Arizona Staycation: The Best Kid Approved Ideas

Labor day is almost here, so you might be thinking of some last-minute things you can do to celebrate and relax. With COVID and all of the craziness that has been going on, I see more and more people planning staycations. If you’re a fellow Arizonan, like me, you might want to plan an Arizona staycation.

There are still plenty of ways to cool off, relax, and have a good time in Arizona for the holiday, even with the September heat. You must take advantage of the lower summer prices and plan an activity you’ll love.

Here are 5 Arizona Staycation Ideas for Labor Day

1. Rent A Cabana

Renting a cabana in Phoenix is one of my favorite staycation ideas. It is so much fun to spend a day relaxing, ordering food and smoothies by the pool. Also, if I get to spend my night in a comfy bed where someone else will change the sheets in the morning, sign me up.

My favorite family-friendly hotels with cabanas

The Biltmore

I love the Biltmore because the cost of rooms here is fairly reasonable compared to some other places. With all that you are getting, it is certainly a steal.

It also helps that they have cabanas with a living room, bathroom, table, and lounge chairs to enjoy.

Most importantly, their poolside service is top-notch and the food is delicious. Splurging on a meal or snack by the pool is an absolute must. 

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Princess can become quite busy, especially on holidays, but for good reason! This is because they have one of the most luxurious hotels in Arizona and offer tons of events and activities for the whole family.

The Princess is the hottest place to be with the best activities in town and with their fireworks display! Some of their family-friendly activities this Labor Day include their Mermaid University, Superhero Meet and Greet, and Dine in movies. 

2. Staycation in an Arizona Airbnb

It might be fun to relax at someone else’s place for the weekend, especially with the deals you can find on Arizona Airbnb’s during summertime. You can opt for a place with a nice pool and relax for the weekend. 

On the other hand, if you want to get really fancy, you should take your whole family to a large home like the Gilbert Farmhouse that has a ping pong table and an indoor basketball court to boot.

3. Sedona

September is a great time to visit Sedona because it’s the start of the season when the weather begins to cool back down. 

Sedona has some amazing hiking, really fun jeep tours, and some of the cutest little restaurants. 

The Hideaway is one of my favorite Sedona restaurants. Honestly, the food was pretty good, but what I’ll never forget is the cozy little porch setting where guests eat. It’s like sitting in a little treehouse, with beautiful views and fresh air. You are bound to fall in love.

4. Payson

Payson is one of my favorite getaways. It is such a short drive from Phoenix, the drop in temperature is wonderful, and most certainly, it has such stunning views.

Make sure to put Fossil Springs on your to-do list. You’ll love the gorgeous hike, and some great cliff jumping and swimming at the end.

My favorite thing to do in Payson, however, is Wood’s Canyon Lake. I  think it’s one of the prettiest places in the world. Try taking a couple of nights to camp somewhere close by, and spend a day renting a Kayak. You could also spend the day fishing; it is a popular activity here.

Last, but not least, I always love to stop at Jerry J’s Frybread on my way in or out of town. If you ask me, there really is nothing like a delicious Indian Frybread taco.

5. Your Own Home

You can always take a staycation at your own home! Try building a blanket fort in your living room and camping out to a movie marathon, order food through Door-Dash, and take a weekend to really relax. Check out this post if you want more ways to relax this labor day.

If you do head out for your staycation, be sure you have everything you need in your diaper bag. Here is a FREE checklist to get you started.