As we enter yet another spin around the sun, the time has come to put the past behind us and discuss what lies ahead. For our family, that meant making a New Year's resolution to decide on five places to visit in Northern Arizona in 2023. Northern Arizona is a diverse and expansive region that offers something for everyone, so we broke out the maps and chose five family-friendly trips to take in 2023. From Sedona's beautiful red rock formations to Flagstaff's pine-covered forests, the awe-inspiring scenery and expansive landscapes made for difficult choices. Now is the time to start planning trips for the year, so we thought we would share our picks and recommendations for 2023 family trips within a few hours' drive of Prescott.

GRAND CANYON

Experience the wonder of the Grand Canyon, a globally renowned geological masterpiece. Located just a couple hours' drive from Prescott, the Grand Canyon offers a large array of family-friendly activities such as hiking, whitewater rafting, camping, and birdwatching. You can do a day trip and take the historic train ride from Williams to the South Rim, or you can do a 3- to 4-night trip and fully immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon experience by hiking or riding a horse into the canyon. Truly an unforgettable experience. There are places such as my personal favorite, Havasupai Falls, that will open in 2023 for the first full season since the pandemic started. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon in 2023. The official website of the Grand Canyon National Park Service can be found HERE.

SEDONA

There is so much to do in Sedona and the surrounding area that we narrowed it down to a handful of family-friendly options that can be done on one trip.

1. Mom’s pick = Hiking. Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, and there are many great trails suitable for families with children. Some options include the Bell Rock Pathway, the Chicken Point Trail, and the Broken Arrow Trail. This year, Mom wants to tackle the Cathedral Rock hike. A complete list of trails, along with their difficulty ratings, can be found HERE.

2. Dad’s Pick = Golfing at Sedona Golf Resort. Located in the heart of one of the most captivating regions of the Southwest, the thrilling 6,646-yard par-71 course is widely considered among the world's most unforgettable golf experiences. Winding around the famed red rocks of Sedona, each hole provides a unique adventure. This championship course receives continuous four-star reviews from Golf Digest and has tons of great golf packages to choose from. Reservations and tee times can be booked HERE.

3. Kid’s Pick = Slide Rock. Slide Rock State Park is an Arizona state park located in Oak Creek Canyon, just 7 miles north of Sedona. The park takes its name from a natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. A great way for the kids to cool off on a hot summer afternoon. Maps and information are available HERE.

ARIZONA SNOWBOWL

Nestled in the majestic San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff is a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders. Snowbowl, Arizona's best ski resort, offers something for skiers of all skill levels. From the thrill of tackling challenging runs to seeing the joy on your kids' faces, a day on the slopes in Flagstaff is an unforgettable memory-making experience for the family. Just a two-hour drive from Prescott, Snowbowl is a go-to day trip for our family, especially after a big winter storm. So add some excitement to the doldrums of winter and hit the slopes at Snowbowl! Tickets and information are available HERE.

METEOR CRATER

Located just a short 40-minute drive east of Flagstaff, Meteor Crater is a truly unique and fascinating destination for families. The massive crater (700 feet deep, over 4,000 feet across, and 2.4 miles in circumference), formed by the impact of a meteor over 50,000 years ago, is widely regarded as the best preserved meteor crater on earth. The park has guided tours and a full-fledged space museum with interactive exhibits like a 4-D theater and a training capsule from the Apollo 11 mission. Visitors can walk along the rim of the crater or take a hike down to the bottom for a closer look. Be sure to bring your camera and capture some of the breathtaking views of the crater and the surrounding landscape. Officially known as the Barrington Crater & Space Museum you can find more information HERE.

LOWELL OBSERVATORY

We had to return to the pine-covered forests of Flagstaff to highlight the upcoming destination we are most excited about. Well maybe I was the only one that excited, but that does not change the fact that the Lowell Observatory is a world-renowned research facility that is home to some of the most advanced telescopes in the world! This is the perfect destination for future astronomers, science enthusiasts, and stargazers like yours truly! Visitors can take a tour of the observatory, attend a star party, or participate in other educational programs. The Lowell Observatory is a two-hour drive from Prescott. We like to make it an overnight trip and hit the observatory either after skiing or hiking for the day. Next time you’re looking for an overnight escape where both you and your kids can learn something, add Lowell Observatory to your list! Tickets and information are available HERE.