By Marissa Millman
My parents have a timeshare at the Westin Kierland Villas in Scottsdale, AZ. Those Villas share the same grounds and facilities as the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. For years my folks have been enticing us to visit by mentioning all the kid-friendly amenities at the Westin Kierland Resort. Last April, we finally made the trip to visit the Westin Kierland Resort.
The Resort
While the Westin Kierland is a large and popular resort, nothing gets too crowded or hectic. The grounds are expansive enough to feel secluded and there are plenty of cactus-lined paths to walk through in peace. The Westin is a lovely resort but not uptight or fancy. It exudes a family friendly atmosphere.
If you’ve never been to Scottsdale, you will love the pinkish red desert architecture at the resort and the overall desert feel. According to the resort’s website, “The Westin Kierland Resort was designed with the intention to preserve the rich history and culture of Arizona.” That commitment to its surroundings even includes a habit in the resort lobby housing snakes and a Gila Monster. Stop by any Friday at 11am for the resort’s “Snake and Eggs” feeding demonstration to learn more about the habitat creatures.
There is a spa on site at the Westin and three golf courses at the Golf Club. Dining options span a lobby coffee bar to the upscale pan-Latin restaurant, deseo. For families, I recommend dining in Dreamcatchers Canyon. This is a beautiful outdoor courtyard behind the resort’s lobby where your kids can enjoy the nightly sunset bagpipe performance around the outdoor fire pit and the humongous 300 square foot “Skywatch” outdoor TV that sometimes plays family movies while you dine and drink. If you wish to leave the property for meals or entertainment, the resort is also a very quick walk to the upmarket shops and dining at Kierland Commons.
Family-friendliness
The resort is filled with families, especially around the pool area. Known as “Adventure Water Park,” the Westin Kierland pool features a 900-foot lazy river, a 110-foot water slide, a dedicated adult pool and a FlowRider surf simulator system. My girls couldn’t get enough of the water slide. And my husband was obsessed with the lazy river (Pro tip: bring a strawberry daiquiri along for your ride). If your child prefers competition to adventure, Westin staff host family-focused activities and games around the pool all day long.
Adjacent to the Adventure Water Park is the OK Corral. It is a tented area with table games, lawn chess, basketball, and infant toys. Staff is also on site there to assist kids and provide scheduled entertainment. And on weekend evenings, s’mores are offered here for a small fee.
If you are itching for a romantic meal or a round of golf, the Westin also has a drop off Kids Club for ages 4-12. Half day, full day, and even nighttime “PJ Party” programs are available.
The Westin Kierland Resort is really a kids’ paradise. I know we’ll be back!