The Best Winter Activities in Arizona for Families

Winter in Arizona isn’t just about the desert sun and warm temperatures—it’s also a hidden gem for family-friendly winter activities! From snow-covered pine forests to charming cabin stays, Arizona offers a variety of fun winter experiences perfect for families looking to embrace the season. Whether you’re exploring snowy trails, tubing down slopes, or cozying up in a cabin, Arizona’s winter wonderland is ready to be discovered. Here are all our Winter Activities in Arizona:

How to Take Full Advantage of Winter Activities in Arizona

Arizona may be famous for its desert landscapes, but it also boasts incredible winter destinations where families can enjoy snow-filled adventures. Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes or relax by a fireplace, here are the best winter activities for families in Arizona.

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Winter Activities in Arizona: Play in the Snow at Flagstaff’s Snowbowl

Flagstaff is known as Arizona’s winter playground, and the Arizona Snowbowl is the go-to spot for family fun in the snow. Located just north of Flagstaff, the Snowbowl offers a variety of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow play areas perfect for families with kids of all ages. 

Activities to Enjoy:

• Skiing and Snowboarding: With lessons available for beginners, even the youngest family members can learn to ski or snowboard.
• Snowman Making and Sledding: If skiing isn’t your thing, no worries! Head to one of the designated snow play areas for sledding, snowball fights, and snowman building.
• Scenic Gondola Rides: For breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks, take a ride on the Snowbowl’s scenic gondola.

Tips:

• Arrive early – parking fills up super quick on the weekends and holidays.
• If you don’t have gear, rent it in town rather than at the resort  to avoid long lines.

If you’re looking for the BEST snowsuit for your kiddos, here’s our ABSOLUTE FAVORITE one. By far, I’ve never seen a better snowsuit than this one. 

Frolic in the Winter Snow in Strawberry

If you don’t want to drive all the way up to Flagstaff, or you just want another snowy scenery to explore, Strawberry is a great choice. Strawberry, Arizona, is a cute little town with gorgeous areas to play in the snow – and many of them are FREE! We spent a day playing in the snow, making snowmen, and taking a short winter snow hikes and had the BEST time!

Activities in Strawberry:

• Strawberry Pine Strawberry Trailhead (right before the main area of Strawberry)
• Empanadas at PIE Bar

Tips:

• Driving from Phoenix, Strawberry is about an 1 1/2 hour drive.
• Parking: The Strawberry Pine Strawberry Trailhead lot is small and fits about 10 cars
• Combine with: It’s only about 15/20 minutes from Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, so if you have time, this is a great place add to your trip

Take a Ride on the Polar Express in Williams

For a magical winter experience, hop aboard the Polar Express in Williams, Arizona. This family-friendly train ride, inspired by the beloved holiday book and movie, takes you on a journey to the “North Pole” to meet Santa Claus.

What to Expect:

• Hot Cocoa and Cookies: Dancing waiters serving Hot Chocolate and cookies while listening to the story of the Polar Express. It makes the story come alive. 
• Visit with Santa: Kids get to meet Santa at the end of the train ride. 
• Christmas Carols: Expect lots of singing during your ride on the Polar Express 

Tips:

• Book tickets in advance – dates sell out starting in July! 
• Wear your matching family PJs – One of our favorite parts was dressing in our Christmas PJs and seeing all the other families in theirs. And dress warmly – it gets super cold in the evening. 
• Souvenir Bell – Do NOT buy a commemorative bell in the gift shop before the ride. I don’t want to give too much away, so just trust me on that one. 

Want to read our Full Polar Express Guide with even more tips, prices, and where to stay? Read it here. 

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Transport Yourself to the Enchanting Realm of the North Pole Experience in Flagstaff

The North Pole Experience is a one-of-a-kind holiday adventure that takes your family on a magical journey to Santa’s Workshop. Located in Flagstaff, this interactive experience gives kids a hands-on experience, helping the elves in the toy workshop, visiting Mrs. Claus’s bakery, and even meeting Santa, himself.

What to Expect:

• Elf University: Kids learn how to be the best little helpers during a fun class taught by Santa’s elves.
• Toy Workshop: Your littles will help the elves make toys and see where all the Christmas magic happens.
• Meet Santa Claus: Each family/child gets a personal visit with Santa, creating a memorable holiday moment and leaving with a special gift to remember the moment.

Tips:

• Book your tickets early – just like the Polar Express, dates sell out quickly
• Dress warmly – it’s chilly inside the workshop and out.  
• Wear your matching family PJs – Another fun part of this experience was wearing our matching Christmas PJs. If you have them, wear them. 

Want to read our Full North Pole Experience Guide with even more tips, prices, and where to stay? Read it here. 

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Tour Phoenix Light Displays

Even though we don’t get snow here in Phoenix, we do have some cool light displays to go see. People go all out for the holidays, turning their personal residences into Santa’s Workshops. We love driving around to see these spectacular displays – and some are even interactive! 

Winter Wonderland Arizona

This house display has been dubbed one of the best in Scottsdale, and it does not disappoint! People wait in line to tour the inside, which includes scenes from your favorite holiday movies. 

• Location: 8414 East Valley Vista Drive, Scottsdale
• Hours:  6-10 pm nightly
• Cost: FREE (donations accepted)
•  It “snows” every 10 minutes
• Hot chocolate available for purchase

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Winter Activities in Arizona: Scottsdazzle

Every holiday season, Scottsdale dazzles with Scottsdazzle. Head to Old Town Scottsdale for a magical holiday experience. Walking around and taking in the holiday atmosphere is so fun and gets you in the holiday spirit. We look forward to going each year.

• Old Town, Scottsdale
• Dates: November 30th – December 31st
• Cost: FREE
• Tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 30th
• Hot chocolate available for purchase

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Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo

Even the animals are celebrating the holidays! Zoo lights at the Phoenix Zoo is always a popular holiday tradition with millions of lights adorning the zoo. There’s also a light show, holiday treats, and even Santa makes an appearance. 

It runs from daily from November 27th, 2024 – January 12, 2025; 5:30pm – 10:30 pm 

Tickets go on sale Oct. 1st. Get tickets here 

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies

Another really fun winter activity in Arizona is your city’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies and activities to commence the holiday season. Our favorites include Desert Ridge and Tempe Marketplaces. There are tons of activities for kids and families besides the big tree reveal. 

Desert Ridge Marketplace Tree Lighting

Date: November 25, 2024; 6pm – 8:30pm

Tempe Marketplace Tree Lighting

Date: November 27, 2024; 6:30pm – 9pm

Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display

The Temple Light and Nativity Display in Mesa is another big event in the Phoenix area. In fact, it draws millions of visitors from all over the US. This FREE display is a family favorite.

Location: Mesa Arizona Temple, 101 S. LeSueur, in downtown Mesa

Dates:  Nov. 29 through Dec. 3rd

Times: 5pm – 10pm

Tips:

• There is FREE parking near the temple. 
• It gets super busy the closer you are to Christmas, so expect large crowds

Go Snow Tubing at Sunrise Park Resort

Located in the White Mountains, Sunrise Park Resort is another excellent destination for family winter fun. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort features a snow tubing hill that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

Activities to Enjoy:

• Snow Tubing: Enjoy the thrill of snow tubing with multiple lanes and a lift to take you back to the top.
• Ice Fishing: For a unique winter experience, try ice fishing at one of the nearby lakes.
• Snowshoeing: Explore scenic snowshoe trails that weave through the pine forests.

Tips:

• Check the resort’s website for weather conditions and operational hours.
• Wear waterproof clothing to stay dry while tubing.

Explore Sedona’s Snow Capped Peaks 

Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, and in winter, this scenic town transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland, especially when dusted with snow. While heavy snow is rare, the light dusting combined with the red rocks creates a breathtaking landscape perfect for family adventures.

Activities to Enjoy:

• Hiking: Sedona is a hikers paradise and has plenty of family-friendly trails. Even if you don’t want to get out and hike, just driving through the city gives you breathtaking sights.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Experience Sedona from above with a winter hot air balloon ride. This is the ultimate viewpoint to see those snow-capped rocks and canyons.

Tips:

• Dress in layers. Temperatures can start out chilly and get warmer throughout the day and then cool down again at night.
• Plan hikes and outdoor activities during the day when the weather is typically warmer.

Discover Prescott’s Winter Charm

Prescott is another charming winter destination for families, offering a quaint downtown area, holiday lights, and outdoor winter activities. This historic town is often called “Arizona’s Christmas City,” making it a festive spot for a family winter getaway.

Activities to Enjoy:

• Ice Skating at the Prescott Valley Ice Den: Open during the winter, the outdoor rink is a fun way for families to lace up and ice skate. 
• Whiskey Row: Prescott’s historic downtown transforms itself with holiday lights, boutique shops, and festive decorations.
• Hiking and Snow Play: Our two favorite lakes in the area, Lynx Lake and Watson Lake, are incredible places for winter hiking and enjoying playing in the snow. 

Tips:

• Before you head north (if coming from Phoenix or Tucson) check local event calendars for holiday parades and seasonal events.

Soak in a Desert Winter Wonderland at The Princess

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort in Phoenix  transforms into a winter wonderland every year, producing one of the most dazzling holiday experiences in Arizona. The resort’s annual “Christmas at the Princess” celebration is perfect for families, featuring millions of twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and festive activities.

What to Expect:

• Ice Skating and Tube Sledding: Skate on a real ice rink surrounded by holiday lights and festive music and tube down a snowy roller ride. 
• Ferris Wheel and Carousel: Yes, there is a real life-sized ferris wheel with views of the whole city at the top and a cute carousel for kids to ride on. 
• S’mores Land: Roast marshmallows at the fire pits and take a ride on the Christmas carousel.

Tips:

• Get Tickets on Groupon – You can actually get discounted tickets on Groupon, so keep your eye out – they come and go really quickly. 
• Bring your own s’mores ingredients – To save money, bring your own s’mores ingredients. Because they are not cheap to buy there!

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Get Your Bear On at Bearizona in Williams

Bearizona is a wildlife park in Williams where families can see North American rescued animals in a natural setting. During the winter season, the park offers a unique experience as bears, wolves, and bison roam the snowy landscape. 

Activities to Enjoy:

• Drive-Through Safari: See animals up close from the comfort of your car.
• Walk-Through Park: Explore smaller animal exhibits on foot, including otters, foxes, and bobcats. 
• Feeding Times: One of the coolest parts of the park is experiencing feeding times. We actually got to feed the otters while we were there, which was so fun! 

Tips:

• Dress warm! We actually brought in blankets, we were so cold! 
• Eat at the Bearizona Restaurant – Head inside and check out their on-site restaurant. It’s one of the most unique restaurants in Arizona. 

Winter Activities in Arizona: Tucson’s Pinnacle Peak Trail Dust Town

We can’t forget Tucson and all the fun holiday activities they have in the south. Christmas in the Wild West was a whole new experience for us, and we had a blast. 

• Kids Rides
• Petting Zoo
• Decorations
• Christmas Candy

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Winter Activities in Arizona: Cozy Cabin Stays

No winter getaway is complete without a cozy cabin stay, and Arizona offers plenty of options that are perfect for families. Staying in a cabin allows you to relax, unplug, and fully enjoy the beauty of Arizona’s winter landscapes. And you never know – you might just see some wildlife during your stay too! 

Top Cabin Locations:

• Flagstaff: Stay close to the action with a cabin near Snowbowl or downtown Flagstaff, where you can enjoy easy access to winter sports and local dining.
• Pinetop-Lakeside: Located in the White Mountains, this area is home to numerous cabin rentals surrounded by pine forests, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
• Munds Park: Just south of Flagstaff, Munds Park offers quaint cabins in a quiet, forested setting, ideal for a relaxing family getaway.

Cabin Stay Tips:

• Book Early: Winter is a popular season for cabin rentals, so secure your stay well in advance.
• Look for Family-Friendly Amenities: Cabins with fireplaces, hot tubs, and game rooms make the stay even more enjoyable. And dog-friendly cabins for your fur babies as well. 
• Bring Board Games: Enjoy cozy nights-in with family-friendly games, movies, and hot chocolate by the fire. 

Arizona may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of winter, but it offers a unique and exciting winter experience for families. From snow-filled adventures in Flagstaff and Sunrise Park to magical train rides and cozy cabin stays, there’s no shortage of fun activities to make your winter getaway unforgettable. So, pack your winter gear, book a cozy cabin, and get ready to explore the best of these winter activities in Arizona this winter season!

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PIN IT: Best Winter Activities in Arizona for Families