Split stay with 3 and 6 year old?
Hello, We are considering traveling to Tucson for spring break. Looking at Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain and The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass. We would like time for hiking and enjoying the outdoors but also time for some of the kid friendly options downtown that I see often mentioned on this forum.
The kids are not big fans of long car rides. Do you think it is worthwhile to do a split stay at the two resorts above (4 nights at each) to be able to easier explore areas outside of town and closer to town? Is there enough to do in the area around the Ritz to keep kids entertained? I really would like to check out that resort as I have heard wonderful things about it but I wonder if we should just save that for another time and stick with perhaps the more kid friendly (location wise) JW Marriott.
Thank you for your help!
When planning a Tucson trip with young children, balancing resort amenities with access to kid-friendly activities is key. Both the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain and JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass offer luxurious accommodations and outdoor activities, but their locations impact convenience for exploring different areas.
Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain: This resort is located northwest of Tucson and is known for its beautiful desert landscapes, hiking trails, golf, and resort amenities such as pools, kids’ activities, and nature programs. It is great for enjoying the outdoors, but it is about a 45–50 minute drive from downtown Tucson, which can be challenging with younger children who are not fans of long car rides.
- Pros: Stunning desert scenery, on-site hiking, pools, kid-friendly resort programs, golf and outdoor activities.
- Cons: Distance from downtown Tucson and major attractions can make day trips longer; limited dining and entertainment options outside the resort.
- Tip: Plan resort-based activities for most of the day to minimize long drives.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass: Located closer to Tucson city center, this resort is convenient for exploring downtown attractions such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Reid Park Zoo, and Tucson children’s museums. It also has hiking opportunities in nearby trails, but not as extensive as Dove Mountain. Pools and kid programs are available, making it a comfortable base for families who want shorter drives.
- Pros: Closer to downtown Tucson attractions, shorter drives with young children, family-friendly pools and activities, restaurants nearby.
- Cons: Fewer hiking and desert exploration options compared to Dove Mountain.
- Tip: Ideal for families prioritizing convenience and varied attractions within Tucson.
Split Stay Consideration: A split stay can offer a balanced experience, combining immersive desert hiking and resort luxury at Dove Mountain with convenience and access to Tucson’s family-friendly attractions at the JW Marriott.
- Day 1–4 at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain: Focus on resort activities, hiking, exploring the desert, and enjoying pools/kids programs.
- Day 5–8 at JW Marriott Starr Pass: Spend time exploring Tucson attractions, museums, and city-based outdoor activities without long drives.
However, if minimizing car travel for young kids is a top priority, it may be simpler to choose the JW Marriott for the entire stay, as it provides enough variety of activities nearby and easier access to kid-friendly options.
Ultimately, a split stay works well for families wanting both adventure and convenience, but it depends on whether your children tolerate longer drives and whether you want to fully experience the remote beauty of Dove Mountain now or save it for a future trip.
