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Mention Arizona and most Americans conjure up the Wild, Wild West of their childhood fantasies.

Arizona, is the place, in fact, where the famous gunfight at the OK Corral took place, in Tombstone, Arizona.

Here, also, is where Indian chiefs Geronimo and Chochise led a pitched battle against pale face invaders of the Old West.

Today, Phoenix & Tucson are top Arizona travel hubs, mixing urban amenities with Western charm. Although most famous for it's deserts and hot, dry weather - winter enthusiasts abound in this Rocky Mountain state with Arizona ski resorts open from late winter to early spring.

Throughout the rest of the state, other major attractions include a stop at Sedona surrounded by spectacular scenery, the breathtaking natural wonder of the Grand Canyon, the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert, Hoover Dam, and Fort Apache.

The old London Bridge reconstructed at Lake Havasu also competes with nearby Glendale as a favorite student spring break destination. Later in the year, the major fall attraction can be found in Phoenix at the annual family-friendly Arizona State Fair.

Kid-friendly Arizona attractions

Of course, nothing beats the Grand Canyon for sheer awesomeness, but next in line is Monument Valley on the Arizona/Utah border featuring a long association with the Navajo tribe and John Wayne westerns.

Another Old West icon - Tombstone, Arizona - offers a chance to relive the famous shoot-out at the OK Corral with daily historical reenactments scheduled like clockwork every afternoon.

For nature and animal lovers, don't miss the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson featuring an up-close looks at the state's unique giant saguaro cacti as well as close encounters with lizards, snakes and coyotes, "please touch" areas, and fossil digs.

Arizona is also rich in a variety of cave sites (1,000 in all), from the Lava Tubes in northern Arizona to limestone caves in the south. Although billed as some of the most scientifically important cave systems in the country, the kids probably won't care. But they will love exploring them.

More about Arizona travel around the Web:

Go-Arizona - Good destination guide to the entire state including complete info on over 100 cities and towns, national parks, with focus on Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, Tucson and Sedona, hotels and lodging, outdoor activities, free travel literature, online maps

The Arizona Guide - With an extensive hotel and accommodation guide, major attractions in cities and regions, interactive map, virtual road trips, photo gallery, and related links to Arizona native Americans, the Old West and Hispanic Arizona.

Arizona State Parks - Clickable map leads to a virtual tour of state parks with pictures, contact info, facilities, driving directions.

Arizona Highways Magazine - The online version of the print publication including cyber exclusives, feature stories, pictures, guides to Arizona flora and fauna, photos and travel tips.