Labor Day 2013: Last-minute family trips in Arizona and California

Suzanne Kelleher knows how much a Labor Day escape means to families with children. “Labor Day is a bittersweet kind of holiday” because it bumps up against the back-to-school time of year, says the managing editor of the MiniTime family travel website.

Right now, parents might be feeling the urge to go somewhere over the holiday even if they haven’t made plans. “Some people want that last hurrah,” she says. “It’s a three-day weekend, and we’re going to take advantage of it.”

If you’re in the let’s-go category, check out two of the MiniTime picks that still had rooms available Friday to Monday.

Scottsdale, Ariz.: Kelleher says prices are still in the off-season realm during the first few weeks in September at the Phoenician posh desert resort. “Over the holiday weekend, your family can enjoy hula-hoop contests, lawn games, badminton tournaments, s’mores-making, poolside movies, plus evening waterslide games and stargazing,” she writes.

I checked room prices for a family of four (two adults, two children under 17) and found availability for a nonsmoking room with two double beds for $167 a night plus tax plus a daily $29 resort fee.

Pismo Beach, Calif.: The Cliffs Resort, where a “complimentary kids’ club offers crafts, tidepooling, and s’more-making,” made Kelleher’s recommended list. Labor Day at the resort also means dive-in movies at the pool and wine-and-cheese tastings for adults.

I checked room prices and unfortunately the hotel’s $209 room rate for Labor Day was sold out. I did, however, find an oceanfront king suite that would accommodate four for $369 a night plus tax and $15 daily resort fee.

Check out the whole list here.

Mary.Forgione@latimes.com
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