Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Tucson

The JW Marriott is a great family pick. The hotel offers tons of activities and amenities with families in mind: There are several large pools, an on-site kids' club, kids' menus at the restaurants, and even special deals where kids play golf for free in the afternoons (with a paying adult). The pool complex includes a waterslide and lazy river. The hotel also provides services such as babysitting, cribs, and rollaways.

The Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is located right at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the views are terrific. Wildlife sightings are common, and there's even a waterfall at the end of a nature trail for families hoping to take a hike. And other kid-friendly activities abound, including a kids' club and "dive-in" movies at the pool. The JW Marriott has a slightly more luxurious vibe, and offers a few more amenities, but otherwise the Loews comes in at a close third behind it. Babysitting services are available, as are cribs, rollaway beds, and adjoining rooms.

This rustic, all-inclusive resort is a quintessential Western dude ranch surrounded by miles of gorgeous mountains and desert, and it offers a special experience for families looking for a genuine "out west" vacation. The property borders Saguaro National Park East, where guests can enjoy guided horseback rides, hiking, and mountain biking. There's also swimming, communal ranch meals, and kids' activities, such as trail rides and arts and crafts. Despite the resort's remote location, guests can stay plugged in with free Wi-Fi access. Guest rooms, however, lack TVs -- though for some, that only adds to the authenticity of the experience. Cribs and rollaway beds are available, and babysitting services can be arranged by the front desk.

This renovated guest ranch is Tucson's oldest resort and one of its most popular. Outdoor activities abound at the upscale property, which offers three saline pools, horseback riding and hiking trails, volleyball, basketball, and eight tennis courts. There's no permanent kids' club, but camp activities run during the summer, and there are plenty other on-site amenities to keep families active. Babysitting services, rollaway beds, and cribs are available.

The four-pearl Omni Tucson National Resort has a beautiful, 650-acre desert setting west of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Golf is a major focus here, but family-friendly amenities include a pretty pool and tennis courts. The hotel does not have a full kids' club or any organized activities, putting it at the end of our list, but it does offer tots backpacks with toys and games upon check-in, and milk and cookies on the first night. Cribs and rollaways are available, as are babysitting services and adjoining rooms.