So near and yet so far: the unique Southwest culture and architecture in New Mexico and Arizona make visitors feel like they've traveled a world away, yet flight time is just a few hours. The natural wonders are many, too: Arizona's Grand Canyon and Canyon de Chelly, Utah's Moab... Utah is also a terrific destination for ski vacations. Texas, meanwhile, is sometimes viewed as part of the Southeast, with its extensive Gulf Coast.
1. Arizona with Kids
Ghost towns, historic railway rides, caves, canyons, London Bridge, resorts with waterslides... Arizona has lots for families.
2. AZ: Rancho de los Caballeros
Low-key authentic "ranch resort" in Wickenburg Arizona has 60 years of history, kids' program, golf, spa, and of course, horses; guests can ride twice a day. Great chance to learn about Sonoran desert ecology.
3. AZ, Phoenix: Pointe South Mountain Resort
Only fifteen minutes from the Phoenix airport, the Pointe South Mountain Resort has made itself a magnet for families by building The Oasis, its own private 6-acre waterpark. Great golf and hiking, too.
4. Taos, New Mexico: for families
An hour and a quarter north of Santa Fe, Taos New Mexico has been marching to its own drummer for decades, with a unique mix of anglo-hispanic-and native cultures, and art galleries on every lane.
For families, in summer, there's tubing and white-water rafting; skiing, in winter; an amazing Native American Pueblo to visit; the Kit Carson Museum (left); and --for a splurge --hot-air ballooning. With the right wind, your balloon will swoop right down into a deep river gorge.
5. New Mexico: Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa
This resort-- on 500 acres of the Santa Ana Pueblo's reservation, 30 minutes from Albuquerque, 40 minutes from Santa Fe-- highlights native culture in special family activities and at the Camp Hyatt kids' club. Learn about native customs, go horse-riding, and still get resort-style perks (--golf, spa, yoga, etc.)
6. More New Mexico
New Mexico is a wonderful place to show kids Native American culture, hispanic Old Towns, and plain ol' fun times by going rafting, horse-riding, hot-air-ballooning.
7. More Southwest Resorts
Family-friendly resorts and guest ranches in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada.8. NV: Houseboat Rentals on Lake Mead
Guest article about this popular type of family holiday: relax on a fully-equipped houseboat, with all the mod-cons, plus a waterslide off the back. No experience required!
9. TX: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and Lodge
At Fossil Rim -- about 75 miles southwest of Dallas-- guests feel like they're on an African safari, on a self-guided 10-mile scenic drive.
10. TX: Barton Creek Resort & Spa
4000 acres, AAA 4-Diamond... the numbers looks good, and this resort has kids' club (from age 6 months), Junior and Teen nights, Family Movie nights and other family activities.
