what to do with out-of-town visitors??

I think one of the best places to visit (and it just happens to be FREE) is the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. I don't know where you are in the Valley but it's worth the drive. Check out their website for information. They have free summer concerts too but I'm not sure if they've started yet.

http://www.therailroadpark.com/index1.html

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azpond is a discussion leader for arizonamoms and mother of two.

What about a field trip to ride the Dolly Steamboat for a 2 hour cruise around Canyon Lake? The natural beauty of our desert and the animals is supposed to be astounding on that ride.
A great way to get a feel for what our area looks like.
Doesn't require walking for old, young people. Everyone enjoys themselves.

www.dollysteamboat.com

Happy2BMommy, is a stay-at-home mom who just turned 40 (argh!) with a 6 yr. old daughter and a 4 yr. old son, and is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Scottsdale.

Wildlife World Zoo in the West Valley is a great place for all ages. It is much smaller than the Phoenix Zoo and has a train ride and a little boat ride. Enjoy!

Have you ever been to Organ Stop Pizza? It has one of the world's largest Wurlitzer (sp?) Organs. It is a huge place with actual bells and whistles and pipes and dancing puppets and lights all over.

Kids love it because it has lights and noise and music, adults, especially older adults, like the old time sing-alongs and mechanics of the place.

We just took my 60 something Aunt and my kids and everyone seemed to love it. My Grandma really loved it back when she was alive and she'd sing the patriotic songs with such gusto...

(The food has improved, but it is expensive since you are paying for entertainment with it. Don't expect good pizza, although it has improved!)

http://www.organstoppizza.com/welcome.htm

It's in Mesa, but pretty easy to get to. It is not a good place for conversation, and can sometimes be really busy, you may want to call and see when their down times are.

If you don't take someone this trip, put it on your to do list for sometime. Have fun!

Lovemy4 is a discussion leader for North Central Phoenix, tired mother of 4 great kids and wife to one great husband.

There is also Rawhide.

http://www.rawhide.com/home-index.html

just~me

Thanks everyone! Great ideas. Steamboat Dolly is a possibility, I'm just worried about the heat for both my grandmother and the baby. We'll have to play it by ear, but it's definitely at the top of the list! Thanks again!

All are great ideas. One caution about the Dolly Steamboat. The trip there is brutal for anyone who suffers from motion sickness, so you may want to load up on the Dramamine.

As silly as this might sound, there's nothing like packing a basket and having a good old fashion picnic!! The weather is beautiful, you have an assortment of parks to choose from, kids can play, parents can talk, babies and grandparents can take a nap!! You can pack all types of food and drink and just enjoy eachother's company. Sometimes something simple is best to do when you have a lot of company. You can't please everyone but food, drink and nice weather is something no one can complain about!!

Paz