Winter as You Please: Arizona Has It All

For all of you who complained that the summer heat overstayed its welcome, it’s time for you to make the most of our mild winter and embrace the cooled-off outdoors. The Valley offers some fun, family-oriented seasonal options, and you don’t need to shovel your way out of your driveway to enjoy them.

Both Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo are known for dazzling displays of lights, live music, and special holiday events. Your little ones can gander at the animals and plants while you take in the fresh air and magical atmosphere. Selected events are adult only, so leaving the kiddos with a trusted caretaker and getting away for an evening out with your significant other or that group of friends you have precious little time to see would be a special treat. DBG’s Las Noches de las Luminarias is a popular happening that runs for three weeks in December, and Phoenix Zoo holds a winter camp and Breakfast with the Animals. Check out dbg.org and phoenixzoo.org for complete calendars of events and details.

Craving a winter wonderland? Hop in the car and head north for just a couple of hours to play in the snow. Get active and opt to ski or snowboard at Sunrise Park Resort (sunriseskipark.com). You can cozy up in a cabin there, too, and take day excursions into the powdery goodness with a sled. You’ll get a whole different perspective on one of the world’s natural wonders. Or, keep it simple—hammer your friends with precision-made snowballs Elf-style, catch snowflakes with your tongue, build a family of snowmen, and create some snow angels. Just be sure to keep a watchful eye on the forecast and bring adequate outwear, dry clothes, blankets, chains for your tires, and lots of water. Not all of you desert rats have played snow bunny before.

By Cassaundra Brooks