Exploring with kids

By Boat: Cruising since 1987, the Dolly Steamboat glides beside secluded nooks of Canyon Lake near Apache Junction, with views of bighorn sheep, bald eagles and migrating birds.

On Horseback: This is the Wild West, after all. Trot through creosote-, mesquite- and saguaro-filled Estrella Mountain Regional Park with Corral West Adventures in Goodyear, part of the Phoenix greater area. Cowboy boots, hats and chaps included

By Boat: Cruising since 1987, the Dolly Steamboat glides beside secluded nooks of Canyon Lake near Apache Junction, with views of bighorn sheep, bald eagles and migrating birds.

‍On Horseback: This is the Wild West, after all. Trot through creosote-, mesquite- and saguaro-filled Estrella Mountain Regional Park with Corral West Adventures in Goodyear, part of the Phoenix greater area. Cowboy boots, hats and chaps included

On Foot: Neighboring the Goldfield Mountains and Tonto National Forest, Usery Mountian Regional Park in Mesa spans 3,600 acres. Highlights include the Wind Cave Trail, Usery Mountain Regional Park Nature Center and an archery range.

By Mountain Bike: Pedal more than 50 miles of trails at South Mountain Park & Preserve in Phoenix, which takes you up, over and across Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe mountain ranges. For a view from the top, head to Dobbins Lookout, the highest public point in the park.

Via Science: Kids get a fun, hands-on experience at many of Arizona's science centers and museums. Include places like the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the I.D.E.A. Museum in Mesa, the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix, and both the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium and Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson.

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