Skip out on the blistering cold found back home this holiday season and instead make your way to Scottsdale. Our Arizona home has everything you need for a memorable time including festive events and activities. Document your holiday stay by snapping a family holiday photo while here in Scottsdale. This will be a great opportunity to have the perfect photo for a holiday card or to save for memories. Here are the best spots for Scottsdale photography where you can take a family holiday photo:
ZooLights
One of the biggest holiday events each year is also a great spot to snap your holiday family picture. Of course we are talking about ZooLights found over at the Phoenix Zoo. Each year the Phoenix Zoo puts up millions of holiday lights and displays for the holiday season. ZooLights requires a separate pass for the zoo but is well worth the price of admission. You will be able to walk all around the zoo taking in the beautiful displays. Grab some hot cocoa to stay warm and take a family photo in front of one of the many displays available.
Scottsdale Photography at The Santa Social
There is no place better for some holiday shopping than Scottsdale Quarter. You will find all kinds of shops and boutiques in this wonderful plaza. They also host their Santa Social once again this year that is an all day event perfect for the whole family. The kids will have a blast with holiday activities including caricature artists, face painters, and special appearances by Christmas characters. Santa Claus will also be on hand for photos with the kids or the whole family. The event will also feature the Tree Lighting Ceremony that will light up the Scottsdale Quarter for the first time this holiday season. Grab a picture in front of this beautifully decorated tree that has thousands of lights. The event will close with a holiday screening of the movie Elf. A whole day of activities and beautiful background for a family photo is the perfect call. The Santa Social will take place this year on November 30th from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Book Your Stay in Scottsdale
There is no better place to spend your holiday season than Scottsdale. Our vacation rentals will keep you close to these great events and photo spots all season long. Book today and prepare for the holidays in Scottsdale!
Your holiday season does not need to be spent somewhere covered in snow where you can barely get outside. Instead, come join us here in Scottsdale, where you will find crisp temps and sunny skies. Scottsdale is a top Arizona winter destination where you can find plenty of holiday festivities. The city and surrounding areas will also be hosting several unique events exclusive to the area. Here is how to add a little magic to your Christmas season right here with these holiday events in Scottsdale:
Zoo Lights
One of Phoenix’s most cherished holiday events will once again be returning this year with Zoo Lights. This is a long standing tradition where the Phoenix Zoo is covered in millions of holiday lights, providing you with a unique experience here in the evening. Guests will be able to walk through the illuminated pathways connected trails and animal habitats that are now a dazzling spectacle. This year’s festivities will include a brand-new light show that will feature never before seen visuals and incredible music synced up to the show. There will be s’mores pits where you can enjoy delicious smores and warm up in front of the fire. Grab a cup of hot cocoa to take with you during your evening stroll. You will also be able to enter the 200-foot-long illuminated light tunnel in your vehicle on special nights taking place November 10th through 12th and January 13th and 14th. Santa Claus will be on hand for pictures. This year’s Zoo Lights will take place November 27th through January 12th. Entry into Zoo Lights starts at $30 per person and is a separate ticket from regular zoo visits. If you have any sensory sensitive children in the family, consider taking them to the Sensory Friendly Zoo Lights night taking place on December 2nd that features smaller crowds and quieter music.
Holiday Lights at Railroad Park
Another great spot to view wonderful holiday lights is McCormick Ranch here in Scottsdale. They will feature their Holiday Lights even once again this year from November 29th through December 30th. This event is different than Zoo Lights, as you will be able to explore a winter wonderland that is part of McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. The entire park will be lit up with thousands of holiday lights and wonderful displays. You will not want to miss a chance to board the Paradise & Pacific Railroad that will take you on a seasonal journey throughout the park. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park will be open during the day for free entry until 5:00 PM when Holiday Lights will begin. Guests are able to enter the park at designated times including 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, or 8:00 PM. Your admission into the park include train and carousel rides, glow up mini golf, tour the Model Railroad Building, and more. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase from Hartley’s General Store onsite. Tickets start at $15 per person with special weeknights available for only $10 per person. Don’t miss this Scottsdale exclusive event this holiday season!
Holiday Events in Scottsdale at World of illumination
Get ready for Arizona’s largest holiday light show by touring through World of Illumination. This has been named as a top holiday light show in the entire country and is returning once again to The Valley. You will have a choice of two different World of Illumination experiences. Rockin’ Christmas will be taking place in Glendale from November 16th through December 29th. Tempe will also be hosting the World of Illumination with Enchanted Safari from November 15th through December 29th. Each different venue will focus on their curated theme, offering a one of a kind experience. Regardless of what location you pick, you will a truly immersive drive through holiday light experience. Giant holiday displays are synchronized with holiday music providing with a visual experience like no other. 3D glasses are even provided to enjoy a unique perspective during certain parts of your drive. You will find over 500 different displays and over a million lights at each location for World of Illumination. You will remain comfortable and warm in your vehicle as you enjoy the drive through experience. Each year provides a new theme, so this will be your only chance to enjoy these two themes taking place in The Valley. Purchase your tickets today to reserve a spot in this highly desirable holiday event.
Scottsdale Is Ready for the Holidays
You will not find a more festive city than Scottsdale this holiday season. In addition to these events you will also be able to enjoy plenty of shopping at local malls and shops. Explore Old Town for holiday dining. Make sure to reserve one of our rentals in the area for the best stay in town.
If you are looking for the top holiday destination this year, you cannot go wrong with Scottsdale. While the rest of the country is dealing with frigid temps, Scottsdale is basking in the sunshine while still offering plenty of festive activities. One great way to celebrate Christmas is by taking your family out for a Christmas dinner in Scottsdale. There are some restaurants that remain open on Christmas for dine-in and take-out services. Here are which ones you’ll want to visit:
Dining In on Christmas
Scottsdale is full of incredible restaurants found all over the city that will invite you in on Christmas Day. One of our favorites is Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen & Bar. This trendy restaurant is found in Old Town Scottsdale and offers a little bit of everything in their New American cuisine. Some popular dishes that many locals absolutely love are the risotto, linguine with clams, halibut, burrata, and more. The restaurant tends to get busy quickly so placing a reservation in advance is highly recommended. You can also check out Harbor Seafood Super Buffet for an all-you-can-eat experience that is perfect for the holidays.
Take-Out Christmas Dinner in Scottsdale
Many restaurants also offer take-out services so you can take the food hot to go back to your vacation rental. Flo’s New Asian Cuisine is a great spot for all of your favorite Chinese dishes that can be easily enjoyed at your rental. Roaring Fork offers a New American menu that can be packaged up to go when you call it in. Maggiano’s Little Italy has all of your favorite Italian dishes and entrees ready to be served at home. You do not have to settle for a hole in the wall spot this holiday season!
Prepare Your Own Meal
Last but not least is preparing your own holiday meal back at your vacation rental. Our properties come ready to serve you and your family in a gourmet kitchen. These spacious rooms offer full-size appliances where you can easily bake up your entrees. Serve up your sides on the extended countertop buffet style. Most properties also feature spacious dining areas where you can enjoy your meal together. If this sounds like the ideal rental for you, make sure you book with us today. The holiday season will be here before you know it!
We all love the holiday season but some prefer to stay out of the cold. Make the most of your holiday season by spending a family getaway to beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. You will find that the temps here are more than manageable allowing you to soak up all of the sunshine. Scottsdale will make sure it still feels like the holidays with an abundance of places where you can go to see Scottsdale Christmas lights and displays. Take a look at the top spots found around Scottsdale:
Desert Botanical Gardens
Scottsdale is a spacious city that is situated in the middle of the Phoenix Valley. You will find that our freeway systems make it a breeze to get to other parts of the city. There are several events sponsored each year by popular attractions that are sure to catch your attention. One such event is Las Noches de Las Luminarias taking place over at the Desert Botanical Gardens. If you have yet to visit the gardens, we highly recommend you do so to see preserved desert landscape and flora for all to see. This will be the 45th year that Las Noches de Las Luminarias will take place, an incredibly moving live music display with thousands of lit up luminaries decorating the garden landscape. You can see the show anytime after sundown from Thanksgiving through the end of December. Don’t miss out on this magical experience at the Desert Botanical Gardens.
Sing Along & Tree Light Ceremony
One of the best ways to see beautiful Christmas lights is attending your local Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Scottsdale features plenty of fun with our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony that also features a sing along special. This local event takes place at the Scottsdale Waterfront Canal Bank located at 7135 E Camelback Road. The event kicks off with a little musical fun presented by the Scottsdale Community College Orchestra who will play classic Christmas songs. The official sing along will kick off shortly after with local celebrities leading the way for the tunes. The tree lighting ceremony will officially kick off the holiday season by turning on the thousands of Christmas lights found on the Scottsdale tree. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand throughout the event to help out with photo opportunities. Make sure to stop by the local businesses nearby for free holiday treats to munch on. This is one holiday event with plenty of Christmas lights that you will not want to miss. The Sing Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Saturday November 30th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM; the official tree lighting will begin at 7:55 PM.
See Scottsdale Christmas Lights at the World of Illumination
If you are looking for one of the country’s biggest holiday light show look no further than the World of Illumination. This themed holiday light show is a massive drive thru experience where you get to enjoy millions of holiday lights lit up for you to see. The World of Illumination provides a multisensory experience with incredible synchronized illuminations that match with the music. Visitors will arrive in their vehicle and enjoy the show from the comfort of their seat. You are able to bring in your own goodies including snacks and drinks. Each vehicle can enter with a single ticket so individual passes for each individual is not needed.
This year the World of Illumination will provide two separate drive-thru experiences, each with its own theme. Head on out to Glendale where you can catch Rockin’ Christmas at Desert Diamond Casino. This event will run from November 16th through December 29th with a rock n roll themed light up experience. Or stick closer to Scottsdale by visiting Diablo Stadium in Tempe for the Enchanted Safari running November 15th through December 29th. Tickets are on sale now with a 25% discount available for those who purchase by early October; you will be able to schedule your World of Illumination experience at a later date! Don’t miss out on this truly epic experience found nowhere else!
Zoo Lights
Perhaps the most famous of the event during the holidays around Scottsdale is Zoo Lights taking place over at the Phoenix Zoo. You will find the entire zoo lit up with Christmas lights and displays after sundown. Experience dazzling light shows or one of the two Music in Motion shows located by the lake. Zoo Lights takes place this year from November 22nd through January 14th and is a must see experience.
Scottsdale Is Ready for the Holidays
Checking out the local Christmas lights is just one of many ways to enjoy your holiday stay here in Scottsdale. Book your stay in one of our rentals to enjoy luxury amenities and close proximity to these holiday light shows in the area.
There comes a time when a vacation opportunity will present itself to you. Whenever these moments come, we have to take advantage of them while we can. During your next last-minute getaway, come explore the wonders of Scottsdale. There is no better Arizona community to visit, no matter what time of year it is. Scottsdale has plenty of fun and excitement for the whole family to enjoy. Take a look at what you want to know for your last-minute trip to Scottsdale:
Shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square
They say a little retail therapy is always best when on vacation, so when you visit Scottsdale, you have to check out Scottsdale Fashion Square. This is the finest mall experience you will have ever had. Scottsdale Fashion Square features all of your favorite clothing and apparel brands but also top of the line brands too for luxury shopping. Scottsdale Fashion Square has many five-star restaurants as well, either inside the mall or connected on the exterior. Pull up into the valet parking to feel like royalty. You can easily spend hours walking around the mall, being captivated at the luxury atmosphere all around you. Scottsdale Fashion Square is the one place you want to stop at for a little vacation shopping here in the area.
Check Out Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale has been around for decades and continues to be a thriving hub in the Valley of the Sun. Downtown Scottsdale is commonly referred to as Old Town Scottsdale and is where you can find historic buildings housing trendy shops and boutiques. You will find the finest collection of independent business owners here in Old Town Scottsdale. In addition to the shops, the area features some of the finest restaurants in town, including Olive & Ivy, Farm and Craft, and more. If you are looking to beat the heat in the summer, stop in the many art galleries found around Old Town Scottsdale that feature art by local and nationally renowned artists. Winery taprooms allow you to enjoy tasting flights of their award winning wines. The nightlife in Old Town Scottsdale is also a popular area with buzzy bars such as Hula’s Modern Tiki. There is something for everyone in Old Town Scottsdale.
Things for the Kids on. Your Last-Minute Trip to Scottsdale
There will be plenty of opportunities to show the kids some fun activities while you are enjoying a last-minute trip to Scottsdale. Perhaps the most popular children’s attractions can be found over at OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland.
OdySea Aquarium is an incredibly large indoor aquarium located right off the local freeway, making it easy to get to. This spacious attraction holds over two million gallons of water in spacious underwater habitats for its unique creatures. Speaking of which, you will be able to see over 30,000 aquatic animals during your visit to OdySea. Your family will be able to tour the facility that features multiple levels to walk around. Some of the incredible animals you will get to see include sharks, sting rays, jellyfish, tropical fish, octopus, sea turtles, penguins, and otters. The giant habitats allow the animals to coexist just like they would out in the wild. You can participate in additional activities such as meet and greets with penguins, go helmet diving in one of the tanks with rays swimming by you, or encounter the loveable sloths. OdySea Aquarium also hosts unique events such as Fish and Sips that is an adults-only experience in the evening where you can walk around with an adult beverage.
Another attraction at the Arizona Boardwalk is the Butterfly Wonderland. You will be able to have a rainforest experience inside their giant atrium that houses thousands of free-flying butterflies. The space allows the wonderful insects to flutter around. You will have plenty of opportunities to snap a picture as one of them lands on you if you’re still! Their 3D movie experience teaches you all about the monarch butterfly migration and is a great way to beat the heat in the summer. There is even a reptile exhibit with incredible creatures along with an edible insect attraction where you can try insects that are enjoyed as a delicacy all over the world. Don’t miss out on these incredible attractions found in Scottsdale!
Access to the Finest Vacation Rentals in Town
Even if you are visiting at the last-minute, you will be able to find the perfect vacation rental for you and your family. Our properties are some of the finest homes in Scottsdale with luxury features found nowhere else. Enjoy features such as spacious living areas, crystal blue swimming pools, and close proximity to these activities in the area. A last-minute trip to Scottsdale is what the whole family needs!
There are quite a few different ways you can spend your upcoming fall getaway. Either head off to somewhere remote with little to do. Or you can make your way to sunny Scottsdale and be surrounded by all of the events and activities you could want. Scottsdale is an ideal destination any time of the year but the fall is truly something special. The cooler temps make it more enjoyable outdoors while you can still hang out by the pool. Of course, the fall season also comes with several holidays to plan around including Halloween. If you are traveling with children, you will want to make sure they still get a chance to go trick-or-treating. Scottsdale has many great areas you can trick-or-treat at. Here are the best places for trick-or-treating in Scottsdale:
Free Family Fun Halloween Bash
One of the best ways to spend your trick-or-treating at in Scottsdale is at a special event. Look no further than the Free Family Fun Halloween Bash sponsored by the Arizona Boardwalk here in Scottsdale. This annual event returns and is absolutely free to attend. This outdoor event welcomes everyone in the whole family for a whole lot of fun. The kids will be able to dress up in the best costume and enjoy some trick-or-treating around the event for candy. The fun does not stop there either. Additional fun activities they can enjoy also include bounce houses, live entertainment, bounce houses, face painting, slides, shopping with vendors, and more. There will be raffles to enter to win a chance at some incredible prizes. Best of all, there is a family fun costume contest where the best dressed family has the chance to win $1,000 in cash! No admission or fees are required for this event, so all you have to do is show up in your best costume! The Free Family Fun Halloween Bash will take place this year on October 26th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM over at the Arizona Boardwalk courtyard.
Halloween Stroll in Downtown Tempe
The Phoenix Valley is a network of connected cities that are extremely easy to get to with our highway system. This makes it easy to get to our neighbors to the South in Tempe. This year, Tempe will be sponsoring the Halloween Stroll over at Ragsdale-MLK Park in Downtown Tempe. This family friendly event is another outdoor gathering where you can find all kinds of Halloween related fun. Trick-or-treating will be provided with over 30 Downtown Tempe merchants handing out the best candy. The kids will want to stick around after they are done trick-or-treating too with the other fun activities at hand. They can also enjoy the kids only costume contest, Halloween themed games, and an arts and crafts area where they can make spooky Halloween crafts. Don’t miss out on this free event! The Halloween Stroll in Downtown Tempe will take place on October 27th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM over at Ragsdale-MLK Park.
Trick-or-Treating in Scottsdale by Your Vacation Rental
Of course, you do not need to go to a special event in order to take the kids out for trick-or-treating. One of the best reasons to book your stay in Scottsdale is the abundance of friendly and safe neighborhoods that the city has to offer. Many of these neighborhoods are where our vacation rentals can be found making it easy to get around. One of the most popular spots to trick-or-treat in Scottsdale is over at McCormick Ranch. This neighborhood is where you can find some of the finest homes in the valley, so that means the quality of candy is sure to be great. McCormick Ranch tends to be on the quieter side and may not feature tons of Halloween decorations. However, you will see plenty of families out and about, ensuring you are in a safe neighborhood to explore for trick-or-treating. Visitors can also venture off to Paradise Valley right next door to Scottsdale for another great area of town to explore. Paradise Valley has some of the safest neighborhoods with homes known to hand out king size candy bars. You will not have a shortage of spots to trick-or-treat at!
Get Ready for Your Time in Scottsdale
Trick-or-treating is sure to be on your agenda when you visit Scottsdale this fall with the kids in tow. Make sure to reserve one of our luxury vacation rentals in advance to prepare for your stay. Each property offers luxury amenities to ensure your comfort and keep you close to these trick-or-treating neighborhoods and events. Come see for yourself in Scottsdale!
While many might think that heading off to Arizona in the summer is a crazy idea, you will be happily surprised that they are mistaken. Make the most of an end-of-your-summer vacation by booking a last-minute trip here to Scottsdale. We are the luxury part of the Phoenix Valley full of fun and excitement. Sure the temperatures might be hot in the summer but you will find plenty of ways to cool off here in Scottsdale. Labor Day Weekend is a great time to visit before the end of the summer with holiday events and activities to choose from. Take a look at the many ways to spend your Labor Day Weekend in Scottsdale in 2024:
Day at the Pool This Labor Day Weekend in Scottsdale
While most of our vacation rentals come with a luxury pool you will be able to enjoy during your stay, you may also wish for a social outing nearby. Many of the local resorts in Scottsdale offer day passes to their water park level pools for a day that the whole family will enjoy. This includes locations such as Andaz Scottsdale that features incredible bungalows to hide out from the sun out before you take a dip in the water. Or check out Talking Stick for their WAVE pool party that features live DJs and more entertainment. Checking out day passes or the Resort Pass is a great way to take advantage of local resort pools while staying in the comfort of your private vacation rental.</P.
Check Out Old Town Scottsdale
When it comes to the combination of luxury art and fine dining, there is no place better to go than Old Town Scottsdale. As the name suggests, this is one of the older parts of town that has been turned into an Old West haven complete with fine art galleries and culinary restaurants. The art galleries feature works of art you can see up close or purchase something to send back home. Restaurants include award-winning options such as Maestro’s City Hall Steakhouse and more. Many of these restaurants will turn into nightclubs in the evening where you can dance the night away. Come celebrate your birthday at Maple & Ash where you can receive a special printed menu just for your birthday, it is a popular spot for those who are turning 21 years old! Either way, you have something to enjoy with an evening in Old Town Scottsdale.
Salt River Tubing
One of the most popular ways to cool off in Arizona each summer is by going Salt River Tubing. Simply head over to the Salt River located in northern area of Mesa, making it a quick and easy drive from Scottsdale. You will be able to rent river tubes so you can spend several hours floating down the Salt River. This Arizona tradition features cool water that is sure to help you beat the heat. Bring a cooler with you full of your favorite beverages and throw it in a tube to have on the journey with you. There is both a short and long route giving you plenty of options on how to spend your time on the river. Once you reach the end of your float a bus will drive you back to the entrance so you do not have to walk back to your vehicle. Now that is some service!
Take the Family to OdySea and Butterfly Wonderland
Get the chance to see some amazing animals up close by taking the family over to OdySea Aquarium right here in Scottsdale. This more recent addition to the city has become a family staple for their spacious habitats that include everything from sharks, rays, octopus, and jellyfish to loveable penguins. The tanks offer you an educational yet exciting look into their underwater world. One of the best parts of going to OdySea is enjoying their specialty programs that let you have a meet and greet with the penguins or have the chance to walk at the bottom of an underwater habitat. Your kids will come back from vacations with the wildest stories! OdySea is also located right next door to Butterfly Wonderland, a giant atrium filled with thousands of butterflies that flutter around. You can purchase a group pass to make entrance more affordable. Expect to have several different butterflies land on your head or arm to pose for the perfect pictures. Going to these attractions are an educational yet exciting way to spend a whole day here in Scottsdale over Labor Day.
More Labor Day Fun Here in Scottsdale
Who knew a summer in Arizona could be as enjoyable as it is over Labor Day Weekend. Reserve one of our Scottsdale rentals right here in the area to be close by these local activities. Labor Day Weekend will be here before you know it!
A little fun under the sun is just what you need for an adventure getaway. Even if your partner cannot join you for the festivities a trip to Scottsdale is always a great time. Traveling solo can easily be done when you know where to look and how to plan in advance. Take a look at how you can easily travel to Scottsdale on your own and have a great time:
Check Out the Galleries in Old Town Scottsdale
You will find a variety of different neighborhoods here in Scottsdale, but none are as vibrant as Old Town. This historic part of Scottsdale features a variety of art galleries that are sure to catch your eye with wonderful exhibits. In fact, you may find it difficult to pick out just one gallery to go to with so many being available. Popular galleries to take a look at in Old Town include Altamira Fine Art Scottsdale, Arizona West Galleries, and Cowboy Legacy Gallery. Don’t miss out on a little art and culture when you visit Scottsdale!
When You Travel to Scottsdale, Hit the Spa!
Scottsdale is the part of the Phoenix Valley that you want to visit to enjoy the finer things of life. This can include hitting up the local spas for a little rest and relaxation. You will find plenty of local spas that can provide all of your favorite services such as facials, massages, pedicures, manicures, and so much more. Some popular spas in the area include Spa Avania and New Serenity Spa. You can book your services in advance to be able to secure a time during your stay. It can get hot in Scottsdale so why not cool off with a day at the spa during your solo adventure!
Visit the Local Breweries
Another great way to cool off is by stopping by the local breweries around Scottsdale. You will be pleased to know that there are several spots that make handcrafted beer and are known for only offering the best. Local favorites include Fate Brewing with their Scottsdale location. Inside you will find a spacious brewpub with some incredible food to pair with your pint of craft beer; the spacious bar is a great spot for a solo traveler to sit at. Goldwater Brewing may not offer food but are an award winning brewery just South of Old Town Scottsdale. Pinnacle Brewing Company is one of the newer additions to Scottsdale and is a great brewery to watch a sports game from. You have plenty of options for the craft beer lover who visits Scottsdale!
Hike Up Camelback Mountain
You will not have to travel far to hike here in Scottsdale. You will find Camelback Mountain to be located right in the middle of town. This local peak has an elevation over 2,700 feet in height and is a perfect day hike to take on. There are two separate hiking trails that will take you up to the summit. However, be prepared as while the hike is only 1.23 miles to the summit the trails are rated as intense and difficult due to the incline on the paths. Make sure you are prepared by bringing plenty of water and dressing in layers whenever you hike during the warmer months of the year. You will feel like you can take on anything whenever summit Camelback Mountain here in town! If you instead want to take on a much easier hike head on over to Papago Park where a much smaller mountain is waiting. This easy and short trail is perfect for those who do not want to work up a sweat during their visit. Papago Park is home to the Hole in the Rock that is exactly as it sounds.
Visit the Desert Botanical Garden
You can learn all about the local flora of the region whenever you make a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden. This attraction is found close by Papago Park and will open your eyes to how beautiful Arizona can be. There is over 140 acres of beautiful terrain for you to walk through. Many of the plants you can check out in person include colorful flowers and even towering Saguaro Cactus. Don’t miss out on this incredible attraction to the area.
Book Your Next Vacation Rental
The final step in planning out your solo trip is to book your lodging. We offer a variety of vacation rentals here in Scottsdale for a luxurious experience. Our selection of properties includes smaller condominium rentals perfect for the solo traveler. You will find spacious areas inside each home including living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Enjoy fine linens and spa like bathrooms to make sure you remain relaxed. Simply pick out your favorite rental and get to planning for the ideal solo getaway to Scottsdale.
Are your kids bugging you for one last vacation before their summer break ends? If so, consider making your way to Scottsdale for a back-to-school adventure. There are plenty of places of where you can spend your summer adventure at but Scottsdale will always take the cake. Scottsdale features an abundance of exciting activities and events like no other. Take a look at what your back-to-school vacation in Scottsdale will look like this year:
Visit OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland
Scottsdale is one of the biggest cities that make up the Phoenix Valley here in Arizona. You will find that the size encompasses so many different attractions that include the OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland. OdySea Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Southwest and features thousands of underwater critters in over two million gallons of water. You and your family will be able to explore interactive exhibits that features your favorite animals including a variety of fish, sharks, rays, penguins, octopus, jellyfish, and so much more.
Part of the joy is taking part in their special programs that let you get hands on. The SeaTREK has you donning a wetsuit and helmet and walk underwater surrounded by live animals. The Penguin Encounter will get you a personal meeting with loveable African penguins and learn all about their behaviors. Or check out the Sloth Encounter, where you can meet Squidney, the cutest and slowest moving mammal here at the aquarium.
Combine your visit with a stop in Butterfly Wonderland for a full day of fun. You will find this expansive attraction right next door to OdySea Aquarium, making it easy to get to. Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly conservation in the country that houses over 60 different species of butterflies. The conservatory lets you walk in and see these beautiful creatures up close; you may even have a few land on you if you remain still when around them! Enjoy the 3D theater that lets you learn about the life of a butterfly. Additional exhibits include the rainforest reptile exhibit, bee hive, and tropical waters. You can combine your passes to save for the whole family whenever you visit these two popular attractions in Scottsdale!
Check Out McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Scottsdale is full of sprawling parks where you can take the young kids to run around and play. The park is home to a vintage train that the kids can still ride on. The train museum features plenty of exhibits that are both educational and exciting to see up close. The classic carousel take the kids on an enjoyable ride. There are two separate playgrounds where everyone can break free on and run their energy off. You can find the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park nearby Old Town Scottsdale making it easy to get to.
Make Art at As You Wish Pottery
If you are looking to beat the heat during your stay and want a creative outlet for your kids simply take them over to As You Wish Pottery. They offer several different locations around the valley including one here in Scottsdale. Their fully stocked studios allow you to pick out your own pottery that you can paint until your heart is content. They offer a huge selection for the kids to pick from ensuring they will find exactly what they are looking for. Visitors are able to purchase paint and all the other necessary items you need for a successful painting.
Go to a Splash Pad On Your Back-to-School Vacation in Scottsdale
Everyone knows that Phoenix and the surrounding valley is hot during the summer so finding the nearest water is necessary. The young kids can have a blast at one of the many splash pads found in the city. These free water playgrounds are perfect for little ones to cool off and escape the heat. You can find these splash pads nearby most shopping centers making it easy to find the closest one to you.
Cool Off at Great Wolf Lodge
On the hottest days of the summer you may not want to be outside even if there’s an option to jump in the water. If you find a day like that head over to Great Wolf Lodge and purchase a pass to enjoy their indoor water park. Enjoy the combination of air conditioning along with cool water as everyone goes down the water slides or sit around in the lazy river. The whole family can have a blast at a place like this!
Get Ready for Your Summer in Scottsdale
Cooling off in Scottsdale has never been so exciting as it is right before the kids return to school. Our vacation rentals will keep you close to these exciting attractions and activities so you can spend more time focused on how to relax before returning home.
There is nothing quite like turning up the heat during the summer season and there is no better place to do that than Scottsdale. Sure, Arizona is known to get hot during the summer season, but Scottsdale has all the incredible summer activities and events that will keep you cool and having fun. The summer season will be in full swing by the time the Fourth of July holiday reaches here. Scottsdale has a variety of events planned already to make sure it will be one to remember. Best of all, this year’s Fourth of July lands on a Thursday allowing you to enjoy an extended weekend with us here in Arizona. Take a look at what is expected for a Scottsdale Fourth of July celebration:
Scottsdale 11th Annual 4th of July Celebration
The fun returns this summer when Scottsdale’s 4th of July Celebration takes center stage on the national holiday. This will be the 11th consecutive year for the event that has become one of the top Fourth of July celebrations in the entire Phoenix Valley. The event is held at Westworld where you will find a variety of patriotic events and activities waiting for you.
The Scottsdale 11th Annual 4th of July Celebration starts at 5:00 p.m. where you can enjoy the fan favorite Copper State Rodeo that also includes bull riding. The kids will enjoy a variety of children activities including musical chairs, cake walks, face painting, and more. Foodies will want to sign up for the 2nd Annual Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers Summer Slider Eating Contest with a variety of grand prizes on the line. The National Anthem and a presentation of colors will take place prior to the 5th Annual Parade of Heroes that takes place near the end of the event.
No Fourth of July celebration can be complete without a fireworks show and the Scottsdale 11th Annual 4th of July Celebration will not disappoint. In fact, they are gearing up for the largest fireworks display for the entire history of Scottsdale! The fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m. sharp with the event ending at the conclusion of the fireworks. You do not want to miss out on this truly stunning Fourth of July celebration that is sure to be the biggest event yet in its history. The Scottsdale 11th Annual 4th of July Celebration is a cashless event so make sure to have your debit or credit card on hand for any purchases you plan on making.
July 4th Freedom Run
Continue the holiday festivities into the weekend with the annual July 4th Freedom Run taking place in Phoenix. This will be the 14th consecutive year for the race that brings together thousands of runners and walkers to celebrate the holiday. All proceeds of the July 4th Freedom Run will benefit Hope for the Warriors, a comprehensive non-profit supporting veterans, service members, and their families.
The event is your typical race that includes a 5K, 10K, 13.1 mile, and 1 mile family fun run. The event can even have you race in groups of friends or family members to stay together. The family 1 mile run is the perfect opportunity to have young children participate in the event too. For those who want to avoid the crowds you can always sign up for the virtual run and keep your race locally in Scottsdale. All participants will receive a running t-shirt, towel at the finishing line, finisher’s medal, and training pack. All the clothing will be sent to you before the event while the race bib will be picked up in person on race day. Attendees are required to sign up in advance to participate in this highly popular race that is coming back for its biggest year yet. Don’t miss out on the July 4th Freedom Run taking place here in Phoenix.
Summer Activities
Take advantage of your stay for the holiday to enjoy some summer fun here in Scottsdale. You can head outside of the city limits to find the Salt River that is perfect to enjoy a day of floating on a tube down the river or try your hand at paddle boarding. Scottsdale is also close to Canyon Lake and the Verde River that provide opportunities for kayaking and other aquatic fun. Head over to Old Town Scottsdale to find some of the hottest restaurants and cocktail lounges in the city. OdySea Aquarium is the perfect spot to stay indoors and check out some stunning underwater exhibits with the kids. Scottsdale really has it all!
Get Ready for Your Stay This Scottsdale Fourth of July
The fun never ends in Scottsdale and that includes the summer season this year. Reserve one of our vacation rentals in the area to have the best patriotic stay right here in the city.