By Karen Sprinkles
Children's fascination with the Old West comes alive in Arizona, where plentiful attractions, scenic wonders and historic destinations await. Home to the O.K. Corral, old copper mines and legendary cowboy towns, Arizona never fails to spark the imagination of visitors, especially kids.
Bisbee
Located near Tucson, Bisbee boasts a rich mining history highlighted by copper, gold and silver mines. Featuring plenty of Western-style attractions, Bisbee is a fun place for kids, who will enjoy the copper mine tours that take visitors into subterranean shafts, not to mention the amazing Old Bisbee Ghost Tour, a walking tour of some mystifying sights in town.
Old Bisbee Ghost Tour
(520) 432-3308
oldbisbeeghosttour.com
Tombstone
Truly an American landmark, the authentic town of Tombstone, Ariz., is the country's best example of early 1880s Western heritage. Several of the town's original buildings still stand, including the famed Bird Cage Theater---an old brothel/bar that still has bullet holes in the wall. The most famous graveyard of the Old West, Boot Hill, is home to legends such as Lester Moore, aka "No Les, No More." Gunfight shows at the O.K. Corral and stagecoach and wagon tours are among the attractions.
Tombstone Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 995
Tombstone, AZ
(888) 457-3929
tombstonechamber.com
Enchanted Island
Located in the heart of scenic Encanto Park, Enchanted Island Amusement Park has been a family favorite for more than 50 years. The park features the oldest continuously operating carousel in Arizona, while the variety of rides and attractions are ideally suited toward young children.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
1202 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-254-1200
enchantedisland.com
Grand Canyon Railway
Kids can go all aboard for a railroad tour that runs from Williams, Ariz., to the Grand Canyon, about a half-hour ride. A re-enactment of a train robbery makes for an entertaining ride. During the holidays, the Grand Canyon Railway becomes The Polar Express.
Grand Canyon Railway
233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd.
Williams, AZ
(800) 843-8724
thetrain.com/
About the Author:
Karen Sprinkles has been a freelance writer since 1988. She's currently the managing editor of a luxury home magazine and has written for regional newspapers and magazines. Sprinkles received the Award of Excellence from the Hawaii Book Publishers Association for "The Hawaii Home Book," which reached No. 1 on the Hawaii bestsellers list. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California.
