In partnership with

Hi there, Adventure Friend!

Let’s start with a little trivia to get your adventure brain warmed up: 🏈
Which annual college football game is hosted at State Farm Stadium?

• A. Rose Bowl

• B. Fiesta Bowl

• C. Orange Bowl

• D. Sugar Bowl

(Answer’s waiting just before the FAQ section, so no peeking 👀)

One day, the backseat will be empty.
No sneakers. No snack crumbs. No “I’m bored.”

So when I travel as a parent, I chase places that pull my people closer.

Not louder. Not faster.

Closer. 🤝✨

Glendale, Arizona does that.

It’s warm.
It’s easy.
It’s full of “small wins” that turn into big memories. ☀️🏜️

Dry January Just Got Way More Delicious and Uplifting 🍸✨

January doesn’t have to feel dull or restrictive. It’s a chance to reset, feel amazing, and still enjoy the ritual of a great drink. Enter Vesper, Pique’s newest release—and my favorite upgrade to Dry January.

Pique is known for blending ancient botanicals with modern science to create elevated wellness essentials, and Vesper is no exception. This non-alcoholic, adaptogenic aperitif delivers the relaxed, social glow of a cocktail—without alcohol or the next-day regret.

It’s what I reach for when I want something special in my glass. Each sip feels celebratory and calming, with a gentle mood lift, relaxed body, and clear, present mind. No haze. No sleep disruption. Just smooth, grounded ease.

Crafted with L-theanine, lemon balm, gentian root, damiana, and elderflower, Vesper is sparkling, tart, and beautifully herbaceous—truly crave-worthy.

Dry January isn’t about giving things up. It’s about discovering something better. And Vesper makes every pour feel like a yes.

Get 10% off for life

A little story from my own dad heart 💛

On one trip, my kid did that thing kids do.

The sudden hug. The surprise hand grab.

No reason.

Just… “I’m happy right now.”

We were not at some fancy attraction.

We were walking after dinner.

The sky was orange.

Grandpa was telling a story with extra sound effects. 😄🌅

That’s what Glendale is good at.

It gives you room to notice the moment you’re in.

Why Glendale works for parents and grandparents 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👵

I like travel that feels fun… without feeling like a job.

Glendale is built for that.
It has:

• Big-league energy when you want it 🏟️

• Quiet parks when you need it 🌳

• Food that makes the whole crew calm down for five minutes 🍽️

• Easy drives to “wow” day trips 🚙✨

And if you’re bringing grandparents, it’s even better.

Because you can do a lot… without walking a marathon.

My simple “Glendale Week” plan ✅

I use one rule that saves my sanity:

One big thing a day.
That’s it.

Then you add:

• One easy thing

• One tasty thing

• One sunset moment 🌅

That’s how you avoid the end-of-day meltdown.

For kids and adults. 😅

Where to stay so life feels smooth 🛏️✨

Your hotel matters more than people admit.

A good home base can turn a “fine” trip into a “please don’t end” trip.

Here are my favorite stay styles:

1) The “walk to the action” stay 🏟️

Perfect if you want sports, shows, and Westgate vibes nearby.

Look for hotels right by Westgate and the stadium area.

Why I like this:

• Less driving

• More strolling

• Easier bedtime for little people 😴

2) The “desert resort” stay 🌴

If you want a calmer, classic Arizona feel, stay near Litchfield Park.

The Wigwam is a local legend for that “old-school desert” mood.

You get that relaxed pace.

You get that “we’re on vacation” feeling the second you check in. 😌🌵

3) The “kitchen + laundry” stay 🍳🧺

If you’re traveling with toddlers or grandparents, this is gold.

A simple suite or rental with a fridge can save your budget and your mood.

Because nothing says “family trip” like someone crying over the wrong yogurt.

What to do in Glendale that hits the heart ⭐️

● Westgate Entertainment District 🎶🍦

Westgate is your “everybody wins” zone.
It’s bright.
It’s lively.
It’s the kind of place where kids can wiggle without getting shushed.

My favorite way to do it:

• Go in the evening

• Eat first

• Walk after

• Let the night air do its magic 🌙✨

Parents: you’ll actually talk.
Grandparents: you’ll actually relax.
Kids: they’ll sleep hard later.

● Historic Downtown Glendale + Murphy Park 🏛️🌿

This is Glendale’s softer side.
Old buildings.
Little shops.
Shade and slower steps.

It feels like the kind of place where memories happen by accident.
A photo by a tree.
A laugh on a bench.
A “remember when…” moment that starts right there. 📸

● Sahuaro Ranch Park 🐓🌹

This place is pure “grandparent gold.”
It’s history without being boring.

You’ll find:

• Open space to roam

• Old ranch buildings

• A gentle, simple pace

• And the kind of charm that makes kids ask good questions 🧠

It’s also great for that sweet spot:
Kids can run.
Adults can sit.
Everyone stays happy. 😄

● Thunderbird Conservation Park ⛰️🌄

If your family likes a small adventure, this is your spot.

Here’s my heat-smart move:

• Go early

• Bring water

• Keep it short

• Celebrate the view like you climbed Everest 😆🏆

Even a short hike feels big in the desert.
Because the sky is bigger here.

● Cerreta Candy Company 🍫😋

This is the “bribe that feels like culture.”
A tour. A treat. A happy crew.

And yes… samples can turn grown adults into children.
I’ve seen it.

Day trips near Glendale that feel like bonus vacations 🚙✨

This is where Glendale shines.
You can stay put… and still explore like crazy.

Here are nearby adventures I love:

• Papago Park + Hole-in-the-Rock for a quick desert “wow” without a hard hike 🌵

• Desert Botanical Garden when you want cactus beauty that even kids respect 🌸

• Heard Museum if you want something meaningful that sticks in the heart 🎨

• Old Town Scottsdale for shopping, treats, and “look what I found” fun 🛍️

• Lake Pleasant when you want water, boats, and a break from dust 🌊

• Sedona for the big red-rock magic day (the “frame this photo” trip) 📸🏜️

• Prescott when you want a cooler day and old-town charm 🤠

Pick one.
Don’t do them all.
Your future self will thank you. 😄

Now the best part: the food deep dive 🍽️🔥

Food is not just food on a family trip.
Food is peace.
Food is a reset button.

Here’s how I eat in Glendale with flair:

● The “cozy comfort” meal 🥨❤️

Haus Murphy’s is that warm, classic spot where the patio feels like a family gathering.
Order something hearty.
Share it.
Let Grandpa tell the story again.

Pro move:

• Go a little earlier than normal dinner

• Kids stay patient

• Adults stay kind 😅

● The “Arizona flavor” meal 🌮🌵

Bitz-ee Mama’s is a local favorite that feels like a hug in food form.
It’s the kind of place where you leave full and happy.

Kid hack:

• Ask for a simple plate

• Add a side

• Let them “dip” everything
  They will act like it’s fine dining. 😄

● The “taco joy” meal 🌮😍

You can do tacos in the Glendale area and make it a whole event.
I like to order “one safe” and “one wild.”

Because travel is the perfect time to try something new…
with a backup plan.

● The “splurge night” 🥩✨

Arrowhead Grill is a great pick when you want a nicer dinner and a grown-up vibe.
This is where you go when the kids are tired enough to sit still. 😄

And if you want dessert after?
Do it.
Trips are not the time to count sprinkles. 🍨

The big lesson 🧠❤️

Glendale is not just a place to go.
It’s a place to be together without fighting the clock.

It’s sunshine and space.
It’s simple fun.
It’s the kind of week that turns into the stories your family repeats for years.

And if you’re a parent or grandparent, you already know the truth:
The best trips aren’t perfect.
They’re shared. ✨

Proverb to remember 🌵

“In the desert, every shadow tells a story.”

If this made you think of your crew…
save it so you can grab it when you’re ready ⭐
or share it with the one person who always says, “We should take a trip.” 😄

Your Travel Buddy 🌞

P.S. 🧠 TRIVIA ANSWER:✅ B. Fiesta Bowl (State Farm Stadium hosts the Fiesta Bowl each year).

Glendale, Arizona Trip FAQs (Parent + Grandparent Edition) 🌵👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👵

• Is Glendale good for families?
  Yes. It’s easy to get around. It has parks, food, and big fun spots. And it’s not “too much.” 😄

• Is Glendale good for grandparents too?
  Very. You can do a lot without long walks. You can rest between outings. And the vibe is calm. 👵❤️

• How many days do we need?
  3–5 days feels great.
  7 days is perfect if you add day trips like Sedona or Lake Pleasant. 🌞🚙

• What’s the best time of year to go?
  October to April is the sweet spot.
  Summer is hot-hot. Like “why is the sun yelling?” hot. ☀️😅

• What’s the best area to stay?

  • Near Westgate if you want action and easy meals 🎶🍔

  • Near Litchfield Park if you want a calmer resort feel 🌴😌

  • A suite if you want a fridge and less drama 🧺🍳

• What are the “must-do” things in Glendale?

  • Westgate for food + fun 🎤

  • Sahuaro Ranch Park for history + open space 🐓🌹

  • Thunderbird Conservation Park for a short hike + big views ⛰️

  • Cerreta Candy for sweet smiles 🍫

• What are the best easy day trips from Glendale?

  • Papago Park 🌵

  • Desert Botanical Garden 🌸

  • Old Town Scottsdale 🛍️

  • Lake Pleasant 🌊

  • Sedona (big wow day) 🏜️📸
    Pick one. You’re not filming a travel show. 😄

• What’s the best way to handle the heat?

  • Do outdoor stuff early 🌅

  • Take a mid-day break 😴

  • Drink water like it’s your job 🚰

  • Hats and sunscreen always 🧢🧴

• Is Glendale walkable?
  Some parts, yes.
  Westgate is very walk-friendly.
  But you’ll still want a car for the full trip. 🚗

• What are the best places to eat with kids?

  • Westgate spots for options and easy walking 🍕

  • Haus Murphy’s for cozy patio vibes 🥨

  • Bitz-ee Mama’s for local comfort 🌮
    Pro tip: go early, order fast, and everyone wins. 😄

• What’s a good “splurge night” dinner?
  Arrowhead Grill is a strong pick when you want a nicer meal. 🥩✨

• Is there enough to do without sports events?
  Yes. Parks, downtown strolling, candy tours, and day trips can fill a full week. 🌳🍫🚙

• What’s a good trip plan if we have little kids?
  One big thing a day.
  One easy thing.
  One treat.
  One sunset. 🌅
  That’s the whole cheat code. ✅😄

• What should we pack for Glendale?

  • Sunscreen 🧴

  • Reusable water bottles 🚰

  • Hats 🧢

  • Good walking shoes 👟

  • A light jacket for cooler nights 🌙

  • Stretchy pants for tacos 🌮😂