Life is too short not to travel. However, travel with kids can get a little challenging. We love taking trips with our five (yes, five) children, but over the summer months during the peak of travel season, it is sometimes daunting to take a trip out of state. Lucky for us, we live in Arizona, where there are some amazing resorts offering delightful getaways right around the corner.

Fourth of July at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

This Fourth of July weekend, my family and I stayed at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass on the Gila River Indian Community in Chandler, Arizona. We arrived on Saturday, and after a quick check-in, we settled into our rooms. The rooms at the Sheraton Grand are comfortable and bright; plus, they had a travel crib set up for our youngest!

A Deluxe King Guestroom. Photo courtesy Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass

The views from our balcony were breathtaking! We could see out to the pool, the golf course, the recreated Gila River, and the always breathtaking Sonoran Desert mountain ranges surrounding us.

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. Photo courtesy Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

We were ready to start our Sip, Soak & Splash weekend adventure!

Sip Soak and Splash this summer! Photo courtesy Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass

Loads of Outdoor Fun

The kids immediately wanted to play, so we went down to the pool, grabbing lunch poolside at Hanyo, which offers delightful options like chicken tacos and burgers (always a kid favorite).

Hanyo Burger at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. Photo courtesy Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

Mom and dad enjoyed a frozen lemonade cocktail while the kids splashed in the cool, saltwater oasis of a pool. All weekend long, the staff offered fun games and contests at the pool for the kids to play. The live band performed favorites from across the generations, and Hanyo kept everyone cool with smoothies and refreshing drinks.

Poolside fun. Photo courtesy Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass

One of the weekend’s best events was the Sip, Soak, and Splash Water Park. Located on the gorgeous Hemapik Lawn, kids big and small could race down water slides and cool off with snow cones. Every kid enjoyed the dunk tank because who doesn’t love getting a chance to dunk a sibling (or a parent)? We danced at the glow party on Saturday and then walked over to watch the fireworks.

Superb Dining for the Entire Family

Dinner at Ko’sin was an outstanding balance of casual atmosphere and fine dining. Offerings like Pan Seared Salmon balanced perfectly with a bed of faro, roasted fennel and mushrooms, a Bacon Wrapped Buffalo Meatloaf, or the ever-popular ooey-gooey mac and cheese or crunchy chicken strips, everyone can enjoy a comfortable, homey meal in a relaxed atmosphere with fantastic service.

Ko’Sin Dining Room. Photo courtesy Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass

Sunday morning began with a beautiful breakfast buffet spread that included an omelet bar, biscuits and gravy, almost too-pretty-to-eat smoked salmon dishes, and even Lucky Charms for those picky eaters.

A Perfect Family Escape

After a morning of playing at the pool, the water park, and the Indoor Bounce Fest, we all took a break resting in our room because Sunday night was the Bounce Party! Located in the Akimel Ballroom, the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass had bounce castles, obstacle courses, and other challenges for families to play in plus, there were on-site face painters, cotton candy treats, and a DJ spinning tunes for dancing.

This weekend was filled to the brim with activities for everyone! After the sun got low Sunday night, they showed a movie in the pool. They also offer paddle boats, waterboards, and boat rentals so guests can explore the gorgeously recreated Gila River, which is over a mile long.

Stand-up boards and water bikes are available this summer. Photo courtesy Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

I loved our weekend. My husband and I talked about it after we got home, and we agreed that Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass gave us a perfect weekend of family fun. It is hard to leave a family vacation feeling as relaxed as we did.

I am looking forward to future “staycations” at this unique resort.

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass offers fun-filled and exciting programming all summer! To find out more and plan your own unique “staycation”, visit them at: http://www.wildhorsepassresort.com.