Traveling as a family of 9

Question

Looking for family friendly options in AZ for Jan-March timeframe. 2 adults, 7 kids 2-18. Mostly hoping for relaxation, but some sightseeing would be nice too. Prefer no crowds as much as possible. I’m really in over my head here, so looking for good places to stay, relatively easy hikes, some water play is a must too. Prefer to keep expenses relatively low.

Answer

Traveling to Arizona in the January–March timeframe is a great idea for a large family. The weather is generally mild in most areas, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the intense summer heat. For a group of 9, you'll want accommodations that provide space, convenience, and easy access to family-friendly attractions.

Here are some recommended regions and stays:

Scottsdale/Phoenix area: Plenty of vacation rentals and resorts with pools, which is great for water play. Resorts like the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa or rental homes with private pools can accommodate large families. Many have splash pads or shallow pools for younger kids.
Tucson: Consider staying near Oro Valley or along the Catalina Foothills. Some resorts have kid-friendly pools, and there are easy hikes nearby like Sabino Canyon or the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum trails. Tucson also has botanical gardens and small water features ideal for younger children.
Sedona: Best for scenic views and light hikes. While pools are less common, vacation rentals often have private spaces for families. Trails like Bell Rock Pathway or Fay Canyon are moderate and family-friendly.

For sightseeing and easy hikes:

Bell Rock Pathway (Sedona) – Short loops, gentle inclines, great for families.
Fay Canyon Trail (Sedona) – About 2 miles round trip, easy terrain.
Sabino Canyon (Tucson) – Shuttle accessible, several short trails suitable for kids.
Papago Park / Hole-in-the-Rock (Phoenix) – Quick walks with interesting rock formations, very accessible.

For water play:

Resort pools with splash areas (Phoenix/Scottsdale and Tucson).
Tempe Town Lake – paddle boats and waterfront recreation.
Spring-fed lakes in central Arizona like Canyon Lake or Saguaro Lake for mild boating or picnicking.

Tips to keep expenses low:

Rent a large vacation home rather than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Bring some groceries for simple meals to avoid daily dining out for 9 people.
Plan free or low-cost activities such as state parks, short hikes, and scenic drives.

Overall, for a balance of relaxation, easy sightseeing, and water play, Phoenix/Scottsdale or Tucson areas are ideal for your family size. Sedona can be added for a few days if you want dramatic scenery and short, easy hikes without the crowds.

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