# Desert Southwest weekend getaways with kids

Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/weekend-getaways/southwest/

> 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.

Last checked: 2026-10-29. Every event links to its official page.

## Weekend of Oct 30–Nov 1

No standout verified yet.


## Weekend of Nov 6–8

**Pick: 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.

- **Glittering Lights**, Fri Nov 6, From 5pm, Las Vegas Motor Speedway. $39 cash or $44 by card per vehicle. 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. Official page: https://glitteringlightslasvegas.com/fact-sheet/

## Weekend of Nov 13–15

**Pick: San Diego.** Santa is at his cottage on the SkyTower lawn for SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, and the visit is included with park admission.

- **Santa at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration**, Fri Nov 13, During Christmas Celebration hours, SeaWorld San Diego, Santa’s Cottage on SkyTower Lawn. Included with park admission. Opens 11/13; runs through 01/03. SeaWorld’s holiday season also has real reindeer, Rudolph and nightly snowfall. Official page: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/christmas/

## Weekend of Nov 20–22

**Pick: 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.

- **LEGO Santa at Christmas Bricktacular**, Sat Nov 21, During park hours, LEGOLAND California. Included with park tickets. 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. Official page: https://www.legoland.com/california/holidays/
- **Lightscape**, Fri Nov 20, 5–9pm, San Diego Botanic Garden. Adults from $28, kids $18, 2 and under free; parking $15 in advance. Opens 11/20; runs through 01/03. About 30 min drive from San Diego. Official page: https://www.sdbg.org/lightscape/

## Weekend of Nov 27–29

**Pick: 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.

- **Las Noches de las Luminarias**, Fri Nov 27, 5–9:30pm, Desert Botanical Garden. Adults $39.95–$44.95; kids 2–17 $18.95 (members $16.95). 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. Official page: https://dbg.org/events/las-noches-de-las-luminarias/

## Weekend of Dec 4–6

**Pick: Phoenix.** Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden runs Friday through Sunday.

- **Las Noches de las Luminarias**, Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6, 5–9:30pm, Desert Botanical Garden. Adults $39.95–$44.95; kids 2–17 $18.95 (members $16.95). 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. Official page: https://dbg.org/events/las-noches-de-las-luminarias/

## 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.