WEEKEND 1
Oct 30–Nov 1
Desert Southwest · next 6 weekends
Desert Southwest weekend getaways with kids
Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas and San Diego. Tucson is about two hours from Phoenix. Las Vegas and San Diego are each about six hours from Phoenix and from each other, so those picks suit the home city or a trip with an overnight. Here's the best weekend trip in the region for each of the next 6 weekends, and what to do once you get there.
6 weekends
4 cities
5 of 6 pickedLast checked against official pages. How we choose
Departures
Desert SouthwestWEEKEND 2
Nov 6–8
The pickWeekend of Nov 6–8: Las Vegas
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a drive-through, so the kids can stay in pajamas in the back seat. It's priced per car.
Drive: about 6 hr from Phoenix · about 6 hr from San Diego
Glittering Lights
Opens 11/06; runs through 01/03. A 3-mile drive-through with 6 million lights. Take I-15 exit 54 (Speedway Blvd.); GPS can send you to a closed gate. Santa Tram rides are $25 a person on select nights.
Fri Nov 6 · From 5pmLas Vegas Motor Speedway
$39 cash or $44 by card per vehicleWEEKEND 3
Nov 13–15
The pickWeekend of Nov 13–15: San Diego
Santa is at his cottage on the SkyTower lawn for SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, and the visit is included with park admission.
Drive: about 6 hr from Las Vegas
Santa at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
Opens 11/13; runs through 01/03. SeaWorld’s holiday season also has real reindeer, Rudolph and nightly snowfall.
Fri Nov 13 · During Christmas Celebration hoursSeaWorld San Diego, Santa’s Cottage on SkyTower LawnIncluded with park admissionAlso this weekend in the region
Phoenix
- Santa at Chandler Fashion Center, Fri Nov 13, Varies by day; Christmas Eve 9am–6pm, Chandler Fashion Center, Macy’s Court. Visits free; photo packages for sale. Official page
WEEKEND 4
Nov 20–22
The pickWeekend of Nov 20–22: San Diego
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden runs 5 to 9pm. Kids are $18, kids 2 and under are free, and parking is cheaper if you book it ahead.
Drive: about 6 hr from Las Vegas
LEGO Santa at Christmas Bricktacular
Opens 11/21; runs through 01/03. LEGO Santa comes with his sleigh and reindeer. Fireworks on Dec 5, Dec 12 and every night Dec 19–31. About 35 min drive from San Diego.
Sat Nov 21 · During park hoursLEGOLAND CaliforniaIncluded with park ticketsLightscape
Opens 11/20; runs through 01/03. About 30 min drive from San Diego.
Fri Nov 20 · 5–9pmSan Diego Botanic GardenAdults from $28, kids $18, 2 and under free; parking $15 in advanceAlso this weekend in the region
Las Vegas~6h
- Santa at Enchant Christmas, Fri Nov 20, Evenings, with a timed arrival window, Las Vegas Ballpark, Downtown Summerlin. Tickets from $27; Santa photo packages extra. Official page
- Enchant Christmas, Fri Nov 20, Evenings, with a timed arrival window, Las Vegas Ballpark. From $27; prices change by date. Official page
WEEKEND 5
Nov 27–29
The pickWeekend of Nov 27–29: Phoenix
Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden, with paths lined in luminarias from 5 to 9:30pm. Kids 2 to 17 are $18.95.
Drive: about 2 hr from Tucson · about 6 hr from Las Vegas
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Opens 11/27; runs through 01/03. Nights: Nov 27–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13, 16–23, 26–31; Jan 1–3. The garden closes at 4pm on luminaria days.
Fri Nov 27 · 5–9:30pmDesert Botanical GardenAdults $39.95–$44.95; kids 2–17 $18.95 (members $16.95)Also this weekend in the region
Las Vegas~6h
- Santa at the Magical Forest, Fri Nov 27, 5:30–9pm Sun–Thu; until 9:30pm Fri–Sat, Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. Park admission (ticket prices not posted yet); 3 and under free; Santa photos extra. Official page
- Magical Forest, Fri Nov 27, 5:30–9pm Sun–Thu; until 9:30pm Fri–Sat, Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. Ticket prices not posted yet; 3 and under free. Official page
WEEKEND 6
Dec 4–6
The pickWeekend of Dec 4–6: Phoenix
Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden runs Friday through Sunday.
Drive: about 2 hr from Tucson · about 6 hr from Las Vegas
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Opens 11/27; runs through 01/03. Nights: Nov 27–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13, 16–23, 26–31; Jan 1–3. The garden closes at 4pm on luminaria days.
Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6 · 5–9:30pmDesert Botanical GardenAdults $39.95–$44.95; kids 2–17 $18.95 (members $16.95)From your city
Picked for where you start
Little-traveler checklist
Pack it before you go
Car snacksPack more than you think you’ll need.
StrollerZoo paths and light trails are long for little legs.
Time the napLeave right before nap so the drive does double duty.
Overnight bagPast three hours, pajamas beat a 9pm drive home.
Parking cashFree admission days often still charge for parking.
Rain planPick one indoor backup, like a museum, before you leave.Good questions
Desert Southwest getaways: the FAQ
Which Desert Southwest city is best for a weekend with little kids?
It changes every weekend. Over the next 6 weekends our picks are Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, chosen for what's on: zoo events, holiday lights and shows with dates we checked on the official pages.
How long are the drives?
Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas and San Diego. Tucson is about two hours from Phoenix. Las Vegas and San Diego are each about six hours from Phoenix and from each other, so those picks suit the home city or a trip with an overnight. Drive times on this page are normal driving times without traffic.
What if a weekend says “No standout yet”?
It means we couldn't confirm anything worth the drive. We'd rather leave the slot empty than fill it with filler. Check back after the Thursday refresh.
Are the prices right?
They're what each official page showed on Oct 29, 2026. Tap the official link before you buy, since venues change hours and prices.