Experience one of the Seven Wonders of the World via the Grand Canyon Railway! You'll travel the historic rail line that passengers rode more than a century ago to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Departing daily from the Williams, Arizona depot (about 3 hours north of Scottsdale), the train offers five vintage locomotives. During the journey, you'll be entertained by strolling musicians, cowboys and remarkable views. If you'd like to stay overnight before returning to Scottsdale, the Grand Canyon Resort in Williams offers packages that include lodging, the train ride and some meals.

The Verde Canyon Railway offers magnificent scenic rides near the red rock country of Sedona. Departing from Clarkdale, Arizona (about 2 hours north of Scottsdale), the four-hour train ride follows a historic route that is nestled between two national forests and adjacent to a designated wilderness area. Highlights include towering vermillion cliffs, ancient Indian ruins, old-fashioned trestles and a 680-foot manmade tunnel. If you want to extend your trip, plan to stay overnight in nearby Sedona and explore the world-famous red rock landscape on a guided off-road tour. On your way back to Scottsdale, spend the afternoon at Out of Africa in Camp Verde (about 30 minutes South of Sedona). Home to lions, tigers, wolves, zebras, giraffes and more, Out of Africa offers Serengeti Safaris (complete with biscuits to feed the giraffes), tram/trolley rides through the preserve and many more activities for the whole family.

Journey to the center of the Earth (well, almost!) at Kartchner Caverns State Park. These awe-inspiring caverns were originally discovered on private land in 1974 by two young cavers, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts. The cave's existence became public knowledge in 1988 when its purchase was approved as an Arizona State Park. Extraordinary precautions have been taken during its exploration and development to conserve the cave's near-pristine condition. Two guided tours will lead you to different "rooms" within the caverns where you'll discover the role that water played in the creation of Kartchner Caverns and see some of the most delicate formations, including stalactites, stalagmites and coral pipes.