20 Feb 5 Fun Winter Activities to Enjoy in Arizona
Arizona has plenty of winter activities that the whole family can enjoy. From hikes and hot air balloon rides with stunning views to visiting museums and zoos, or even dressing up for the Renaissance fair, there’s something for everyone. Here are five fun things to do with your family this winter.
1: Take a Winter Hike
With nearly 3,000 hiking trails, Arizona offers breathtaking views all year round. And a brisk winter hike allows you to enjoy the scenery without the scorching heat. Some of our favorite places for winter hikes in the Phoenix area are Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, Pinnacle Peak Trail in Scottsdale, and Cathedral Rock in Sedona.
Just remember to bring water and to wear sunscreen! No matter where you hike, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, and you can still get a sunburn, even in the winter.
2: Explore Local Museums
When was the last time you visited a local museum? The Phoenix Art Museum is the largest in the Southwest, displaying over 20,000 works of art. And the Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block offers the perfect blend of history, art, and community. Enjoy an immersive, ever-changing art show at Wonderspaces in Scottsdale. Or, find a museum near you at visitarizona.com.
3: Attend the Arizona Renaissance Festival
Travel back in time with the fun and immersive Arizona Renaissance Festival in Gold Canyon. Doors are open rain or shine on Saturdays and Sundays, from January 31 to March 29, 2026. This festival is a memorable experience for all ages, with arts and crafts, shops, jousting, and more. Costumes aren’t required, but they are highly encouraged!
4: Visit the Zoo
Taking a trip to see wildlife is a great idea any time of year, but a winter visit means more comfortable weather for walking. The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the United States. This zoo cares for over 3,000 animals, including nearly 400 species, so there’s a good chance you’ll see one of your favorite animals! The Wildlife World Zoo is also an aquarium and safari park that houses the largest collection of exotic and endangered animals in Arizona.
5: Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Summer isn’t the only time you can enjoy a unique bird’s-eye view of Arizona. Winter actually offers some of the clearest days and most expansive views, especially in the morning. Even on cloudy days, you can often still enjoy plenty of visibility in the desert landscape. Hot Air Expeditions in Phoenix and Tucson, and Rainbow Ryders in Phoenix are two of our favorites. Both offer year-round sunrise rides and afternoon/sunset rides from November through March.
Estate Planning Services in the Phoenix Valley
Just like a winter outing with your loved ones requires careful planning, your estate plan also deserves the same thoughtful attention. At Phelps LaClair, we have over 40 years of experience helping Arizona families create carefully tailored estate plans that protect their assets and secure their loved ones’ future. Whether you’re just starting out or you need to make some revisions to your current plan, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Contact Phelps LaClair today to schedule a free estate planning consultation in Mesa, Chandler, Tucson or one of our other Phoenix Valley locations.
Photo by Kyler Nixon on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 2/20/26.