9 Scottsdale Resorts for Families: So Fun, You Won’t Even Want to Leave the Hotel!

 

When looking into Scottsdale resorts for families, it can be easy to think the resort you book doesn’t matter. For parents traveling with kids, though, booking the right resort will make all the difference once they’re done with the family’s action-packed itinerary. 

At the right resort, there will be plenty to keep kids occupied when there is suddenly extra time. There’s also nothing quite like taking a dip in the pool after spending a day out in the bright Arizona sunshine, and resorts with pools are great for tiring kids out before retiring to the room for the night. So, let’s dive into our top picks!

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Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch

Visitors to Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa can choose between rooms, suites, or casitas. Each with a view of either the courtyard, mountains, or water around the resort. We love the casitas for families. Relax in the 1,200-square-foot space and enjoy amenities like a king-sized bed for mom and dad, a wood-burning fireplace, and a rooftop deck. 

There are several onsite restaurants and the Sandbar, located by the pool area, serves favorites like gourmet sandwiches, seasoned fries, chicken tenders, steakburgers, and soft-serve. There’s also a poolside cocktail bar called H2Oasis!

 

 

Things to Do At The Regency Hyatt 

Hyatt guests have plenty to do at the Outdoor Fun Center. Climb the 28’ rock wall, use the putting green, or play a game of ping pong, giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, or giant Chess. After working up a sweat, check out the expansive pool area complete with a man-made sand beach, 10 pools, waterfalls, and a 3-story water slide. 

Other amenities include bicycle rentals, easy access to the Gainey Ranch golf course, live music and entertainment, a gym and fitness center, and a spa with a French Celtic pool, hot tub, and Himalayan Salt room. 

 

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows

For parents with teens, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows has a modern, art-themed vibe that teens will appreciate. While the rooms are plenty spacious, we recommend the standalone bungalows. Visitors check in at the Guest House instead of the lobby but still have access to the resort’s three outdoor pools, fitness center, and other amenities. While there is only one on-site restaurant, Andaz Resort has nearby dining options, including Houston, Paul Martin’s American Grill, SumoMaya, and Fat Ox. 

 

Things to Do At The Andaz

The staff at Andaz Scottsdale Resort makes it easy for guests to make the most of their vacation with amenities like complimentary bike and GoPro rentals and a shuttle service that will take guests up to 3 miles away from the hotel. Visitors can also talk with staff to set up fun outdoor activities in the area, including mountain bike tours, ATV tours, and kayaking on Saguaro Lake. 

 

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort offers many accommodations. Guests can choose from a variety of guest rooms and suites or opt for one of the Privado Villas for a more private experience. Those who book also have access to the many swimming pools, fitness center, spa, and TPC Scottsdale, where the WM Phoenix Open is held. Plus, visitors can book a rental car, a service available only to hotel guests! 

 

 

Things to Do At The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Kids will find plenty to do around Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, with five swimming pools (including 1 with a sandy beach!), a rec room for the whole family, and access to the Kids club.

Parents can take advantage of this while they visit the adults-only pool or dad can play golf while mom has a spa day. Outside of the resort, families can visit the Musical Instrument Museum, dine at the Kierland Commons, or go hiking at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. 

 

Westin Kierland Resort

The highly-rated Westin Kierland Resort is a great place for families like mine with kiddos who love the water! Guests can book a variety of rooms and even choose if the room has a view of the pool, golf course, or mountains. This family-friendly resort is just steps away from Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons for food and shopping. Guests can also enjoy food at several onsite restaurants, including a poolside bar and grill, or take advantage of the luxurious spa, fitness center, or nearby golf course. 

 

 

Things to Do At The Westin Kierland Resort

Be sure to check out the Kierland Mining Company after check-in. Located by the front desk, this is the perfect place to find out about activities—there’s currently a reptile show in the lobby every Friday! Families can also enjoy the O.K. Corral outdoor space, s’mores on the weekend, and daily family activities. 

Water lovers rejoice! Visitors to Westin Kierland Resort can make a splash at Adventure Water Park. They can swim in the pool, take a drop down the 110-foot water slide, float along the lazy river, or try surfing with the FlowRider simulator! Or, they can get close to sea critters at the nearby OdySea Aquarium—visitors can touch stingrays and starfish and even swim with sharks! 

 

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DoubleTree in Paradise Valley

Many of the resorts on this list so far have premium perks and family fun – but that also comes at a premium price. The DoubleTree in Paradise family is our top pick for families looking for a more affordable option. DoubleTree even offers free parking, which is uncommon for Scottsdale resorts. 

There are several room types depending on each guest’s needs. Guests with teens can take advantage of connecting rooms to give the kids (and adults) some space. Suites are also an option – these have features like dedicated living spaces, fireplaces, balconies/patios, and one even has a private pool and sauna!

 

 

Things to Do At The Doubletree

DoubleTree is located in Paradise Valley, a suburb outside of Scottsdale known for its restaurants, shopping, and luxury golf courses. Check out the many stores in Fashion Square or take an art walk, wine tour, food tour, or historical tour of Old Town Scottsdale. Families can even explore Old Town on a segway tour!

Guests are also a short drive from the 125-acre Phoenix Zoo, where they can ride camels, feed giraffes, and get close to monkeys while they see the 3,000+ other animals. Once they are done exploring the zoo, they can head to the nearby 55-acre Desert Botanical Garden, which is home to thousands of cacti, trees, and flowers, accented by beautiful sculptures and the red rocks of the Sonoran Desert. 

 

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale is located at Troon North Golf Course, making it perfect for golfing enthusiasts. While there are more affordable guest rooms, we love the casitas for families. The adobe casitas are standalone buildings with more privacy, as well as amenities including private terraces or balconies, deep soaking tubs, newly renovated bathrooms, and gas fireplaces. There are also amenities available upon request for younger kids, including bottle warmers, bed rails, and swim diapers. When it’s time to eat, choose from five different onsite restaurants, and don’t miss out on the homemade ice cream at Proof! 

 

 

Things to Do At The Four Seasons

For guests staying at Four Seasons, don’t miss out on REI Custom Adventures. Sample different local wines on the Grape Run day trip, take a tour of the Grand Canyon or enjoy a mountain biking tour of the desert. If the adults would like a break, Four Seasons also has a kids club for ages 5-12. Kids will get to participate in different activities, go on nature walks, or even take an adventure to the zoo! Golfing enthusiasts will also enjoy playing on the 18-hole golf courses at Troon North! 

 

[ctt template=”5″ link=”9JI2q” via=”no” ]With expansive pools, water parks, incredible views, and daily activities, your crew might not want to leave these Scottsdale resorts for families. [/ctt]

 

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort

The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort is a luxury resort with beautiful, lush grounds, lots of palm trees, mountain views, and the option to book a suite with an outdoor fire pit. This is also one of the best hotels for picky eaters, with five different restaurants on site, each featuring a dedicated kid’s menu!

 

 

Things to Do At The JW Marriott

Kids will love the Family Escape Kids Camp. For ages 4-12, participants can make tie dye and crafts, enjoy sweets, and more. There are also two expansive resort pools – kids should keep their eyes out for waitstaff handing out beach balls or complimentary popsicles! Visitors can also take advantage of the onsite water park (with water slides!), bike rentals, tennis courts, spa, golf course, or pickleball center. Desert Ridge Resort also isn’t far from Arizona Balloon Safaris – watch the balloons take off or schedule a balloon ride to see the desert from a whole new perspective! 

 

Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale

Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale has a variety of rooms to accommodate families, no matter the size of their pack. The best part of Great Wolf Lodges will always be the year-round indoor waterpark that is fun for the whole family, and this Scottsdale hotel is no exception. Guests have access to the waterpark even on the day they check out, and they can check in early to make the most of it. Plus, there are six restaurants, a coffee shop, an ice cream shop, and a sandwich counter, so families don’t ever have to leave!  

 

 

Things to Do At The Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is all about the waterpark. There are swimming areas, several water slides, a water basketball court, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Kids can also mine gems and rocks at Olivers Mining Co., participate in scavenger hunts, play video games at Northern Lights Arcade, challenge themselves on a rope course, or experience a wizarding adventure with MagiQuest. Once everyone is tuckered out, take advantage of the Game Night package and have board games and snacks delivered right to your suite. 

 

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The Phoenician

Scottsdale visitors will find the Phoenician nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain. While all the guest rooms at the Phoenician are cozy, we highly recommend the casitas with a private entrance and driveway. We love the privacy for a family vacation, plus you still have access to all the fun activities and eight different restaurants at the Phoenician. 

 

 

Things to Do At The Phoenician

This is another resort perfect for guests who love the water. The Phoenician has a multi-tier pool with several water slides, a playground, a kid’s area with a splash pad, and an adults-only area. When families are ready to take a break from the pool, they can enjoy guided hikes, horseback riding, and cycling tours or explore the art installations around Old Town Scottsdale. 

 

 

 

When You Go

 

 

Getting to Scottsdale from Los Angeles

While it takes 6 hours of driving to reach Scottsdale from L.A., the drive is scenic and passes through Joshua National Park, Kofa National Wildlife Park, and the Colorado River Reservation. 

Unless families have more than a weekend to get away, flying is more practical. It takes approximately 90 minutes to fly from LAX to Phoenix Sky International Airport. Many flights are affordable and nonstop, including Frontier, United, American, Southwest, and Delta. 

 

How To Save Money On A Scottsdale Trip

An excellent discount site for flights (and cars, hotels) is Expedia! This is where we start our research for the best deals!

If you’d like to be in the know for exclusive discounts to fly anywhere in the world, check out Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). Their website shows current deals, and they send emails when they find crazy cheap discounts. Some can even be booked with points.

To get discounts on tours in the area, we recommend Get Your Guide or Viator (which offers 51% off last-minute tours!).

To save time (and because we travel so much), we got an annual travel insurance policy for the whole family from this site. They have affordable policies for individual trips too and tools to make picking one easy.

 

 

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