Full disclosure: I have a life long fear of heights! I wanted to try rock climbing and had a…read moreterrific opportunity with Back Country Unlimited. They provided everything from gear to skilled guides; I felt totally safe and at ease with the opportunity. After a safety brief and a few tips, I was on my way. I was thrilled to be able to achieve a few successes! Great guides and a great time! I highly recommend it!

From the owner: Backcountry Unlimited's adventures are rewarding and eye opening experiences. Our experiential…read moreadventures provide participants with hands-on, kinesthetic opportunities to explore the natural world and try new outdoor activities as they learn about themselves, their leadership style, the environment, and their sense-of-place while experiencing an action packed adventure. Our adventure programs immerse participants in outdoor adventure education activities and are designed to engage learners and apply leadership skills. Participants try new outdoor activities, develop life skills, and experience individual growth.

Erica rocks all the way around. She was so helpful when the camp i volunteered with needed a…read morelocation change, stat. She accommodated us as best as she could and I feel it ran smoothly! Our campers had an amazing experience, so did the counselors, and admins. The activities spaces were in abundance, av and tech were available, firepits and fields were fresh and clean. The horses were a lovely added activity. LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE AMAZING KITCHEN STAFF. I can't remember all the names but thank you to Jen, Ross, Nelly, and young gentleman who works the afternoon/ evenings and everyone behind the scenes. You all made wonderful camp meals! Thanks for accommodating to preferences, allergies, and our silly campers being "kids". We appreciate your kindness and care so much.

My daughter loves this camp!! And we drop her off, it's always a great vibe there…read more The counsellors are super attentive and caring. They really make you feel welcomed! The child's safety is taken seriously and the check in process covers important things like dietary restrictions, medications, etc. The cabins are super cute and clean. The bathrooms are kept tidy as well. They do a ton of activities each week so the kids are never bored. Can't wait for many more summers of fun!

We're not members but come for their pool 1-3x a year, it's never been crowded every time we have…read moregone. Which is nice!! It's around $15 for my son and I to and swim, I like that they have a family room where you can store your things in lockers, they have bathrooms w/showers in the family room, I still bring all my belongings out in the pool area, you can bring your own snacks which is convenient. My boy who is 11, likes to swim in the deep area, he did have to take a swim test his first time to make sure he can swim in that area, once he passed, they made him wear and orange bracelet, now anytime we go, we just tell a lifeguard he passed and they're ok with him just grabbing a bracelet and putting it on every time, no need to take test again. When we would go, on weekends, water slide doesn't open till 11, overall this is a convenient place to go when you feel like swimming. With it being indoors though, the chlorine smell is strong, but tolerable. The lifeguards are very nice as well.

Equipment is good, awesome that they have a basketball court and a huge pool, and It's budget…read morefriendly. Only real downside to this gym is the hours can be limiting and if you want to use the basketball court, you need to check the schedule to make sure it's free.

Camp Tuku was the perfect choice for our granddaughter. She had recently lost her father and camp…read morehelped her recognize and address her feelings. She loved it. 2026 will be her third year.

Camp Tuku was virtual this year and done so well! I have a 6 year old and 8 year old who attended…read moreand loved it. Each day, kids started with writing daily intentions and yoga. Then broke up into mini sessions where they did a sustainability, arts & Crafts or cooking activity. Then each day and night they had extra activities/challenges to include the whole family like a Zoom costume dance party... it was a blast! We will be there next year for sure!!

Foothills Ranch Horseback Riding in Mayer, Arizona, deserves every bit of praise I can give. From…read morethe moment I first spoke with the owner, Phyliss, I knew we were in good hands. She was flexible, accommodating, and genuinely committed to making our adventure special. I brought my two grandchildren along, and they had an absolutely wonderful time. The horses themselves were beautiful, healthy, and easy to ride--clearly well cared for and well trained. Our ride through the Prescott National Forest was nothing short of spectacular. As we followed Big Bug Creek and made our way deeper into the forest, both Phyliss and Janice shared an incredible wealth of knowledge. Their understanding of horses, combined with their deep appreciation for the area's history, made the experience unforgettable. We learned about the region's gold mining past, Native American history, early settlers, and even the geology, plant life, and wildlife that make this part of Arizona so unique. It was an education wrapped inside the best trail ride we've ever been on. Foothills Ranch offers far more than a simple horseback ride--it's a meaningful, memorable experience led by people who truly love what they do. I can't recommend it highly enough. Jim H

Second time riding with the team at Foothills Ranch! We had a lovely time. Our guide Janice was so…read moreknowledgeable and made for a fun ride!

I had a lot of fun here. I brought my sister along and we both enjoyed exploring the grounds. We…read morearrived at 2:30pm so we missed all the fun but still go to see all the animals. The animals were up and about walking around their areas. We walked around pretty quick and made it back to the front right on time for the last safari ride of the day. The safari ride was the best. We got to feed the giraffes which I thought was super cool. Def worth the stop!

Wanting a safari-like experience, we came out to Out of Africa to see the animals on their 104 acre…read morewildlife preserve. Pro-tip: If you come on your birthday month, it's only $12 for admission which is substantial savings! I booked the expedition tour which included the general admission, Super Mog tour, and a chance to feed a tiger. The Super Mog tour is an hour long ride in an all terrain open-aired truck. You have to be at least 5yo and able to climb up the steps to get into the vehicle. They offer 2 times, 11AM or 2PM. Because it was June, I opted for the 11AM tour bc of the heat. Even though there was no AC, it was fully shaded and we didn't feel too hot. Our tour guide Robby was incredible and gave each of us a small stalk of willow-like leaves to feed the giraffes. We had the option to feed them from our hands or if we're brave, our mouths! We started off on the super mog tour visiting some apex predators like their mountain lion, hyena, grizzly bear and Robby would tell their stories and also do a live feeding. We also drove past their rhino, lions, zebras and much more. Then we got to feed the giraffes as they walked up to our vehicle. It definitely had more of a natural feel vs a zoo. Then we got some snacks, walked around for a little bit to see their smaller mammals (sloth, lemurs, marmoset) and reptiles. Lastly, we attended the tiger splash show. It was as adorable show watching the tigers play with their trainers using various toys, balloons, and meat. After the show, we got to feed a tiger through a special feeding tube and you can also request a picture with the lion. Out of Africa is also know for their popular predator zip lines where you have views of the animals and the Verde Valley. We didn't do this bc my kiddo is still quite young. We got the chance to run into the owner Prayeri who described how many of the animals were raised at a young age or rescued. There is a strong emphasis on the human-animal bond and trust at this park. Love that mission and much love to all the animals!

Camp Geronimo is the primary Scouts BSA summer camp for the Boys Scouts of America's Grand Canyon…read moreCouncil. Located near Payson, this camp is the perfect place to get away from the summer heat. My older children have attended several camps/programs at Camp Geronimo. They have enjoyed each visit. I am giving the camp 5 stars for the weather, as well as the views. Having picked them up from camps, I can attest to how beautiful the weather is during the summer. If attending BSA summer camp, there are a plethora of merit badge classes, adventures, day and night programs, swimming, boating, shooting sports, fishing and horses programs. Horse and fishing programs have extra fees. One of my kids loved the rock climbing wall. The summer camp programs are designed so that there is something for each Scout. There is a small shop. Shop is a mixture of Scout items, stickers, patches, snacks, and random goodies. This is also where leaders pick up advancement and awards earned at camp. Some of the facilities can use updating. Maybe it adds to the rustic charm. Geronimo is open to more than just Scouts BSA. Their 200 acres are available for rent by groups other than the Boy Scouts. Cabin and campsites are available. That is in addition to staff cabins. There is also a pool, amphitheater, creek, hiking trails, shower facilities, and health lodge. Reservations for outside groups may be made at: https://www.campgeronimo.org/reserve/ The ride up can be a bit tricky. If you have a truck or off-road vehicle, I highly recommend it. Upon leaving Payson, the road gets bumpy and steep. It can be a difficult drive in a small car.

Best place ever! I will only take my Scout Unit to Camp Geronimo. Clean, friendly, affordable and…read morefun. We love this camp so much.