Hello, We are planning on going to the Phoenix area the last week of March, first week of April next year. And of course, I have a few questions. I am looking at Airb&b type places for 4 bedrooms. We will have two ten year olds with us and want a private pool. Location is wide open but we don’t want to be downtown. I am thinking Chandler? Or should I be thinking of somewhere else? The kids mainly will want to swim but I want to go to the botanical gardens, Saguaro NP, hiking, and dh will want to bike. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My other question is heating a pool. Many rental places charge a lot to heat the pool. Will a heated pool be necessary at the end of March? Thank you!
You will likely want a heated pool that time of the year. While it is going to be mid-seventies during the day, it could be 50 or so at night. Unless your kids are used to swimming in cold water, they will not like the pool temperature if the pool is not heated. Can’t recommend any specific homes. Location? We like Scottsdale.
Definitely not unheated pool weather in March/April. I would also second Scottsdale both for location and things to do. If you are looking for things to do in the Phoenix area, you will end up in Scottsdale so might as well stay there. Not much to do in Chandler besides the big mall.
H and I are going to my nephew’s wedding in Phoenix this October. All of the suggestions for lodging on the wedding website were in Scottsdale. Seems like that might be the better spot to stay from the perspective of those in the area.
The last time I was in Phoenix, I visited the botanical garden, the Heard Museum, and Frank Lloyd Wright’’s home (Taliesin West). Very much enjoyed all of those sites!
Honestly, the MIM (Museum Of Instrumental Music) is totally worth the visit, and it’s not just for musicians. It’s for anyone who has ever listened to music. Worth the cost of admission!
@ChoatieMom right?
Adding…go to the desert botanical gardens in the early morning and do a docent led tour.
It’s unlikely to be mid 70’s during the day in late March early April. It can range from high 70’s to low 90’s with lows around 60. Depending on what you’re used to, you might not care if the pool is heated but our HOA does heat the pool for spring break. I’d suggest Scottsdale to be close to the city things but as long as you are near a freeway, Chandler is fine too. We love the botanical garden (we have a membership) and it will be pretty then, and 10 year olds should be on the lookout for carrion plants.
Hiking— South mountain has some nice trails. If you’re in Chandler. We tend to head east to Lost Dutchman State Park or to the First Water trailhead just a little further down the road. You might also enjoy the Salt River for hiking and (mountain) biking and exploring, or perhaps Usery Mountain Regional Park—we like the wind cave trail—short, steep, scenic. Bring lots of water, start early.
Yes to the Musical Instrument Museum as well.
A few times we were there in late March, it was never higher than 75-80. I guess we were unlucky. Water temperature in a typical backyard pool = [(high +low)/2 ]- [5-10 degrees]. 
I’d splurge on heat! Or ask if there is an option to turn the heater on while you are there if 65-70 degree water does not feel pleasant.
We were in Phoenix 3 years in a row during late March. Twice when D was in college and competing at a horseshow near Chandler and once for my brother’s wedding. When we were there three years ago for my brother’s wedding it was in the mid to high 80’s over the long weekend we were there. We stayed in Chandler twice and Scottsdale the other time. All locations were good for us. If you are in Scottsdale and any of your party likes to shop go to the Nordstrom Last Chance store.
Ok- Heated pool is a must. I have looked at Scottsdale but I really didn’t see any VRBO homes that jumped out to me. To make things more interesting, my in-laws may come and so now I have to make sure there is a first floor bedroom. I wish VRBO would filter for that. This trip is a compromise. For years we went to Florida but after doing Disney one year and Universal the next, we were done. I had pushed for Puerto Rico but the unrest made DH uneasy to have little kids there. Maybe next year. I haven’t been to Phoenix in years so I am looking forward to it. How does the area by Legacy Golf Courses look or Paradise Valley? Is Tombstone worth the drive? It sounds like a place ten year olds might enjoy. Thanks for all the help!
Paradise Valley is really nice and centrally located if you can find something there.
Two thumbs up for the MIM! Great place for adults and kids and has a fabulous restaurant, too.
Agree about the cafe at the MIM, but check the hours. IIRC, it closes sort of early. Good for lunch.
Tempe is sort of a midway point between Scottsdale and hiking in the Superstitions, as well as zoo and Desert Botanical Garden, with good freeway access. Less remote than Chandler. I was impressed with their restaurant. Every winter when I visit my mom, I pop her in a wheel chair and walk the gardens. If so inclined, have heard great things about the Boyce-Thompson arboretum, which is to the west and out of town past the Superstitions.
@thumper1 On your recommendation I will go to the Musical Instrument Museum when we go to Phoenix in October.
We have stayed in Scottsdale and Chandler. Scottsdale has lots of condo rentals. Chandler seemed more hotels available. We really enjoyed a side trip to Flagstaff and specifically an activity called Flagstaff Extreme. 10 year olds would love it! If you like baseball at all, the Goodyear area would be good as well. Cactus League (spring training) baseball is affordable and very family/kid friendly. Be careful of dehydration even if temperatures are not over 80 degrees. It can really sneak up on both kids and seniors not accustomed to the dryness.
@Bromfield2 let me (and @ChoatieMom ) know how you like the MIM. I’ve been there the last three times I’ve visited…and will be going again.
Possibly the last place in the civilized world that one should rent an Air B&B is in the Phoenix / Scotsdale area of Arizona due to the dozens of outstanding resort hotels available.
I would look into whether Marriott Villlas have a 3 bedroom villa available… they come with full kitchens and no need to heat the pool… all pools will be heated.
We can rent a house for $350 or less and get 4 bedrooms. I am sure the resorts are lovely but we want our own pool. The ten year old boys pretty much live in the pool and it is so nice to sit on your own patio to watch them. There will be at least six of us so we want the room of a house. I think I have found a place in Paradise Valley. I just need to hear back from them. Thank you all.