Whether you’re looking for a modern poolside suite at a top golf resort or a weekend in the desert roughing it, there’s a destination near Peoria that’s perfect for you. Here are our favorite places for a family staycation in Arizona.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch

Arizona is the ultimate destination for golf lovers, with dozens of stay-and-play options. Its collection of premier golf resorts includes our top place for a staycation: the Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch. You’ll enjoy endless luxurious amenities with the stunning McDowell Mountains in the background. Choose from nearly 500 spacious rooms with a private balcony or terrace. Consider booking a casita featuring an expansive living space for the whole family, a wood-burning fireplace, and a rooftop deck.

Discover loads of activities for family fun, too. Parents can spend the day on the private 27-hole championship course and learn new techniques from a golf pro while the little ones enjoy the 2.5-acre water playground. There are 10 swimming pools, 20 fountains, 45 waterfalls, a sand beach, and a three-story waterslide for your little daredevils. Everyone will love the 28-foot rock climbing wall.

Fill up in one of eight family-friendly restaurants, including a poolside cafe. From fresh Southwestern cuisine and traditional Italian food to mouthwatering steaks and sushi, there’s something to excite every palate, as well as music, cocktails, and nightly entertainment. Don’t leave without taking the time to relax with a personalized treatment from the onsite Spa Avania, or get in a workout at the 24-hour fitness center. This resort is also pet-friendly, so you don’t need a sitter for Fido.

• Location: 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road in Scottsdale
• Hours: Check-in is 4 p.m., and check-out is at 11 a.m. daily

Enchantment Resort in Sedona

There is no place in the world quite like Sedona. From its unique landscape to the vibrant arts scene, this desert town offers something to suit everyone, especially outdoor enthusiasts. You can spend your staycation exploring the area’s stunning red rock mountain with a Jeep tour, visiting the energy vortex at Cathedral Rock, or, if hiking is your family’s thing, checking out the scenic trails near Devil’s Bridge and Bell Rock. This designated Dark Sky Community is also the ideal place for stargazing.

There are many great family-friendly places to stay in Sedona, like the Enchantment Resort. This pick offers a homey feel for parents who prioritize comfort over luxury. The property offers an outdoor pool and special activity programs for the kids. Find peace and tranquility in a one- or two-bedroom suite or a full casita. Each space features a Southwestern motif, a private deck or patio overlooking Boynton Canyon, a cozy fireplace, and elegant furnishings.

This resort features tennis and pickleball courts, plus opportunities to take a lesson if you’ve never played. There’s a Junior Academy for kids 12 and up or the Super Stars program for beginners age 5 or older. Children can also sign up for Camp Coyote. Campers between 4 and 12 years old will embark on a fun, and educational excursion, including nature walks, scavenger hunts, and activities like painting and cooking.

• Location: 525 Boynton Canyon Road in Sedona
• Hours: Check-in is 4 p.m., and check-out is at noon daily

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Camping is a terrific staycation opportunity, and there’s nowhere in the Valley like Lake Pleasant. Whether your family enjoys a decked-out RV or a rustic tent experience, you can embark on a wilderness adventure close to home at this outstanding 23,262-acre Maricopa County Regional Park. The Roadrunner Campground offers 71 lakeside sites with scenic views, while the Desert Tortoise option features 74 spots. Book a developed area and get access to modern amenities like water, electricity, sewer, a covered ramada with a picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring.

In addition to camping, you’ll want to take advantage of the water recreational opportunities at Lake Pleasant, including boating, fishing, and swimming. The park is also ideal for families that enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. Book a guided walk with an experienced ranger and explore the area. We recommend Desert 101. This 2.5-hour adventure starts at the north end of the lake and descends nearly 2 miles into the picturesque Pipeline Canyon. 

Remember to stop by the Discovery Center before you head home. It’s openon Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The kids will love the playground next to the center, and inside you’ll find an array of interpretive exhibits. The family will learn about early settlers, native wildlife, and the park’s dam. Grab a trinket in the gift shop to remember the experience.

• Location: 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road in Morristown
• Hours: Main entrance is open from May 1 to Oct. 31 from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and between Nov. 1 and April 30 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily

The Grand Canyon National Park

If your family hasn’t visited the Grand Canyon, put this must-see destination at the top of your next list of staycation ideas. There are many ways to discover this national geological treasure. More than a mile deep, it offers a remarkable journey across three geological eras, seven life zones, and five ecosystems. The historic site encompasses over a million acres and is home to thousands of plants and animals. Rangers offer events and activities throughout the year that guide you through this incredible experience. Take a class or a hike and immerse yourself in the experience.

While there are many places to stay near the Canyon, we enjoy the accommodations at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. It’s conveniently located blocks from downtown Williams and next to the train depot. You’ll appreciate amenities like free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and hot tub, and onsite dining options. Touring the park on a train is another popular way to see the sites. Climb aboard a restored steam locomotive on the first Saturday of the month between April and September.

• Location: 235 N. Grand Canyon Blvd. in Williams
• Hours: Check-in is at 3 p.m., and check-out is 11 a.m

There you go. Crème de la Crème of Peoria put together this guide to some of the best places in Arizona for a staycation. Let us know your family’s favorite destination so we can share your ideas with other local parents.