Pinetop-Lakeside is the perfect place for a family getaway year round, just about three hours from Phoenix and the East Valley.
Year round Pinetop-Lakeside offers outdoor adventures, family-friendly dining and cooler temperatures (snow in the winter, an a reprieve from triple digit temps in the summer).
Keep reading for our favorite activities in and surrounding Pinetop-Lakeside and where we stayed during a recent visit to scout fall leaves.
XO,
East Valley Moms
Where to stay in Pinetop Lakeside
We stayed at a family-friendly vacation rental cabin called Adair Springs Resort that we adored (more info on it here).
Located on a half acre, it offered ample outside play area (fenced in) for kids to enjoy, and it was minutes away from local eateries. Even better, it was steps away from hiking trails and a 10 minute walk to Woodland Lake Park.
The cabin sleeps eight, and has amenities intended for families with young children, including blackout curtains, toddler dining ware and utensils, a backyard play structure and more.
The kitchen was well stocked for family meals (including a crockpot for those Citrus Pear freezer prep meals!), outdoor grill and a full bar kit for adult beverages after kids are in bed (cocktail shakers, margarita salt, etc.).
The backyard is massive, and well planned for family play. In addition to the play structure, there’s a firepit for s’mores nights, outdoor games and a patio with seating.
The upstairs loft is ideal for kids looking for adventure—stocked with children’s toys, and an xbox, it gives children their own play space that feels a little secret from the adults, plus there’s two queen beds up there (futon and sleeper sofa) for kids’ sleepovers.
Woodland Lake Park and Lake
Beautiful trail system that’s kid friendly and connected to the lake. There are several short, interconnected trails that are family friendly.
The 1.25 mile Lake Loop Trail is level and paved and goes around the lake (lots of ducks for kids to watch and feed, too!). There’s a side trail to the Hitching Post Loop Trail (2 miles) as well.
Also here is a playground, picnic area, pickleball courts and restrooms. This is an excellent place to spend the day outdoors, if the weather permits.
Other things to do with kids near Pinetop Lakeside:
- White Mountain Family Fun Park – Family-friendly go-karts, mini-golf, laser maze, and arcade. Open year round,
- The Willis Farm – Seasonal farm attraction with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, train ride and more for family fun on a farm.
- Show Low Aquatics Center – Open year round, this indoor pool boasts a water slide, pool basketball, zero depth entry and spray fountain, plus hot tub for parents.
- Sunrise Park Resort summer play – Take a ride on Sunrise Lift 1 from the base at 9,200′ up to the top of Sunrise peak, at 10,700′. This scenic lift ride takes about 7 minutes to reach the peak where you can experience some of the most expansive panoramic views in Arizona. The scenic lift is available for ages 2+.
- Chase fall leaves – Pinetop-Lakeside shows off autumn colors from mid-September to mid-October. Here’s our full guide to chasing fall leaves in the area.
Kid-friendly dining in Pinetop-Lakeside:
Darbi’s Cafe, Pinetop Brewing Company, The Pinetop Coffee House; Persnikkity’s, and Charlie Clark’s Steakhouse.
Here’s more Arizona itineraries for families (and day trips!)!
