Family-Friendly Fun at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale, Arizona is known for some of the best luxury resorts in the country, but are any of them family friendly?  When my family visited the Phoenix area for a spring training family vacation last week, we stayed at the Westin Kierland Resort – one of the most kid-friendly resorts I’ve ever stayed at.

The Westin Kierland Resort is located in North Scottsdale, right across the street from the upscale Kierland Commons mall.  It offers an adult-only pool, a spa, a fitness center, a family pool, a lazy river, and several bars and restaurants, along with a conference center.  Despite all of these luxurious amenities, they also offer some fabulous kid’s amenities, which start right when you check in at the Kierland Mining Company family check-in.  When we checked in, our kids were given a “passport” lanyard with a special scavenger hunt.  They visited numerous spots throughout the property to complete activities and receive a stamp, and when they were finished they received pins for their lanyard (one for each spot visited).  Guests checking in at the Kierland Mining Company can also sign up for the many kid’s programs offered (although to be guaranteed a spot, it’s a good idea to call before your vacation starts).

While we were there, our kids participated in several programs.  The first night, they attended the Kids’ Pajama Party while we dined at the fabulous on-site deseo.  I’d definitely recommend that parents check it out – you’ll get the pajama party free if you’re a Starwood Preferred guest, and the food is absolutely amazing (I’m still dreaming of the delicious bread, ceviche, and muddle drinks).  While we were eating our meal, our kids were roasting s’mores, dancing, decorating shirts, eating dinner, and watching a movie.  My kids also participated in the popular Kid’s in the Kitchen program, where they were able to bake cookies with the chef.

The rooms at the Westin Kierland Resort are wonderful.  Like all Westins, they include the Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Shower, and are extremely comfortable.  Standard rooms, as well as villas and suites, are available.  The on-site restaurants are also great – we enjoyed all of our meals.

I’d definitely recommend that families visiting the Scottsdale/Phoenix area stay at the Westin Kierland Resort – you won’t want to leave!  Rates run from $99 per night in the summer to $450 during peak times.  Visit the Westin Kierland Resort’s homepage for more information.

Article and photo from Jodi Grundig, author of Family Travel Magazine.

I was hosted by the Westin Kierland Resort during my stay. 

Check prices for the Westin Kierland Resort on Hotels.com