Whether you live in Phoenix or you're visiting the area on a family vacation, there are many activities here to keep you and your kids busy. You'll definitely want to stay at a family friendly hotel to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. One of the best hotels is the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix. With nearby golf, an eight-story water slide, a lazy river, and much more, there's entertainment for everyone to enjoy while staying here. Here's a quick look at some nearby family activities that you'll want to check out. 

Jambo Park
If you're looking for fun food, an assortment of rides, and plenty of games all under one roof, then Jambo Park is where you want to be. This one of a kind indoor entertainment hot spot is especially suitable for young children (under ten), and it's the perfect spot for hosting a birthday party. Don't forget that birthday room reservations can be made online at your own convenience. From Jungle mini golf, to Pirate Laser Tag, to an indoor playground boasting more than 1,225 square feet, Jambo Park is fun for the whole family. 

Castles-n-Coasters
When it comes to an outdoor amusement park, Castles-n-Coasters has world-class miniature golf, a classic old-fashioned carousel, bumper boats, and much more. Birthday packages, group discounts, and advance ticket purchasing are available, not to mention season passes. To plan your trip, take advantage of the Castle-n-Coasters website where you will find an endless amount of information about all the park's attractions and dining establishments. 

Family Bike Rides
There's nothing wrong with getting out and about and being active with the kids. A great way to do this is by biking down one of the many family friendly Arizona Bikeways trails. The Mofford Sports Complex offers almost five miles of paved bike riding, all of which is flat except for two areas under two underpasses. At 81st Ave, south of Bethany Home, you can begin a four mile kid-friendly bike ride, and best of all, there are no streets to cross. 

Swimming in Phoenix
One of the most beloved family activities that children always enjoy is swimming. While amusement parks offer an assortment of swimming pools, admission is often expensive. Thankfully, there are many public swimming pools in Phoenix that offer all the splashing fun your kids could want, with admission starting well under $5 for kids 17 and under. The Rhodes Aquatics Center combines wakeboarding, snowboarding, and skateboarding as well as access to a beach, splash pads and much more.

Family fun in Phoenix means planning your trip well in advance. But if you do end up in this lovely city without advance notice, you can still find many websites that can help you plan your trip on the fly. Check out the many budget-friendly hotels in Phoenix, which will allow you to stretch your dollars, so you can enjoy all the family fun you want. One of the best hotels is the Phoenix Marriott Tempe at The Buttes, which offers lodging for well under $100 a night.

From Camelback Mountain to the Grand Canyon, there are more than a few attractions that you'll want to visit in Phoenix, and you'll need to choose a hotel that accommodates all of your attraction preferences.  Fortunately, if you're traveling here with your kiddos, there are several hotels that can meet your needs.  Here's a quick look at the top five hotels to stay at with kids while visiting Phoenix. 

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa Phoenix
Located only a half-mile away from Desert Ridge Marketplace, this unique Phoenix hotel is perfect for both families and romantic getaways.  You'll enjoy golfing, swimming pools, and even a lazy river that is sure to relax both toddlers and teenagers.  And don't forget about the amazing 2,800-square-foot facility that optimizes spa luxuries to the max.  Glassed-in showers and Internet access make booking a room here all the more enjoyable. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix North
If you're looking to hit up Wet 'n' Wild in Phoenix, then the Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix North is where you'll want to stay.  You'll also be conveniently close to Victory Lane Sports and Adobe Dam Regional Park, which often host a wide range of youth sporting adventures.  There's an outdoor pool, all rooms are smoke-free, and best of all, there's no need to worry about paying for breakfast.  A complimentary continental breakfast for the whole family is available as well as free Wi-Fi access. 

Marriott's Canyon Villas
When it comes to family-friendly, this hotel has you covered.  Located a mere two miles away from the Musical Instrument Museum and Tournament Players Club, Marriott's Canyon Villas in Phoenix gives you access to a poolside bar while your kiddos splash and play in an outdoor pool.  Each of the 417 condos features a sofa bed, a kitchenette, and free Wi-Fi.  

Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix
Are you traveling to Phoenix on a budget?  If so, the Hampton Inn & Suites in Deer Valley has 125 rooms that tend to go for about $100 a night, with a free breakfast buffet included.  To take advantage of the outdoor pool, make sure to come during late spring or summer.  While you're not out exploring the city, you and the kiddos can spend your time poolside or watching free cable on your in-room flat-screen TV.  

Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport
If you're flying into Phoenix with the family and catching a ballgame at Arizona State University, then the Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport is where you'll want to stay.  Twenty-four-hour shuttle service to and from the airport is provided, and a tasty meal is sure to be had at the hotel's Bar and Grill.  Rooms come with marble bathrooms, and for kiddos or adults with special needs, in-room accessibility options are available, including a roll-in shower.   

You and your family deserve accommodations that help you relax and enjoy your trip to Phoenix.  Thankfully, there are many family-friendly hotels in Phoenix for you to choose from, including several that are located near some of the city's biggest attractions.  

Traveling to Gatlinburg is an excellent way to spend a family-friendly vacation. It's also an ideal getaway hot spot for couples who are looking for a way to spend romantic time together. There are several budget-friendly hotels in Gatlinburg, with one of the best being the Deer Lodge Mountain Resort. It features indoor swimming and an outdoor seasonal pool, library, laundry facilities and much more. Room prices are usually well below $100 a night. While in Gatlinburg, you'll definitely want to eat good, so let's take a quick look at the four best restaurants found in the area. 

Wild Plum Tea Room
Serving fresh home-made food dishes from 11 am to 3 pm every day except for Sunday, the Wild Plum Tea Room is the perfect spot to grab lunch. You'll enjoy a variety of salads and soups as well as daily chef specials to choose from. Two of the more popular dishes include the Wild Plum chicken salad and Salmon burger. If you plan on bringing a group of more than six, make sure to make reservations at least 24 hours in advance. 

Crockett's Breakfast Camp
When it comes to getting a good meal for breakfast, Crockett's Breakfast Camp has just about every breakfast dish you can imagine. This quaint, old-fashioned restaurant is themed around Davy Crockett, an honored soldier who was devoted to his family and had an awe-inspriring willingness to overcome any obstacle in his path. You'll find everything from oatmeal and grits to the unique Cousin Dave's Iron Horse Omelet, which includes mushrooms, onions and other vegetables as well as salsa fresca.

Buckhorn Inn
If you're looking for lodging that is also accompanied with an onsite eatery, then Buckhorn Inn is where you want to stay. Serving up Southern-influenced, delectable dishes for both breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you won't have to go far from your room to enjoy a tasty meal. Breakfast is served between 8:00 and 9:30 am, and dinner seating starts at 7:00 pm each evening. Formal luncheons are available for groups, while for all others, healthy sack lunches are provided. 

Hungry Bear BBQ
When staying in the Smokies in Gatlinburg, you'll have a wide-range of eateries to choose from. One of the best places to grab some BBQ is at Hungry Bear BBQ. And don't be fooled into thinking only BBQ is available, because you can choose from chicken, beef and other food items. There's a kid-friendly menu as well. As far as nearby lodging in the Smokies, there's a fine choice of hotels, condos, cabins, cottages and chalets. There are also RV lots available, meaning you can bring your own lodging and hook up to the many amenities, including water, electric, satellite TV and more.

If you've never vacationed in Gatlinburg, there's a lot you've been missing out on. The area is enveloped by mountains and woods, and once you come, you'll definitely want to come back again and again. Don't forget to book your lodging at a hotel that meets all of your vacation preferences and needs. 

If you're traveling to Gatlinburg for the first time, there's a good chance you'll want to come back again and again. Fortunately, this area has more than a few attractions and events, so you'll never run out of things to do. Best of all, there are lodging accommodations to fit within any family's budget. Here's a quick look at two hotels in the area that are budget-friendly, as well as restaurants and attractions that can help you stretch your vacation dollars.

James Manor
The James Manor hotel in Gatlinburg has rooms that go for well below $100 a night. Best of all, this lodging facility conveniently locates itself to the Lazer Port Fun Center, Lumberjack Feud, and other attractions. You'll enjoy both indoor and outdoor swimming, as well as complimentary Internet access. All rooms come with a refrigerator and microwave, and there's even an on-site laundry room.

GuestHouse Inn
If you're looking for a room that costs less than $50 a night, then the GuestHouse Inn in Gatlinburg is where you'll want to stay. Even though the price rates are rather cheap, you'll still have access to cable programming, a seasonal outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. All rooms have pillow top beds and air conditioning, as well as included toiletries and 24-hour front desk service.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A trip to Gatlinburg is never complete unless you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From bird-watching to hiking to horseback riding, there are a slew of activities you can enjoy free of charge. If you're visiting the area in your RV, you can even take advantage of on-site RV campgrounds.

Bent Creek Golf Course
For all you golf lovers, you'll find it comforting to know that golfing at one of the top 50 golf courses in the south doesn't have to come at the expense of emptying your wallet. The Bent Creek Golf Course is a par-72 course, and features lush greens with a view of the Great Smoky Mountains like no other course in the area. Visit the course from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM on any evening, and enjoy 18 holes of golf for only $25 a person.

The Donut Friar
Even if you book a room at a budget-friendly hotel in Gatlinburg that offers complimentary breakfast, make sure you and the family slip away at least one morning and have fill up on donuts. You can feed a family of four for well under $15, and all donuts are sure to melt in your mouth. Just make sure to get here early because some of the favorite donuts sell out quickly.

Downtown Bar Grill and Chili Co
Want a tasty plate of four-way chili with spaghetti for under $5? How about a hot dog covered in Cincinnati style chili for less than $3? When it comes to eating on a budget, the Downtown Bar Grill and Chili Co is the place to be. Even domestic and premium beers cost well under $4.

As you can see, Gatlinburg is the perfect getaway vacation hot spot for those traveling on limited funds. From tasty eateries to assorted cheap hotels, Gatlinburg helps families stretch their dollars, so they can have a good time without breaking the bank.

When traveling to downtown Phoenix, there's so much to do, from grabbing a cold brew at Angels Trumpet Ale House to taking the little ones to the Children's Museum of Phoenix. When booking your lodgings in this area, you'll definitely want to take advantage of a hotel that can meet all of your overnight needs and preferences. Here's a quick look at the top four hotels found in downtown Phoenix. 

4. Hotel 502
Staying in downtown Phoenix on a budget is greatly simplified when booking your stay at the Hotel 502. Come during the summertime and you'll enjoy an outdoor pool as well as access to a spa tub. Complimentary access to wireless Internet is included within each night's stay, and if you find yourself running low on clean clothes, you can make good use of the on-site laundry facilities. All rooms come with pillow top mattresses as well as cable TV and refrigerators. 

3. Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel
Only a block away from Arizona State University, the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel is the perfect place to book a room if you plan on visiting the campus. You'll also be conveniently situated near Symphony Hall. 24-hour room service is available at the Sheraton as well as an onsite bar and restaurant. All rooms come with 32-inch flat screen TVs, and if you feel the need to get comfy in a robe and slippers, all you have to do is ask for them. 

2. Palomar Phoenix CityScape
When looking for luxury, the Palomar Phoenix CityScape is where you want to be. This boutique hotel features shopping, fancy restaurants and a nightlife complex that is sure to keep you entertained from sun up until way after the sun goes down. An infinity-edge pool along with a complimentary wine hour are a great way to start out your evening. The exquisite views of the city from the poolside bar are sure to keep the romance alive when traveling with your special someone. All rooms boast Italian Frette linens, stocked minibars and much more.

1. Hilton Garden Inn 
Located near Encanto Park and Sunnyslope Mountain, the Hilton Garden Inn in Phoenix is a budget-friendly hotel that exemplifies luxury. An onsite restaurant, bar, and lounge are sure to meet your refreshment preferences, and an outdoor pool is the perfect place to soak up the sun during the warmer months of the year. All rooms have premium cable channels as well as pillow top mattresses.

Coming to Phoenix, whether it be for business or pleasure, should always include a night or two in the exciting downtown area. When you book your stay, make sure to reserve tickets for a show at the Crescent Ballroom, and don't forget to go shopping at the Phoenix Public Market. If you're bringing the kiddos along, make sure to take them to Imagination Avenue, a 3,000-square-foot indoor play area for the kids to romp and play. 

Remember to plan a trip at an affordable hotel so you can use the vacation dollars you saved to explore the city even more. The more you save, the more you see!

Whitney Cann spends the most of her days behind a computer screen, writing about a variety of topics. She often blogs about her own family vacation getaways as well as many topics related to content creation, and she is currently working on the #HipmunkCityLove Project. Her writing endeavors have supplemented more than she could have ever dreamed of, and it's through her writing accomplishments that she plans to travel to Walt Disney World and Cancun next year. 

No matter the time of year, there's always something fun to do in Gatlinburg. From hiking, to soaking up the sun poolside, to listening to the tunes of a local country band, Gatlinburg features an assortment of activities that will accommodate your unique interests. When booking a stay in this breathtaking terrain, it's pertinent to find a hotel that suits your preferences. Whether it be a 2-star hotel or a 5-star resort, Gatlinburg has many great places for you to rest your head at night, all of which will make you feel right at home.

Are You a 2-Star Traveler? 
Neighboring Ripley's Acquarium, you will find the River Terrace Resort and Convention Center. This 2-star hotel makes traveling in Gatlinburg on a budget very convenient.  With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park only one mile away, and with more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space, this hotel is an excellent place for you to host a business convention. 

Do You Prefer 3-Star Accommodations?
With rooms well below $100 a night, the Glenstone Lodge boasts an array of amenities. An indoor and outdoor pool give you the opportunity to enjoy splashing in the water all year round, and with free high-speed Internet, you can share all of your favorite captured moments with your friends on Facebook. There are more than a few nearby activities to take advantage of, including snowboarding, golfing, rafting, ziplining and sledding.

Looking for a 4-Star Experience?
By bumping up your preferences to a four-star hotel, you'll relish in the many luxurious amenities that Gatlinburg has to offer. At the RiverStone Resort & Spa, you can relax while floating down the lazy river, or if you prefer, you can cook up an appetizing steak on your auspiciously-provided personal barbeque grill. And if you're looking to take in the beauty of Gatlinburg, nearby bicycle rentals help you savor the astonishing scenery. 

Interested In an Amazing 5-Star Stay in Gatlinburg?
How about coming to Gatlinburg and optimizing luxury to the max? At the Elks Springs Resort, you'll luxuriate yourself in a private cabin, with all of your 21st-century amenities being available, including stainless steel appliances, hot tubs, Internet access, pool tables, and much more. You'll find more than a few nearby restaurants, bars and eateries that are sure to please your tastebuds, including the Wild Plum Tea Room and  Smoky Mountain Shakes N Dawgs. And if you're willing to travel a few miles down the road for a delicious meal, the Deep South Smokehouse and Grill is an excellent place to fancy your cravings. 

Choosing your star-preference can be a bit difficult in the beginning, but it starts with thoroughly assessing your wants and needs. Do you enjoy complimentary breakfast? If so, you'll likely need to stay in at least a 3-star hotel. If you're looking for onsite fitness centers and in-room hot tubs, then a four-star hotel should do the trick. And lastly, if superior, first-class services combined with paramount amenities are what you prefer, then a 5-star resort or hotel is definitely where you need to book your reservations. 


Whitney Cann spends the most of her days behind a computer screen, writing about a variety of topics. She often blogs about her own family vacation getaways as well as many topics related to content creation, and she is currently working on the #HipmunkCityLove Project. Her writing endeavors have supplemented more than she could have ever dreamed of, and it's through her writing accomplishments that she plans to travel to Walt Disney World and Cancun next year. 

When vacationing in Miami, you might feel that this lovely area only boasts hotels that are attractive to honeymooners and singles. But don't despair; this vacation hotspot is also ideal for family fun. Here's a quick look at the top seven places to stay in Miami with your family.

Acqualina Resort & Spa
If you're looking for a hotel to slip off to that doesn't offer much in terms of nightlife, then the Acqualina Resort & Spa is perfect, especially because it offers an exceptional children's program featuring surf and sand adventures and fun kids-only activities like scavenger hunts and eco-explorations. With first-class room service and four beautiful swimming pools, the Acqualina Resort & Spa provides much for your family to do. All rooms come with at least 740 square feet of living space, so there's plenty of room for you and your four kids to have a good time.  

Turnberry Isle Miami
If your plans include hitting the local links or sneaking away to the ocean, Turnberry Isle Miami should be on your list. Free Wi-Fi and an attentive staff ensure that all of your family's needs will be met. 

Fontainebleau Resort Miami Beach
If your kids love swimming, then the Fontainebleu Resort is an excellent place to book your stay. You'll enjoy nine swimming pools, direct access to the beach, fun family scavenger hunts, and plenty of arts and music. This resort has eight onsite restaurants, some of which feature unique local and international cuisine.

Loews Miami Beach Hotel
A trip to Miami really should include a visit to gorgeous South Beach. At the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, you'll have direct access to this beautiful beach, where your kiddos can spend the day splashing in the water and building sand castles. When the sun sets and the little ones are in bed, treat yourself to an onsite spa massage or a dip in the rooftop pool. 

Biltmore Coral Gables
The Biltmore Coral Gables Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers who enjoy drinking delicious wine—the Cellar Club Bar offers more than 100 wines by the glass. And with a legendary golf course and tennis court, plus children's activities, you can rest assured that your kids will be kept active for their entire stay.   

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach
No visit to Miami is complete without staying at least a night or two at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach Hotel. With plenty of kid-friendly activities during the day—swimming, building sand castles, learning about the environment—and an extraordinary nightlife for adults, this hotel will exceed all of your family getaway expectations.

The Setai Resort
With 130 rooms, all of which have flat-screen TVs, the Setai is one of the best five-star hotels in Miami. Complimentary newspapers, airport shuttle, and daily housekeeping will keep your family coming back year after year. Nearby putt-putt golf, three tranquil swimming pools, and the turquoise waters of South Beach are sure to keep your family busy. 

Family Fun in Miami
Although this vacation hot spot is often overlooked as a family-friendly option, Miami actually offers a tremendous range of kid-friendly hotels and activities. If you feel like exploring a bit, check out the Miami Children's Museum and the Everglades, and don't forget about Monkey Jungle, the place where monkeys run wild. All of these attractions will ensure that your kids always remember their trip to sunny Miami. 

Whitney Cann spends the most of her days behind a computer screen, writing about a variety of topics. She often blogs about her own family vacation getaways as well as many topics related to content creation, and she is currently working on the #HipmunkCityLove Project. Her writing endeavors have supplemented more than she could have ever dreamed of, and it's through her writing accomplishments that she plans to travel to Walt Disney World and Cancun next year.