Scottish Bagpiper Belts Out Tunes to the Setting Sun

Cool weather is starting to blanket most of the country but there are still some spots around the country where pool weather is still holding strong.  Scottsdale, AZ, with an average daily high in the 80s during October and November, is the ideal weekend destination for families looking to spend some time poolside.  If your family is looking for a resort that has championship golf, a rejuvenating spa, and a pool area that will keep your kids entertained for hours, the Westin Kierland Resort is the weekend getaway you have been looking for.

What I love most about Westin Kierland is their focus on fun. As a matter of fact, the resort has an entire FUN Team dedicated to making sure their guests have a great time.  Upon check-in guests are given the Kierland Pathfinder, a guide to all the fun happening at the resort.  Activities such as organized pool games, talent shows, exercise programs, and Kierland Kampfires featuring ooey gooey Arizona S’mores are all organized by staff dedicated to making sure every member of your  family has a smile on their face.

Adventure Water Park, the resort’s family friendly pool area is sure to make your kids think they have died and gone to pool heaven. Highlights include massive zero-entry pool which is ideal for swimmers of all ages and abilities, a 900-foot lazy river, 110-foot water slide, a pop jet water fountain for toddlers, and a poolside bar and grill.  Needless to say, you will probably have a hard time dragging your children away from this water-filled paradise.

There is also plenty of fun to be had on resort property that doesn’t involve water. The OK Corral, an outdoor play area named for the most famous gunfight in Arizona history, features lawn chess, a basketball court, ping pong tables, and RC race car tracks.  Families are encouraged to golf together on the immaculate course and junior golf classes using color-coded teaching aides and oversized equipment are offered on Saturdays, perfect for kids ages 5-14. After spending all day having fun, be sure to make time to enjoy a drink and watch Michael McClanthan, the Scottish bagpiper, bid farewell to the setting sun with traditional Scottish music performed on course’s edge in the resort’s Dreamweaver’s Canyon.

As much as parents love our children, we also love a little time away from the kids and a chance to eat a meal in public that doesn’t result in embarrassment.  Luckily Westin Kierland knows the value of a date night and offers a FREE Pajama Party (normally $50 per kid)at the Kids Club for children ages 4-12 while mom and dad blissfully dine at Nellie Cashman’s or Deseo, two of the resort’s onsite restaurants.  While kids are enjoying dinner, games, movies, and more, parents can sip on a signature mojito, sample decadent millionaire tacos, and enjoy some adult conversation. Ahhh… bliss…..

Disclosure: The author was provided with lodging and meals in order to review the resort. All opinions were unsolicited and the honest thoughts of the author.