of views and wildlife. Hiking down/up is challenging and may not be suitable for littles, though. The village at the rim feels like national parks Disney, which could be good for your DD (depending what she’s used to) since there’s ice cream and bathrooms and all the little kid accommodations. I def recommend staying inside the park so you can avoid the visitors centers/bus stops as much as possible. In my experience the GC’s visitor centers are more mobbed than any other national park I’ve visited. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arizona-with-a-5-year-old#post-2892627 Mon, 29 Jul 2019 05:06:52 +0000 SweetCaroline 2892627@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Train: That's the question! :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arizona-with-a-5-year-old#post-2892618 Mon, 29 Jul 2019 01:19:50 +0000 Mrs. Train 2892618@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What part of Arizona? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arizona-with-a-5-year-old#post-2892571 Sun, 28 Jul 2019 14:52:16 +0000 SweetCaroline 2892571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thinking of heading to Arizona with DH and DD in February. I'm not sure what area to check out, so I have some research to do! We would like to do minimal driving, but an hour or two for a day trip would be okay. What experiences have you had, what do you recommend?</p> <p>We enjoy hiking, geocaching, exploring/adventures (tailored for appropriateness for a 5 year old). I hope to be pregnant, would be 5-6 months or less. </p>