by Jade Green

Created on: May 27, 2008   Last Updated: June 15, 2011

So you're finally taking the kids on vacation, destination - Scottsdale. But wait! Where will you sleep? What will you eat? What will you do? Relax, pull up a chair...everything you need to know is right here.

Food, fun, and a cactus: The first thing you'll likely do when you get to town is eat. Since "are we there yet" generally translates into "we're hungry", you'll need these kid friendly restaurants on your menu.

1.) The Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor, 4005 North Scottsdale Road, is known for its nostalgia, its Family Circus appearances, and just darn good soups, sandwiches and ice cream. A perfect stop for people of every age...need I say more?

2.) Orange Table Cafe, 7373 Scottsdale Mall, is a great place to go after shopping or for pre-shopping energy! The kid-friendly dishes (try the banana nut pancakes) and laid-back atmosphere help curb vacation-induced stress.

3.) Bucca di Beppo, 3828 N. Scottsdale Road, is a little bit of something different...Italian, that is. Many of the dishes are for sharing, serving two to three (Buca small), or four to six (Buca Large)!

Now I lay me down to...Sweet!: After feeding your little tourists, you're going to need a place to recharge those batteries. Stay at any of these family-friendly hotels and you might never want to leave.

1.) The Phoenician, 6000 East Camelback Road, is THE place to be spoiled, and we're not just talking about the kids. Featuring golf, swimming pools, tennis, and spas, you almost don't have to leave the grounds to have a full vacation experience. The Funician Kid's Club is an equally awesome experience for the little ones.

2.) The Fairmont Scottsdale, 7575 East Princess Drive, has everything you need to feel like you're on vacation. With two golf courses, different room types to choose from, and services including child care, this pet AND kid friendly resort is a hole in one (obligatory golf jokes aside).

3.) 3 Palms, 7707 East MacDowell Road, is perfect for those on a smaller budget wanting to get their vacation on. Featuring full kitchens down to the silverware, and walking trails, parks, and sports recreation for the whole family, it's budget-friendly AND two miles from the Phoenix Zoo.

No boredom here: Of course, if you ever leave your hotel there are kid-wrangling activities for the whole family. Bring the camera!

1.) McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 East Indian Bend Road, has concerts on Sunday, holiday lights, and of course train rides and a carousel. It's open 363 days a year so chances are you're gonna get an eyeful from this fun place to go.

2.) CrackerJax, 16001 North Scottsdale Road, is a full day of non-stop cool stuff to do. Bumper cars, miniature golf, a game center...and with a restaurant on site, hunger will not be a killjoy.

3.) Rawhide Wild West Town, 23023 North Scottsdale Road, has rock climbing, a petting ranch, and fun attractions like Arrest-A-Guest and Shotgun Wedding for ALL the critters.

Now that you know your vacation will be a breeze, you might want to heed this warning: After all the excitement, spa treatments, and comfy hotel beds, you may have a problem getting the kids to go home. Sorry...can't help you there!

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