Birthday Trip & Family Reunion
June 23 – 28, 2026 · Fort McDowell, Arizona
15310 North Sandy Bluff · Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
No rules. Aside from the few scheduled activities, do whatever you'd like. This is your vacation too.
If your name is in a meal slot, you're responsible for that meal. How you pull it off is up to you — cook, order pizza, whatever. Just make sure there's food.
Day one grocery run: Pick up staples to feed your own family for lunches and breakfasts when no one is cooking.
BYOB / Drinks / Water. Buy whatever your family drinks for the week. Stock up early.
Picky eaters: If someone doesn't want what you cooked — that's their problem. This should be fun, not stressful.
Ordering out is totally fine for your meal slot. Pizza, takeout, whatever. Your only job: food at the right time.
We are doing one upscale dinner on Friday night. Details to come. Mark your calendars and bring your appetite.
| TuesdayJune 23 | WednesdayJune 24 | ThursdayJune 25 | FridayJune 26 | SaturdayJune 27 | SundayJune 28 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | 🎉 Arrival Day! Get ready for a fun week! (Land, go to grocery store, etc.) |
⛳ Golf: We-Ko-Pa Course 7:10 AM – Noon |
⛳ Golf: Eagle Mountain Course 7:00 AM – Noon |
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| 8:00 AM | ||||||
| 9:00 AM | ||||||
| 10:00 AM | 🍳 Brunch/Lunch: Ryan & Chaz |
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| 11:00 AM | ||||||
| 12:00 PM | ||||||
| 1:00 PM | ✈️ Departure Day! Hope you had the best time! |
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| 2:00 PM | ||||||
| 3:00 PM | 🏡 Check-In | |||||
| 4:00 PM | ||||||
| 5:00 PM | 🎂 Birthday Dinner Wren & Wolf 5:30 PM 2 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ |
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| 6:00 PM | 🍽️ Dinner: Phil & Emily |
🍽️ Dinner: Michelle & David |
🍽️ Dinner: Charlie & Lori |
🍽️ Dinner: Pops & Carol |
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| 7:00 PM | ||||||
| 8:00 PM | ||||||
| 9:00 PM | ||||||
| 10:00 PM |
Birthday Dinner at Wren & Wolf — 5:30 PM · 2 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ. This is our upscale group dinner. Everyone attends!
Don't leave Arizona without trying a Sonoran Hot Dog — bacon-wrapped, served in a sweet bolillo roll and topped with pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, mayo, mustard, and salsa. A true Arizona original.
A 2–4 mile scenic float through Tonto National Park with stunning desert scenery, giant saguaro cacti, and occasional wild horse sightings. One of Arizona's most beloved summer experiences.
A mellow, no-wake swimming area shaded by mesquite groves. Great for all ages. Located off State Route 87 between Phoenix and Sunflower. Kayak rentals available from nearby providers.
A 90-minute sunset cruise with canyon wall views and wildlife (bighorn sheep, eagles, coyotes). Choose a narrated cruise or music cruise. Book online — this one fills up!
Fort McDowell Adventures offers guided kayak and raft trips through the Verde River. One of the most scenic paddles in the region.
A huge, well-maintained park perfect for all fitness levels. Multiple trails with gorgeous desert views and saguaro cacti everywhere you look.
A beautiful 5.8-mile out-and-back trail hugging the shores of Saguaro Lake. Some rocky terrain and slight elevation. Sturdy shoes and plenty of water are a must.
An easy, fun hike near the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Gardens. Great for families — you actually hike through a rock formation with sweeping valley views at the top.
Fun and funky with an Old West flair. Museums, art galleries, boutiques, native jewelry shops, restaurants — all walkable. Best street: Fifth Avenue.
Odessa Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, Museum of Illusions, Escape Room, Mirror Maze, and more. Buy tickets à la carte for as many as you want.
One of the largest private, non-profit zoos in the US. Great for all ages — plan for a half day at least.
A stunning 140-acre garden in Papago Park showcasing the world's most remarkable desert plants. Spectacular in the evening light.
A 10–25 minute scenic loop past desert mountains, lakes, and river views with pull-off spots for photos. A perfect evening wind-down drive.
Fascinating underground mine tour through a real 1890s gold mine. Adults $12, Kids $10.
Horseback riding and wagon rides just minutes away. Perfect for kids and adults alike.
Casino gaming, golf course, and the Amethyst Spa. Also home to Ahnala and Ember restaurants (see dining guide).
Several waterparks in the greater Phoenix area. The world's largest waterpark is in Peoria — about 1 hour 10 minutes away. Perfect for a full day with the kids.
A charming walkable town where artwork is displayed throughout downtown. Home to one of the world's tallest fountains — worth a stroll.