How far is the grand canyon from phoenix arizona

There’s never been a better time to be a kid, not to mention a parent, in the Phoenix. Fun things do for the whole family are plentiful - even when the Valley’s 100-degree-plus temperatures return in the summer months. Here are some ideas to get you started.

5 ways to appreciate the arts

1. Childsplay
132 E. 6th St., Tempe
(480) 350-8101
Kids who haven’t experienced Childsplay are missing out. This nationally known theater company recently celebrated a quarter-century of staging plays --- innovatively produced pieces done with puppets or live actors --- based on children’s books, fables and independent works. Childsplay performs at the Tempe Performing Arts Center and the Herberger in Phoenix; its annual performance of “The Velveteen Rabbit” is staged at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.

2. Great Arizona Puppet Theater
302 W. Latham St., Phoenix
(602) 262-2050
Housed in its own theater in a historic downtown building, Great Arizona Puppet Theater has been entertaining families since 1983. The GAPT puts on shows five days a week, year-round, most of which are based on fairy tales or folk tales.

3. Valley Youth Theatre
525 N. 1st St., Phoenix
(602) 253-8188
VYT is entering its 17th season of staging big Broadway shows such as “Annie,” “Grease” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The professional-quality company, which features child actors and is for audiences of all ages, performs at its own two theaters as well as at the Herberger.

4. Arizona Museum for Youth
35 N. Robson St., Mesa
(480) 644-2467
An eclectic, ever-changing array of completely hands-on exhibits are the hallmark of the AMFY. Best for kids up to age 12, and suitable even for toddlers. Closed Mondays.

5. Mesa Southwest Museum
53 N. MacDonald, Mesa
(480) 644-2230
Areas of interest from Arizona pre-history to geology to space are explored here, but the real draw is the animatronic dinosaurs, plus real fossils and skeletons. Equally fascinating for all ages, even the grown-ups.

8 dynamite diversions

1. Hall of Flame Fire Museum
6101 E. Van Buren, Phoenix
(602) 275-3473
In Phoenix since 1974, the Hall of Flame shows off 100 firefighting rigs and features a “Hall of Heroes,” which honors firefighters who have died in the line or duty or been cited for heroism.

2. Cerreta Candy Company
5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
(623) 930-1000
Sugar-rush central! Free tours are offered twice daily, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Saturday. Call to find out about Chocolate Camp. Has anything ever sounded better than that?

3. Phoenix Family Museum
(602) 253-0501
Set to open in a permanent location in 2007, the Phoenix Family Museum currently operates as a museum on wheels, bringing its exhibits to schools, parks, arts festivals and events. Check out the website for a calendar of events.

4. Phoenix Police Museum
101 S. Central Ave. (Southwest Corner of Central Avenue and Jefferson Street)
(602) 534-7278
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the Phoenix Police Museum is fascinating for parents and children. On display are police motorcycles, a vintage police car and memorabilia about famous Valley crimes. Kids can try on police uniforms while their parents read about “Trunk Murderess” Winnie Ruth Judd.

5. Pioneer Village
3901 W. Pioneer Rd., Phoenix
Exit 225 off I-17, 12 miles north of Bell Road
(623) 465-1052
Families can see how turn-of-the-century (that’s the 20th century, not the current one) Phoenicians and rural Arizonans lived at this living-history museum. Set up like a small town, visitors can tour a jail, an old Phoenix home, a one-room schoolhouse and other buildings. Restaurant on-site.

6. Arizona Science Center
600 E. Washington
(602) 716-2000
Regardless of the current exhibit, there’s never a shortage of things to keep you busy, whether you’re children are 2 or 16. The museum’s motto is “Hands-on, eye-opening fun,” which sums up pretty well the array of educational and entertaining activities here, including a state-of-the-art planetarium and giant-screen theater.

7. Fishing
(602) 942-3000
Arizona’s Urban Fishing program was launched more than two decades ago by the state’s Game and Fish Department. More than a dozen lakes --- including Tempe Town Lake and Kiwanis Lake in Tempe, Red Mountain Lake in Mesa and Chapparal Lake in Scottsdale --- participate in the program, which permits fishermen to take home up to four fish each day. Those over 14 need a license, which runs about $15.

8. Farmers Markets
Shop for fresh produce, jams and breads and handi-crafts at these open-air markets. Most are run from November through April; contact the Arizona Community Farmers Market Association (623-848-1234) for specific times.

Carefree/Cave Creek:
• Carefree Farmers Market, downtown amphitheater
• Cave Creek Farmers Market, 6900 E. Cave Creek Rd. in the Fandango Restaurant parking lot.

Chandler:
• Casa Paloma Farmers Market, 56th Street and Ray Road
• Chandler Farmers Market, A.J. Chandler Park
• Downtown Chandler Farmers Market, Commonwealth and San Marcos Streets

Fountain Hills:
• Plaza Fountainside Market, 12645 N. Saguaro Blvd.

Gilbert:
• Gilbert Heritage District Farmers Market, 10 S. Gilbert Rd., in the museum parking lot.
• Gilbert Heritage Court Market, 207 N. Gilbert Rd.

Glendale:
• The Market at Murphy Park, 7146 N. 57th Ave.

Goodyear:
• Estrella Mountain Ranch Lakeside Farmers Market, 10366 E. Estrella Pkwy.

Litchfield Park:
• Litchfield Park Organics Saturday Market, 107 Honeysuckle St., across from the Wigwam Resort

Mesa:
• Market on Main, Main Street between Center and Robson
• Mesa Community Farmers Market, 263 N. Center St.

Phoenix:
• Biltmore Market in the Park, 24th Street and Camelback Road, at the Biltmore Fashion Park.
• The Farm at South Mountain Farmers Market, 6106 S. 32nd St.
• Harmon Park Farmers Market, 4th Avenue and Yavapai Street
• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 7th Street and Monroe
• Patriots Square Marketplace, between Washington and Central Avenues.
• Phoenix Camelback Market, 3930 E. Camelback Rd., at Vincent’s on Camelback
• Roosevelt Farmers Market, 100 W. Portland St. in Portland Park
• Town & Country Farmers Market, 2021 E. Camelback Rd.
• Washington Park Farmers Market, 2240 W. Citrus Way

Scottsdale:
• Borgata Farmers Market, Scottsdale Road and McDonald Drive
• DC Ranch Farmers Market, Thompson Peak Parkway and Pima Road
• McDowell Mountain Ranch Market, 10406 E. McDowell Mountain Rd.
• The Promenade Saturday market, Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard

Tempe:
• Tempe Farmers Market, 6th Street and Mill Avenue

7 prime spots for parks ‘n’ picnics

1. Railroad Parks
Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (7301 E. Indian Bend Rd.; 480-312-2312), Freestone Park in Gilbert (1021 E. Juniper Rd. between Guadalupe and Elliot Roads; 480-632-2702) and Desert Breeze Railroad Park (660 Desert Breeze Blvd., near McClintock Road and Chandler Boulevard; 480-940-1685) have wet/dry playgrounds, amusement rides and trains. Adobe Mountain Railroad Museum and Desert Railroad Park in Glendale (23280 N. 43rd Ave.; 623-386-5737) offers free (donations accepted) train rides along its six miles of track.

2. Gilbert Riparian Preserve
2757 E. Guadalupe Rd., just east of Greenfield Road
(480) 503-6744
Fishing and hiking are the draw at this 100-acre park, which, thanks to the abundance of foliage and animal life, feels secluded from the hustle and bustle going on around it. As fast as Gilbert is growing, this area remains a peaceful retreat.

3. The Farm at South Mountain
6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix
(602) 276-6360
Pick up a gourmet sandwich at the on-site restaurant and grab a table in this shaded pecan grove. The kids will be so enthralled by this little slice of nature that they won’t notice there’s no playground equipment. Closed for summer.

4. Margaret Hance Deck Park
67 W. Culver St., Phoenix
(602) 534-2406
This 30-acre park, situated over the tunnel between uptown and downtown Phoenix, is the most picturesque picnic spot in the middle of the city.

5. Chaparral Park
5401 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
(480) 312-2353
A dog park, sports courts and fishing/duck-feeding lake help make up this sprawling, 74-acre park.

6. Red Mountain Park
7745 E. Brown Rd., Mesa
(480) 644-2351
Big-kid and little-kid playgrounds, a pond and plenty of walking paths are the highlights of this far-east-side park.

7. Saguaro Ranch Park
9802 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
(623) 930-2820
Peacocks stroll through this 16-acre park, which features fruit orchards, a playground, picnic tables and trails.

3 ways to keep your cool (in summer)

We can’t all spend three months of the year in Flagstaff or San Diego, but we can make the best of our brutal summers with these beat-the-heat destinations:

1. Makutu’s Island
6919 W. Ray Rd., Chandler
(480) 893-0106
Housed in the building that used to be Clubhouse Disney, Makutu’s Island has taken the indoor playground concept and cut down on the sensory overload for parents as well as kids. There is a small room with arcade games, but beyond that, the bells and whistles are blessedly few. Kids can climb through tunnels, rappel, slide and run around to their hearts content while parents sit on a bench with a book.

2. Water Parks
Three of the Valley’s biggest parks are owned by Sunsplash and offer a variety of other amenities, such as arcades and mini-golf:

Big Surf
1500 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe
(480) 947-7873

Golfland-Sunsplash
155 W. Hampton, Mesa
(480) 834-8319

Waterworld Safari
4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Glendale
(623) 581-8446

Kiwanas Wave Pool
6111 S. All-America Way, Tempe
(480) 350-5201
Kids can grab a floatie and ride the waves. It’s usually crowded and noisy, but no more so than any other public pool.

3. IMAX Theater
5000 Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe
(480) 897-4629
Big screen, high A/C and cinematic offerings you can’t get in a regular theater make IMAX the place to be in the summer months or anytime.

3 animal attractions

1. Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
(602) 273-1341
Halloween has “Boo at the Zoo,” the winter holidays have “ZooLights” and each month other events are promoted. Even without special occasions, though, the Phoenix Zoo has plenty to see and do, from Zoo Encounters (educational talks by zookeepers) to exploration of its four trails (Arizona, Africa, Tropics and Discovery). Kids especially enjoy the ever-improving Harmony Farm area, complete with petting zoo farm buildings and play areas.

2. Wildlife World Zoo
16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park
(623) 935-9453
An accredited zoo with the largest collection of exotic animals --- including white tigers, giraffes, rhinos, kangaroos and 20 species of primates --- the Wildlife World Zoo is an intimate, 50-acre facility that packs a lot into its 50 acres. Plenty of interactive exhibits are offered, including a petting zoo and giraffe-feeding station.

3. Superstition Reptile Exhibit
Goldfield Ghost Town
4650 N. Mammoth Mine Rd., north of Apache Junction
(480) 983-0333
This little-known feature of Goldfield Ghost Town is a must for reptile-lovers and is an excellent addition to any visit to Goldfield.

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How far is the grand canyon from phoenix

Thanks to the mythological tale of the persevering bird, the name Phoenix conjures up images of rising from the ashes – and it is an appropriate moniker for a city that made the transition from deserted Native American ruins to upscale playground for spa-goers, duffers, arts lovers and other city-dwellers. 

The Hohokam farmed the land as early as 300 BC and built a sophisticated network of canals more than 135 miles long. But despite their ingenuity, the society soon disappeared – experts believed the area suffered a fatal drought. The name Hohokam is derived from what other tribes called the area – "Ho Ho Kam," the people who have gone. 

The modern city of Phoenix was formed in 1865 as an outpost for the U.S. Army. Originally dubbed Punkinsville for its bounteous pumpkin crop, the city was later renamed Phoenix in hopes that it would undergo a dramatic resurrection. The name proved to be prophetic, as the area saw dramatic growth during the second half of the 20th century.

Today, Phoenix is just one part of the "Valley of the Sun," which includes closely linked cities such as Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe. Each section has its own unique look and feel, and with good reason – these are individual towns that meshed into one thanks to rapid population growth and the consequential urban sprawl. Each has maintained its unique character, and the Valley as a whole offers an abundance of history, culture, leisure and natural beauty. 

Downtown Phoenix is where commerce and government are found, but it also boasts a litany of entertainment options, including Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and US Airways Center, where the Phoenix Suns play. Meanwhile, the NFL Arizona Cardinals play "under the roof" at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Attractions such as the Heard Museum, Arizona Science Center and Heritage Square dot the area, providing plenty of things to do on Phoenix vacations.

Scottsdale, once considered a cowpoke town, is now known for its wealth of swanky resorts, with a burgeoning dining, shopping and arts scene to go with it. Tourists traveling in the Phoenix area flock here for a taste of the good life, and the three dozen area resorts comply with every pampering treatment you can imagine, from salt glows to seaweed wraps to full-body massages. Tempe has more of a college town vibe, with bars, sidewalk cafes and other less-expensive hangouts, while Mesa is known as a high-tech mecca, with lots of chain restaurants and shops. 

While those who prefer indoor pursuits will have their fill of things to do in Phoenix, outdoorsy types will also be more than accommodated. The Desert Botanical Garden is a must-see, with more than 150 acres filled with beautiful examples of native flora and fauna. Hiking, camping and cycling are popular among locals and visitors alike, while the adventurous may want to try hot-air ballooning. And of course, there are tennis and golf, the mainstays of the snowbirds that make their way west each fall. Phoenix travelers can enjoy more than 200 golf courses, most offering stunning views. 

Whether you prefer mud wraps or mountain bikes, cowboy boots or contemporary art – or all of the above – you'll find it all under the blazing Phoenix sun. And after your day of activity, don't forget to slow down and soak up the enchanting desert sunset. While Phoenix has risen gloriously from the ashes, this stunning view is a reminder that some things haven't changed since the Hohokam walked these lands more than 2,000 years ago.

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Does joaquin phoenix have a girlfriend

Being bored in the Valley is impossible. The Phoenix metropolitan area offers a bounty of activities, events and attractions for every interest.

Museums

Arizona boasts more than 200 museums, art centers, archaeological parks and botanical gardens. Notable establishments include: The Heard Museum (Phoenix), world-renowned for its Native American art and culture exhibits. The Phoenix Art Museum features a permanent collection of 13,000 works ranging from contemporary art to Western classics. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tucson) is both a botanical park and a zoo.

Native American attractions

Native American culture is extensive and diverse in Arizona. The Native American Tourism Center in Scottsdale is a great place to learn more about this rich culture. The Center is located at 4130 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Suite 114, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Phone: 480-945-0771. Fax: 480-945-0264. In Phoenix, the Heard Museum is a world-renowned museum devoted to Native American art and culture.

Old West Attractions

Arizona's Old West Country is filled with cultural attractions that portray the region's heritage and its time under the governments of Spain and Mexico. From the early days of the Kino missions to rowdy frontier days at the OK Corral, the state's Old West regions have many stories to tell. Old Tucson Studios, located just outside Tucson, has been the setting for some of Hollywood's finest Western films. The movie Tombstone was filmed here, as were classics like John Wayne's Rio Bravo. Tucson is an easy day trip from Phoenix.

Dude ranches are another great way to experience the Old West in Arizona. Most offer horseback rides through scenic desert backlands, cookouts and even cattle drives. For more information contact the Arizona Dude Ranch Association, P. O. Box 603, Cortaro, AZ 85652.

Cacti Adventures

Arizona is well-known for its deserts and the cacti that call them home. There are a number of places you should visit to get up close and personal with these famous desert plants.

Botanical Garden - Located next to the Phoenix Zoo, the garden displays more than 20,000 plants from all over the world.

If you are really into it and have the time, a day trip down Tucson way is worth the effort to vist the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park. Both are excellent places for learning about Sonoran Desert plant and animal life. By the way, Saguaro National Park features one of the largest saguaro stands in the world.

Festivals & Events

Here's a snapshot of annual festivals and events in or near Phoenix:

February, March
Arizona Rodeo (Phoenix), Barrett-Jackson Auction (Scottsdale - largest antique/classic car auction in the world), Phoenix Open (Scottsdale), Annual Renaissance Festival (Apache Junction), Annual O'odham Tash (Casa grande - largest all Indian rodeo, arts & crafts).

April, May, June
Annual County Fair (Phoenix), The Tradition (Scottsdale - Senior PGA), George Phippen Western Art Show (Prescott).

July, August, September
Fourth of July celebrations statewide, Annual Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering (Prescott), Jazz on the Rocks Benefit Festival (Sedona).

October, November, December
Original Coors Rodeo Showdown (Phoenix), Cowboy Artists of America Sale & Exhibition (Phoenix), Glendale Glitters Spectacular (Glendale), Annual Cowboy Poets Christmas Gathering (Wickenburg).

Art scene

Art aficionados should know that Arizona offers a large array of galleries, art museums and artist communities. Scottsdale is a nationally known center for Western and Native American art. The city offers block after block of galleries stocked with fine art ranging from large paintings to bronze sculptures. Nearby Sedona, Arizona's original artists' community is second only to Scottsdale in number of art establishments.

Golf

If golf is your life, then life is good in Phoenix. The sheer number of courses and variety of design found here make it one of the best golf destinations in the world. At last count, you have a choice of more than 275 courses statewide that range from traditional to desert target settings. The vast majority are accessible to the public.

Hiking & Backpacking

Phoenix is a great place to get outside and experience nature through hiking, especially during spring and autumn. Numerous hiking trails are easily accessible from most parts of the Valley. Most of the area hikes are rated from easy to moderate. But enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the Valley boasts several "mini-mountains" guaranteed to challenge even iron-lunged hikers.

More Resources:
• Hiking & Camping Database. Over 300 hiking trails searchable by location, trail name or difficulty. You can also search for campgrounds by location or camp name; and make reservations online.

• Wide World of Maps. 2626 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017. Phone: 602-279-2323. A great source for USGS Quad maps.

Biking

The possibilities for road or mountain biking in Arizona are virtually endless. In Phoenix, one of your best bets is South Mountain Park, the nation's largest city park. At 16,500 acres, the park is 11 miles across. Last year, more than 2 million visitors trekked through the mountain preserve - hiking, biking, and leisurely motoring along the scenic roads or horseback riding along the lower trails.

More Resources:
• Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club

Scenic Drives

You could easily spend half a lifetime exploring Arizona's great outdoors by highway or back country road. Popular drives near Phoenix include the Apache Trail (near Phoenix). Visit our scenic drive pages and plan your trip.

Back Road Travel. Whether you are a skilled 4-wheeled vehicle driver or you have just rented a car (and have promised to stay on the pavement!), there are many places on public lands where you can get off the beaten path and enjoy Arizona's diverse scenery, heritage, and challenges. Back country byways and off-highway vehicle opportunities abound throughout the state. For more information about motorized recreation, visit theBureau of Land Management web site or call 602-417-9200.

Sports scene

Metro Phoenix is host the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (college football festival), Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Coyotes (NHL), Arizona Rattlers (arena football), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) and the Arizona Thunder (indoor soccer).

Three major professional golf tournaments have regular stops in Greater Phoenix: The Phoenix Open (PGA), the Standard Register Turquoise Classic (LPGA) and The Tradition (Senior PGA).

Greater Phoenix also plays host to seven major league baseball teams each spring as part of the Cactus League. The San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers and Anaheim Angels conduct their annual training programs in the metro area, while the Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies and the Chicago White Sox train in Tucson.

Chase Field is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, winners of the 2001 World Series. In addition to a retractable roof, it boasts a built-in swimming pool along the outfield fence that fans can rent to watch the games while relaxing in the water.

In between Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury basketball games, America West Arena's wooden floor is taken up, revealing an ice hockey rink -- the slippery home of the Phoenix Coyotes. Football fans have two teams in the Valley to follow. The Arizona Cardinals go head to head with the NFL's best at Sun Devil Stadium, which is also the home to the Arizona State University Sun Devils and the annual Fiesta Bowl.

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Things to do in phoenix

If you had only one day in Phoenix, what would you do or see? Believe it or not, I get asked this question fairly often. Interesting to ponder, but impossible to answer. There are just too many factors. Will there be children along? Do you like to walk or drive? Is it summer or winter? Do you like museums or shopping? Metro Phoenix has so much to offer. There are so many options--how do I recommend just one or two attractions or activities?

I have picked out 15 places/activities that I think are unique or not to be missed when visiting the Phoenix area. You'd never get these done in even a week, but some attractions will appeal to you more than others. Visiting when it's hot outside? The places or activities I've marked with a double asterisk (**) are indoor, cool, and comfortable. The others may not be appropriate in summer heat, or only if you are able to visit very early in the morning.

One more thing--these Phoenix area attractions and places of interest are not listed in any particular order. It was tough enough to come up with only 15 -- please don't make me rank them!

15 Places In and Around Phoenix That You've Got to See

Heard Museum**
Every major city, and most minor ones, have museums. The Heard Museum is unique, however, not only in the exhibits that are displayed, but the style and grace with which it displays them. I never tire of visiting the Heard Museum, with its more than 32,000 pieces of cultural and fine art. There are permanent exhibits, like the famous Barry Goldwater collection of Kachina Dolls, as well as special exhibit year-round. Some of the special annual events include the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest which is held each February, and the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market each March. There's a METRO light rail station nearby.

Take a Photo Tour of the Heard Museum

Chase Field (formerly Bank One Ballpark)**
Chase Field was the first baseball facility in the world to combine a retractable roof, air conditioning, and a natural turf field. Chase Field's retractable roof can be closed in less than 5 minutes, in case we get one of those rare days of inclement weather. If you are a baseball fan, a visit to this state-of-art facility will be a special treat. There are also trade show, religious events and concerts held at Chase Field. If you aren't that interested in going to a game, or when isn't scheduled when you'll be in town, you can still see it. Just go to lunch or dinner at Friday's Front Row Sports Grill. It is located in the left-field corner of the Ballpark. Friday's Front Row is open 363 days a year. If the Arizona Diamondbacks are playing that day, you have to call them to buy tickets to eat there. Fifty percent of the ticket price is credited to your food and beverage bill. Chase Field is located in downtown Phoenix. There's a METRO light rail station nearby.

Guided Tours of Chase Field

Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden has one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants. It is one of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums. At the Desert Botanical Garden you will find 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits. Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, there is no finer place to enjoy desert beauty than the Desert Botanical Garden. The Garden is located in Papago Park in Central Phoenix.

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