In partnership with

Hi there, Adventure Friend!

Most trips don’t fall apart because you picked the wrong place.
They fall apart because life has been loud for too long… and we forget that our kids don’t need “perfect.”
They need present. 💛

Let’s start with a little trivia to get your adventure brain warmed up:

Glendale was originally founded as what kind of community?
A) Mining town
B) Temperance colony (no alcohol)
C) Railroad hub
D) Military base

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

I’ve been that parent who means well and still ends up managing the trip like a work

project.

I’ve done the color-coded itinerary.

I’ve hauled the snacks like I’m prepping for a small famine.

I’ve tried to make everyone happy… which is how I learned that “everyone happy” can

turn into “dad quietly eating trail mix in the bathroom for peace.” 😅

So here’s what I chase now: places where joy is easy to find, where the pace can slow

down without getting boring, and where your family can pile up those tiny moments that

end up being the ones you talk about later.

That’s Glendale, Arizona.

Glendale is the kind of spot that doesn’t demand you “do it all.” It just gives you a bunch

of good options—big fun, calm corners, and enough sunshine to make even the

grumpiest teenager slightly less grumpy. It’s close to Phoenix, simple to get around, and

full of places where your kids can run ahead while you walk behind and think, “Oh yeah…

this is why we do this.” 🌵✨

Not Conservative. Not Liberal. Just Christian.

The world feels chaotic, but your news source doesn’t have to.

You can hide under a rock or spiral into the chaos… or you can subscribe to The Pour Over and get the news you need to know and the peace you crave.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, The Pour Over sends quick news summaries that are actually fun to read. Plus, each newsletter includes short biblical reminders to help you stay focused on Christ and eternity. Instead of fueling outrage or anxiety, the news becomes another prompt to rest in God and respond in faith.

Over 1.5 million Christians have ditched the doomscroll and found a better way to stay informed––Christ-first, anger-free, and (even kinda) funny.

Try it for free and check out their welcome email that’ll make you glad you did!

Sign up for free today!

The moment that made me a Glendale believer 🧡

One night we were out walking after dinner—nothing fancy, just that slow after-meal

stroll where everyone’s a little sleepy and a little silly. The desert sky was doing that

Arizona thing where it looks like someone spilled paint across the horizon. You know the

one. Pink melting into orange, orange fading into purple, and the whole world looking

softer for a minute. 🌅

My kid reached over and grabbed my hand like it was the most normal thing in the world.

Then came the line that hit me right in the chest:

“Can we do this again tomorrow?”

Not “Can we go somewhere cooler?”
Not “Can I get a toy?”
Not “Are we done yet?”

Just… can we do this again.

That’s the sneaky gift of Glendale. It has enough action to feel like a real trip, but it also

has the space to let your family settle into each other again. And that’s the part that

parents are craving, even if we don’t always say it out loud.

Why Glendale works so well for families (and friend trips too) ✅

Glendale feels like Phoenix’s laid-back cousin who still knows how to throw a great party.

It’s built for the kind of vacation parents secretly want:

• Easy drives between spots 🚗

• A mix of big energy and quiet time ⚡🌿

• Kid-friendly everything (food, bathrooms, places to roam) 👟

• Sunshine that makes the days feel longer ☀️

And if you bring another family or two? Even better.

Kids do what kids do—they form a little pack and run off to explore. Parents get to talk

like grown-ups again, eat a meal while it’s still warm, and laugh without having to referee

every two minutes. It’s like a vacation and a reunion had a baby. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🥳

The “can’t-miss” stuff that makes Glendale feel like a win ⭐️

Westgate Entertainment District 🎤🏟️

This is your “everybody gets what they want” zone.

Westgate has that built-in vacation buzz—lights, music, walking around with a drink or an

ice cream in hand, and the feeling that something fun is always happening nearby. You

can catch a game at State Farm Stadium, hit Desert Diamond Arena for a show, or just

wander and let the night unfold. For families traveling with friends, this is gold because

everyone can split up for a bit—shopping, snacks, quick stop at the fountain—then meet

back up like you planned it that way the whole time.

Historic Downtown & Murphy Park 🏛️🌿

This is where you go to slow the world down.

Downtown Glendale has antique shops, little boutiques, and that older Arizona feel that

makes you want to linger. Murphy Park is a great reset button—shade, grass, benches,

and the kind of calm that gets kids telling you random stories they wouldn’t share in the

chaos of everyday life. If you’ve been hoping for a trip that feels less like “go-go-go” and

more like “oh, there you are,” this is the pocket of town that delivers it.

Cerreta Candy Company 🍫

I call this “educational,” because it makes me feel like a responsible parent.

But honestly? It’s candy. And it’s wonderful.

The tour is a perfect break from the heat, and it’s one of those simple joys that works on

every age. Kids get wide-eyed, adults pretend they’re “just looking,” and everyone walks

out happier than they walked in. If your family has had a rough season—busy weeks, late

nights, short tempers—this is the kind of low-stress, high-smile stop that quietly changes

the mood for the whole day.

Sahuaro Ranch Park 🦚🌳

This place feels like Glendale’s secret backyard.

You’ve got historic buildings, wide open space, orchards, and peacocks strutting around

like tiny feathered celebrities. Kids love it because it feels like an adventure without being

hard. Parents love it because it’s peaceful and pretty, and the energy is gentle. It’s the kind

of park where your family naturally spreads out—someone taking photos, someone

exploring, someone flopping on the grass—and nobody feels rushed.

Thunderbird Conservation Park ⛰️🌄

If you want your “we did something epic” moment, this is it.

The key is to go early. Sunrise hikes are the desert’s cheat code: cooler air, softer light,

fewer crowds, and that amazing feeling of earning your view. Watching your kid stand on

a ridge and look out over the Valley does something to your heart. You see them feel

brave. You see them feel capable. And you remember that you’re not just filling a week—

you’re building them.

A simple week plan that leaves room for magic 🗓️✨

Here’s the approach I use so the trip feels full but not exhausting:

• Day 1: Arrive, easy dinner, early night (don’t fight jet lag or road fatigue—feed it and let it nap) 😴

• Day 2: Westgate day for big fun and big energy 🏟️

• Day 3: Slow morning + candy tour + park time 🍫🌳

• Day 4: Thunderbird hike early + big brunch after ⛰️🥞

• Day 5: Friend day (group activity + easy dinner together) 👫

• Day 6: Downtown stroll + Murphy Park + sunset walk 🏛️🌅

• Day 7: Repeat the favorite thing, because the best compliment a kid gives is “again” 🔁

Notice what’s missing?

The frantic sprint.

You’re not trying to “see everything.” You’re trying to feel something. And Glendale makes

that easier than most places.

The heart of it 💛

Glendale isn’t just a list of attractions.

It’s a setting for the stuff parents really want:

A belly laugh at dinner.
A slow walk after tacos.
A kid telling you a story while the sky turns gold.
Friends around a table, everyone a little sun-tired and happy.

Years from now, your kid won’t remember the hotel brand. They’ll remember how it felt

when you were there, fully there, and the day had enough space for joy to show up

without being forced.

Proverb to keep: “In the desert, every shadow tells a story.” 🌵

Your Travel Buddy 🌞

P.S. 🧠 TRIVIA ANSWER:✅B) Temperance colony (no alcohol)

Glendale, Arizona Family Trip FAQ 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦❓

1) Is Glendale good for a family trip?

Yes. Glendale is built for families because it has:

• Big attractions (sports, shows, shopping) 🏟️

• Calm parks and wide open space 🌳

• Easy driving and simple parking 🚗
  It’s a “low-friction” trip… which is parent code for “less arguing.” 😅

2) How long should we stay in Glendale?

A sweet spot is 4 to 7 days.
That gives you time for:

• One big entertainment day 🎤

• One nature day ⛰️

• A couple chill mornings 😴

• And one “repeat the favorite” day 🔁

3) What’s the best time of year to visit?

Most families love fall through spring because it’s easier to be outside. 🍂🌷
Summer can still work, but you’ll want:

• Early mornings

• Midday indoor breaks

• Pool time like it’s your job 🏊‍♂️

4) Do we need to rent a car?

If you have kids, I’d say yes.
It makes everything easier:

• Snacks in the car 🍿

• Quick hotel breaks 😮‍💨

• No “we have to walk HOW far?” moments 👟

5) What are the best things to do with younger kids?

Great picks for little ones:

• Sahuaro Ranch Park (space + animals + easy walking) 🦚

• Parks and splash-friendly stops 💦

• Candy tour (because… candy) 🍫

6) What about teens and older kids?

Teens usually like:

• Westgate’s energy and shops 🛍️

• Stadium events and concerts 🏟️

• Hikes with good views (photo fuel) 📸
  Bonus: they’ll complain less if they get snacks first. This is science. 😄

7) Are there easy hikes for families?

Yes. Thunderbird Conservation Park has options for different levels. ⛰️
Parent pro move:

• Go early

• Bring water

• Turn around before anyone hits “doom whining” 😅

8) What’s a good one-day “big fun” plan?

Try this:

• Morning: Westgate walk + early lunch 🍔

• Afternoon: rest/pool/hotel break 🏊

• Evening: game or show + dessert 🍦
  It feels packed, but not punishing.

9) What should we pack for Glendale?

The parent starter kit:

• Sunscreen (more than you think) 🧴

• Water bottles (big ones) 🚰

• Hats + sunglasses 🧢

• Comfy shoes 👟

• Light layers for evenings 🌙
  Also: stretchy pants. Glendale tacos do not play fair. 🌮

10) Is Glendale a good place to travel with another family?

Yes — it’s one of the best “friend-family” trips because:

• Activities are easy to join or skip

• Meals are group-friendly

• Kids entertain each other
  And you get adult conversation that isn’t about laundry. 🥹☕

11) Where should we stay?

Most families like being close to:

• Westgate / State Farm Stadium area 🏟️

• Easy dining and quick drives 🍽️
  It keeps the trip simple and cuts down on car time.

12) Is Glendale safe and easy to navigate?

In general, Glendale is pretty straightforward for visitors.
Like any city:

• Stay aware

• Lock your car

• Keep your stuff close
  But for most families, it’s an easy place to get around without stress. ✅