Want to get away from your daily routine, explore something new, and make some treasured memories this upcoming holiday weekend? Here are some ideas to break the mold and make the most of Independence Day weekend with a spur-of-the-moment trip to one of Arizona’s state parks. 

• Snag a last-minute campsite reservation at a park on the water. Sites are still available at Roper Lake, Dead Horse Ranch, and Alamo Lake state parks. Hook up the camper and don’t forget the paddleboards and fishing poles!
• Step back in time to admire century-old architecture and view historical displays at a state historic park. Guided tours this weekend are still available for reservations at the 1904 Riordan Mansion in Flagstaff. You can also pay a visit to the famous 1882 courthouse in Tombstone, the town that never dies, or wind up the side of Mingus Mountain to the old mining town of Jerome and explore the historical exhibits in the 1916 Douglas Mansion.
• Rise and shine with the early birds. Many state parks are in important birding areas and preserve rich wildlife habitat. Beat the heat and meet some of our feathered friends, either on your own or with a guide at Red Rock State Park in picturesque Sedona.
• Bring your camp chair and enjoy an evening concert set in front of the dramatic Santa Catalina mountains with the Music in the Mountains concert series at Catalina State Park.
• See a natural wonder at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park near Payson. Four observation decks give a sky-high view of what’s believed to be the world’s largest natural travertine bridge. Or hike to the bottom and along Pine Creek to see the towering natural bridge. Wrap up your trip with a guided tour of the historic 1920s Goodfellow Lodge.
• Go fast with adrenaline-pumping watersports and swim from the sandy beaches along one of four Colorado River state parks, or take it easy with a scenic paddle on one of the waterways in our state parks.

Grab ahold of these family-friendly events, unique day trips, or last-minute weekend escapes to ditch the monotony and go make a memory!